03 Z71 Tahoe Stereo Options. Need advice.

[JeffScott]

Hi guys,

My stock Bose head unit with 6 cd changer has failed. The changer does not work and I'd like ideas on how to fix this problem. I'm considering the following:'

1. Send the stock HU in and have it repaired for about $139

2. Buy an aftermarket 2 din unit and all of the adapters and harnesses needed to make it have stock functionality. I.E. warning chimes, steering wheel controls, and rear audio controls. Cost: about $400 too rich for me

3. Try to find a newer Bose stock radio out of a newer GM truck that would work with my wiring and maybe have Nav built in to it? I don't know if this is an option or not. Maybe someone out there knows?

I'd appreciate any help or advice you guys got to give. I'm on a tight budget so less expensive is good.

I'd like to add an aux input to the stock HU, but I don't have XM where I could rob the input from. Any ideas on that?

Thanks!

Jeff

 

[NathanJax]

aftermarket double din

You'll never get the features with OEM stuff that you will with aftermarket for 03-06 vehicles. Even getting a 05-06 nav won't get you some features.

 

[Matt04Z71]

I'm very interested to see what kind of suggestions some people may have for an aftermarket HU. I'm newly in the market to upgrade my stock bose HU and would love some input on aftermarket units people have actually installed.

 

[NathanJax]

Do you have CDs or is all your music on a phone or some type of digital media player?

I like Pioneer units personally

 

[Matt04Z71]

I'm 100% digital when it comes to music. Trying to decide if touchscreen is worth going for is the biggest issue in my mind.

 

[Mister H12]

Double dins are always fun, but unless you want dvd or nav, there really isn't any need for it.
If you don't use cds, dont get a cd player (not being a smartass) when they design the digital media receivers, thats all they focus on, if you get a cd player, thats usually their main focus on design and performance.

I haven't gone through as many as some people on here, but JVC and PIONEER have always satisfied my audio needs.

 

[Matt04Z71]

So basically you're saying if I'm not worried about using DVDs or NAV features it's useless to spend the money on a touch screen unit? I definitely understand what you mean about "CD Player" vs "Digital Receiver" though, thanks for the input!

 

[Mister H12]

So basically you're saying if I'm not worried about using DVDs or NAV features it's useless to spend the money on a touch screen unit? I definitely understand what you mean about "CD Player" vs "Digital Receiver" though, thanks for the input!

Pretty much, unless you feel like you need to stare at the screen every second to view the album art or something along those lines.

I'd recommend a good digital media reciever. You can have your aux, most have Bluetooth if you wanna use that, or add satellite radio as well. Those tend to be the best bet for a pure audio experience.

 

[Matt04Z71]

Pretty much, unless you feel like you need to stare at the screen every second to view the album art or something along those lines.

I'd recommend a good digital media reciever. You can have your aux, most have Bluetooth if you wanna use that, or add satellite radio as well. Those tend to be the best bet for a pure audio experience.

Would you say there's any real difference/benefit from having usb vs aux input for the use of an iPod or digital music device?

 

[ezdaar]

While its not the prettiest unit avalible. This will do everything you want and fits your price range.
USe phone for GPS.
Pioneer - CD - Built-In Bluetooth - Apple® iPod®-Ready - In-Dash Deck with Fixed Faceplate



Remove the 6 disc and get the cubby.
GM PART # 15958735

GM LIST: $26.72

 

[YukonXL04]

Double dins are always fun, but unless you want dvd or nav, there really isn't any need for it.

Im going to have to disagree here. It is far easier to search through ipods and usb drives with a touch screen vs the 2-3 line display on a standard radio.
Also a backup camera is a great addition as well.

If you want a quality screen for a good price this is about the best you will find. http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_74584_Pioneer-AVH-X1600DVD.html

Not alot of fancy frills but it gets the job done while not being a pos.
That site also gives you up to $30 on install accessories.

 

[Mister H12]

Lol you dont have to disagree, IF you're using an iPod.. yes, touch screen will enhance the experience, but when it comes to real portable audio, such as a HiFiman HM700 or other "pure" audio device. +1 on the back-up cam though.

EDIT: if using an iPod touch screen is great. Since it has iPod linking it makes it handy to have the touchscreen. ANYTHING ELSE won't have that and a touchscreen would just be a bonus.

 

[YukonXL04]

Anything that you can plug in via USB will be easier via touch screen... I use a USB drive for all of my music and have it set in different folders... You can browse through all the different folders before selecting what you want... And that may just be my personal preference.

Also if you have kids the DVD player helps to lol...

 

[JeffScott]

Thanks for all the replies guys. I think I'm going aftermarket. I found an adapter that should preserve factory functionality here and a decent HU with aux, usb, and bluetooth here. So for now that's the plan. Thanks to everyone who weighed in!

 

[Mister H12]

Thanks for all the replies guys. I think I'm going aftermarket. I found an adapter that should preserve factory functionality here and a decent HU with aux, usb, and bluetooth here. So for now that's the plan. Thanks to everyone who weighed in!

If you're gonna get that HU from Crutchfield just get all of it from them, they'll throw the adapter in for half of Walmart's price as well as antenna adapter and mounting bracket.

OR..

You can buy it from SonicElectronix(dot)com

You get the HU, a similar wiring adapter, mounting bracket and antenna adapter.. for a little cheaper.

I realize I sound like a salesman.. LOL Just trying to help you save money!

 

[JeffScott]

That's cool. I like saving money. Thanks

 

[Matt04Z71]

Lol you dont have to disagree, IF you're using an iPod.. yes, touch screen will enhance the experience, but when it comes to real portable audio, such as a HiFiman HM700 or other "pure" audio device. +1 on the back-up cam though.

EDIT: if using an iPod touch screen is great. Since it has iPod linking it makes it handy to have the touchscreen. ANYTHING ELSE won't have that and a touchscreen would just be a bonus.

So with that Pioneer the screen will be a mirror of my iPod touch? That sounds awesome.

 

[YukonXL04]

So with that Pioneer the screen will be a mirror of my iPod touch? That sounds awesome.

no, it wont be a mirror image... but it will be a somewhat similar interface. also most allow 2 way control so you can pick a song via the headunit or scroll through the ipod as well.

 

[Matt04Z71]

no, it wont be a mirror image... but it will be a somewhat similar interface. also most allow 2 way control so you can pick a song via the headunit or scroll through the ipod as well.

Nice, I think I may go with that exact Pioneer you suggested. Seems to fit everything I want at a reasonable price.

 

[YukonXL04]

Nice, I think I may go with that exact Pioneer you suggested. Seems to fit everything I want at a reasonable price.

Make sure to go to a best buy or similar and play around with it before you buy it just to make sure you like the interface on it. bring your ipod and usb cable and plug it in as well.