Replacing the stereo

Does anyone do this anymore?

 

I don't think so

 

yeah we do

 

I tossed that rubbish out years ago.

Pioneer head unit
Alpine amp
Rockford Fosgate Power series 6x9s

 

I haven’t on a modern car; they’re just too inter-connected to the rest of the vehicle IMO.

 

^ This. I've never considered it because I'm not sure what would happen to all the vehicle functions like settings or connected vehicle features with a non-OEM head unit.

 

Absolutely.

 

OEM units are ALWAYS easier to use than aftermarket. The difference in reliability is no better, and sound is only marginally improved if at all. Speakers do more for sound than replacing the head unit. Of course shiney baubles are always attractive to people that consider themselves connoisseurs. If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

 

There is merit to this, however:

OEM head units process sound and distribute sound at a level that protects the OEM speaker. In other words, changing speakers out, while in the short term will give you a nice sound change, you will still get the same bass roll off/cut off that you did with the OEM speakers, because that is what the OEM head unit is designed to do.

Music sound is a subjective conversation - everyone hears sound differently.

 

LOL @ "If it ain't broke". The trash they put in such nice trucks is all but broke. I haven't replaced a car stereo since my high school days (a VERY long time ago), but this unit begged to be replaced. I am far from an aficionado, but EVERYONE that gets in my truck notices the improved sound. Of course, with these fancy things called "Maestros", all OEM integration/functionality is not only maintained, but improved upon.

 

Plug and play.

 

Which one is that?

 

The oem non jbl headunit is throttled down in the rear so bad and has such dirty signals across the board. I did my best to keep it but it didnt play well with the amp I added for my mids and highs.

 

Dasaita 10" running Android 10

 

For me, changing out the speakers for higher quality and adding a powered sub was enough to be happy with the audio. It's kinda up to the individual ear what you need to be happy. I cant justify the expense to replace the head unit

 

Couldn't find a big one?

 

I'm changed my head unit out for a CTH Android px6 head unit. I was some what skeptical at first but did a ton of research and the support for the head unit has been great. There is a support group on Facebook that is super responsive to any questions or problems you may have with the unit. I've had it for a little over a year and its been awesome. I tether my wifi signal from my phone and use the px6 just like a tablet. I run apps for everything in the truck from music, waze, to youtubetv and even Amazon prime.

I have the px6 running my full audio system, dual alpine amps, hertz mille 6.5 pros in the front, polk 6.5s for rear, and a jl tw5 13.5 sub in a @Mr Marv sub enclosure and amp rack. Sounds light years better than the stock JBL system but take that with a grain of salt because i'm no audiophile....lol Seriously though, much better than stock.

 

I'm deaf in one ear and plan to replace the factory head unit. considering the price of these trucks, current available tech, what other makers are putting in for head units, etc... the factory head units we get are trash. sure they check the boxes with built in Nav, bluetooth, etc...but that's all it does is check the box, they don't work particularly well, the navigation is clunky, no real integration that has been available for 5+ years, and the "app suite" is a steaming pile of shit nobody wants or asked for. the only reason that anyone keeps the factory head unit is they fear the potential hassle that could be caused by removing the factory integrated turd.

 

I guarantee you that if you do your due diligence in selection, your only regret will be that you didn't do it sooner.

It was literally my only bitch with this truck.

 

Unlike my 2006 Tundra SR5, my 2019 Tacoma SR5 has everything I need in a stereo. My 2006 Tundra had a nice 6CD player OEM stereo, but I needed XM, so I bought a Sony unit and XM receiver. When I got rid of that, I replaced the stereo with a Double Din radio with an input for a back up camera.

Since my 2019 came with XM built in (which I don't use), a back up camera, and Bluetooth, it does all I need. Everyone has different wants and needs which is why there are so many options.

It can be very expensive to replace the OEM face plate and things like steering wheel controls. A few years ago I had a Jeep Grand Cherokee rental. I was bored one day while my wife was inside shopping, so I look at what it would cost to replace the OEM radio. The replacement radios weren't all that expensive, but the face plate and integrated HVAC controls were really steep. Then there are the steering wheel controls. I'd really need to hate my OEM radio to put that much money into a replacement.

BTW, I've been using Crutchfield since the early 1980s. They may cost a bit more, but the tech support, instructions, and complete set ups that they offer are well with the price.