The 6 disc CD player/stereo in our 2004 Eddie Bauer Expedition has broken. The CD player keeps giving errors and want play a CD.

I want to install an aftermarket radio and haven't been in that scene in many a year. What brands are worthing having these days? What brands have you guys used that you liked? What fits well? I plan to purchase a double DIN size.

How well do the steering wheel controls work with an aftermarket radio?

I guess no one makes a 6 disc change like I have from Ford.

 

check out Crutchfields they have a good selection & knowlegable staff if you dont get all your answers here.Im looking at pioneer brand,Im sure Sony etc. has some great units.

 

Hi, what kind of features do you want? Bluetooth? 9 band eq? do you want to be able to do anything out of the norm or just play music? I know that you used to be able to buy an aftermarket 6 disc but I think they are pretty well extict these days due to usb inputs making cds obsolete. I loved my pioneer double din in my jetta. just put an alpine single din in my truck today that is awesome. id be happy to help you find something though...

 

I've always owned Pioneer's, never had any problems with them.

 

I want a CD player that will accept an input from my ipod, integrate with the steering controls and provide for hands free phone calling. My Expedition has the 4 speaker with the powered sub setup so I need to be able to connect with it as well. That's all I'm looking for.

 

After talking with Crutchfield I think I'm going with this Kenwood model: http://www.crutchfield.com/p_113DPX500B/Kenwood-DPX500BT.html?tp=5684

It has everything I want and looks more like a factory unit than most. I also considered this Alpine http://www.crutchfield.com/p_500W235BT/Alpine-CDE-W235BT.html?tp=5684

I like the display better on the Kenwood.

Crutchfield supplies all the adapters I need for my existing speaker system.

I will purchase a seperate adapter for the steering wheel controls.
http://www.crutchfield.com/p_794ADSMSW/iDatalink-Maestro-ADS-MSW.html?tp=3405
This adapter allows the user to custom tailor the buttons using a PC to program the controller.

 

I would say the kenwood is the better option as it has 2.5v preouts instead of 2. not much of a difference though. steering wheel controls aren't hard to install just make sure you actually read the directions because all the wires wont be used. they are picky with the sequence of buttons too. overall easy install should take less than an hour

 

Thanks for the input.