Stereo shot...what to buy?

So monday my oem radio just quit. I checked the fuses and everything is fine. I was thinking that maybe because of off roading maybe it came unplugged...but no such luck. Is there any hope in repairing it? I assume probably not.

I'm alot more mechanical than technical, so looking at the million aftermarket units available is just a blur to me. What would be comparable in sound to the stock unit, but have an aux input? I dont' need fancy, just something decent.

Any input is greatly appreciated!

 

Most units now come w/ aux and 3.5 jack on face plate, sound wise if the brand is good i.e. pioneer, alpine, sony etc. then it should be better than stock. Will depend more of the speakers you have and if you plan on pushing them with an amp. You can get a decent stereo for under $75.

 

Ha, I just went through this, but my double DIN factory unit was still good when I pulled it. I wanted to put an aftermarket radio in plus a CB radio to fit the double DIN spot. I ended up with a Kenwood kdc-bt755hd for radio and for CB, a Cobra 18WXSTII. The Kenwood offers the auxiliary output you want, plus USB, Bluetooth, and High Definition radio.

I started out just wanting the aux output as well, but when I thought on it, I decided to get one that offered bluetooth for hands free phone operation. I am real pleased with the Kenwood unit. It was also my first exposure to HD radio, and I am a believer - great lock up on the station signal with clarity and great sound (AM stations sound like a strong FM signal). The bluetooth I really like. I just have a simple cell phone and usually will not answer the phone if I am driving. It is nice with the bluetooth though to be able to take a call through the radio - pretty nice technology for the price. Something to think about anyway.

Oh, whatever radio you end up with, make sure you get a wiring harness specific for your vehicle so you can connect the new radios wires to the harness, then the harness connectors hook up to your factory radio connectors so you are using existing power, grd, speaker wires, etc. Crutchfield is a good website to evaluate radios and determine wiring needs for your vehicle.

 

I have JVC KW-R800BT... It is a pretty legit double din. Great sound, easy to operate, simple but easy to read and multicolor display, 2 usb ports (1 for BT dongle), BT works perfect, HD radio built in, and great price and reviews on Crutchfield ($149.99). You can't go wrong with this price. I have an

$290 Alpine KTP-445U Universal Power Pack

Alpine KTP-445U power Pack ($149.99) for 45Wrms x 4 feeding 4 Polk DB651s ($99.99/pair).


I have the color set for white during day (easy to read in sunlight), turns red when I turn on lights, and turns blue on phone call. It also does multicolor stuff which I'm not a fan of.

 

Nice