Help me choose a stereo

9

9ine

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Little intro, I just purchased a 97 ltd 4runner and looking to upgrade the stereo.

I'm looking to get a double din deck, along with upgraded speakers, i'm guessing a 4 channel amp to power the speakers, and MAYBE some sort of sub that can fit under a seat. I'm not looking to put a sub in the back because i like the space for transporting stuff.

deck requirements, auxillary or usb input, double din

I'm looking for some input on brands or experiences what you guys have with regards to your stereos or any kind of direction towards some stereo builds. I'm looking to buy the head unit new, but don't necessarily need to purchase the rest new. I do have some experience in installing so i'm looking to install it myself. looking to spend between 500-1000

Thanks!
 
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Check out Amazon.com--they have tons of name-brand stuff at extremely good prices. You could easily hook yourself up for under a grand, and without risking buying used (I hate buying used electronics!). I did exactly that on my last system (bought from Amazon)--a Sony H.U. (single DIN on mine), a 4-ch. Pioneer amp, a Kenwood amp and 10" sub--got the rest locally through sales, and all for under a grand. It might not blow away some mega-dollar competition system, but it DID sound extremely good nonetheless (I say "did" because I pulled it out right now to put in another vehicle). Best of luck!
 
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Amazon is good and so is crutchfield, I had an Alpine HU in my 3rd gen, it was awesome with no issues. You may not have room for a sub though, since you like to keep the trunk open to haul stuff around....so that may be an issue.
 
If you are comfortable buying used equipment then checkout Car Audio Classifieds - DIYMA.com - Scientific Car Audio - Truth in Sound Quality or CarAudio.com Classifieds also look on eBay and Craigslist. I should have about $5-600 into my complete system with 2 amps, a sub, and very nice components for front and rear doors. I may go a little over that depending on which sound deadener I end up going with.

My HU is a single DIN and is a few years old but it has more features than I will ever use. I found a deal on a Double DIN for my wife's Landcruiser over on TTORA a few months back, deals are out there you just have to be patient.
If you cant wait then log onto any of crutchfield type sites and order away. I just dont have the $ to be doing that and would prefer to get some nicer equipment in the process. Look at how some have built boxes over the wheel wells for a sub and/or amp rack, it doesnt take up much space and still can sound very good. Those little sub kits that go under the seats arent the best.
 
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I've been installing for about 4 years, I'd get a Kenwood or JVC deck. I'm not a fan of the Pioneer double dens I've had problems with them. For an amp I'd stick with JL they have very good quality control the XD line is the best. Small and you can hide them behind panels so they don't get stolen. This actually saved my system one dark nigh.
 
I've upgraded all my speakers (with Infinity Kappas and a Rockford Fosgate sub) and will likely go with the 2nd gen of Pioneer app radios. The new gen includes a DVD double din unit that has a removable screen. More importantly for many users is that it is now compatible with some Android phones.

I like the idea of NOT having the nav built into the head unit and using a smart phone to power it. I've had a Tundra Limited and a 3rd Gen 4Runner Limited, both with nav. The stock units' (and even the after market units) nav seemed forever out of date. Waze and Motion X seem pretty good about keeping up to date and have added functions. Add in Pandora and Dash command and it seems pretty cool for gadget-heads like me. Not sure if this is an option for you.
 
Personally, unless you really need the extra power to the door speakers, run them off the headunit (the box says 50x4 but its about 20-25 rms power to each speaker not 50) and get a mono amp for the sub. Ive never had issues with not getting adequate sound from a head unit unless youre an audiophile then getting an additional 50x4 4 channel will do just fine as well. Mono amp and sub combo will just depend on the wattage you want to run i guess and the amount of coin you want to drop on it. I have a sony double din dvd reciever (model number escapes me) its from last year comes with bluetooth or not. I run it for all the door speakers in my gto and have a mono JL with a kicker S15L7 in the truck.. no complaints ;-)
 
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