Best AM + Ipod head unit

Hey everybody.

I am the proud new owner of a white 1999 reg. cab 4x4. Only 38,000 miles on it and I love it.

I listen to a lot of AM sports radio. The stock radio gets terrible AM reception. I know there are other factors like distance and interference, but I get nothing but fuzz for miles where I got clear reception in my old car.

So the stock head unit has got to go. I wanted to get some opinions on what head units seem to get good AM reception. I am also intrigued by the idea of an ipod compatible unit that will use the display of the unit. I figure fooling around with the head unit is a little safer than fooling around with the ipod while driving.

Thanks!

 

Some of the local shops around here have new head units starting around $100 that is Ipod compatible, really just an aux. input. I just put an Eclipse in my wifes car with a usb so she can play here Ipod and charge it and it has built in bluetooth. This however was $450. There is a lot of middle ground there to explore with differrent head units. Have you also looked into a different antenna, or is there a signal booster or something else you can use?

Oh, and by the way a 1999 truck with only 38,000

 

Yeah, first I considered just using the aux input for the ipod, but then I noticed some head units work specifically with ipods. The AM reception part is more important to me though.

 

pioneers have always had a strong tuner and they have good ipod controls

 

I forgot... Welcome to TW!!!

 

Thanks everybody, I'll look into pioneers.

 

Ok so it has been a while and I should give an update.

I decided to go with the Pioneer Premier DEH-P310UB, at the recommendation of the forums and Crutchfield. I am very happy with it as far as radio reception for both AM/FM. By far the best receiver I've experienced. It is iPod compatible also. The controls are a bit weird, with one main master button/knob, but I'll get used to it. I also went with a set of infinity speakers, and they sound good, not great. Overall I am satisfied and I think I got my money's worth. So if anyone else is looking for better reception, I'd recommend Pioneer.

 

That's some pretty good info on the AM reception. A lot of aftermarket receivers get AM tuners thrown in as an afterthought and they don't work for s**t. Glad you were able to find what you were looking for.

 

Well I think for most people it isn't a priority. In most cases, whatever reception people get is adequate, stock or aftermarket. My problem is I'm a NY sports fan living near Philly. Thats a long enough distance that interference tends to overpower the signal.