Replacing radio

[NerfYou]

I've finally had it with the factory head unit refusing to randomly read CDs I've made and I'm looking into replacing the receiver in my 07 Yaris and just using USB memory sticks for music. Other than looking at stats, I really don't know much about them. I've been looking on this Alpine unit on Crutchfield and think it would do OK for me. I can't imagine it being worse than a factory radio, and it looks to be a decent unit with decent reviews. Basically I'm just asking if this is a good option or not. Any input would be appreciated.

If it matters this is what my Yaris looks like.

[UberSilver]

I put a pioneer DEH-X5500HD in my Yaris @ a cost of $110. It sounds great, has USB, buttons for radio presets, HD radio and built in basic digital crossover.

I use a 500 gb HD full of WAV files, but it does have Ipod control built in.


http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_...FcN_QgodYncATQ

[Astroman]

Found the same unit with free shipping for $20 less from amazon.

http://www.amazon.com/Alpine-Cde-134...pine+CDE-134HD

It looks like a good unit. I got a $159 pioneer that was a holiday pack (with speakers) on clearance for $80. All I needed was the ability to play all types of CDs, USB port, and bluetooth. This fit the bill, and the budget as my OEM unit did the same thing and got REAL finicky about playing CDs, and the AUX port crapped out, and our radio stations suck ass.

[nookandcrannycar]

Originally Posted by Astroman

Found the same unit with free shipping for $20 less from amazon.

http://www.amazon.com/Alpine-Cde-134...pine+CDE-134HD

It looks like a good unit. I got a $159 pioneer that was a holiday pack (with speakers) on clearance for $80. All I needed was the ability to play all types of CDs, USB port, and bluetooth. This fit the bill, and the budget as my OEM unit did the same thing and got REAL finicky about playing CDs, and the AUX port crapped out, and our radio stations suck ass.

And with Best Buy now matching the price of any of 19 (?) companies (with Amazon being one of them) one would be able to get the deck immediately (if Best Buy carries it and has it in stock). Is ' applying sales tax or not to the order' still a state by state issue re Amazon ?

[Astroman]

It is with amazon, if the seller does business/has a location in your state. I order a lot of stuff for my computer biz and for personal use from amazon. The deck I found is from a independent seller, so if you and the seller are not from the same state, there would be no sales tax.

Amazon is based out of my home state, so I get dinged with sales tax for everything I get from amazon. Which reminds me, I need to get my reseller certificate so they'll stop (for business purchases for resale.)

Great idea with best buy!

[nookandcrannycar]

Originally Posted by Astroman

It is with amazon, if the seller does business/has a location in your state. I order a lot of stuff for my computer biz and for personal use from amazon. The deck I found is from a independent seller, so if you and the seller are not from the same state, there would be no sales tax.

Amazon is based out of my home state, so I get dinged with sales tax for everything I get from amazon. Which reminds me, I need to get my reseller certificate so they'll stop (for business purchases for resale.)

Great idea with best buy!

Thanks. And thanks for clarifying re Amazon. I know there was a bit of a brouhaha about it here, and (IIRC) because Amazon has warehouse, distrubution center, etc. presence in Texas, we have to pay sales tax. I haven't tested this yet (haven't ordered anything from Amazon in the interim). Fry's started matching internet prices way before Best Buy did, but of course Fry's has far, far fewer physical locations than Best Buy does. IIRC, Fry's started their Internet price matching (signs on the side of the stores with the highest visibility) soon after the Amazon/Texas Sales Tax brouhaha.

[NerfYou]

Astroman: The main reason I was going to go through Crutchfield is for the mounting hardware /adapters they give you. Is there a cheaper way to get that than through Crutchfield?

[UberSilver]

Originally Posted by NerfYou

Astroman: The main reason I was going to go through Crutchfield is for the mounting hardware /adapters they give you. Is there a cheaper way to get that than through Crutchfield?

The mounting kits run about $10 off amazon. Just so you know, the Pioneer is a better HU for less money.

The last Alpine I had that sounded half decent was about 10 years ago.

Alpine = hammered Sh*t.

They do look better(pretty much always have), but SQ is only in there flagship models.

[nookandcrannycar]

Originally Posted by UberSilver

I use a 500 gb HD full of WAV files

Do you think a 2 TB HD full of WAV files would also work?

[Ryze268]

2 TB might be a bit to much for it to read

[UberSilver]

Originally Posted by nookandcrannycar

Do you think a 2 TB HD full of WAV files would also work?

I read somewhere that 500 was the limit, but that was for my PRS99 and 80.

This unit is a few of years newer, so it may accept 2tb. If it will read 2tb, it maybe very slow to get started.

I keep looking for a 256gb SSD for under $100. but they seem to be holding around $140. forever!

[nookandcrannycar]

Originally Posted by Ryze268

2 TB might be a bit to much for it to read

Thhanks.

[nookandcrannycar]

Originally Posted by UberSilver

I read somewhere that 500 was the limit, but that was for my PRS99 and 80.

This unit is a few of years newer, so it may accept 2tb. If it will read 2tb, it maybe very slow to get started.

I keep looking for a 256gb SSD for under $100. but they seem to be holding around $140. forever!

Thank you.

[2005vitzRS]

Just bought myself a Pioneer MVH-355BT from JB HIFI here in New Zealand:

Its pretty similar to your DEH-X5500HD. But its on the lower end.



Installing it over the weekend. Can't wait to try out the bluetooth streaming.

[UberSilver]

Make sure you get your power(amplified)antenna hooked up. You can use the amp turn-on lead from the radio, to the power ant in the Yaris. And it does not hurt to run a power lead(yellow wire) in from the battery.

Originally Posted by 2005vitzRS

Just bought myself a Pioneer MVH-355BT from JB HIFI here in New Zealand:

Its pretty similar to your DEH-X5500HD. But its on the lower end.



Installing it over the weekend. Can't wait to try out the bluetooth streaming.

[2005vitzRS]

Originally Posted by UberSilver

Make sure you get your power(amplified)antenna hooked up. You can use the amp turn-on lead from the radio, to the power ant in the Yaris. And it does not hurt to run a power lead(yellow wire) in from the battery.

Thanks for the tip.

How do I know if I have a powered(amplified) antenna?

I have a 2005 Vitz RS. Its an import from Japan into New Zealand. Here is what the antenna looks like:



I had a look at this thread. My antenna plug is exactly the same as the one in this picture.



I bought a Toyota to ISO and an ISO to Pioneer wiring harness, plugged it all in, along with the antenna and the microphone.



It all worked.

I will test the FM reception on Monday when I am doing a trip and will see how well it works.

WOuld the harness have taken care of the antenna power?

Originally Posted by UberSilver

I use a 500 gb HD full of WAV files, but it does have Ipod control built in.

Is there a noticeable difference between playing wav files and mp3's (All my mp3's are encoded at 320kbps)

[2005vitzRS]

FM reception OK. Probably could be better.

Now I'm just left wondering if my antenna amplifier is powered or not.

The 2005 Vitz RS has a very short antenna. I'm wondering if I should try replacing it with a 16". There are a few I have seen on ebay that may work. I don't really care if it does not look as good. Just want good FM reception.

Screw Type 16" Fuba Style MAST / WHIP Car Roof Antenna Aerial For Toyota

[CTScott]

Originally Posted by 2005vitzRS

Thanks for the tip.

How do I know if I have a powered(amplified) antenna?

I have a 2005 Vitz RS. Its an import from Japan into New Zealand. Here is what the antenna looks like:



I had a look at this thread. My antenna plug is exactly the same as the one in this picture.



I bought a Toyota to ISO and an ISO to Pioneer wiring harness, plugged it all in, along with the antenna and the microphone.



It all worked.

I will test the FM reception on Monday when I am doing a trip and will see how well it works.

WOuld the harness have taken care of the antenna power?



Is there a noticeable difference between playing wav files and mp3's (All my mp3's are encoded at 320kbps)

The Vitz has an amplified antenna, as the Yaris does. The amplifier is part of the base of the antenna. The black wire on the blue connector outputs 12V to the amplifier. On aftermarket radios you can use the power antenna output to feed it.