Stereo for my truck

[heymrdj]

It started as a need to get a GPS unit in my truck for cruising. But a good unit was going to cost me 400$. So since I need a new headunit anyways that can play MP3, why not get a GPS unit.

I drive a 2004 Expedition Eddie Bauer with the Audiophile soundsystem.

I'm looking for a unit with:

GPS unit with built in memory so that it can retain maps without me having to pop DVD's
If the GPS needs software, it needs to be Vista compatible.

RCA AUX input (just one at least)

Good voltage on the preouts for the amps.

6'+ screen

Touchscreen sounds like it'd be nice but not a requirement

Ability to be connected to an overhead DVD player/monitor at a later time

Able to connect to an adapter that will allow me to use my steering wheel mounted controls (volume and stuff).

That's all i can think of for now. I'm new to this and not quite sure what i'd be getting into trying to go this route.

 

[alkemyst]

budget?

 

[heymrdj]

I'm shooting for 1 grand or less installed. But i may have too foot more. Me and my bro may end up splitting the cost, or him paying just 1/4th of it or somethig since this is more for me than for him.

Just throw out there what works. I'm willing to sit on it and save up to pay for something good. I only get to go around once right .

Also, would it be good to have an external gps antenna mounted on the truck? If so how much does that cost to have done?

 

[thecoolnessrune]

Bro is at work, but I can answer questions on his behalf, though judging on his time of posting I'd say its a slow day at work

 

[heymrdj]

Originally posted by: thecoolnessrune
Bro is at work, but I can answer questions on his behalf, though judging on his time of posting I'd say its a slow day at work

Just me and Lane bro. I got two computers (refurbs needing resetup) and lane is working on the SLI demo/Phenom9950 computer setup for the xmas show.

 

[alfa147x]

lol

phone call or AT?

Walk into Circuit City and ask them those question then come home buy parts from internet then have them install it
I have never done it but it sounds like a good idea, IMO

 

[thecoolnessrune]

We've been to both those places before (Circuit City, Best Buy). They didn't have a farking clue. ("Heeey Man... you can run a subwoofer off the speaker terminals in your headunit ones man.. Those aftermarket head units are like... really powerful dude")

Ummm yeah.. whatever "dude."

Anyways, we used to go to a place called Precision Audio back down where we lived but they are quite a ways off and have a history of some *really* bad installation jobs.

 

[alkemyst]

The circuit city and best buy car audio/security dudes are usually trained. Were you talking to a dude in the PC section or games?

The benefit is many of these places do the install for free...the gps may be a bit extra, but you can also usually negotiate then.

 

[thecoolnessrune]

Originally posted by: alkemyst
The circuit city and best buy car audio/security dudes are usually trained. Were you talking to a dude in the PC section or games?

The benefit is many of these places do the install for free...the gps may be a bit extra, but you can also usually negotiate then.

I was talking to the dude who was pushing pitches for Pioneer speaker (but he worked for BestBuy) at the time I figure yeah.. he was "trained"

 

[EightySix Four]

Is there a Car Toys anywhere near? I worked in one and we tended to be able to hand out some good deals. The Kenwood DNX7100 (whatever model they are at now) was our hottest seller and my personal favorite.

 

[heymrdj]

I've been seeing that the DX7100 seems to be highly recommended, i'm shopping for them now.

 

[alkemyst]

Seeing that you are sharing this truck with your brother...I can't help but think it would make more sense to save for separate trucks rather than jointly throw money into one.

 

[heymrdj]

Originally posted by: alkemyst
Seeing that you are sharing this truck with your brother...I can't help but think it would make more sense to save for separate trucks rather than jointly throw money into one.

My brother will be getting his own car soon enough at his choosing and I'll pay him the rest of the depreciated value he put into this truck. This truck I get to keep, it's my baby .

 

[EightySix Four]

Originally posted by: heymrdj
I've been seeing that the DX7100 seems to be highly recommended, i'm shopping for them now.

I wouldn't buy anything else personally 7100/7120

 

[thecoolnessrune]

Originally posted by: heymrdj

Originally posted by: alkemyst
Seeing that you are sharing this truck with your brother...I can't help but think it would make more sense to save for separate trucks rather than jointly throw money into one.

My brother will be getting his own car soon enough at his choosing and I'll pay him the rest of the depreciated value he put into this truck. This truck I get to keep, it's my baby .

This. For now it makes more sense to have only one vehicle. So I dont mind paying my share. When I choose to need a car I'll get one (I never really wanted an SUV in the first place, so it's his to keep at that point). We'll settle money differences personally and what not. We're twin brothers. While we dont always get along we're still as tight as you can get. These matters aren't any big deal to us though I could see where any other situation might make it seem as if it is.