[SETexasTitan]

Ok guys..im going to let you all make suggestions and rec.

Im wanting to upgrade my audio. This is what im wanting:


A headunit that is dvd.cd. and ipod compatible. Not the flip out kind but an in dash screen type. Would prefer fully touch screen with some hard keys. Nav is an option but not really a big deal. Doesn't need to be top of the line just something that is easy.fun.and looks great. Will primarily be using it for my ipod.as well as the radio and passenger viewing of dvds.

I mostly listen to rap..southern rap. And alot of rock! Dvds will usually be live music style.

Also wanting to upgrade door speakers.add an amp and a small sub. Audio doesn't have to be top of the line either. Just wanting a good dependable system that does what I expect and sounds good in the process.

Would definitely like y'alls input.recommendations.experiences.pictures....anything! I basically want you all to build this.
BTW-not trying to remortgage my house or anything on this. :bangit:

 

[Bhudda454]

Kenwood excelon 5 series for headunit, always add nav later

Hit up tech12volts for a smokin deal on doors and sub solution. I got compents front, coax rear, and amp from him. I also use one of his amps for bass, but got my subs and enclosure off an old member.

If you change HU, you have to change speakers. Might as well add amp then too if able. I use the CDT for these with their amp.

 

[SETexasTitan]

Are you referring to the DDX896? Or a different model..any suggestions on brand for the other components?

 

[bhamby3]

If you change HU, you have to change speakers...

Why is that?

 

[Bhudda454]

Well if you want to buy a New one the DNX6960 would be the cheaper alternative of the three they have. You can always add the GPS module later. and you will. LOL

I already had the wiring kit, amp wiring kit, and speaker wire so I didn't have to buy that. You will need a Scosche NN03 Nissan Wiring adapter to put your new HU in the truck and not cut factory harnes. You will need about 200ft of good quality speaker wire. You will need (2) Stereo RCA cables and depending on subwoofer amp input (1) sub RCA cable.

At the time tech12volts was workign with CDT on a special "trade in your factory speakers" deal. I got both the front 6.5" compenent set and rear 6.5" coax speaker sets for cheap. Like $250 I think. I also picked up a CDT amp pushing like 100W x 4 RMS to push them for $200 +/-.. I already had my subs, enclosure and sub amp.

To tell you the truth, figure out what your budget is. If you are at or about $1500 for a total deal tech12 should be able to get you all your supplies. He will also make sure all things are MATCHING input/output so it sounds nice and clean and not like a 40w sparkomatic system like I had in high school.

 

[Bhudda454]

Why is that?

Our factory radios are a 2ohm system. To my knowledge All aftermaket units are 4ohm. You will turn it up bout halfway and stereo will shut down and go into protection. This will only happen so many times before you fry the output amp inside the radio.

I am sure there are electric engineer types who can explain it better. I am not however one of them. LOL...

 

[carshius]

My system is similiar to what you seem to be looking for. I have a Pioneer AVHp4200-DVD, it a 6" ( I think) touch screen with lots of great features: plays DVD's, has ipod controls, can be upgraded to Navigation, had an SD card slot for music and pictures..... I have it running the factory Rockford amp system, less the factory sub. It is connected by using the Pioneer speaker outputs going to the OEM amps. I know I'm going to have coments said about this, but the reason I did that was because I was getting noise when I used the amp outputs from the Pioneer HU, I don't have full dynamic range (the ability to turn the HU all the way up, the volume climbs more rapidly than what is normal, I can only turn the volume up about half way and the oem amps max out), but it still sounds great. The rockford system sounds ok to start with. If you don't have the rockford system things may be different for you. I also bought a wedge shaped ported truck box for a 12" sub, put a deep metal grill on it and put it face down under my driver side back seat. It sounds awesome with the 200 watts RMS amp that I have mounted under the driver seat where the factory rockford 8" sub used to be. eventually I will be installing some aftermarket components in the doors, I already have a nice set waiting to be installed, but I have to modify the ounting of the HU because the dash support bar is in the way of the RCA outputs for the front speakers. I've been driving the factory amps using the speaker outputs for about 6 months now and have no problems and only complain slightly about not being able to use the full range of the Volume control. One other thing I really like about my HU is that you can change the color scheme of the buttons and display and the orange that they use really matches well with the OEM colors. I get lots of comments about how nice the oem radio is...then I point out that it is a Pioneer!

 

[9balllrook]

If you go Kenwood, do the DNX-9960 (new model just came out 9980), and you won't have to add anything!!

 

[COTitanNo2]

I just picked up a new Pioneer avh-p4300dvd. After much research, it seemed to be the best bang for the buck. Alpine has some good HU's too. I am also adding blue tooth and RF speakers all the way around and a rear view camera. Nav will be added later. Everything including some install stuff like the SW control box for less than $900 from sonicelectronix.com. I already have a small amp and woofer (200 w) that I will keep in the truck. I know there is a guy that sells Memphis Audio stuff on this forum. You can't go wrong with that either. I have had a few Kenwood HU's and I am not a fan. They sound good, but the interface kinda sucks IMHO, and the ipod interface stinks. Of course things change, they may be better now. No matter what you do, replace the speakers as others have said. You will need 4 or 8 ohm speakers. I am planning my install this weekend, can't wait!!

 

[bigwillokc]

I got the DNX-6960 and it has built in nav, bluetooth and ipod functions you don't have to add...

 

[bigwillokc]

i was looking at the crutchfield site and the new dnx-6980 is coming but crutchfield says it doesn't fit but the dnx-6960 does so i'm scared to buy the new model....

 

[GregK]

I just finished installing a Pioneer AVH-P4200DVD with AVIC-U220 Nav add on and PAC steering wheel control interface about 45 minutes ago. It's connected to the factory speakers for now and it sounds great. You don't need a dash kit but there is a small gap at the top of the radio that wouldn't be there if you used the dash kit. It isn't that bad though so I'm going to live with it.

 

[COTitanNo2]

Just finished installing my Pioneer AVH 4300DVD and RF speakers. Well almost finished. A few loose ends and the camera install tomorrow. What a job this turned out to be. So far, it's worth it though. This is the nicest setup I have ever had.

 

[SETexasTitan]

CO could you post some pics of the 4300? never really seen one on a titan and im kind of stuck between thee pioneer 4300 and the excelon series!

 

[COTitanNo2]

Here are some pictures of the finished product. A couple of suggestions if you go with this one. It barely fits, so re-route your harness below the metal bar behind the dash and get a 90 deg adapter for each RCA plug you are going to use. I used three, one for the camera and two for the sub amp.

 

[COTitanNo2]

One more tip. Now that I have installed and used both the PAC Audio and the Axxess, I highly recommend the Axxess. It was cheaper and easier to install and program. It's also much faster, though that might be because of the HU itself and not the SW interface.

 

[20TITAN04]

Here are some pictures of the finished product. A couple of suggestions if you go with this one. It barely fits, so re-route your harness below the metal bar behind the dash and get a 90 deg adapter for each RCA plug you are going to use. I used three, one for the camera and two for the sub amp.

View attachment 117969

View attachment 117967

View attachment 117968

Just a little tip...
A lot of guys (including myself ) used washers or spacers behind the mounting bracket of the HU to push it out,and make it sit flush with the dash trim.
Gives it a more factory look IMO.

 

[COTitanNo2]

Just a little tip...
A lot of guys (including myself ) used washers or spacers behind the mounting bracket of the HU to push it out,and make it sit flush with the dash trim.
Gives it a more factory look IMO.

Thanks for the tip and I agree that would look way better. I was considering that, but the install kit I used pushed against the bezel and bowed it out. Did you use the XE piece or an install kit?

 

[GregK]

One more tip. Now that I have installed and used both the PAC Audio and the Axxess, I highly recommend the Axxess. It was cheaper and easier to install and program. It's also much faster, though that might be because of the HU itself and not the SW interface.

I just put the PAC piece in mine with a Pioneer head unit and was a breeze, no delays either.

 

[SETexasTitan]

That 4300 looks really nice. I definitely agree about putting the washers behind to make it sit flush. But its still a really nice set-up!

You guys have any suggestions on an amp and sub?

Not looking for anything to rattle the doors off...