Which stereo to buy.....

[kenh]

I've pretty much decided to buy a new stereo for my 90 c1500.

Which brand head unit are you guys and gals have good luck with?

Also which speakers seem to be a good choice?

Will probably add a small sub woofer just to fill in the bottom end at some point. The OEM speakers sound pretty good considering, but considering they are 30 years old and most likely not really compatible with a new head unit should be replaced.

THANKS!!!

Ken

 

[b454rat]

I've always had luck with Kenwood. $50-60 for a decent one. I have one in my Yukon that had a crazy system in it, but replaced the speakers/tweeters with Walmart specials, and could be the crossovers, but sounds insane. I have a box in the back, think they are 2 10s, but the system was cheap and thoroughly impressed by the sound.

 

[Eveready]

I too have a Kenwood. Mine was a little more that the one mentioned by the previous poster. I think I got it at Walmart. I find the Kenwood a little easier than some others to install. The instructions seemed to be more clear. it is pretty easy to patch the connector wires into to the truck harness. No need to run new speaker wire.

Make sure you get the BlueTooth option so that you can do hands free phone. It is easy to set up and that is a good safety item, not to mention keeping you out of the clutches of the constabulary if there are laws about cell phone use in your area.

If you want to run a subwoofer the Kenwood is equipped to handle it.

 

[Jglew82]

I’ve used both Kenwood and Pioneer. Can’t go wrong with either.

 

[df2x4]

I always run Pioneer head units, and for a '90 C1500 pickup (which uses four 4"x6"s IIRC) I would look at a plate speaker with a separate round woofer and tweeter. Like these Infinitys.

https://www.infinityspeakers.com/speakers/KAPPA+64CFX_.html

Kicker's KS series would also be a good choice.

https://www.kicker.com/47KSC460

Pretty sure the best deal on both is currently Amazon, just search those model numbers.

To get specific on the head unit I would recommend the Pioneer DEH-80PRS. Mainly due to the fact that it has a ton of sound quality features like time alignment and auto EQ which many (most) other stereos don't have. Those two things alone make a huge difference.

https://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PUSA/Car/CD-Receivers/DEH-80PRS

 

[kenh]

I always run Pioneer head units, and for a '90 C1500 pickup (which uses four 4"x6"s IIRC) I would look at a plate speaker with a separate round woofer and tweeter. Like these Infinitys.

https://www.infinityspeakers.com/speakers/KAPPA+64CFX_.html

Kicker's KS series would also be a good choice.

https://www.kicker.com/47KSC460

Pretty sure the best deal on both is currently Amazon, just search those model numbers.

To get specific on the head unit I would recommend the Pioneer DEH-80PRS. Mainly due to the fact that it has a ton of sound quality features like time alignment and auto EQ which many (most) other stereos don't have. Those two things alone make a huge difference.

https://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PUSA/Car/CD-Receivers/DEH-80PRS

Real nice stuff but way out of my budget. The kickers I might be able to swing.

Ken

 

[ima93chevyguy]

You can usually get a nice single din radio with preamps, a decent equalizer, and bluetooth/auxillary for around $100.
Just make sure you get one you're comfortable with using.

They also offer 7" flip up touch screens that are single din. Those are a little more pricey.

Pioneer, kenwood, JVC, Jensen they're all good brands. Heck even the cheaper brands like dual, boss, etc are still decent they just don't offer the customization of higher end name brands.

 

[kenh]

I just need to sit down and do a little research. Heck I may even call crutchfield and talk to them. Might as well pick their brain knowing full well they will try to sell me the most expensive thing they have. Not sayin' I have to buy from them!

Ken

 

[Eveready]

Just remember that the head unit will make a pretty good stereo on its own without the outboard amps, subs etc. I don't use the truck enough to make a listening room out of it so I just installed the Kenwood head unit and replaced the Delco speakers (all were shot and would not make a sound) with good but inexpensive replacement speakers. It sounds just fine for day to day use, music, news etc and as I mentioned earlier the phone connection is a safety item.

I'm sure the Pioneer will do as well as a stand alone. As the budget gets better later on it would be easy to add accessories to improve the sound.

 

[kenh]

This may be interesting..

https://www.gmt400.com/threads/car-stereo-in-dash-pocket.51693/