New head unit to replace factory radio (1 Viewer)

[anthony_b]

I have an 07 Nissan Pathfinder with basic cd radio from stock. I'm looking to replace it with a head unit with a front "aux in". My budget is $200, what reciever would you suggest that would give me better audio performance ?...and also, would replacing the radio void any vehicle warranty from Nissan ?

 

[JLAudioCavalier]

Wow this forum is hopping today makes me happy. I am FAR more in my field with this forum than the rest of the forum here(im on here to learn, not help, so im glad i can lounge in the CA forum here and help out as well )

now that I got that out :-P....
$200 is doable for a good head unit with a front aux in.
Now a few things that should be asked before realy pointing you in a certain direction:
-What are all the functions you NEED, and what ones could you care less about?
-Do you plan on running any external amps in the future?
-Do you ever plan to do an active sound stage set-up(i would assume not from what it seems you are looking for)
-What is the price range?(you already mentioned, but im talking in a general sense here

ALSO: there are a few brands that are just better quality than others and have more of the necesary features and less of the BS usualy... now I know a lot of people that agree with me on this almost to a "T"... so I will list what I feel are the brands you should look into and in this order.. find the one in your price range with the features you want from these brands, and you shouldn't be disapointed:
Pioneer
Alpine
Eclipse
JVC
(and if you dont mind spending a tad more, for slightly better quality)-Nakamichi

 

[anthony_b]

Thanks JL for the detailed response........The most important feature I'm looking for is the aux -in and the ability to control my ipod through the head unit with good audio quality......Does anyone know what manufacture makes the head unit for the 2007 Nissan Pathfinders ? (I have the basic one not the Bose head unit).

 

[JLAudioCavalier]

well just about any single din aftermarket head unit will be an option. all you need to do is get the mounting kit and wiring harness and possible antenna adapter, but i dont think the pathfinder needs one.
any other details on head units you might be looking into?
I would suggest going to Crutchfield.com and checking out what Alpine, Pioneer, Eclipse have to offer. Find one that suits you the best, and if you have any specific questions on a specific unit, post a link and ill check it out.

 

[anthony_b]

Thanks JL, I forgot to mention that I would prefer a Double din size. Are there any drawbacks to that ?

 

[JLAudioCavalier]

well i don't know how the pathfinder is built... if it is a true 2-din unit, there are some companies that make em... if it's anything like most of Chevrolet's stock units, it is 1 1/2 din not 2 full din.. but if it is a full 2 din, here are a couple:
JVC:
http://www.crutchfield.com/S-TgSLjpy...0&I=105KWGX500

http://www.crutchfield.com/S-TgSLjpy...0&I=105KWGX700

this one is quite stock looking and the best of the JVC units close to your price range, from what I can see.
http://www.crutchfield.com/S-TgSLjpy...0&I=257KWXC410

Kenwood:
http://www.crutchfield.com/S-TgSLjpy...00&I=113DPX302


Pioneer if you have a 1.5 din and not a 2 din:
http://www.crutchfield.com/S-TgSLjpy...0&I=130DEHP47D

and if more than one of those has every feature you are looking for, it may come down to which one LOOKS best to you.

 

[anthony_b]

Thanks JL, I'll look into those. It looks like all I'll have to do is purchase a harness and I should be up and running in no time.

 

[JLAudioCavalier]

nice. hope you find one with everything you want. i know a couple of those ahd the front AUX jack so you should be golden. lemme know how it turns out and post pics

also, read that tutorial... or have someone read it that might learn from some very basic info in it... i took a long time writing it up lol