Recommend a double din radio & speakers??

[Cowboy Ranger]

Im not looking for anything more than a modern stereo equipment and backup camera upgrade for my 01’ regular cab. I understand there will be some hacking required to get a double din to fit. Can someone recommend brand / model # to get me headed in the best direction?

 

[gaz]

Cowboy,

For a head unit, you can't go wrong with Alpine but Kenwood has always held up well too.

If your not set on a full time screen, consider a pop out screen unit. I am not up on the current model numbers but neither of those companies have failed on me yet.

If you really want it to last, don't use the amplifier built in the head unit; use a separate amp for sound.

 

[fastpakr]

I can understand (and encourage) using a separate amplifier for improved sound quality... But using 'if you really want it to last' as justification is ever so slightly ridiculous.

 

[rubydist]

I am looking for the same thing at the moment.

The pop out screens don't work on the Ranger because they interfere with the center air ducts, so I would rule those out.

I am looking for wireless Android Auto and SiriusXM, the best seems to be Kenwood but the prices have gone up and the inventory is very limited. Apparently the computer chip issue is affecting aftermarket stereos as well as new vehicles.

 

[MaicoDoug]

"ever so slightly ridiculous",

Not really. the internal heat especially in the desert & down south makes a big difference where everything has a much shorter life considering the heat given off by internal amplification. For the price of the hookup line in cables & a cheap mid / hi amp ($40-$60). It's the bass that really makes the heat & distortion. A 4 channel amp is a good selection in a small cab. They make them (or used to) for bi-amping. - Doug

 

[fastpakr]

External amps present at least as many issues with overheating as internal ones.

 

[MaicoDoug]

Yes but head units are more expensive than amps. And often more difficult to R&R. I normally have passive non amplified heads because it's just not worth it to have the power up front when you can put your $$ in a separate components. I have preformed mil-spec 883 A through D (environmental testing) which included thermal life time tests for a living since 1977. The low dropout (LDMOS) Cclass D devices do not make much heat, however the manufactures have learned that the heat management is not as important as it used to be, making the newer technology just as prone to heat failure as it has always been. So fastpakr you are correct regarding thermal management is always an issue I say put spread your $$ across the system. It will sound better & the head unit will thank you. - Doug

 

[rubydist]

My issue with Doug's point of view is that in my experience the separate power amps do not have very good reliability compared to the head unit amps, so I prefer to use the head unit amps when possible.

 

[mikkelstuff]

Talk to the support folk at crutchfield.com. I put a JVC in my '02 Ranger and love it.

 

[Cowboy Ranger]

Ended up going with a Sony XAV-AX5500 and four Kicker 46CSC684. Stereo is awesome, but honestly I could've done without the speakers - not much of a difference from OEM. I'm happy with it all though and Crutchfield is awesome.

 

[fastpakr]

I finally ordered a single DIN to put in my '99 temporarily since the selection is so terrible right now. Maybe next year I'll dump it for something better. Really wanted a double DIN with camera support and wireless Android Auto.

 

[Cowboy Ranger]

I finally ordered a single DIN to put in my '99 temporarily since the selection is so terrible right now. Maybe next year I'll dump it for something better. Really wanted a double DIN with camera support and wireless Android Auto.

I didn't realize at the time I ordered that stuff was getting hard to get. I did the rear camera and even though it's a regular cab, it's still darn handy to have.

 

[Dirtman]

Ended up going with a Sony XAV-AX5500 and four Kicker 46CSC684. Stereo is awesome, but honestly I could've done without the speakers - not much of a difference from OEM. I'm happy with it all though and Crutchfield is awesome.
View attachment 62977

Looks nice but is it clam chowdah proof?