Spyder Looking for a new deck... Maybe full screen, maybe not... Prefer no CD

[WalterEKurtz]

So I just got the Eclipse, and I need a new car stereo. There is already one installed, but the buttons are very worn and I just don't like the look of it.

So I wanted to get a new one.

1) Which do you have and how is it?

2) I have a convertible, so buying a touch screen may not be the best idea... Still, I'd like to know what is out there and what you recommend for one of them.

3) No CD player, but with Bluetooth and support for an Android phone. Also USB and a 3.5mm jack.

4) How hard is it to install yourself?

Thank you so much for your help. I really wanna get one before Christmas. (or is there a good time to buy decks?)

BTW right now I have stock speakers, but plan on upgrading once I get a deck.

 

[dewoof01]

Depending upon your stereo goals, really a deck is best to purchase after you know what you are doing as far as speakers/amps. Will you be running active or passive crossovers? Will you need timing alignment? How many amps will you be running? Also if you will be installing amps (which you always should to get a decent audio system) you will have to remove the deck to install the REM wire and RCA's, which isn't a real big job, but a little tougher in a 2g than alot of cars.

I usually trust Pioneer & Alpine decks. I have had several different brands over the years and I like these two the best personally.

Decks are not difficult to install. I will suggest when you connect the wiring harness' to at LEAST crimp and heatshrink all the connectors, or even better solder all your connections and heat shrink them. Its more time, but you don't have to worry about a loose connection again. DON"T just use electrical tape which alot of DIY'er do about 80% of the time it seems.

I usually shop online @ Onlinecarstereo.com - Wholesale Car Audio/Stereo Deals At Bargain Prices WoofersEtc.com - The Online Car Audio Superstore, the Largest Selection at the Lowest Prices! Car Audio Stereo - Car Subwoofers - Car Amplifiers and Speakers

 

[M4s73r]

I have the JVC KW-AV70BT in mine. I was also worried about glare from a big touch screen. but it has a motorized tilt face and you can swipe on the screen. I did add a anti glare screen protector to it and works flawlessly. bluetooth is lightning fast. connects to my 4s faster then i can back out of the garage. Dont know how video works. I dont watch tv in the car. And for me the best thing about it was the detachable face. Has front rear and sub outs on it. No remote. The audio tuning is the best ive ever had with internal crossovers. Got it at walmart of all places for 350 bucks.

 

[AK Maniak]

I had a Pioneer 5500 in my talon it was awesome. Had all the bells and whistles you'd expect from a relatively high end deck. Screen is nice and big as well as looking very sharp.
AVH-X5500BHS - <b>NEW!</b> - 2-DIN Multimedia DVD Receiver with 7" WVGA Touchscreen Display, MIXTRAX, Bluetooth®, HD Radio™ Tuner, SiriusXM Ready, and Advanced App Mode for iPhone® 4S and iPhone® 4 | Pioneer Electronics USA

 

[isantop]

You absolutely cannot beat a Pioneer AppRadio 2 for Android. It's a bit of an investment, but this head unit combined with the ARLiberator app in the Play Store allows you to literally use your phone through your dash. It's fantastic. No honky apps and limited compatibility.

Install is okay, but if you get a 2-DIN unit, you need to find the factory mounting brackets. I picked some up at my junkyard for less than $10. But they're essential for mounting it. Plus, it will be much harder to steal that way.

What Android phone do you have?

 

[Jesse2012]

Get a double din with a touch screen, it's so much cleaner looking. I have the Pioneer AVH-P2400BT, you can get it with bluetooth built in, I got the one with the cable. It's around $350

 

[WalterEKurtz]

You absolutely cannot beat a Pioneer AppRadio 2 for Android. It's a bit of an investment, but this head unit combined with the ARLiberator app in the Play Store allows you to literally use your phone through your dash. It's fantastic. No honky apps and limited compatibility.

Install is okay, but if you get a 2-DIN unit, you need to find the factory mounting brackets. I picked some up at my junkyard for less than $10. But they're essential for mounting it. Plus, it will be much harder to steal that way.

What Android phone do you have?

Hm, I thought the AppRadio 2 was only for iPhone! I have a Moto Photon 4G running 2.3.5

What about the first Appradio? That one is on sale for real cheap.

AppRadio 2 sells for about $350. Too much for right now, in time I'll probably invest in a better one.

I ordered Dual XML8150 for now. I really wanted bluetooth, and to be honest the look of it is just what I wanted. Easy to use, and the Send and End buttons are nice. I won't be upgrading my speakers for a little while now.

Does anyone have a link to install car stereos in the GS-T?

Thanks for any help!

 

[NinjaClyde]

I don't know how much money your looking into investing into a new radio, but i got one of those "cheap" radios off of ebay that has everything, from Gps, Rear view camera, and bluetooth that i can also play my music over so i don't even have to plug my phone into my car to do that. In terms of reliability i have only had it for a short time, and all i can say is it still works at -35 F

I bring that up because in my shopping for that i remember seeing some touch screen radios that come with a fake cover plate that makes it look like a standard old normal radio. Something like this Ouku Antitheft Security Face Plate for Double DIN 7" Screen Car DVD Player | eBay

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Just an idea, something that might help you feel a little better about leaving your car with a more expensive type of stereo in it.

 

[isantop]

Hm, I thought the AppRadio 2 was only for iPhone! I have a Moto Photon 4G running 2.3.5

What about the first Appradio? That one is on sale for real cheap.

AppRadio 2 sells for about $350. Too much for right now, in time I'll probably invest in a better one.

I ordered Dual XML8150 for now. I really wanted bluetooth, and to be honest the look of it is just what I wanted. Easy to use, and the Send and End buttons are nice. I won't be upgrading my speakers for a little while now.

Does anyone have a link to install car stereos in the GS-T?

Thanks for any help!

The original AppRadio is iPhone only. It's just the 2 that's compatibile with Android (Mine works with my Galaxy Nexus)

 

[dewoof01]

Don't know if this meets all your requirements but this is about the best deck there is on the market besides jumping into the several hundred plus dollar range.

Amazon.com: Pioneer DEH-80PRS Mobile CD Receiver with 3-Way Active Crossover Network, Auto EQ and Auto Time Alignment: Car Electronics

More of an audiophile deck but the one nice thing is it will automatically adjust the volume when a window is opened (or in your case the top goes down)

 

[gophishy10]

Since everyone is telling you what to buy, I'll tell you what not to buy. DO NOT BUY A BOSS HEAD UNIT!!! They are terrible! Spend the extra and buy a good name brand. I can't say that enough. I regret the $350 I spend on this POS.

 

[DEADKITTY]

I had a Kenwood DDX-719 in my 420a. Not bad to install fit great and worked well it has Bluetooth and works well with phones through Bluetooth I belive there is an app to connect your phone to this unit through maps. look it up its cool and not a bad price.