Just got a crappy kenwood as I wanted to be able to stream music through Bluetooth. When I browsed current units, I'm amazed how all the classy looking stuff like the old Alpines, eclipses and pioneer dex-p1r have all been replaced by things that look like toys. Not only that but too many buttons! And tiny buttons at that. Combined with the stupid dash kit and sleeve keeping it buried a couple inches deep in the hole, it's quite aggravating.

I think I'm going to do one of two things, either fab up some dash kits that bring the radio out to the front where it should be, in case anyone else hates the other setups as much as I do, or make something around a larger phone or tablet to use as a head unit. I've done hundreds of them for people over the years and this one should be pretty easy to do

Thoughts?

 

I agree. I don't like the look of any aftermarket stereo's either. I opted to keep my head unit and add a GROM to it (fits in behind the head unit, invisible): gromaudio.com. It gives bluetooth, aux, usb, bluetooth hands free mic (addon), hd radio (addon). Maybe I'll upgrade the speakers/amp later

 

Yea, its hard to find a good looking stereo. Has been for the past few years. I'll be damned if some of them don't sound good, though.

 

Delphi makes a single din radio that looks oem:




http://www.bigrigworld.com/integrate...uner-2286.html

I like what Porsche is doing for it's vintage parts catalog:



It would be very cool if LR started making OEM parts for older vehicles again like Porsche & BMW are doing.

 

Is that a Nav screen? that is a wreck waiting to happen for me (squint).
I agree about the looks of current offerings. Funny I was just looking on Crutchfield to see what Alpine had that would fit.
I like the idea of Bluetooth streaming a lot.
Question, I thought the HK was the only one with two speakers in the front door and the tweeter in the A pillar? I have the three speakers but the one door one does not say Harmon Kardon on it.

 

yes, it is a map. i believe the audible instructions are better than the screen but it is a nice feature to retrofit either way.



jensen makes another oem style option:



Jensen Heavy Duty - Shop Premium Audio & Video Electronics For Commercial Use

 

I was just all excited for that Delphi unit. Instantly thought of how long it was going to take me to swap....until I saw the price...400 bucks??!? Never. You can buy head units w way more features for half that. Looks be damned

 

the lowest i have seen the becker unit advertised (new) is $290. i have never seen a used one for sale.

 

How close can you match the green color on the Kenwood?

 

If the grom lets you call, play music, and do voice navigation through the phone, why would you consider an aftermarket head unit?