What's the best head unit?

[PCF4runner]

Sup guys! I've been itching to upgrade the sound system in my 4runner but was more concern with getting the truck to run and ride smooth 1st than upgrades and mods.

Here's what i'm thinking:
KICKER 41CST204 (Tweeters)
KICKER 40CS654 (front & rear speakers)
Kicker PT250 10" (powered sub)
Alpine KTP-445U (4 channel Amp)
************* (Head unit)

Can't seem to make a decision as to what head unit to get, so many models and features i'm going dizzy. :dizzy::dizzy:
What brand are you guys more familiar with?
And also i was thinking double din but i see A-LOT of guys on here using single din alpine HUs which cost more than some double dins why? Enlighten me please.

P.S not interested in a bunch of features that i'm hardly going to use.

 

[3rzrunner]

the kicker coaxial speakers (40CS654) that you are looking at, will not require you to purchase tweeters. they have the tweeter built in. From past experiences I would highly recommend staying away from kicker stuff. Also if you want a little better sound quality, go with a set of components over the coaxs.

In my truck I've got a Kenwood DPX500BT, and I absolutely hate it. I'm looking for something to replace it with as well. A nice head that my buddy's got is the Sony XAV-68BT. I'm thinking i might pick one of those up when they go on sale.

 

[JRZEE2000TR4LTD]

I just put in one of these:

Amazon.com : Pioneer AVHX5700BHS Double-DIN DVD Receiver with 7-Inch Motorized Display, Bluetooth, Siri Eyes Free, SiriusXM-Ready, HD Radio, Android Music Support, Pandora, and Dual Camera Inputs : Car Electronics
It has a ton of customizable features for aesthetics and sound and the tilt out 7" screen along with the specially coated screen cures the sun factor. The only issue is it barely hits my stick shifter when in park but even when it does is self retracts a little bit. Really cool.

I also put in some apline R series components in the front and rear doors. And NVX amp and a Kenwood powered sup under my seat.

I was pleasantly surprised by how LOUD I can turn it up before it distorts.

 

[TheOGConCon]

Ever heard of NVX? They're a somewhat newer brand, the "house brand" of SonicElectronix, from what I've heard.

Anyways, I have a set of NVX 5.25" speakers in my rear doors (Coax) and I think that they sound better than the Alpine Type-S 6.5" coax speakers that I have in the front.
NVX offers both coax and component speakers too, just depends on what your preference is.
http://www.sonicelectronix.com/cat_m725_i7_nvx-car-speakers.html

As far as head units go, Sony released a single din a few months ago with a built in MOSFET amplifier that pushes 40w RMS to each speaker, with great reviews. It'd be akin to running a lower power 4-channel amp, without running the wires and using space that an amp would take. I really want to get one, but have other things that are a higher priority.
http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_92652_Sony-MEX-XB100BT.html


Also, just remembered that if you're replacing your rear factory speakers for the first time, you'll need to get an adapter plate since the factory speakers only have 3 mounting screws, whereas most of the aftermarket speakers have 4 mounting screws.
Here's the ones I used: http://www.car-speaker-adapters.com/items.php?id=SAK039

Just my .02

 

[JRZEE2000TR4LTD]

Ever heard of NVX? They're a somewhat newer brand, the "house brand" of SonicElectronix, from what I've heard.

Anyways, I have a set of NVX 5.25" speakers in my rear doors (Coax) and I think that they sound better than the Alpine Type-S 6.5" coax speakers that I have in the front.
NVX offers both coax and component speakers too, just depends on what your preference is.

As far as head units go, Sony released a single din a few months ago with a built in MOSFET amplifier that pushes 40w RMS to each speaker, with great reviews. It'd be akin to running a lower power 4-channel amp, without running the wires and using space that an amp would take. I really want to get one, but have other things that are a higher priority.

Just my .02

x2 on the NVX as the amp I have (a class D amp) is rated for 110W RMS (I Think) but a youtube test I was watching showed it actually closer to 175W RMS. A lot of positive things written about the NVX stuff

 

[TheOGConCon]

x2 on the NVX as the amp I have (a class D amp) is rated for 110W RMS (I Think) but a youtube test I was watching showed it actually closer to 175W RMS. A lot of positive things written about the NVX stuff

They're quite impressive, at a price that isn't too bad.

 

[KaliKid]

No reason to go cheap, if you've waited on a sound system to get the rest of the truck in order wait a little longer and save up for the right sound. All up to your personal wants and needs. Quality over quantity :music:

 

[PCF4runner]

the kicker coaxial speakers (40CS654) that you are looking at, will not require you to purchase tweeters. they have the tweeter built in. From past experiences I would highly recommend staying away from kicker stuff. Also if you want a little better sound quality, go with a set of components over the coaxs.

In my truck I've got a Kenwood DPX500BT, and I absolutely hate it. I'm looking for something to replace it with as well. A nice head that my buddy's got is the Sony XAV-68BT. I'm thinking i might pick one of those up when they go on sale.

Oh ok.. the Sony XAV-68BT looks sweet but i've read some neg reviews about it. Thanks for heads up!

 

[PCF4runner]

No reason to go cheap, if you've waited on a sound system to get the rest of the truck in order wait a little longer and save up for the right sound. All up to your personal wants and needs. Quality over quantity :music:

Couldn't agree more.. thanks!

 

[I_bRAD]

I went with a Pioneer DEH-80PRS. Single DIN. Pretty customizable with a lot of options to grow your system and not too flashy. I'm pretty pleased with it. I've always had good luck with Pioneer stuff.

Pioneer DEH-80PRS CD Receiver at Crutchfield.ca

 

[Badmotorfinger]

If you get one with touchscreen the motorized face is pretty nice, tilts up for perfect viewing angle.

 

[Scramble]

I'm not a fan of Sony & would get Pioneer or Alpine for a HU. For amps & speakers JL Audio all the way.

 

[Mgyver1]

I've been very happy with my Alpine CDE HD149BT single din deck. It's not too fancy but it has all the features I wanted like Bluetooth, HD radio, and iPhone compatibility. The single DIN left room below for my 2M radio, but you could mount a CB, switches, gauges or whatever below. If you want navigation or DVD then you'll have to go double DIN.

 

[fblainen11]

I'm not a fan of Sony & would get Pioneer or Alpine for a HU. For amps & speakers JL Audio all the way.

This is good advice.
I like Infinity speakers as well (made by Harmon kardon). Never had a problem with them and I've been using them for over 10 years.
JL is very good stuff as well.
For HU I always prefer Pioneer. The quality seems to always be there for me.

 

[97t4r81]

I run kenwood hu( it's ok, non intuitive programs) kenwood exelon 6.5. Factory rears( for now). I used to love kicker amps, not sure now though, I've heard no good things. Jl is top of line imho.

 

[cashmoney]

Alpine, JL, Polk, Rockford Fosgate. I've got a pioneer hu in my 4Runner that came out of my car because after months of trying to find an alternator whine in my system it was diagnosed back to the Pionerr headunit. There is a small pico fuse that blocks noise out that is extremely sensitive to voltage swings and once it pops it allows noise through the system. Plugged an alpine in and the noise went away instantly. But in my 4Runner there is no alternator noise but I'm also not running amps and component speakers in it although just yesterday I started to hear a crackle over the speakers that changed with rpm so either my electrical system is getting crazy or the headunit is damaged more and letting noise in.

Point of the story is I like Alpine headunits. I went cheap and bought a Pioneer and had problems. Sucked it up and bought an Alpine and have been happy ever since. Not to mention the sound quality improved with the Alpine over the Pioneer. Had both radios tuned at the same shop so it was a good comparison.

 

[PCF4runner]

Sup guys! I've been itching to upgrade the sound system in my 4runner but was more concern with getting the truck to run and ride smooth 1st than upgrades and mods.

Here's what i'm thinking:
KICKER 41CST204 (Tweeters)
KICKER 40CS654 (front & rear speakers)
Kicker PT250 10" (powered sub)
Alpine KTP-445U (4 channel Amp)
************* (Head unit)

Can't seem to make a decision as to what head unit to get, so many models and features i'm going dizzy. :dizzy::dizzy:
What brand are you guys more familiar with?
And also i was thinking double din but i see A-LOT of guys on here using single din alpine HUs which cost more than some double dins why? Enlighten me please.

P.S not interested in a bunch of features that i'm hardly going to use.

the kicker coaxial speakers (40CS654) that you are looking at, will not require you to purchase tweeters. they have the tweeter built in. From past experiences I would highly recommend staying away from kicker stuff. Also if you want a little better sound quality, go with a set of components over the coaxs.

In my truck I've got a Kenwood DPX500BT, and I absolutely hate it. I'm looking for something to replace it with as well. A nice head that my buddy's got is the Sony XAV-68BT. I'm thinking i might pick one of those up when they go on sale.

I just put in one of these:

Amazon.com : Pioneer AVHX5700BHS Double-DIN DVD Receiver with 7-Inch Motorized Display, Bluetooth, Siri Eyes Free, SiriusXM-Ready, HD Radio, Android Music Support, Pandora, and Dual Camera Inputs : Car Electronics
It has a ton of customizable features for aesthetics and sound and the tilt out 7" screen along with the specially coated screen cures the sun factor. The only issue is it barely hits my stick shifter when in park but even when it does is self retracts a little bit. Really cool.

I also put in some apline R series components in the front and rear doors. And NVX amp and a Kenwood powered sup under my seat.

I was pleasantly surprised by how LOUD I can turn it up before it distorts.

Ever heard of NVX? They're a somewhat newer brand, the "house brand" of SonicElectronix, from what I've heard.

Anyways, I have a set of NVX 5.25" speakers in my rear doors (Coax) and I think that they sound better than the Alpine Type-S 6.5" coax speakers that I have in the front.
NVX offers both coax and component speakers too, just depends on what your preference is.
NVX Car Speakers | Car Audio, Video & GPS at Sonic Electronix

As far as head units go, Sony released a single din a few months ago with a built in MOSFET amplifier that pushes 40w RMS to each speaker, with great reviews. It'd be akin to running a lower power 4-channel amp, without running the wires and using space that an amp would take. I really want to get one, but have other things that are a higher priority.
Sony MEX-XB100BT Hi-Power SiriusXM Ready Bluetooth Car Stereo with 160W RMS built-in 4-channel Amplifier!


Also, just remembered that if you're replacing your rear factory speakers for the first time, you'll need to get an adapter plate since the factory speakers only have 3 mounting screws, whereas most of the aftermarket speakers have 4 mounting screws.
Here's the ones I used: PVC Speaker Adapters - CNC Machined - In Stock or Custom Made

Just my .02

They're quite impressive, at a price that isn't too bad.

No reason to go cheap, if you've waited on a sound system to get the rest of the truck in order wait a little longer and save up for the right sound. All up to your personal wants and needs. Quality over quantity :music:

Will a 6 1/2" speaker fit in the doors?

 

[MattAK]

I've got an older Pioneer DEH-6400BT that hasn't let me down yet. I had it for two years in my IS300 and now three years in my 4runner and its been a champ.

 

[KaliKid]

Will a 6 1/2" speaker fit in the doors?

I think thats what im running in mine but they dont fit the factory speaker harness/holder. I had to remove the plastic and fab up a mount for them... Not positive on the size since its been a while but there is plenty of info out there on them... I would go to Crutchfield and type in your truck then click speakers. They will pull up the exact size to fit factory or include the correct size bracket to re mount but will give you a good reference.

 

[TheOGConCon]

Will a 6 1/2" speaker fit in the doors?

6.5" for the front fits, at least in my case, unless you're getting speakers that have a significantly deeper mounting depth than the factory speakers, and 5.25" speakers fit in the back with the mounting plate.