Is this the best Headunit for my price range?

[sugjavier]

Hello everyone,

Happy 4th of July weekend!

I would just like to know if someone else has a better head-unit than this:
Alpine CDE-143BT for ~$130

If I'm getting an Alpine, then I'll be using the Alpine KTP-445A compact amp.

I already bought the front speakers: Kicker 40CS654
and am planning to keep the stock rear speakers.

I use CDs but mostly Bluetooth for my LG G4 Android phone and some local radio station (89x and 95.5 here in Michigan). Currently using a gogroove flexsmart x3 bluetooth to play music from my phone to my car speakers.

 

[Mr. Pink]

Hello everyone,

Happy 4th of July weekend!

I would just like to know if someone else has a better head-unit than this:
Alpine CDE-143BT for ~$130

If I'm getting an Alpine, then I'll be using the Alpine KTP-445A compact amp.

I already bought the front speakers: Kicker 40CS654
and am planning to keep the stock rear speakers.

I use CDs but mostly Bluetooth for my LG G4 Android phone and some local radio station (89x and 95.5 here in Michigan). Currently using a gogroove flexsmart x3 bluetooth to play music from my phone to my car speakers.

Personally i am a Pioneer fan. But that Alpine seems to be a good unit too. Try finding it on Amazon, I am sure you can get it cheaper than on Crutchfield. Oh an hi from another Michigander.

 

[PWD4R]

Honestly I went pioneer in my ex wife's 2010 Corolla and it was maybe $20 more and was top of the line for anything you could get in that range. I'd look into it..


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[kolelt]

That head unit, if you were to get a 5 channel amp. You wouldn't be able to use it. There's only 4 RCA outputs vs 6 that should be.

 

[ToyotaBrah]

Honestly I went pioneer in my ex wife's 2010 Corolla and it was maybe $20 more and was top of the line for anything you could get in that range. I'd look into it..


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What was the model number of the Pioneer unit?

Alpine has always made great head units in my opinion. I've never had an Alpine unit that disappointed me. But, last year, I decided to take a gamble with an entry level Pioneer unit that I bought from Best Buy. Its so far been great. It connects with my iPhone with no issues, plays music straight off spotify. It even has illumination adjustments allowing me to match the console hue (a feature that was only offered on the very expensive Alpine models). I'm not much of an audio guy, so I can't comment on the RCA and subwoofer specs, but it's been a solid HU so far.

 

[Doc2012]

Get a Pumpkin.


Sent from my PRC-119 using morse code

 

[PWD4R]

If I remember correctly (it's been years sorry) I think it was the AVH or something


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[Tyota89]

The one you listed is pretty good I like pioneer deh x6700bs also.. For a little more money you could get a kenwood x998 which sounds amazing for the price at 180.
I currently run pioneer deh880prs and alpine cda 9887. Older stuff but I recommend if you see them for sale.

 

[gamefreakgc]

If you are hooking up an amp, they all sound the same.

That's the one I have (maybe you read my thread?) and I love it. Using the alpine amp you don't use any of the pre-amp outs so you can hook up a sub easily if you ever want to.

Best bang for your buck in my opinion, and many others here on the forum. The 4Runner isn't a world class sound stage, oversized and mud/snow tires ruin that real quick so don't dump a lot of money in it.

I highly recommend getting a "Open Box" or "Scratch and Dent" model. You'll save $30 for the exact same thing. It's like Amazon's warehouse deals.

 

[pluton]

I got an Alpine head plus the aux amp about three years ago and it's still working fine. The extra power from the aux amp is perfect, considering it fits behind the dash.

 

[Scramble]

I've never owned Alpine but a lot of guys here love them & highly recommend them. No antenna or Alt whine issues. I've used Pioneer Premier in my last 2 cars with no issues.

 

[kolelt]

I got a question. How would you power the door speakers with amp and a sub with amp. If this headunit has 4 RCA output ?

 

[gamefreakgc]

I got a question. How would you power the door speakers with amp and a sub with amp. If this headunit has 4 RCA output ?

That's what I love about the amp he's looking at (what I have too), Alpine KTP-445A Power Pack Compact upgrade amplifier for your Alpine receiver ? 45 watts RMS x 4 at Crutchfield.com. It connects to Alpine head units using the speaker level input, freeing up all 4 pre-amps for subs if you want to add one. It's also the easiest amp to install currently on the market. Plug one harness into your 4Runner's existing wiring and then plug it into the back of the Alpine head unit.

Done. And sounds great for the price.

 

[UnderFire]

From what I've seen, Pioneer's bluetooth direct control interface is a lot more intuitive than Alpine's if you're planning on using it alot.

The comparable unit from Pioneer also has a few useful features, inlcuding 3 sets of 4V preouts and the AUX and USB are in the rear, so you don't have to have cords haging out of your dash to use them.

Pioneer DEH X8700BS CD Receiver w Bluetooth SiriusXM Ready USB New DEHX8700BS | eBay

 

[diverscale]

The 4Runner isn't a world class sound stage, oversized and mud/snow tires ruin that real quick so don't dump a lot of money in it.

This is an opinionated statement only. In no way is a 4runner worse than any other normal vehicle of those years at receiving sound system. Also, the last thing you will hear with a decent sound system are those mud tires whining. With the open design of the interior, subwoofers can sound louder with less power.

Best investment I have made to date in this truck for ''quality of life while driving'' is a two-amp sound system installed last fall.

Also, a sound system can easily be swapped to the next vehicle.

As for the OP, for a low investment price, you'll get much better than the stock HU out of this, with a fairly simple installation, but without any kind of subwoofer, don't expect magical results from the 6 1/4'' in the front door really. There are cheap, slim, powered subwoofers that you could install under a seat (or any kind of sub really) down the road, and makes all the difference, and you have to do a 12V lead from the battery for your alpine amp already. If you use a 4 gauge wire or bigger, you'll have enough capacity to later split and install a small subwoofer on that same lead.

 

[kolelt]

That's what I love about the amp he's looking at (what I have too), Alpine KTP-445A Power Pack Compact upgrade amplifier for your Alpine receiver ? 45 watts RMS x 4 at Crutchfield.com. It connects to Alpine head units using the speaker level input, freeing up all 4 pre-amps for subs if you want to add one. It's also the easiest amp to install currently on the market. Plug one harness into your 4Runner's existing wiring and then plug it into the back of the Alpine head unit.

Done. And sounds great for the price.

But you really need a headunit with 6 RCA outputs for a real amp and real set up

This headunit doesn't have 6 RCA outputs

 

[bama16]

i have this one

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00OYWG4RI/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

and it's been great. The bluetooth works well, and it has rear usb and aux ports, so i was able to run them remotely without having wires hang out of the front.

 

[jeremyc74]

But you really need a headunit with 6 RCA outputs for a real amp and real set up

This headunit doesn't have 6 RCA outputs

Four is just fine. If you're adding a sub, just add an amp with a built in low pass crossover. Nearly every amp suitable for a sub will have that feature.

 

[Scramble]

This is an opinionated statement only. In no way is a 4runner worse than any other normal vehicle of those years at receiving sound system. Also, the last thing you will hear with a decent sound system are those mud tires whining. With the open design of the interior, subwoofers can sound louder with less power.

Best investment I have made to date in this truck for ''quality of life while driving'' is a two-amp sound system installed last fall.

Also, a sound system can easily be swapped to the next vehicle.

As for the OP, for a low investment price, you'll get much better than the stock HU out of this, with a fairly simple installation, but without any kind of subwoofer, don't expect magical results from the 6 1/4'' in the front door really. There are cheap, slim, powered subwoofers that you could install under a seat (or any kind of sub really) down the road, and makes all the difference, and you have to do a 12V lead from the battery for your alpine amp already. If you use a 4 gauge wire or bigger, you'll have enough capacity to later split and install a small subwoofer on that same lead.

Agreed, I have enough power where I dont hear my tires or exhaust. It a clean & warm JL Audio 6 channel amp with the last 2 channels bridged to a 12" JL Sub.

The fronts can fit a 6 3/4 - 3-way speaker with no mods which I'm running from Pioneer. They are plenty loud with even the rears turned off.