Best stereo upgrade

I have a 2003 S-Runner that I want to add USB support to so that I can play music from & recharge my IPhone. What are the current recommendations? I’m currently using the system that came with the truck.

Thanks!

 

Clean and simple with XM, CD,
Bluetooth, runs 4+ speakers and has a 12 sub running with an amp under the seat.
Alpine CDE-1245XM

 

I put in a Sony XAV-1000 with Apple Car Play. Absolutely love it

 

As long as you stay away from Pyle or any generic brand then you should be good with whatever head-unit you like. Some have more features but most all will outperform the stock stereo.

 

I've got an older version of this Pioneer,

$300 PIONEER FH-X830BHS Double Din CD Receiver with Built-in Bluetooth & HD Radio

https://www.amazon.com/Pioneer-FH-X830BHS-Double-Receiver-Bluetooth/dp/B01G2QK618/ Have been happy with it.

Kinda wish I had gone single DIN after seeing the setup of @1997tacomav6 though

 

they have some very affordable units where the display slides out and up. Bluetooth cell phone is a must for me, back up camera, not so much. Crutchfield is a very good website to visit but dont be surprised if what you want is a 6 month wait.

 

I usually just go to bestbuy and grab what's available. Pretty much any stereo will fit. Getting the right amp and speaker combo is more important.

 

I'm a big fan of installing cheap but nice quality stereos. I like to go with the Alpine UTE-73BT which is right around $100 and then install it using an adapter harness like this:




$5 Metra 70-1761 Radio Wiring Harness For Toyota 87-Up Power 4 Speaker
https://www.amazon.com/Metra-70-1761-Wiring-Harness-Speaker/dp/B0002BEQJ8

And then you can buy this so you have a pocket underneath your stereo:


$11 AI UPT900 Universal Pocket Dash Mount
https://www.amazon.com/UPT900-Universal-Pocket-Dash-Mount/dp/B00C86IL14

I've bought four of these stereo units and I've been happy with every single one of them. They work well and the Bluetooth is a nice touch. Super cheap and are easy to install. Just connect color to color on the adapter harness and the stereo harness and you're good to go! Plus I like having the extra storage underneath the stereo for my wallet or phone.

The stuff I posted is universal as well, doesn't apply just to the Alpine. If you get a touchscreen unit or something like that you won't need the pocket.

 

I did the previous version (Sony XAV-AX100) of this stereo in my Tacoma. It's awesome.

 

I put one in my son's 3rd gen 4runner. It's pretty awesome.

 

If you like good radio reception, filter based on dbm sensitivity. If you just want bluetooth, take your pick. Basically everything new has that. USB connectivity is more for flash media IMO, like if you want to play FLAC/wav/mp3 files. Get an actual USB charger for charging.

 

I did the USB charger and upgraded to touch screen head unit and backup camera but you have to decide what features are important to you. I wanted a knob for volume so I wasn’t putzing with the touch screen to turn the radio up and down, a backup camera so I stopped backing into things Bluetooth to pair with my phone and USB input for tunes on a thumb drive.
Installation in the Taco is a breeze especially with the wiring harness adapter and the whole thing took just a few hours. I found the Jensen HU on Amazon for like $80 and I was out the door for about $125 after the camera and USB charger. My only gripe is the USB always starts at the same place rather then where it left off.

 

I just put a Kenwood Excelon with Carplay and Android audio in my daughters car (2009 RX350). The unit was $399, it looks and sounds great.

 

Ya I don't like touch screens in general tbh. If I had my way I'd have a double DIN OLED screen with all physical buttons (volume knob), backup cam, latest revision of bluetooth with album artwork support, no stupid apps, optical out (no high level pre-amp or RCA), HD radio included, and highly sensitive FM circuitry. I never use my USB except for EQ calibration, so don't need that, and don't have any CDs. Basically good reception, backup cam/proximity, highres screen/physical buttons, and digital output/low THD. That combo does not exist in the marketplace.

 

My truck came with a Sony WX-900BT unit in it and I love it, worked out perfectly. Simple and easy to use, works well, does everything I need. Good bluetooth connection and big volume knob, USB connection, good customization (equalizer and a ton of other controls), overall great unit. Sony doesn't make this exact one anymore, but if you want something very nice for the price I would def recommend one of the similar ones. I believe it was only priced around $100 as well so pretty affordable as far as nice stereos go. My truck also has a full Kicker sound system and 8" sub and this controls it very well.

And my favorite part is that it changes colors!

 

How do you have you sub and amp set up? I've got an all-in-one powered sub that's pretty crap and have been scratching my head how to fit in a real sub in a regular cab

 

Here and 4Runner sail speakers Tweeters

 

Did you do the entire installation yourself?

I’d love to replace my current system with one that has more sound options and just sounds better. I don’t want to necessarily spend a lot of money and I also want to be sure that I have the harnesses and such to prevent waiting on parts. At the end of the day, I want to plug my iPhone in and get it charging while I’m listening to the iTunes music. The backup camera, etc., is cool as long as I can install it myself. I’m looking for bang for the buck here, if that makes sense.

 

I have a garmin gps and added the wireless camera into it.
Took 5 minutes to install.
You can activate it while driving forwards too for 10 seconds or so

 

Huh so they really can fit there... Do you have a PN for the box and sub?

Luckily, since mine is an 01, I have tweeters from the factory a few inches away from where you put yours.

You have a great setup overall though. I saw your race on TFL