Aftermarket stereo/nav, seeking advice and your experience

[Hans Gruber]

Hey, everybody. I've got the base stereo in my truck. It actually doesn't sound too bad but I'm thinking of upgrading. Honestly, the aftermarket receivers appeal to me a bit more than swapping in RAM's other systems and it appears to be cheaper as well.

Any of you that placed after market receivers/nav have any regrets? Any products to recommend? How easy/hard is installation?

Thanks!

 

[adrianp89]

Not to be that guy.. but do a little searching, several of these threads have come up recently.

 

[adurm]

It's not difficult but can end up pricey depending on what you get and what you need. A double din stereo will require you to cut a non essential piece of metal in the dash, super easy. You will need either the Metra nav 6523 harness or the one from maestro. Maestro allows you to keep more oem features as long as the stereo is compatible. Check maestro website for a list. Keep in mind your phone probably has navigation app so I wouldn't break the bank on a stereo with that. Oem backup cam should wire into your harness. Usb in the console can be replaced with a maestro board. Expect to spend at least $500 for everything.

 

[catch 22]

Here ya go, very nice plug and play unit= nothing else to buy and absolutely nothing to cut!
android Dodge Ram 2014 DVD player, android Dodge Ram 2014 GPS, android Dodge Ram 2014 Radio

 

[adurm]

DVR records tv shows while you drive so you can watch them when you want. States 1080p but lists 1024x600 pixels? That's a no from me.

 

[gofishn]

I would not bother with Nav. you can get a goat mount and garmin for much better nav.

I wish I had got a stereo that I could use Meastro, in conjunction with, to keep some features from my old radio. IE: intergrate better with the truck.

 

[Hans Gruber]

Thanks everybody for feedback and info. I'll bump this thread when I'm further along with the process and have additional questions. Thanks!

 

[adurm]

Over the years I have had a few brands in my vehicles. I had old Sony, eclipse and alpine single din units. The alpine was by far the best sounding, feature filled and reliable deck. Wifey has a single din Kenwood which I don't like. Have to tell it each time you get in to play from bt then it starts the playlist at the first song regardless of the deck and the phone being on random. The pioneer 5600 dvd I just sold remembers the last source and plays where it left off. Touchscreen Kenwood may work better than the cheapie the wife has.

The old alpine had great time alignment options which trump my pioneers capability. The pioneer could shift sound to a listening position but seemed basic by comparison.

Just my experience over the past 20 years. I'm certain products have improved. I look for signal to noise ratio, source level adjustment, rca volt output, usb placement, eq.

Bottom line, I was very happy with my pioneer. Next vehicle will get alpine I think. Your system is only as good as the weakest link. In my opinion, the oem deck is my starting point every time. Then speakers.