head unit adivce

[captainbarred]

Hey guys, I am looking at replacing my factory 07 Tacoma Head unit with a new unit.

Here is what I want:

1) A Head unit with a display that will display song titles from digital radio station signals(the factory Taco unit does not).
2) The unit cannot have a flip-down face as supposedly they do not work with the adaptor mounting kit.
3) Compatability with some form of an ipod adaptor that allows me to keep the ipod plugged in as well as charge the ipod through the unit - connection must be through the back of the unit as I want the wires out of view running into either the glove box or the center console.
4) I don't care if the adaptor is controlled via the head unit(as most people complain the controls are cumbersome and sluggish, Therefore I DO want to be able to control the Ipod via its own ipod controls.
5) It has to be reasonably priced!!! I don't want to spend any more than $200 right now, I can always upgrade later.

I am looking at the Pioneer DEH-P3900MP from Crutchfield - http://cws3.crutchfield.com/S-2EA7hD...130DEHP390#Tab

With the Ipod connector for it as well - http://cws3.crutchfield.com/S-2EA7hD...sp?i=127ICPIOP

Any advice would be great!!

[captainbarred]

Though I really like the looks of the Sony... http://cws3.crutchfield.com/S-2EA7hD...i=158GT310#Tab

[Tommy]

Pioneer and Alpine or Bust. Sony units are pretty much crap. lucky to have them last more than a year or 2 before something breaks.

Ive used nothing but alpine for a few years and have been very happy. the controls are very intuitive and easy navigate without much attention, which is why i prefer them over pioneers. I find the controls on the pioneers a bit too intensive and not as well layed out as the alpines.

Alpine has a few lower level units that will hook up to an Ipod with the AI-Net adapter, and they also are front slot loading players vs the fold down face plate like the pioneer you listed.

go to best buy and play around with them, see which you like, then go online and order one.

[captainbarred]

thanks friend, I'll check out the Alpines.

Can you still control the ipod with the ipod controls or does connecting it to the head unit disable it?

[Tommy]

most of those (i know the alpine is this way) all the controls and display are transfered over to the head unit.

[toyota_b]

I would have to agree that the sony's are not my first choice... The alpines are good head units. I would also check to see what you find on kenwood and eclipse units as well.

[Corollacrazy42]

Alpine Pioneer or Eclipse are the only ones I'd ever even consider buying.

Alpine has the same PAC controller for their headunits too, but they also have the more expensive controller that controls from the headunit.

[captainbarred]

just ordered an Alpine, thanks for all the advice

[PhatRoyale]

Might I ask which model did you end up buying?

[captainbarred]

Sure,

http://www.crutchfield.com/S-t0z62lD...ailed_info#Tab

Came with the ipod cable for free, so it was only $20 more than the other one I was considering - the Alpine CDE-9873 - plus it has the CD Changer input if I ever want it.

I also picked up the aux input adaptor so I can hook up my laptop or a portable DVD player for audio through the truck sound system if I have passengers on trips.

Overall it is honestly more than I wanted to spend, but it gets me all the options I wanted and then some while also being a good system.

Once I get a little more truck-cash, I will have to get some speakers as well...

I am thinking maybe a set of these - http://www.crutchfield.com/S-t0z62lD...10&I=107DB6500

though I am open to suggestions... *hint hint*

Though this thing is pretty damn cool!!!
http://www.crutchfield.com/S-t0z62lD...0&I=142TATMA05

[Corollacrazy42]

Not to bash, but you could have found that Alpine receiver for more then likely a cheaper price online. But regardless its not a bad choice. I do love alpine receivers.

I actually have that component set but the 6.75 series. db6750. They are a pretty good set of components but also.. they are definatly not worth what crutchfield has them listed for. I think I bought mine, which are more expensive then the ones your looking at, for even less then those about 2 years ago. I'm pretty sure you can find this set for around $100.

I recommend saving up a bit and getting something good. Or as the cheapest suggestion I can make for the best speakers. I would offer these..

http://www.infinitecaraudio.com/cgi-...atalogno=SSCS6

Have been reviewed with great results and and are well worth their money. If not those then I'd say Rainbow SLX line. But those are $190.

Also that scosche woofer is worthless... please do not buy it

[captainbarred]

I actually looked around to find the unit cheaper, and while I could have, I didn't feel like doing the leg work to get the unit, the mounting kit, wire harness, ipod cable and aux input cable all seperate...

I was lazy

I honestly don't plan on getting a subwoofer because the benefits are not worth the cost to me and I am not willing to give up the space behind one of my back seats.

I'll take a look at those speakers. I probly won't buy any for a while though. I am kinda tapped out money wise

[Corollacrazy42]

Haha I understand with the laziness... crutchfield does make it very easy for you to wanna buy because they have everything you need and are very helpful. You still made a good choice in headunit.

[captainbarred]

Just a quick update, got the unit and got it installed today with a friend's help.

The thing is INCREDIBLE!!!!

I love it, Ipod control is fast effective and easy, all around a great system.

next up new speakers(when I have money)