head unit recommendation ... bluetooth & better sound

New guy here. I haven't replaced a head unit in years, so I am out of the loop.

I just got a '13 Tacoma double cab without wihout the JBL. To me, the sound system is just horrible. I figure the first step might be to replace the head unit. I don't mind the look/functionality of the stock unit, but in the past I've got better results replacing head units rather than speakers (or both).

I want a double-din unit that still give me all of the functionality of the stock unit - but with better signal/power. I must keep the bluetooth functionality with good quality (streaming music and phone calls) and USB (iphone 5) functionality.

I do not care about satellite radio or navigation. Features such as Pandora and other apps are ok - but not really a requirement since I rarely plug my phone in to USB. I almost always stream via bluetooth - 90% of the time that I'm in the car.

I would highly prefer a physical button for the volume control rather than touch screen. A rotary knob is ideal, but a simple up/down button would be acceptable. However, it isn't the end of the world since I can just use the steering wheel controls (I know - adaptor required).


A lot of the Pioneer units I've looked at are 14w RMS Power Output. Is that going to be much improvement over the factory unit? Or do I need to be looking for something higher?



Does anyone have recommendations for specific units, or other words of wisdom to offer?

 

I would suggest you put the money into some good speakers and a good amp. That will give you more bang for the buck.

As far as speakers, Focal is a pretty good brand. There are any number of amps to choose from too.

 

It's been my experience in the past that I've gotten more improvement from replacing the head unit that from replacing speakers. Maybe the newer head units are better than I give them credit for...

I will probably wind up replacing it all eventually.

 

In my experience I have received better results from replacing the head unit, rather than just replacing the speakers. I currently have a Sony XAV-601BT and I'm really happy with it. It's a dual din touch screen but has a rotary knob. It also has a detachable faceplate. I use my iphone 5 with it all the time by streaming audio via Bluetooth. If you look this stereo up, ignore all the marketing for the Mirror Link feature. That feature doesn't work with iPhones. If you have any question about it let me know.

 

Why spend the money on a great HU and listen to it on crap speakers?

Probably just a difference of opinion as to what's first.

 

I have a 12 and just replaced speakers and head unit jvc has a really nice double din with everything for under 150 I got to keep all my functions as factory and you need to replace those cheesy door speakers they are a joke I went with alpine type s 6by9 and 6.5 alpine 3 way it's sound really good let me recommend to get baffles for front doors it helps with bass response. This set up in this truck sounds really great I also have two 10 kickers and the mids and highs power over them without an amp plenty of power from jvc. Hope this helps

 

IMO, audio systems are prone to the "weakest link" theory... your speakers are only going to sound as good as your headunit, and your headunit is only going to sound as good as your speakers.

That said, I assume that you've got a budget to work with, and that budget is only going to allow for one or the other.

Having spent 7+ yrs of my 20's installing stuff, I can say, in my opinion, that without a doubt replacing the headunit is a bigger boost in the stereo system than replacing the speakers. This held true in my tacoma, as I replaced the speakers long before I replaced the headunit. I heard very little difference with the new speakers, but when I finally replaced the radio, man what a difference.

I can also counter this by saying that recently a good friend of mine joined the TW crowd with an 09 DC LB, and the first thing we did was replace the headunit with a kenwood DDin he had from a previous vehicle. Unlike my tacoma experience, there was a noticable difference with a new headunit.

Personally, I have never liked much other than Kenwood, Alpine, and Eclipse headunits... seen too many of the other brands fail too often (JVC, Sony, Pioneer), and absolutely hated the Pioneer units. This was also a good 10 yrs ago when I stopped installing, and much like Kia and Hyndai (shitty cars 10+ yrs ago, not bad vehicles today), I understand that things can change. Still, I won't recommend them. My suggestions:

Alpine IVE-W530 - ~$550 MSRP
Kenwood DDX470 - ~$350 at local dealer