Need a good iPhone stereo
- Thread starter Carl_G
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If you want to use your factory radio, The PA15-TOY from USA-Spec, works with the iPhone 4 and does what you want (I happen to have a used one for sale in the classifieds).
Otherwise, if you want to go the Nav route, I love the DNX6960 I installed. I don't have an iPhone 4 to test with it but I'd be pretty confident it would work (works fine with my iPod Touch). The iPod integration is really good (all playlists, easy to use controls).
gaterose
Senior Member
Pretty much anything made in the last 2 years that claims ipod compatibility will work with/charge the iphone 4. How well it does that is what makes choosing tough..
I currently have an alpine ixa-w404 and it works great w my iphone 4 but now I want something with a disc player and am pretty set on the sony navs because of the tomtom. The Sonys and JVCs seem to have the best iPod/iPhone reviews. Both also allow you to control your music from the HU screen or iphone screen, most don't and have more difficult controls (compared to the iPod/iPhone software) for finding songs.
I looked into the kenwood navs & double din units. But I read that they take like 25-35 seconds from the moment you crank the car until they start playing music then I went to Best Buy to see for myself and turned one off & on, and timed it w my watch... sure enough 35 seconds (that was a DNX-6160). Kenwood was my first choice, but I like to hear music as soon as I'm backing out of my spot.
Make sure you research the one you decide on before buying because some key feature may be missing and be really annoying in the long run.
I currently have an alpine ixa-w404 and it works great w my iphone 4 but now I want something with a disc player and am pretty set on the sony navs because of the tomtom. The Sonys and JVCs seem to have the best iPod/iPhone reviews. Both also allow you to control your music from the HU screen or iphone screen, most don't and have more difficult controls (compared to the iPod/iPhone software) for finding songs.
I looked into the kenwood navs & double din units. But I read that they take like 25-35 seconds from the moment you crank the car until they start playing music then I went to Best Buy to see for myself and turned one off & on, and timed it w my watch... sure enough 35 seconds (that was a DNX-6160). Kenwood was my first choice, but I like to hear music as soon as I'm backing out of my spot.
Make sure you research the one you decide on before buying because some key feature may be missing and be really annoying in the long run.
Your start-up time is accurate (20-30 seconds) and I originally thought it would be an issue but in most cases by the time I'm ready to back out of the spot, the radio is on. I wouldn't let the start delay dissuade you from the DNX line if it has the features you want. I would note that I do tend to start the truck up first and then put on the seatbelt etc so I have some built in time. Of course when I'm with the kids there is never a problem of the radio not being on before I back up.
thirstyturtle
New member
Does the USA-Spec work with the JBL system? What's the price?
gaterose
Senior Member
How do you like the rest? How is searching your library on your iPod?
Can you control the iPod from the iPod, or do you have to use the kenwood screen to browse music?
I really do want a Kenwood (because of Garmin & a few more features) but the startup time is dissuading me.
I had a single din alpine ida-x303 (basically the same as what I have now, only single din) and it was great before I decided I wanted double din. I also had a cda-9857 and it worked well with my phone. I've had 4 alpine single din HUs and the last 3 have been iPod ready and worked great with my iPhones, although if you go back more than about 3 years they won't charge the 3G+ iphones without an adapter, but that is with most makers.
Yes, I put one in my '05 right after buying the truck. IIRC it's about $150 and worth every penny. I love the JBL system and the adapter keeps all steering wheel functions intact.
CaliDreamer
New member
FWIW, I just put in a Pioneer X920BT and am very happy with it. It's not without its quirks and minor annoyances, but if you want Nav, DVD, Ipod, Bluetooth audio and hands-free, voice control, all in one unit,.. it's a great deal.
2004TR4-SR5
New member
alpine cde-105
Carl_G
Member
Thanks for the great ideas everyone.
I just tested a JVC KWXR-810 double din with my iPhone 4 at "Visions" here in Canada. It sounded really good but the true test would be with the stock 4runner speakers. There are 6 speakers in here. Thats means it's "non JBL" right?
This one I tested (picture attached) is very cool because it comes with a mic that will go in the headliner area (for complete handsfree phone use), Bluetooth, and easy controls for the iPhone music. And the best feature: you can match the colour of the stereo to the orange glow of the 4runner dash!!
They quoted me $488 Canadian total with install, kit, harness, and taxes.
Here's a picture.
(I didn't have the display set to match the 4runner display color at the time)
So can anyone verify if my 6 speaker system in "non JBL?"
Thanks!
P.s. Should I attempt install myself and save $70 or just leave it to the pro?
I just tested a JVC KWXR-810 double din with my iPhone 4 at "Visions" here in Canada. It sounded really good but the true test would be with the stock 4runner speakers. There are 6 speakers in here. Thats means it's "non JBL" right?
This one I tested (picture attached) is very cool because it comes with a mic that will go in the headliner area (for complete handsfree phone use), Bluetooth, and easy controls for the iPhone music. And the best feature: you can match the colour of the stereo to the orange glow of the 4runner dash!!
They quoted me $488 Canadian total with install, kit, harness, and taxes.
Here's a picture.
(I didn't have the display set to match the 4runner display color at the time)
So can anyone verify if my 6 speaker system in "non JBL?"
Thanks!
P.s. Should I attempt install myself and save $70 or just leave it to the pro?
2004TR4-SR5
New member
the alpine sounds amazing with the toyota speakers...trust me..my truck sounds ridiculous...and its only like $200 bucks..and im pretty sure the ipod wire that goes in the back is included....you search through the ipod through the radio...you dont even touch the ipod at all and it will charge...thats your best bet if you are not looking for a double din..and do it yourself...its very easy
galactic_04
New member
My friend just got that JVC in his honda. I bought a Clarion CX609... does all that radio wiill. You're really just going to pair it through bluetooth and play the music wirelessly over bluetooth most of the time. It's a great thing. I use my Droid X for nav and music and phone a lot on trips. It's nice to have the phone mute the music to say the nav instructions over the speakers then birng the volume back up... same with phone calls. You'll love having that. I really like the double-din look, but any radio with bluetooth should do this.
Carl_G
Member
4.2.1
Thanks. I've been thinking about upgrading my stereo..but now that i'm doing a little research i've read that alot of people are having issues with there iphones working thru aftermarket stereos after version 4.1 came out. I'm still doing the research, not sure if its just when connecting through a front panel USB or any connection.
