Lazy Daze Owners' Group

Lazy Daze Forums => Lazy Daze Renovations & Improvements => Topic started by: henness on May 16, 2020, 01:14:42 am

Title: Radio upgrade / replacement
Post by: henness on May 16, 2020, 01:14:42 am
We've got a Kenwood head unit and 10 disk changer in our 01 MB. It doesn't have aux inputs or bluetooth, so I'm thinking about a replacement.

Does anyone have any recommendations? I'd like something that can connect to Android and Apple devices, can play mp3's either from onboard storage, or sd card. I like having the cd changer as well.

Thanks

Sean
Title: Re: Radio upgrade / replacement
Post by: RonB on May 16, 2020, 03:44:30 am
Hi Sean;  A lot depends on whether you want to shoehorn a double DIN size radio into the dash.  Most everything comes with the bluetooth, Apple play and Android.  Remotes are commonly available. One that I picked out had to have a good remote, since the radio is in the dash, and seating is at the rearof my TK.   In 2001 the dash hole was really about 1 1/2 DIN size, so it was a lot of work to put in a double.  My search was 3 years ago, my friend put his own into a 2001 MB. I'm sure they have changed in the three years. I don't remember what he installed, but I do remember it was a double DIN, and he remarked that it was a lot of work to install. 
     If I were to pick one today, I might go with a Pioneer  FH-S830BHS  Pioneer FH-X830BHS CD receiver at Crutchfield (https://www.crutchfield.com/p_130X830BHS/Pioneer-FH-X830BHS.html)       I have Sirius XM in my cars, this one needs an extra cost XM tuner.        RonB
Title: Re: Radio upgrade / replacement
Post by: Larry W on May 16, 2020, 11:55:18 am
My goto place for information on what electronics fits in any vehicle is Crutchfield's website. Put in your vehicle's information and out pops lists of possible combinations. Crutchfield has a wide range of radios and qualified people who can give you answers.

https://www.crutchfield.com/car/outfitmycar/mycar.aspx
Crutchfield: Car Stereo, Speakers, Home Theater, Pro Audio, 4k TV (https://www.crutchfield.com)

Larry
Title: Re: Radio upgrade / replacement
Post by: krmugn on May 16, 2020, 12:37:39 pm
I replaced mine three or so years ago with an Alpine from Crutchfield.  CD player, aux input, and USB (which I never use), and a remote.  My only regret (I don't know what I was thinking) was getting one without Bluetooth when all my music is on a spare phone.  A solvable problem, but sure wish I'd have thought that out more!

Bill
Title: Re: Radio upgrade / replacement
Post by: debinvenice on May 16, 2020, 01:03:54 pm
We've got a Kenwood head unit and 10 disk changer in our 01 MB. It doesn't have aux inputs or bluetooth, so I'm thinking about a replacement.

Does anyone have any recommendations? I'd like something that can connect to Android and Apple devices, can play mp3's either from onboard storage, or sd card. I like having the cd changer as well.

Thanks

Sean

I installed a Kenwood DMX905S (https://www.kenwood.com/usa/car/excelon/dmx905s/spec.html) in my 2003 MB. It was installed at Best Buy.

It had Bluetooth and is Android and Apple compatible but it does not have a CD changer since I no longer use CDs but if you browse the Kenwood site, you could probably find something that will work for you.  I also have a different model Kenwood in my Jeep that connects to my backup camera.
Title: Re: Radio upgrade / replacement
Post by: RonB on May 16, 2020, 01:12:34 pm
Hi Bill, You can transfer all of your music files into a really small flash (thumb) drive, and plug it into that USB port. That is what I  do.  My drive is about the size of a sugar cube, only half as thick.  Holds 64 GB. More than enough to hold all of my music.
https://www.amazon.com/SanDisk-64GB-Cruzer-Flash-Drive/dp/B07MDXBTL1/ref=dp_ob_image_ce    That Pioneer I referenced above, at Crutchfield,  does play CD's one at a time. And the little arrow at the lower right corner uncovers a spot for a thumb drive. The cover closes and the drive can stay in there until you want to update the files on it.  No need for a spare phone.   I have an older Alpine in my LD at the moment.   RonB
Title: Re: Radio upgrade / replacement
Post by: Jon & Loni on May 16, 2020, 05:59:52 pm
My goto place for information on what electronics fits in any vehicle is Crutchfield's website. Put in your vehicle's information and out pops lists of possible combinations. Crutchfield has a wide range of radios and qualified people who can give you answers.

https://www.crutchfield.com/car/outfitmycar/mycar.aspx
Crutchfield: Car Stereo, Speakers, Home Theater, Pro Audio, 4k TV (https://www.crutchfield.com)

Larry

Wow! That is one heck of a tool. — Jon
Title: Re: Radio upgrade / replacement
Post by: Joan on May 16, 2020, 06:23:21 pm
"Wow! That is one heck of a tool!"
----
Crutchfield is a great resource!

Maybe someone could send them a photo of a "finally got the $!#(*&%!! thing out of the hole" LD-installed radio/CD player with the residue hanging off the back and sides from the 50-gallon drum of sealant that was used to stick it in place .  ;)