2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Radio Choices?

[Turbo Tim 1]

I want to put a CD player in my truck but I want something that looks like it belongs in there. Are there any after market units that look like they belong? Anyone got a stock CD player they want to get rid of..... cheap?

 

[R.ebel]

CD player- reciever

I just installed a Pioneer DEH-P47DH-CD in my truck. It was an easy install and works with the factory pre-amp. Sounds great! Much better then the factory installed unit.

 

[SpoonPig007]

There are several companies that make the 1. 5 DIN size: Alpine, JVC, Audiovox, Pioneer. I have the Pioneer DEH-P47 and the Alpine (forget the model) there were only 2 alpines offred in this size, i went with the higher model.



Of the two, I definitely prefer the Alpine. Much better ergonomics, looks, and features. In fact, I absolutey detest the Pioneer; you can't pause CD's easily without the remote, the diplay bleeds light all over the LCD, the volume adjustment is way too slow, the display is clunky.



I can completely turn off the Alpine's display, pause CD's, change the graphics, etc . .



Sound ... better on the Alpine. Offers 4v outs, more power due to the deactivated display, less imaging controls, but cleaner sound IMO. But ... sound difference is almost neglible with factory speakers.

 

[Cooker]

Unfortunately, I'm pretty certain Alpine is no longer making the 1. 5 DIN radios. I'm sure you could find a few places that have some still left in inventory though.

 

[MudFlapper]

Ditto that!



Pioneer DEH-P47DH-CD in my truck too!

 

[SMorneau]

I have an Alpine system, and it doesn't fill the spot in the dash, but it sounds excellent. The 4v pre-outs matched with a multi-channel Apine amp make for a very noise free system. Of course not having any ignition circuit in the vehicle probably helps.



The pioneers are OK; Tuners are decent but the CD signal to noise ratios are very poor.



I buy a stereo for sound and watch the road when I'm driving

 

[BDMiller]

I have an extra stock cd player but it really is pretty crappy. The CD player skips pretty bad on the dirt roads. I put a JVC cd/mp3 player in & have been very happy. It is only DIN sized but with the adaptor it looks pretty good.



Brian in NH

 

[1sand0s]

When I installed a regular sized radio in one for a bro... he got a kit that took the extra space and gave you a little tray underneath it. FIts 3 CD's in there like a glove. Not sure where he got it though. He is on a boat right now somehwere fighting towelh... oops, I mean er, for your freedom. Yeah, thats it.



This kit put the radio at the top of the hole and the little compartment underneath it. It sure did look like it belonged there!

 

[shendren]

only XM for me... ..... pioneer with a cd changer... ... .

 

[chrleb1]

I put the pioneer cd-player (DEH-P47DH-CD) in both of my trucks. I think it is a pretty nice radio for the price. I found it on the web though, it was the cheapest price. Got it from www.discount-electronic.com. Search the site for DEHP47DH. Its like $180.

 

[C. Harlan]

I have the Alpine CDA7998, it is a DIN mount, but the face comes out and takes up the whole thing to make it like DIN 1. 3 or 1. 4... It is awesome, but is usually always on XM. Also, make sure you get an MP3 compatible player. . well worth the extra $$, but you can make about 10-12 bours of music on one CD... PM me and I would be glad to explain more to you.



-Chris-

 

[Gifford]

Pioneer

I put in the DEH-P77 it is XM ready, and has 3 pairs of 4V preouts for amps other wise it is identical to the 47 I think. BTW Xm radio is awesome, once you get it you'll never listen to FM again. I paid 215. 00 for mine from www.bsless.com, I also changed out the factory speakers in the doors and rear quarter panels which made a huge improvement in sound quality...

 

[TDeSteuben]

stereos

I would like to change out the factory stereo in my ram, but I don't want to lose the ability to use the hands free stereo tuning controls on the backside of the steering wheel,,, does anyone out there know of an aftermarket stereo tuner that will operate properly with the controls on the backside of the steering wheel?

 

[y-knot]

I can't really tell you which one will look the best sitting in the dash, But I can tell you that I have always had good experiences with ALPINE. They just have a cleaner more crisp sound, and I think they have a nice look also. I have put a stereo in the last 4 trucks I have owned and on average spent a little over 3 grand on each. This last one I went with ALPINE, and have never regretted it. The sound, features, looks are great. I don't think you would regret owning one.

 

[C. Harlan]

TDe..... Sorry dude, none that I know of... It is not that far of a reach. . I can shift, hold the wheel, and play with the stereo, as well as the XM tuner in the console at the same time... I dont think you will even notice the buttons once you get a good unit!



-Chris-

 

[Walleye mike]

I have the Alpine CDa-d852 1. 5 Din. It have the biggest piece of junk I have every bought. I had also put a alpine in my vw, it to has been very unreliable!!! Sure it looks cool and has alot of flasy things but the sound really lacks. I have Mb quart speakers in the VW and Klipsch in the ram. I'm a big fan of high end hi-fi stuff (McIntosch,& NAD, CArver in the house and garage) I have had nothen but trouble from the Alpine. Face plates buring out. At the store where I bought them They said they see alot of this because of cold temps here! I'm surching around for a XM system for the Ram now but have not made a desision but leanin toward the pioneer.

 

[ProMac1K]

Alpine CDA-9815

I just bought a Alpine CDA-9815 off the internet. Was pretty spendy but I had to get the fast shipping due to wanting to put it in before a certain time. I hope I won't regret the Alpine though. It also came with some Phillips warranty. The site was Etronics.com .



Trever

 

[Cooker]

It's been my experience that the Alpine stuff is usually pretty good. Althought the best deck I have ever owned was a Clarion. I have also had Kenwood and Pioneer and niether were as good as the Alpine.



I have never heard of the faceplates buring out because of the cold. That sure sucks if you keep going through them.



TDeSteuben,

Unfortunately, there are no radios currently that integrate with the controls on the rear of the steering wheel.

 

[1sand0s]

Actually, there will be very soon.

I am making an interface plug for a guy a in a few weeks and would be happy to hook you up.

The volume and the radio tuning is all I am doing though.



One good thing about these trucks is... . you usually dont have a power issue. Even when your amps snap a 150 ampere draw on a peak. :--)