Budget Radio Recommendations

Just purchased a 2007 Tacoma access cab TRD, V6 manual trans. I want to change the radio to have Bluetooth phone operation and Bluetooth streaming is a plus. On a budget right now I looking for suggestions on a radio. Any thoughts on these two or other recommendations?

http://www.crutchfield.com/p_500CDE133B/Alpine-CDE-133BT.html?tp=5684

http://www.crutchfield.com/p_130X700BT/Pioneer-FH-X700BT.html?tp=5684

Thanks
Tom

 

I just bought the Alpine CDE-W235BT for my 2010 it has bluetooth is double din and was only $199.

 

Thanks! Both of those look like what I am looking for. Do you guys have pics of the unit installed? Love to see them. Also you are you happy with the sound and operation? How well does the bluetooth work? I see the Alpine has a separate mike and the Clarion has a face mounted mike. How does the Clairion mike work? OK? That would simplify installation.

Thanks
Tom

 

If you have an iPhone or iPod AND use Pandora, get either Kenwood or Alpine. I prefer Kenwood. They each have various budget priced models. Far better sounding than factory radios. Love the Pandora, esp for long drives....

 

My Alpine should be arriving from crutchfield tomarrow i will post a pic and let you know how it sounds once i get it hooked up. I would say Alpine and Kenwood are the two best as well. I've always been an Alpine guy but it just preference like Ford ot Chevy.

 

I do have an iPhone 5 and I also use Pandora. The Clarion is set up for iPone and doesn't need special cable. Seems like allot of features for the money.

http://www.clarion.com/us/en/produc...din/CX501/us-en-product-pf_1259559423982.html

I like the symmetrical look of the Clarion and specs are good. Why not Clarion for an iPhone and Pandora?

Tom

 

I have the Alpine CDE135BT I bought from Crutchfield on sale in December for $149

http://www.crutchfield.com/p_500CDE135B/Alpine-CDE-135BT.html

I liked it so much I bought my wife the CDE-133BT which is the same except for the Pandora option. It was on sale last month at Crutchfield for $129 with free shipping and install kit.

Hope this helps !!!

 

Well I was ready to pull the trigger on the Clarion and found this at Best buy today. $227 new in box. I had to get it.

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Sony+-+...Deck/5512978.p?id=1218652749663&skuId=5512978

Tom

 

Just thought I'd post an update. I got the Sony wires and mounted and it's great. Radio, Bluetooth phone, Pandora, wireless streaming, DVD player and back up camera. It has a 7 band EQ and I like the sound with the stock speakers. I don't have a camera hooked up yet but I'm researching them now. Very happy with the unit and the price.

Tom

 

Awesome Deal !!!

 

no BT but im having my Pioneer avh-p1400 installed today. integration with ipod and pandora looks great.

 

Did you have it installed through best buy?

 

No. Did it myself. Pretty easy actually. I used a Metra faceplate kit and Metra wiring kit. The faceplate could fit a little better around the radio but I guess it's ok. Wiring was just match up the colors on Metra harness to the Sony harness, solder and heat shrink. Then just plug it in to the truck harness.

Tom