MAG00

I have a 2013 JKU Sport with the connectivity package and sat radio and I am researching into installing a new head unit. Here is some basic information:

• Budget of about $300 to $500 for unit
• Want it to easily control iphone and ipod connection
• Would like functions to be easy to operate (i.e. volume, switch between applications, switching between radio,/SAT/I-pod or i-phone, etc.)
• Capable of functioning with steering wheel connections (both radio and phone)
• Eventually want to install new speakers and maybe a small sub below the passenger seat, but may have to hold off on this part of the audio upgrades until I can gather more funds. Will just replacing the head unit and keeping the stock speakers for now be a problem?
• Capability to add a rear camera
• Doesn't necessarily have to be DVD capable
• Doesn't have to have built in GPS capabilities

Please be specific in regards to make/model so I can look them up. I appreciate any input and recommendations.

Mattk11

Try the Pioneer line of in-dash DVD players. X3500bhs - x8500bhs. Has all that you are asking for plus Siri voice command. I have the 8500 because it had a removable face and six 4v outputs.

BTW, I had the same set-up you did. I sold my Uconnect module for $125 and my 130 for $75. Also sold my Alpine amp and speakers for $100 and my sub enclosure for $200. I was able to reuse the factory Sirius antenna and the cable plugged into the back of my Pioneer. I didn't lose any functionality at all, in fact it's a 1000 times better.

MAG00

Here are three units that I a=have been recommended:

Pioneer AVH-X3500BHS DVD receiver at Crutchfield.com

(Crutchfield advisors recommended this unit)

JVC KW-AV61 DVD receiver at Crutchfield.com

Kenwood DDX470 DVD receiver at Crutchfield.com

Any others? Thoughts on these? Thanks.

Mattk11

Most people (other than JVC owners) consider the JVC is a step down in quality from the Pioneer and Kenwood. Alpine should also have something similar and would be on the same level.

Dahmer

Check on amazon and sonicelectronix they usually have the best prices. Crutchfield is usually a bit higher. I usually save 10% by shopping around for the best deal. Between the 3 company's someone is usually having a sale.

Dahmer

I forgot to say I prefer the Kenwood ddx470 which is $299 on sonic and $277 on amazon.

Mattk11

In this price range I would agree mostly because it has 4v RCA outputs. Better for when you add amps. The Pioneer in this price range only has 2v.

bombout800

I hope you don't feel as if I always try and one up you Matt but the points you bring up make me wanna discuss my opinions! Lol.

I have a jvc avx 802 I think was the model and it had 4v. My touch screen went out one day so I sent it back for repairs. I had a friend that let me borrow a pioneer d2 which was a higher end unit but it only had 2v preouts. The sound was noticeably worse with the d2. The high end seemed more tingy and bright but I lost the full sound I had before. My sub was not near as loud and full. It sounded like I went from a high quality amp to something that was cheap. A lot of it in in the eq. I had a 7 band on the jvc and the pioneer had a 3 band. When you adjusted the low frequency it would alter the other frequencies for whatever reason.

I will never go with a head unit with less than 4v. The quality of sound is so much greater with a 4v head unit. Also, from experience my vote would be spend a little more money and get the pioneer. Unless your just a huge kenwood fan. The pioneers user face is so smooth and easy. The look is awesome and I had not one problem with mine..

98Vobra

I have the Jvc Kwav70bt it's great. Detachable face and great sound. Not real$$$$

Mattk11

I don't see it as an argument at all, you just confirmed what I said. I'd take 4v outputs over 2 any day. That is because I have always run amps. All HUs are underpowered. Period.

There are two brands I wouldn't buy. JVC and Sony. I just think the entry level Pioneers, Alpines and Kenwoods are a step above. Then again, I've never actually owned an entry level HU, so you should probably disqualify my opinion.