I just got a 2008 Toyota Tacoma quad cab, and i want a new headunit that can interface with my iPod.

Without doing any research, i ended up getting this: http://www.kenwoodusa.com/Car_Entertainment/In-Dash_CD_n_DVD_Receivers/1-DIN_CD_Receiver/KDC-BT945U

I haven't replaced the speakers yet, but i'm probably going to get some Alpines or Infinitys in the $120/pair price range.

But, im a little disappointed in the kenwood because of the specs they have their for the amp (<1% THD isn't that good really), and I suspect their DSP is a 32Khz sampling rate instead of the 44.1. I know that i probably can't hear the difference, but i feel like i can get better specs for the $$$.

Anyone know of any good headunits that do bluetooth audio? I'm not running a subwoofer or anything, and i'm more concerned about clarity than loudness.

11/1/2010 7:50:45 PM

just stick with the kenwood. it's a solid unit. you stated you are "probably going to get some Alpines or Infinitys". why worry about the numbers of the head unit when you aren't adding sound damping, bi-amping a set of components, or measuring for equalization? you will absolutely never hear a difference. i assume you bought the kenwood because of name and features so obviously if fits the bill. roll with it.

11/1/2010 8:18:15 PM

http://www.crutchfield.com/s_500IDA305B/Alpine-iDA-X305SBT-Package.html?tp=5684

Or pretty much anything Alpine, I had the original ida in my car, and loved it.

11/1/2010 8:19:26 PM

Don't worry about the THD, you're playing compressed files in a car environment so its not really an issue. I bought my kenwood last year because of the 24bit DAC and i have been quite happy with it, except the CD laser sucks compared to my old Eclipse......

Kenwoods are strong for the money, especially the Excelon line

11/1/2010 10:29:16 PM

^ most of my music is lossless...

11/2/2010 9:36:08 AM

I've got a Kenwood Excelon HU and I love it. I've also got Infinitiy components which are great speakers, though they do suffer with bass. Though the HU has adjustable filters, so I can cut out the low stuff. Also, Infinities are apparently known for their mid/highs anyways.

Will you be running an amp or are you hoping the HU will provide enough power?

Alpines are ok... I think they've taken a quality hit lately, and a lot of reviews that I've read said the same thing.

I really like my setup and I think it sounds great for what I wanted; I wasn't interesting in a really high quality sound since 1) it's a vehicle... not a great sound stage 2) most of my listening is radio/mp3s so quality loss is already substantial there... no since in paying gobs of money then.

With your lossless music, yeh you'll get better sound quality, but it's still a car... and without spending texa$, I don't think you'll see much improvement based on which HU/speakers you go with (assuming you're going with a good HU such as Kenwood Excelon, etc.).

[Edited on November 2, 2010 at 11:35 AM. Reason : .]

11/2/2010 11:32:09 AM

Quote :

", and I suspect their DSP is a 32Khz sampling rate instead of the 44.1"

Why do you suspect this?

I'll go ahead and say, it's extremely unlikely. They couldn't accurately spec anything form 16-20k as aliasing would mangle the signal.

11/2/2010 12:30:27 PM

Quote :

"http://www.crutchfield.com/s_500IDA305B/Alpine-iDA-X305SBT-Package.html?tp=5684 Or pretty much anything Alpine, I had the original ida in my car, and loved it."

11/2/2010 2:49:40 PM