[Pot Hole]

Looking for updated audio for my 2004 "garage queen" that is bumping 63,000 miles. OEM radio still works, but the CD changer is broken or hung up, not sure which. Probably going to keep this truck 2-3 more years, and I would like to update the existing audio to something a bit more modern. I've read (ad nauseum) many threads on here about different audio installs, but all I want to do is pull the existing radio/CD player and install one of the new double DIN radios that have touchscreen, Bluetooth capability, can connect and work off an iPhone, and possibly play DVDs. I'm probably not going to install a sub or amp, nor do I plan at this time to replace the factory speakers (I'll leave that door open for now), all I want is a newer, modern radio that will give me more options than what I have now. I know some of you that have the older Titans have put in after market radios and I would like to get some suggestions on what has worked well for you. Ideally, I would also like to have one that works with the steering wheel controls. Budget wise, I would like to stay under $400, not including installation which I may try myself. Crutchfield has a number of radios that will fit my truck that are in this price range, but some may be better than others and there may be some things that I need to watch out for or avoid in a particular model. I'm not looking for Nav, but will consider it in a radio if it is easy to update.

Can anyone help an older Titan owner out?

 

[reeakes]

I have used a number of Pioneer HUs in my various Nissans over the last 20 years. I find they provide the best features for the price of any of their competion.

Since you have a CD and steering wheel controls you have the mid-line radio installed. This is a much simpler install relative to the RockfordFosgate system.

In addition to the HU you will need a new bezel (plastic piece where the radio and heat/A/C controls are located), a wiring harness adapter amd an antenna adapter. If you buy from Crutchfield you can get all those necessary items from them. If you want to keep the SWC you will need an adapter for that. You can get that adapter from Crutchfield or find the model number and search the internet. If you get a HU with a DVD you will want a "brake bypass" for your model HU - google that phrase to find that adapter. You can get an adapter to add Sattellite radio (for most HUs), again, from Crutchfield or get the model number and shop around.

You will transfer the heater/A/C control 'box', flasher switch and the seatbelt warning light assembly from the OEM bezel to the new one. These items are held in place with Torx head screws, you will need a Torx set. The seat belt assembly has a plug attached, DO NOT unplug that connector - remove its mounting screws and reattach to the new bezel. If you unplug that connector and the switch key is turned ON (or to standby), when you are done and the plug is reattached the seat belt warning light will flash continuously. There is a 'fix' for the problem (found at various places on this site).

As I mentioned this is a relatively easy install, you should have little trouble installing it yourself.

 

[Tritonus]

Looking for updated audio for my 2004 "garage queen" that is bumping 63,000 miles. OEM radio still works, but the CD changer is broken or hung up, not sure which. Probably going to keep this truck 2-3 more years, and I would like to update the existing audio to something a bit more modern. I've read (ad nauseum) many threads on here about different audio installs, but all I want to do is pull the existing radio/CD player and install one of the new double DIN radios that have touchscreen, Bluetooth capability, can connect and work off an iPhone, and possibly play DVDs. I'm probably not going to install a sub or amp, nor do I plan at this time to replace the factory speakers (I'll leave that door open for now), all I want is a newer, modern radio that will give me more options than what I have now. I know some of you that have the older Titans have put in after market radios and I would like to get some suggestions on what has worked well for you. Ideally, I would also like to have one that works with the steering wheel controls. Budget wise, I would like to stay under $400, not including installation which I may try myself. Crutchfield has a number of radios that will fit my truck that are in this price range, but some may be better than others and there may be some things that I need to watch out for or avoid in a particular model. I'm not looking for Nav, but will consider it in a radio if it is easy to update.


Can anyone help an older Titan owner out?

Ha! My 2004 has less miles than that.:big_grin:
I changed my OEM radio to a double din. Look for a radio with a volume knob. I can tell you what I bought, but technology changes so quickly there must be something better out there. The only reason why one should get a DD for 2004 radio is so they can put a camera on for backing up. Have you decided what camera to get? Make sure it shine light during the night.
Most if not all DDins work with Bluetooth. Not sure why anyone in their right mind would want to play a DVD while driving. Most video stuff downloads, what is up with DVDs?
Smartphone connection to the the DD is limited. If you want to use WAZE/ google maps, I suggest put a smartphone mount on the dash or somewhere you can play with your smartphone while driving.
As technology changes on the smartphone, the software on the DD can not keep up. That could be the reason why the DD can not talk to your smartphone and work like a smartphone.
For under $400 expect Bluetooth, Pandora and get a camera that has lights for night time reverse driving.
I made a post somewhere about that. It seems to me they ALL ( manufactures of Double Din radios) have issues. Make and model can differ greatly so I will not say one is better than the other.


As for working with the steering buttons, I am not the expert. I never used the buttons. You will lose most of the button ability except for power and maybe volume. No mute.

Get a Volume knob. Believe it or not, some don't have them.

 

[Smccarty3]

Stick with name brand, Kenwood, Alpine, and so on. My last couple head units were pioneer and I'm not so sure the next one will be. The user interface just sucks compared to the competition. Simple things that should be able to be messed with going down the road, end up being reserved for when your parked so you can sift through the menus. The sound quality is fine with pioneer though. I find a wired connection to an iPhone seems to provide the best sound in my opinion. Bluetooth is convenient, but the compression of the music seems to degrade the sound.

 

[switch_vegas]

Don't go with a newer pioneer as there needs to be a double pulse ground for the eve player to show picture after start up(hence the wire being hooked to ebrake) on off and on again go with a kenwood and just ground that brake wire. New bezel, wiring harness, and antenna adapter are required for install. To keep swc (steering wheel control) Metra aswc-1 will do the trick it will only do volume up/down and skip track / change station no answer call and hang up if u need any info on wiring feel free to pm me did my 14cc and kept factory bu camera swc also kept the factory USB in the center console .. Not a hard install at all u can wire it all up outside the truck and just plug it all in once complete

 

[reeakes]

I have installed two Kenwood models in past years - both failed within a few months. Other than that I did not like the sound quality - too 'tinny". I have not had a Pioneer unit fail. The brake bypass adapter for Pioneer takes care of the "grounding' problem.

 

[BWV]

I have a JVC KW-AV60BT that I had in a sequoia for 7 years and just put it in my 12 Titan CC SV (had the non Rockford CD changer)
I'd recommend JVC or Kenwood..proof in the pudding.

I kept the steering wheel controls no problem with the PAC Audio SWC-RC steering wheel control adapter... got it on Amazon for 32 bucks...works well... ez to connect, ez to program, allows use of all the buttons (inc pick up and hang up)

I used a backup cam i got on amazon for 13 bucks 3 years ago...moved that over too...they still sell it... look for Zettaguard ZBC-100

Crutchfield has a bunch of current Kenwoods and JVCs for around 250.. they'll provide adapters and stuff if you buy there... I've had great luck with jvc/kenwood (same co...) (Curtchfield sells the PAC swi-rc too.. but get 60 for it.. same one...)

My JVC sounded ok with the stock speakers if i didn't turn it up real loud.. but they popped when loud, so i dropped in my JBL P662s (front so far)... made adapters for the front.. doing the back tomorrow... already did a sub and amp..
If i was buying new speakers.. id put 6x9s in the front .. larger cones, deeper bass, no foolin' with adapter.
In the rear.. you will need adapters.. like 9 bucks on amazon.. or free if you get the speakers from crutchfield
i left the dash speakers for now.. but am eyeing some tweeters for there...

 

[BWV]

Wanted to add... thats just "quick and dirty"'...easy and reasonably priced... with more time and money... the list would be different

 

[Pot Hole]

Hey guys, some great stuff on here. Even the little things like "get one with a volume knob" is what I am looking for. Haven't installed a car stereo in a vehicle since I was a teenager back in the 70's, so I am a bit apprehensive about today's new fangled technology. Fortunately, I've got a 20-year old son who is good with stuff like this, so I can grab him when I hit a stumbling block. To be sure, I appreciate all the comments and I will take everything that's been said under consideration.

 

[BWV]

Thats the beauty of the forums

I second the "knob" .. for sure.

If you need help with the PAC SWC adapter ... Id be happy to explain or try to help.. the instructions are good, but it does confuse a little til you dod it once.

 

[5.0Coyote]

I could see where some would like the knob, I like the no knob look and use the steering wheel controls for volume. It would be really nice if you didn't have to buy all of the extras. Xm, wheel controls, etc. the back of mine has more stuff going into than my home theatre system lol

 

[Pot Hole]

I could see where some would like the knob, I like the no knob look and use the steering wheel controls for volume. It would be really nice if you didn't have to buy all of the extras. Xm, wheel controls, etc. the back of mine has more stuff going into than my home theatre system lol

Being "old school", I like simplicity and functionality. Even with steering wheel volume controls, having a volume knob may not detract much from the look of the radio. I figure I will have quite the wiring harness coming out the back once I tear into the install. :serious:

 

[switch_vegas]

It's really not that bad the Metra harness for the head unit is pretty straight forward and you can tie the swc into that while you are out of the vehicle clean it all up then plug it right in and be done

Being "old school", I like simplicity and functionality. Even with steering wheel volume controls, having a volume knob may not detract much from the look of the radio. I figure I will have quite the wiring harness coming out the back once I tear into the install. :serious:

 

[Tritonus]

The volume knob on my Kenwood doesn't work like the volume knobs of yesteryear. It is digital. Sometimes when I dial it down, it doesn't work. And if you spin it real fast, it doesn't register every move. You have to do it in a control way slowly to dial the volume down. What do you expect for $225?

Volume knob is nice but sound quality is the biggest factor imo. Then again, if you are only spending $200.....

Your backup camera needs to be able to reverse image and waterproof. Either get really bright backup lights or have lights on the camera.

My fishing partner did not like the image on the screen during night time. Too bight. See if the unit can dim the image.

 

[Pot Hole]

Big question here, do I really want/need navigation in my new audio system? First let me clarify, I have a real nice Garmin nuvi that I use for most of my trips. Yes it is a bit cumbersome vs having my GPS in-dash, but it does a great job and I've been satisfied with it. Navigation is offered on many of the newer audio systems, but I worry about updating and having to pay for map updates (my Garmin has lifetime free software and map updates). Can someone convince me that I should consider an audio system with navigation or should I just look for audio and forgo the nav? What's folks thoughts on this?

 

[reeakes]

For Navigation stay with your Garmin or use your cell phone. nav in the audio unit is neat but unnecessary, added expense.

 

[Pot Hole]

For Navigation stay with your Garmin or use your cell phone. nav in the audio unit is neat but unnecessary, added expense.

Kinda what I was thinking.