Audio Head Unit

I’ve done some reading on some other threads and looking for opinions on head units for my 2011. Ideally I’d like to install it myself and would like it to have have Bluetooth and apple car play. Sorry if this has been touched on a lot already but looking for current advise.

 

I'm in the same boat as you...but I am leaning towards the Joying head unit, don't know what size yet. Good luck, hope you find what you're looking for.

 

I went with the

$280 Alpine ILX w650 Digital Multimedia Receiver with CarPlay and Android Auto Compatibility

Alpine ILX w650. I really like it. A great foundation for a good system. Only complaint is mine seems to have long bluetooth connection times but that probably isn't entirely the HU's fault. I like the "power pack" amp that you can mount directly behind it. its the

$214 Alpine KTA 450 4-Channel Power Pack Amplifier with Dynamic Peak Power 45W RMS x 4, at 2 Or 4 Ohms

Alpine KTA 450

 

Also comes with wired Apple Carplay too

 

Yeah me too, I’ve looked at the new stinger offerings. I actually will post a thread link to have a look at that. But then a fellow Tacomen offered an Alpine for consideration on crutch fields site. Just depends on how big of a screen you want. The stinger is like 10 inches, the Alpine I think in the model he recommended was 7 1/2 both ample in size.

 

For DIYers, there's no better place for car audio than Crutchfield. Excellent lifetime tech support and no guesswork on compatibility between OEM steering wheels controls and HUs.

 

Between using Crutchfield and YouTube as resources, doing a head unit install in a Tacoma is really easy. I did mine back in 2008, and if I can do it, anyone can....

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/forums/audio-video.12/

 

This is true, my hobby as a young man was high-end home audio and theater etc. Back then Crutchfield to those in the know was a good resource for information but priced way too high to consider. Nowadays they have adjusted their market model and not only have the information most need but also seem to have competitive pricing as well.

 

+1 for Crutchfield

 

About to pull the plug! On my 2011 tacoma with jbl stock stereo.

what harness is the black one? I want to add some contrast to my stereo set up.

 

I am on my second aftermarket HU, both had BT, newer one also has CarPlay and Android Auto. First was a JVC, newer one is a Pioneer. Fits perfect, sounds great. Those cheapos might be OK, but you really can't do wrong with JVC, Pioneer, Kenwood or Alpine. Get the install harness and dash kit and install is easy peasy. Get a steering wheel control adapter if you want to keep that function.

 

Just ordered a Pioneer. Should be in tomorrow, planning on the install sometime next week.

 

I've always been a big Alpine fan. They used to have some of the best audiophile-quality products out there in the car audio Market.
But the last 3 new ones that I have owned have all had issues within less than one year.
My buddy swears by the Pioneer Avic line. So I picked up a used one to give it a shot, and without even changing the factory speakers it has made a heck of a difference in the sound quality and loudness. So for the whole $250 I spent oh, I think it was a pretty good deal. I honestly don't know if I would have gotten any better out of an Alpine. If this one ever starts having a problem I will buy another Pioneer Avic