Looks like it's time for a new head unit.

[TheArkMaster]

So my stock head unit already sucked ass, it was cracked, lights didn't work, couldn't see what station I was on, etc. Well last night while driving, it completely crapped out on me. The only thing that works is the tape player, and even that, not very well.

I am looking for an alpine headunit, with all the controls as I will eventually wire in a sound system, and something with front and back Ipod/aux ports. What do you have in your truck that matches? Preferably for a good price as I'm ballin on a budget because MOAB. 11 days....

 

[3rzrunner]

So my stock head unit already sucked ass, it was cracked, lights didn't work, couldn't see what station I was on, etc. Well last night while driving, it completely crapped out on me. The only thing that works is the tape player, and even that, not very well.

I am looking for an alpine headunit, with all the controls as I will eventually wire in a sound system, and something with front and back Ipod/aux ports. What do you have in your truck that matches? Preferably for a good price as I'm ballin on a budget because MOAB. 11 days....

Mine's a KENWOOD dpx500bt not an alpine but I love it! the colour on the face can be adjusted to exactly the 4runner factory colour. It has Bluetooth, USB, AUX, Preamp outputs and the eq. is very nice. I have it hooked up to amps so I don't know how it will sound using its internal amp. also only 199.99
here's a link
Kenwood DPX500BT CD receiver at Crutchfield.com

 

[ajonesnv]

Ive had decent luck with older Alpines. However the last one I bought has a weird glitch in the volume button. and one my buddy bought about the same time had his title button stop working.

Crutchfield.com is my place of choice to buy, Im sure they have updated reviews on the best. Now a days you should be able to get a good head unit with all the functions you need for a decent price.

 

[Dee3]

I got a Kenwood in my 02 after the factory 6cd changer jammed the CD's up and started smoking out of the headunit driving down the road. Its not a double din or alpine, but its got bluetooth mic'd up, I can play pandora from my phone, I use it for the kids volume when watching movies on the Tablet when traveling with the kiddos, the colors are cool, great controls for audio settings, pre amps, and it was under $200. Can't recommend an alpine as it's been a while since I used one.

 

[Appntr]

I have put Pioneer DVD blah blah blah Double Din's in my last few vehicles that could accept them and have nothing but good things to say. The interfaces between devices works great and the menus are easy to navigate.

 

[BrianSD_42]

I have the Alpine CDE-HD149BT which is the top of the line single DIN unit. I use it with a Nexus 7 and connect to the head unit over BT audio. The quality of the BT audio is just amazingly clear.
I was skeptical because I know that BT audio from 5-10 years ago was not that good but the latest sounds really really good.

On the N7 I use the PowerAmp pro application to play my MP3s and also run my trails navigation software. The GPS on the N7 works without cell towers and you can download the maps and use them 100% offline without WIFI. The application will show your position on the map in real time.

Whats great about it: HD Radio, 4V Pre-outs, BT Audio.

PICS - Alpine Head Unit, Amp & Infinity Kappa's | Stereo Upgrades [moved]


********* System Overview *********

1. Sound Deadening Mod - Roofing Material
2. Alpine Stereo CDA-9835
3. Infinity Kappa 6.5 Component Set
4. Alpine 75W RMS x 4 AMP
5. Ran new 14 (or 16g?) wires from the amp under the seat to all 4 doors (this is highly recommended by me)


********* Alpine CDE-HD149BT Stereo | Installed Feb. 2014 (3 of 3) *********

$260 on EBAY (new) | Alpine Electronics of America, Inc.

* 4V Pre-outs (x6)
* No tilt
* Decent screen
* HD Radio Tuning Built In (sounds great!)
* High Quality (2013 version) BlueTooth Audio






******** Mounted my Nexus 7 (v2) Tablet *******

I used simple velcro to hold it in place. $230 at the Google Play store.

 

[Kryptoroxx]

I run a Kenwood bt901. Great head unit but it doesn't have DVD or cd. Its made for iPod and zune. You could probably pick one up fairly cheaply.

 

[BrianSD_42]

How I suggest you install the wiring for the power, ground and other leads. I use the pre-outs for my speaker signal so no need to touch those wires.

The spades can be purchased at any general auto parts store.

BTW when I was running a Kenwood I could never get the antenna to function correctly. It would always go up ever time the head unit had power, even on when playing a CD. With multiple Alpines I have not had that issue. The Kenwood I tested for a few weeks did sound great though, almost like it had a default MX on. With the Alpine I keep my EQ mostly flat and it sounds great.


******* Wiring Install Pictures | How To *******

 

[TheArkMaster]

How I suggest you install the wiring for the power, ground and other leads. I use the pre-outs for my speaker signal so no need to touch those wires.

The spades can be purchased at any general auto parts store.

BTW when I was running a Kenwood I could never get the antenna to function correctly. It would always go up ever time the head unit had power, even on when playing a CD. With multiple Alpines I have not had that issue. The Kenwood I tested for a few weeks did sound great though, almost like it had a default MX on. With the Alpine I keep my EQ mostly flat and it sounds great.


******* Wiring Install Pictures | How To *******

Well shoot. Talk about detail. Thank you! I have had great luck with Alpine in the past. My antenna is ripped off so I'm not to worried about it right now. Eventually I'll just do the Taco Whip Mod. Or something else low profile. Thanks for the detail! It will be good to meet you in Moab BTW.

 

[TheArkMaster]

So this is the unit i'm probably going to go with.

Amazon.com : Alpine CDE-HD148BT CD Receiver with built-in Bluetooth & HD Radio : Vehicle Cd Player Receivers : Car Electronics

I figure I need something high quality, Utah just passed a handsfree law so the bluetooth will be convenient I suppose. It has an AUX and a USB. What does everybody think?

 

[TheArkMaster]

Hey [MENTION=88576]smkd13[/MENTION] Will this one do it for me?

 

[smkd13]

Yep that one will definitely do it. Pretty nice head unit

 

[shootmymime]

.02. If I would get another id get a pioneer app radio

 

[The Jc2203]

So my stock head unit already sucked ass, it was cracked, lights didn't work, couldn't see what station I was on, etc. Well last night while driving, it completely crapped out on me. The only thing that works is the tape player, and even that, not very well.

I am looking for an alpine headunit, with all the controls as I will eventually wire in a sound system, and something with front and back Ipod/aux ports. What do you have in your truck that matches? Preferably for a good price as I'm ballin on a budget because MOAB. 11 days....

I have the Kenwood KDC-BT555U but i was just discontinued the newer model of it is the Kenwood KDC-BT558U. For $149 at crutchfield with all the instal gear. Kenwood KDC-BT558U CD receiver at Crutchfield.com

 

[shiftmx]

I have this guy waiting to be installed...

Shop Pioneer AVH-X1600DVD Double-Din Car Stereo w/ App Mode

It is replacing an Alpine UTE-42bt that I have only had a week and is crapping out on me. I would suggest something like this if you don't need the bottom DIN for a CB radio and if you plan on using a flash drive with many GB's of music on it. Makes it much easier to navigate and find your music and it fills in the place of that pocket you have to use with a single din.