I'm not totally serious about getting one yet, but I have thought about replacing my stock Shaker 500 stereo head unit with something different. I don't listen to CDs anymore so I just need a hookup for my Ipod and or something that still allows me to use my aux jack in the glove box. I don't wanna spend too much, but I wanna see what's out there. I am not sure where to start...Help?

 

Check out crutchfield.com if you haven't already. They're a great resource. You just plug in your year/make/model and it shows you exactly what fits. Plus they break down everything by features and give honest reviews of the products they sell. And if you buy from them you get free install kits and all that.

 

Crutchfield is legit but can be overpriced. By a lot. I agree though-their resources are unmatched. I would defiantly start there-but be sure to shop around a bit. The install kits are nice though-makes life super easy.

 

Yeah I wouldn't necessarily buy from them before shopping around at least, but for someone who doesn't really know what they want yet it's a great place to learn and do research.

Edit: also wanted to say I've had excellent experience with their customer service. I had a speaker blow that I bought from them that was technically outside of its warranty period and they still replaced it no questions asked.

 

Awesome! Thank you guys!!

 

I'm liking this one. It's a good price, good reviews, has everything I want.
http://www.crutchfield.com/p_158GT56...4#overview-tab

 

My girlfriend has a sony unit really similar to that in her buick, and we have no complaints.

 

Like stated above Crutfield is a great resource and has aswsome customer serivce, but is pretty pricey. Once you find what unit you want try looking on amazon. Should save you quite a bit.

I've never liked sonys stuff but based on the reviews and features it seems like a pretty solid unit for the price

 

I just installed pioneers new avh x2500bt in my mustang. I bought it from crutchfield and the experience was awesome. I'm really a noob at this kind of stuff and they were extremely helpful as far as picking the head unit that fits me and also installation. It is on the pricey side but I figure if your gonna do it, do it right. It looks very stock like and fits in well. Plus what I love is the aux and usb port are on the back so you don't have to have wires draping down in front.

I posted in the audio mods section about the PAC interface. A lot of guys said don't waste my money on it but being very new with audio and electrical work, I went ahead and bought the PAC interface(50% off if you buy the head unit from crutchfield). Installation was veryyyy easy(despite some confusion of matching a couple wires, crutchfield customer service cleared it up in 5 minutes). Plus it'll allow you to use the factory aux port. Also has bluetooth which is huge due to having a manual. I can safely make and receive calls and still shift safely.

Anyway, I made a short video of the unit. Take a look at it and let me know if you have any questions. Very nice unit.

 

Thanks for the input guys. I think that video one is a bit too much for what I'm looking at. But, I appreciate the link. Good review.

I'll check Amazon for sure!

 

I replaced my Shaker 500 head unit with this Clarion unit, Has bluetooth and USB input, as well as an aux in. It'll run an iPod just fine. Had adjustible lighting to match your interior/dash lighting and sounds good. Was less than $200 on Amazon. Then I also bought the wiring adapter and mounting kit from Amazon.





I wirelessly stream my phone (which has all my iTunes music and playlists on it) to the HU using bluetooth.

 

ChrisV - looks great! I have a single-DIN one that is similar (Clarion too) and love the USB and aux in capabilities. That unit is only $179 delivered too.

It claims to be OEM steering wheel remote ready - does it work with your car's controls?

 

My car didn't have steering wheel controls, so that part I can't answer. Wish it did...