WYD? Fix OEM or Replace Stereo
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Senior User
Joined: Jan 2013
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From: Broken Arrow, OK = Tulsa
I don't see why it wouldn't hold up in your truck. The suspension systems are all the same, unless you don't run stock. Like my truck for instance, after market stiffer springs. Probably a much more harsher ride than yours. I have a buddy with an identical truck for his band equipment on the weekend and work in the week, and his ride is a lot smoother especially when it's loaded down. The only reason why it would short out is bad wiring.
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Senior User
Joined: Jan 2013
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From: Broken Arrow, OK = Tulsa
people tell me the Alpine INE-W927HD is better then the Kenwood Excelon DNN990HD. i was wondering what you all think. specially since i found out with your alls help a nav radio will work nicely in the truck with no worries.
New User
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 12
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From: Cape Coral, Florida
I've used Pioneer units in most all of my drivers for the last 25 years, and have had nothing but great service out of them... The only problem I had with one, was the unit in my Silverado dually I just traded off for my SD, which was the CD getting stuck inside (still played great.. just wouldn't eject).. but considering it happened after 10 YEARS of being in a 1-ton truck... I can let that slide.
My SD has the base AM/FM/CD in it, but I have a new Pioneer AVH-X3500BHS with backup camera ready to install in it (have to have DVD on the road for long tows to the races!). So when I do the install, I'll post it up with pics if that'll help you make a decision.
My SD has the base AM/FM/CD in it, but I have a new Pioneer AVH-X3500BHS with backup camera ready to install in it (have to have DVD on the road for long tows to the races!). So when I do the install, I'll post it up with pics if that'll help you make a decision.
Postmaster
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,202
Likes: 1
From: Illinois
Definitely get an aftermarket radio. You don't realize how bad the stock units sounds, until you've tried a good aftermarket one. Kenwood in general is very good, I've had 3 in my trucks.They use Garmin for their navigation. The more options on them, the more $$$ you pay. My last Kenwood had everything on it, bluetooth, dvd, usb, navigation, pandora, satellite, hd radio. I paid close to $1k for it though. Shop around for a good deal.
FTE Legend
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 31,930
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From: Ottawa, Ontario
As far as what features to look for, once you rip your music to MP3 and put it on a flash drive you will never bring a CD into the truck again.. it's just far too convenient to have your whole music library on a single storage device that you plug in once and forget about. If you spend any time in your truck and want to be able to take calls be sure to get a Bluetooth enabled head unit, and NAV is always nice to have but be prepared to spend quite a it more to get that feature.
Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 1,430
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From: Alabama
I guess I'm the odd ball. Over the years I've replaced several OEM units with alternatives. Each time I've been unhappy with all those tiny buttons.
Last Aug. I purchased an older F250 with an after market unit; to my untrained ears it sounded like crap. I rummaged around and found an old OEM AM/FM/Cassette that I pulled from an F150 that I purchased long ago (98). A direct fit - an improved sound - and much greater ergonomics!
I even found two briefcase type boxes of metal cassette tapes (from Bose). So far I've played 2 cassettes and am impressed with their quality, even after all these years of rest.
My suggestion, find a used OEM unit.
Last Aug. I purchased an older F250 with an after market unit; to my untrained ears it sounded like crap. I rummaged around and found an old OEM AM/FM/Cassette that I pulled from an F150 that I purchased long ago (98). A direct fit - an improved sound - and much greater ergonomics!
I even found two briefcase type boxes of metal cassette tapes (from Bose). So far I've played 2 cassettes and am impressed with their quality, even after all these years of rest.
My suggestion, find a used OEM unit.
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From: Broken Arrow, OK = Tulsa
i must admit i really like the Kenwood Excelon DNN990HD with the garmin nav. always have preferred garmin nav software. also have another idea for a stereo if u can call it a stereo. its called a carputer, and basically a computer in your dash. there is a cool program called centerfuse that makes it a super powerful nav radio. i'm pusting some videos of the software and curious of your alls opinion.
Moderator
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,813
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From: Billings, Montana
I myself also have always gone with Pioneer systems and haven't had any issues with any of them, the only reason I replace them is to keep up with technology, however Kenwood, and Alpine are built just a well. I also agree with everyone else as far as Jensen, they're junk. Which ever brand you go with unless you know what you're doing you'll want to have it professionally installed by one of your local car stereo dealers especially when you get into one of the navigation systems because they can be more complex. I install all of my own systems but I been doing it for years, when I get a new vehicle that's the first thing I do to it is take out the stock system and put in a Pioneer because of the improvement in sound. Here's a photo of the Pioneer navigation system I have in my truck.
Hotshot
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 15,014
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From: Semper Fi tell I die!
the one thing i noticed about my pioneers is the supertuner in the new ones doesnt tune in stations as good as the old ones, and the ones with oled displays burn out after years. i have one i payed 500$ for back in the day when it was top dog, now i cant use it because its oled display isnt visable, really ticks me off since i spent hundreds more on all the specific IPBUS assessories for it..
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Senior User
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From: Broken Arrow, OK = Tulsa
problem is i don't know any kenwood exelon installers in my area. clarion,alpine, pioneer are all easy to find. but like i said i love the garmin nav on kenwood, and i love the warm sound i got from all my old kenwood radios