OK, for all you audio-videophiles out there ...

It's time to turn some attention to my interior, the sound system in particular. I'd like to replace the stock system with something that better suits my needs, and a search didn't turn up what I'm looking for. It may not even exist.

First, I'm NOT looking to blow out windows. Hey, I'm old, OK? Consequently, I don't need mind-blowing woofers and huge amps. That said, here is what I'm looking for. Any suggestions would be welcome ...

1) Good clean AM/FM/CD

2) Video screen with DVD capability

3) Integrated GPS

Is there such a thing, and will it fit in the 4Runner ('99) dash? I almost bought an '03 because of the GPS feature, but figured that, if the factory has it available, there MUST be other, better systems out there for aftermarket installation.

Thanks for any ideas you can offer.

 

checkout www.crutchfield.com to get started and get ideas i guess. theyre a bit pricey, but give you the range of products -- dont think they have gps stuff though, not sure.

ill be checking this topic myself -- sounds like you and i have similar sound system goals.

 

I have never been a fan of components with multiple features such as cd, dvd screen, gps,coffee maker/can opener. I think you get alot better quality out of specific components. Plus. If you ever have a problem with one component. You replace it or get it fixed. It doesnt impact your other components. IE...Your gps stops funtioning. If you have an all in one unit your out a cd player, a dvd, and the gps. I dont even know if they make such a thing . But a coffee maker/can opener/cd player is an excellent idea.

 

Pretty sure Alpine makes a head unit that does all this.

I believe the GPS portion is a seperate box though the way satellite radios are with head units, and then the head unit just controls it.

Bill

 

Point well made. I have a fancy-schmancy TV/DVD/VCR that I bought to save space and hassle for my shop. I've watched TV, played tapes -- never had an opportunity to use the DVD player until recently. It didn't work. Too late to return it, warranty expired.

It just seems that, with the advent and proliferation of small screens and DVD units for cars, there ought to be one with a built-in GPS mapping system, or at least a way to add one, right?

 

There isnt really an "All-in-one" unit. All of the highend stuff have several components that you hide elsewhere in your vehicle like an amp. I had the pioneer tv/dvd/navigation. The Navigation was actually built to fit in your dash. So assuming you have a double din dash, you put your screen in one din and your navigation in the other. I put TV reciever and Audio Reciever under my back seat. I didnt put the Nav system in the dash though since I put an EQ in there first.

Here is what I had:
http://www.poboytech.net/4Runner/Int..._mod_intro.htm

I MISS IT SOOOOO MUCH. The DVD navigation was sooo nice. Now I drive around aimlessly looking for gas and restaurants. And driving to Chicago and Detroit on a regular basis has never been more painful since I sold my 4Runner. DVDs make the trips go by sooo much faster.

 

im actually selling a pioneer avh-p 6500 dvd. i have one in my runner and bought a 2nd one to go into my acura, but looks like im gonna sell the acura. im asking $1200, it has what your looking for dvd/cd/ 6.5" fold out screen. its brand new in the box, but if you want navigation there is an add on unit that you have to purchase, which is simlar to most aftermarket brands alpine, kenwood, clarion. the navigation unit has to be bought seperately. lemme know if you're interested before i put it up on ebay. heres some details on the unit. i can take some pics of the unit in my 4runner, so you can have a good idea of what it would look like in your dash.

http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/pn...etailComponent

 

Just an FYI on your price. That unit can be found for under $1000. The 7inch screen (p7500) is going for right around $1200 though. Both are awesome units never the less. I had a 6.5 and a 7 incher...you only appreciate a 7incher if you had a 6.5 first...so there isnt really a need for a 7 (make sense?). I would have been happy with another 6.5, but went for the 7 just because...

 

Hijack on-

Any of you two fools coming out with us on the 17th?

- Hijack off

 

I thought Fujitsu was making an all in one double DIN unit. It looked really factory. If I could only find a pic...

 

Kenwood makes an all in one unit which is a DVD/CD/AM/FM/MP3 player which will control a navigation unit as well as a Sirius satellite tuner. The plus side is it's all inclusive one brand and it's touch screen on top of everything.

 

Clarion also has a one din system, which you can connect to a LCD and have a complete pda/dvd/navigation/fm/radio/cd changer solution. It responds to voice commands and runs WinCE.

I love mine. www.clarion.com for details on the Joyride. It is like 4 components to hide around under the seats and in the dash though....

 

There are plenty of really good mobile video navagation companies out there. Alpine, Kenwood, Eclipse, etc...To the best of my knowledge the newest Kenwood unit has the most mapped miles available. I've used the first two mentioned and I currently have the newest Kenwood unit. Kenwood is making a new indash AM/FM/CD/DVD unit that still isn't out yet at least in my area that replaces there KVT-911DV the new unit is a 915 and has a bunch of new options that would be worth the short wait (hopefully, it was supposed to out in Oct. '03).