Truck cab radio

I use a double-DIN sized Pioneer head unit(AVIC line) that also has GPS built in and allows for backup camera input. There are a couple of hard buttons along the right and left sides of the screen, but the touch screen pops up context sensitive buttons based the function you have chosen. Being able to get GPS directions on a 7" screen and voice through the auto speakers also cuts down on distraction. This keeps my dash clutter to a minimum with only my ScanGauge II and cell phone plugged in when traveling.

jimh425 wrote:
It sounds like you need to get on the phone with Crutchfield first. Barring that, have a friend who is into audio take a look at your settings or read the manual.

Just because it sounds good to others doesn't mean it will sound good to you. My bet is the components you bought are probably better than stock.

I have had nothing but great results with Crutchfield. I second the thought to call them, even if it is after the published return period.

I've always been a big fan of Pioneer car stereos. I love the control they give you over the sound, with parametric EQ and the usual sound pre-sets and genres. Even their bass boost/loudness give you the choice of what frequency to boost and how much. You really can tailor your sound to the type of speakers you have or will get. They have emphasis settings for front and rear speakers and allow you to even send certain frequencies to the front or back. Much more control than just a fader.

I am a little disappointed that they have reduced the number of buttons on the face, over the years (like all mfgrs, probably). Probably more menus to navigate in the interests of reducing costs. Too bad.

I've never had a Pioneer unit fail on me in about 30 years of using them.

I dont know much about HD radio, I listen to sat radio almost exclusively.

It sounds like you need to get on the phone with Crutchfield first. Barring that, have a friend who is into audio take a look at your settings or read the manual.

Just because it sounds good to others doesn't mean it will sound good to you. My bet is the components you bought are probably better than stock.

You guys are convincing me that I really need to have a pro evaluate and set up a system for me and not leave it to my skills, or lack thereof, to figure out how to assemble and install a good sound system.

All I want to do is listen to the radio or a CD, have decent fidelity and do it without having to pull over and mess with the controls. What I got, after spending over $300, is something that is slightly worse than the crystal radio I built from a Heath Kit back in the 60's with controls that are near impossible to figure out without an audio engineering degree. Even the symbols for the features on this radio look like they are in Klingon.

Right now, I can drive down the highway, the radio skips back and forth between HD receive and analog receive with a 3 second delay/skip forward, every few minutes. Then if I go down in a little draw, the radio reception drops out all together. With the CD, I push a button that I think will skip me to the next track and instead, I've somehow got into random play, repeat the same song over and over or some other BS function.

I've had great luck with Crutchfield including things I didn't like but you only have 30 days to do that. You also have to be able to pick out something you like from the beginning.
Good sound is quite subjective but I'll give it a shot.
You should go with separate component speakers in the front, these will have a tweeter that mounts separate from the mid-range driver. You can get away with regular co-axial speakers in the rear. Make sure both sets are the same brand and series. Get an amplifier with 4 channel outputs. Make sure it has enough RMS power output rating to meet the maximum power handling capability of your speakers.
Get a sub woofer, or several. Not so you can vibrate the neighbor hood but o reproduce the bass. For tight, accurate bass get a sealed enclosure. Ported enclosures are louder but not as sonically accurate. Run plenty of amplifier power to your sub.
You will need a crossover to split up the frequencies, some head units have it build in, some don't.
In my Chevy I have a JVC double DIN head unit with Blue-tooth for my phone. It has an external input for my satellite radio receiver and a built in crossover. I put Alpine components in the front doors and Alpine 4 x 6 speakers in the rear doors. These are powered by a 30w RMS x 4 Pioneer amp. I have 2 6.5" Bazooka tubes behind the rear seat powered by a Soundstream amp.
It sounds really good but not that loud. I would like a larger amp than the Pioneer some day but I had it lying around.

Have you had anyone tune it? What about the speakers, were they voice matched and their requirements matched to the output capabilities of the head unit? Many aftermarket radios assume you are using an amplifier. I'm guessing you didn't install one. If you don't match components then you won't get good sound. That's why high end setups cost so much. There's no real plug and play off the shelf answers. One setup may work good in your buddy's truck but sound terrible in your car. Research, research, research. A properly setup up "cheap" system can easily outperform a more expensive high end setup. It's all about matching components and capabilities and being sure that each component is operating within its ideal range.

Think of it like your camper. Did you just order one on the web and hope it would work? Or did you match it to your truck, your situation and your budget?

I guess it's time to pay a visit to Bliss and to Fry's and see what they can do for me..

I would have returned the radio to Crutchfield, but I'm sure I waited too long. I was in denial that the radio was not producing good sound after what I paid them to buy what I got. Not only is the sound not acceptable, the display is so washed out, I can barely see it in daylight and it's very unintuitive to figure out how to use it. Add to that, have to remove the faceplate to play a CD, (the CD slot is behind the faceplate, and well, it's not easy to use.

My hope is that the speakers are good and all I need is a radio that is easy to use and makes good audio.

Thanks everyone for your inputs. I really appreciate the time you all took to reply.

donn0128 wrote:
Go the nearest large city, (Sacramento I assume) and stop at the largest one you can find. They will fix you right up.

largest one of what?

You might want to go by Bliss computers next to the Diamond Springs post office on hwy 49 , they install auto stereos .The installer fella seems very good