New Head Unit and Speaker Recommendation

Here's where I stand. I'm between a radio and lift and this point, I think i'm going to go radio first to save a little gas for as long as possible.

Anyway, I'm looking for a new head unit because my 08 doesn't have an aux input. Top priority is obviously the aux plug but also a usb input (which most have anyway) but i would also like one to connect to my steering wheel controls. Total bonus would be bluetooth to connect to my phone as well.

I know several companies make these, but which is best? Like I said, i'm more external/offroad rather than electronics. As most things, i'm sure kenwood/alpine/sony/etc are all preference I just wanted to hear some personal experiences and if any work better in our Tacos. TIA!

 

Pioneer has a fairly low cost option with built in bluetooth and front panel usb/aux. I installed a Pioneer unit I bought off crutchfield that was just like that for an ex girlfriend about 1 year ago. Maybe look into that. Pioneer makes good equipment.

 

I'd like to have a cd player...

Anyone every use or hear anything about the Kenwood Excelon 895?
I'm leaning toward that unit right now...

 

I just had an Alpine CDE-123 with bluetooth done in mine, I love it. I like having front and rear USB

 

Do you have the stock or the JBL currently in your truck?

 

reading these reviews for the Kenwood... not getting that...

 

question for you Jester.
Do you have to control the ipod through the radio? Or, will i still be able to control it from the ipod itself (which i prefer).

And what it the deal with front and rear USB? I guess i'm missing the point on needing 2 / the function.. Thanks!

 

I control the Ipod through the head unit, there should be a way to do it through the Ipod as well, it works on my wife's Eclipse. The reason for the dual USB is i have the cable for the Ipod run from the rear to the glove box and it looks clean from the front. no wires hanging off of there getting in the way. However when my son or my wife or a friend with an ipod gets in and there is a song I "just need to hear" he can plug into the front USB leaving mine alone. Also if he plugs into the front USB he can charge it while we drive and I can still listen to mine. A word of caution, the ability to use the steering wheel controls cost me an additional $100 in parts and labor, if you currently have the JBL sound option there is an additional cost for the wire harness and logic piece to control the sub. One last thing the Alpine CDE-123 I have only works with ipods and iphones, it will not support other MP3 players.

 

The Alpine CDE-123 is a verygood radio. Just fyi, you can get a JVC ARSENALKD-A725 for about $50 less at Crutchfield. I'm not saying the JVC is betterthan the Alpine. I'm just saying you might want to take a quick look at the JVCand see if it will work for you.

 

I installed the pioneer Avic X 930-BT in my access cab! it has bluetooth and iPod and nav which is nice...little pricy but i love it cuz now i don't need an aftermarket nav like a tom tom i think its the most user friendly unit out there! check out the pioneers there really intuitive and simple!

 

I am also looking at a new head unit. Ran across the Alpine CDE-133BT - attracted to it since it has built in Bluetooth, USB (Front only though ) and Aux input. Heres a link to check it out (not a bad price either)
Alpine CDE-133BT

 

Alright, Now the whole dual thing makes more sense. But, its not a necessity to me being i rather control the music from the ipod itself. But it is definitely a bonus to have another connection. And i've been warned about the extra 100 for the steering wheel. B.S. imo... but they have to make all the money they can off customers these days. And being I have a Droid phone... semi problem, but i still have an ipod... Thanks for the info! appreciate it!

 

I like my alpine cde122 w/ Pandora control. Also put the alpine power pack. I t makes a night and day difference. Easy plug and play installation.

 

Even more amazing is that sound even comes out of those crappy factory speakers. Worst factory speaker I've ever seen....or heard. I have no idea what the design is, but AFAIK, a speaker requires a magnet. The factory speakers don't have one! I put four 6" Kickers (KS-600 I think - was just $100 from Crutchfield) in mine and the difference was night and day with just the stock HU. Good enough that I won't even bother to upgrade it now. A little more power would be nice, but it's good enough for me. Probably will just do the aux mod in a couple weeks and be done w/it.