Newbie input for a factory replacement

[ifalcon]

Hi -

We have a Toyota Highlander 2005 with JBL / No Navigation. I am just interested in replacing the factory stereo in order to gain hands-free and an auxiliary port.

I'm been looking into using Crutchfield (love them) and was looking as there two options, but ALWAYS open for other suggestions.

Kenwood - X399

Kenwood Excelon KDC-X399 CD receiver at Crutchfield.com

Pioneer - 6700BT

Pioneer DEH-X6700BT CD receiver at Crutchfield.com

Again, appreciate the input and guidance. Thanks.

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[audiobaun 5,000+ posts]

Eclipse, Kenwood, Alpine.I personally would stay away from Pioneer due to Pico Issue,unless they have Fixed that Issue.I highly doubt it.Some one may be able to correct me on that? Whats your Maxed Budget,and what are your intensions for expanding? Staying Stock and just a new Head unit, or wanting to add in future? I personally Run Kenwoods for daily, and Eclipse for tilting

 

[ifalcon]

Hi. Thanks for replying.

I just intent to stay with the other stock components. No plans for any future expansion on improving the speakers at this time.

My primary focus is gaining hands-free ability and an auxiliary port. The cassette adapter for our phones just does not cut it any longer.

I'd like to stay in the $200 range just for the receiver. Everything else I need such as the in-dash installation items and steering wheels items is on top of that. I think I can get most of this in the $300 total range.

Again, appreciate the input. I'm probably the older crowd here (50) and used to dive into this stuff when I was younger.

Any recommendations on the receiver is greatly appreciated.

 

[audiobaun 5,000+ posts]

Hi. Thanks for replying.
I just intent to stay with the other stock components. No plans for any future expansion on improving the speakers at this time.

My primary focus is gaining hands-free ability and an auxiliary port. The cassette adapter for our phones just does not cut it any longer.

I'd like to stay in the $200 range just for the receiver. Everything else I need such as the in-dash installation items and steering wheels items is on top of that. I think I can get most of this in the $300 total range.

Again, appreciate the input. I'm probably the older crowd here (50) and used to dive into this stuff when I was younger.

Any recommendations on the receiver is greatly appreciated.

Dont feel too old sir.. I myself 46,and have been in the car audio theme since 88..lol. More of my 1st hobby of several

 

[ifalcon]

Any thoughts then on recommend model? I've looked at so many that I'm going crazy. I'm definitely wanting to purchased from Crutchfield.

Have a great weekend.

 

[audiobaun 5,000+ posts]

Car Audio Stereo - Car Subwoofers - Car Amplifiers and Speakers

Ive had better luck buying from here than Crutch,and have never had any issues for several years.I would buy a Kenwood deck or Alpine deck.Sound Stream has been stepping it up a notch lately with theyre B-tooth Flip out Head unit within the $140 range up to $160 that Id recommend as well.I am Running the Kenwood KDC BT 955 BT in my truck and offers several adjustments for sound quality and also provide Time Align in which is very nice,and give you several options to make adjustments to enhance your music as well.I also run a 300 series Kenwood in my CRV that is pretty basic yet still provides tha Aux with cable extension to your phone for Hands free phone conversations, but still need to use the device for calling ect,But works just fine,USB.Both still have the options to expand within the future if ever needed that isa basic option on all models.Even if not needed

 

[audiobaun 5,000+ posts]

Sonic Electronix offers the same as Crutch for the radio install equipment, such as a wiring harness, and a dash kit if needed for FREE when you purchase the Radio,just specify your vehicle being installed and they will be sure to get you the correct wiring harness and dash kit if needed.

 

[audiobaun 5,000+ posts]

Kenwood KDC-BT362U (kdcbt362u) Single DIN Bluetooth In-Dash CD/AM

 

[audiobaun 5,000+ posts]

Soundstream VR-701B (vr701b) Single-DIN Bluetooth Car Stereo DVD

Its out of stock at the moment, but you may be able to cal and see when it may come in, as well as be placed on an email alert when they do come in also.

 

[audiobaun 5,000+ posts]

Kenwood KDC-BT858U Single-Din Bluetooth Car Stereo

The 955 has been discontinued from Sonic

 

[ifalcon]

Thank you so much!

 

[audiobaun 5,000+ posts]

If you wait till next week, there will be some savings due to the St. Patricks Holiday events sales. In all honesty..just look around on these two sites and find the features that you feel you like the most and that seem the easiest to use,as stated there are so many choices, yet, i have to say Kenwoods are pretty reliable so far to me from my previous units of Eclipse.I am seeing some Blaupaun.that are on the Cructhfield site,that I havent been paying attention/or looked for since the 90s, that were some of the best units Ive had , Though, I havent read upon them, or searched since.Ill have to read up on those

 

[audiobaun 5,000+ posts]

Thank you so much!

Quite welcome.Thank you..Clarion makes a nice flip out that has dvd with a 7" screen also that Ive heard good about that is like $220 from Sonic and has the other features you are inquiring of..you can watch a movie while waiting Clarion makes a decent head unit, though Ive had the CZ series and they are just too bright on the lighting for me,and were a bit complicated to get t where I needed on functions,yet this one is touch and easily to function around on

Clarion VZ401 Single-Din Bluetooth Car Stereo w/ 7" LCD

 

[keep_hope_alive Premium Member]

looks like you got some input.

my $0.02:

Kenwood eXcelon

Alpine

the two i'll spend time with