go to crutchfield.com and use their configurator, you can choose single or double DIN units and they sell you the proper harness and dash kits as well, you just need to enter your info and the configurator sets you up once you choose one of the radios that fit.

 

Unless you need to have multiple discs installed at once, I'd recommend a Kenwood Single DIN receiver. Most of them have CD and front usb input, a 2nd rear usb input for charging, bluetooth, HD radio, lots of colored lights to suit your liking, and support for most apps all for $200 or less. Crutchfield usually supplies the Plastic insert, so you can install your new receiver.

 

I stopped at one audio place, just to see what they would recommend. Here is what they recommended:


https://www.kenwood.com/usa/car/excelon/dpx593bt/ $140


https://www.alpine-usa.com/product/s-s65 $100


https://www.alpine-usa.com/product/s-s69 $120


Honestly, unless it was all installed and I could hear it, I have no idea if this is a good system.

 

I'm biased to the Kenwood in the Corolla, mainly because I have the similar older, non Excelon model of the one they suggested... DPX500BT.

The Excelon models are usually better, have better sound processing and features.





Kenwood and JVC are now the same company, my next unit for the Scion tC will most likely be Android Auto enabled, and will either be a Kenwood/JVC unit, but Sony and Pioneer are making decent looking Android units as well.

 

I'm biased to the Kenwood in the Corolla, mainly because I have the similar older, non Excelon model of the one they suggested... DPX500BT.

The Excelon models are usually better, have better sound processing and features.





Kenwood and JVC are now the same company, my next unit for the Scion tC will most likely be Android Auto enabled, and will either be a Kenwood/JVC unit, but Sony and Pioneer are making decent looking Android units as well.

I have to say that looks like a factory fit. Did you put speakers in too? Or are the stock ones up to the task?

 

I went to a few places. Customer service can be a real eye opener. But that is off topic.


Two places I was considering using offered these 2 units:


Mentioned above: https://www.kenwood.com/usa/car/excelon/dpx593bt/


and this one: https://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PUSA/Car/CD-Receivers/DEH-S6000BS#specs


Can you guys educate me? What are the features to look for? What are the differences that would make one better than the other?

 

Yeah, when I purchased the Kenwood deck I knew it changed color, so that was the closest I got to match the OEM lighting on the XRS cluster. My rear speakers eventually blew, so I replaced the 6x9's with a set of aftermarket speakers my neighbor had lying around that he was selling... quite punchy actually.

The fronts are still OEM, and still do the job ok... I honestly love the Double DIN decks, they look much better in that opening than a single DIN and pocket do.

 

Op,

Double din or single din?

What features do you want?

Subs and amps in the future?

Flush look?

 

Op,

Double din or single din?

My assumption is double DINs aren't necessarily better in terms of sound quality, so I am not sure it matters. But I like the way REN69 looks



What features do you want?


What I would like is something that will

• fill the stock position
• Take CD’s (I love to listen to audio books from the library on the long trip to work)
• Take a download off my phone or device so I have all my music.
• A radio. Sometimes I like to listen to the local stations.
• Simple to use.

Subs and amps in the future?


No. Probably not

Flush look?

Yes.

 

Double DIN looks closer to OEM as there is no gap to close with a pocket... not a lot of manufacturers make single DIN radios anymore, I can't remember the last time Toyota did, but my guess is early 2000s (98-02 Corolla came with them, after that they were Double.)

 

The pockets are always warped with the single din HU. Have you tried looking for a OEM nav from a vibe or matrix?

Better off with a pioneer or Sony double din. Plenty of options out there.

 

The pockets are always warped with the single din HU. Have you tried looking for a OEM nav from a vibe or matrix?

Better off with a pioneer or Sony double din. Plenty of options out there.

Nav I have covered (2 GPS and phone)


"Better off with a pioneer or Sony double din. Plenty of options out there" If you could make recommendations or point me to a previous post that would be great. I really love the car and this upgrade will make it even better for those long rides to work. What are the key factors to look for? Watts? Thanks guys for the posts!

 

Sony WX-920BT
https://www.crutchfield.com/p_158WX920BT/Sony-WX-920BT.html?avf=Y

Kenwood DPX503BT

https://www.crutchfield.com/p_113DPX503B/Kenwood-DPX503BT.html?avf=Y

Pioneer AVH-501EX DVD receiver

https://www.crutchfield.com/p_130501EX/Pioneer-AVH-501EX.html?avf=Y

It's been quite sometime since I have upgraded any hu in my vehicles. These are based on crutchfields sorting. They all play CD's, have radio, but only the Kenwood is xmsirius ready, and the pioneer can play DVD's and is touch screen. Did not look into wattage or additional features.

 

the DPX503BT is the newest version of mine, excellent radio... mine is now about 4yrs old, finally some of the pixels are dying on one corner, otherwise the unit is going strong.

 

I just wanted to say a special Thank you to everyone that posted, especially REN69 and 75aces who had multiple post replies.


I often wonder if the info I post has been useful to people, so I wanted to give you somefeedback. I finally followed the advice and instead of going to a local stereo place I went to Crutchfield and purchased the Pioneer AVH-501EX for two reasons. One was it was a recommended unit and second,my daughter’s boyfriend had one and I got to play with it and liked it. It had all the features I liked except for the USB port in the back of the unit. But my daughter’s boyfriend mentioned getting it to the front would not be much of and issue. The unit is order and should arrive next week.

A few people have told me the stock speakers should work fine, especially since I am not putting in an amplifier.

Thanks guys!!!

 

Awesome... looks like a decent unit. I would just route the USB wire to the glove box or into the storage console, that way it's hidden and people won't step on it or rip it off if it's just hanging down.

 

Glad to hear that you found a good unit that works out!

I often thought that USB is a good thing to have. Honestly, it's another cable to run. Fortunately it's in the back of the unit and can be hit of the way!

Post pics when you install it!

 

Glad to hear that you found a good unit that works out!

I often thought that USB is a good thing to have. Honestly, it's another cable to run. Fortunately it's in the back of the unit and can be hit of the way!

Post pics when you install it!

A reasonable request to post pics.


First pic was the wires when removed. The second pic is the neat job Crutchfield did with the wires. It was worth the $25 for the time it saved me. This went in in about 1/2 hour. The third pic is almost in. The final pic is of it in. I ran the mic for the Bluetooth up the side column (pic to follow if interested. It does not sound as good as the Bluetooth I wear. I purchased this as my unit did not play CD's. This one does and I think it also plays MP3 CD's (good for audio books). It does look stock as the dash kits fits fine.

 

The rep said I can download my music to a thumb drive, which I thought was great. My smart phone is a company phone (saves me $$) and since I may leave soon, they will get it back. So that was great option. I can also get Spotify. I will try to take a few pics. I had the radio out before, so it should not (hopefully) be a big deal.

 

Looks good. Did you do the butt splices?

The last time I had an aftermarket hd, decided not to do the install. Not that I didnt want to, but didn't have the tools. It's very tedious, but very clean.

 

Crutchfield will do the splicing of wires for $20-25. I probably would have been with the stock HU but for this service. Of course they would test the unit before sending it out, but if anything is messed up they will replace/redo the stuff under warranty.

 

Never knew they offered that service.

I thought of getting male connector and make it look factory. Gave up on that idea since I need a delphi or Denso crimp tool.

Very nice look.

 

Yeah they have full wiring service... they'll wire everything up with a Toyota Harness for you based on your car and the adapters you purchased, and you just basically plug it all in when you receive it.

 

Exactly, as the pic shows, it was very neat. For $25, why wouldn't you?