Trying to decide on a HU. (2006 F150 Lariat with factory radio/CD)

1-mainly want display for tailgate emblem BU camera
2-also BT would be good
3-BIGGY-currently have an AUX button on my radio unit with no way to input. It would be nice to have a AUX line in and maybe USB and even SD input options.

Also, may as well do DDin, touchscreen.

New HU at crutchfield, etc. seems to have moved all AUX, USB ports etc to the rear of the unit. Some models from the last year or 2 still have front inputs.

So......... this is what I'm thinking.
- $289

- $330

Am I looking at this wrong??

Isn't there a benefit to have the front AUX/USB inputs??
I guess the newer vehicles have it most don't need it. The 2006 F150 and no AUX input.... that started in 2007.

Any suggestions on a better unit/deal appreciated.

 

The front panel USB and AUX are must-haves nowadays. (And before too long, the CD's could go away, altho folks will still want them for playing DVD's.) I moved all my CD music to a memory stick, and can now readily move that between vehicles, or, in my case, to my boat. Plus, my kids like to plug their stuff in, and use both the USB and the AUX with their various phones and and other toys. If these were only on the back panel, you'd end up with a couple of tacky cables hanging down from the under the dash (so you could plug and unplug easily).

BTW, Looking at the pics you linked, the Pioneer has front panel USB, AUX and SD, and the Kenwood has front panel USB and AUX, plus it has a ****, which I much prefer.

Also, the emblem mounted camera is a big help. Mine's mounted at the top of the license plate. The higher angle of the emblem mount makes it much easier to judge the distance when backing up to hitch a trailer.

Doug

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Yep.... that's why I picked those 2 units.

If I search car audio/DVD receivers at Crutchfield (for 2006 F150 ) none of the units have any front panel USB or AUX connectors. I've had to search high and low in the forums to find previous production units in order to find front panel connectors.

I really don't understand this. I know if you go 100% touch screen you can get maximum screen real estate. But for me, that leaves me with no readily accessible inputs.

Anyway ...... again.... that's why I am focused on the units listed above. I don't know if that's good or bad...... but those are my thoughts.

 

To be clear, since Crutchfield doesn't list these two units for your 06, you're afraid they won't fit?

Perhaps you can contact Crutchfield tech support/applications and see why they don't list those two for your truck. I know, in my case, I squeezed a double DIN Pioneer into my old 97 F150, which wasn't supposed to fit. (There's some good info on the web for doing that.) In your case, with the newer truck, I would think those two units would fit. But it's understandable, you want to know for sure before you order one.

Doug

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I know they fit. Others here have pics of them installed in their F150.

Crutchfield doesn't list them because they are discontinued and have been replaced by newer models. THis is the case with all A/V dealers... they are both discontinued items and noone has them. (since I posted this thread a few days ago the Pioneer units on Amazon are gone... except for a couple of used ones)

I am interested in the ones posted above because, everywhere you search for HUs on 2006 F150.......... all of the current models being carried/ listed everywhere do not have front connections.

 

The DDX419 will fit. I have the DDX319 in my 2006 and they're the same size. I was actually going to suggest the DDX419 for you because it's like mine but with BT, and from Crutchfield. Mine has been great, and Crutchfield is incredible. But boy, those are great deals. I paid $350 for mine, and the 419 was $450, not even a year ago

 

Wow, I would have bet money the trend in the industry was still in favor of front panel connections. I guess buyers now favor full screens instead.

I'd be inclined to wait it out a while and see if any of the big brands begin to offer new units with front panel connections. Maybe in a couple months you can find one.

Doug

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IMO dont get the 419 mainly due to the fact that the Bluetooth quality sucks. If i were you i would find a pioneer such as pioneer avh-x2500 has a USB on the rear which you can run to your glove box or anywhere you want it realy, also has great bluetooth. Now if you have an iphone it gets even better. It has app mode which allows you to use a list of apps on your radio itself. The best app being motionxGPS which will alow it to display the navigation on the display. downfall to pioneer radios is in order to bypass the parking brake you must either use a relay or a switch that simulates applying brake releasing and reapplying which you would want to bypass just so you dont have to be stopped to access certain apps.

 

bsn3971:
Thanks for the reply and great info.

After spending hours searching, reading reviews, etc....... I came to the same conclusion.

I was looking at spending $250-$330 for the AVH-P3300bt (which will not BT stream audio) or the DDX419 (reviews report a lot of BT problems and I don't think it streams BT audio either.... just phone).

So........ after all that I realize the Pioneer AVH-X3500BHS for $319.99. The unit has outstanding reviews in all categories, and, has HD radio. It is one step up from the X2500 you referenced I believe.

Drawback of this AVH-X3500BHS is no front facing ports so I guess I'll have to run ports if I want ports. I simply can't understand why the manufacturers have all abandoned any front facing ports. Oh well.......

Thanks again for the great comments!!!!!

 

Sounds good to me! HD radio is a must if I were buying a new radio today. I love the front ports, but I guess most people think it's cleaner to have them out of sight

 

I talked to Crutchfield yesterday......

They basically indicated/confirmed that front connections can found on prior year touchscreens. Current model touchscreens are on the rear due to demand.

Seems most people prefer the rear connections which allow you to eliminate wires streaming across the dash etc. Wires (USB and/or AUX connectors) are run off of the rear of the HU into dash, console or area of preference so that everything is out of sight.

I guess everyone needs an opinion. If you want to leave an ipod or similar devise plugged in somewhat permanently the rear connection idea is great. If you occationally want to plug your phone or similar device in,,, digging around in the console or glove box does not seem like the best idea.

With the rear connections, at least you can run 'em where you want. But, you have to buy more wiring, accessories, ports etc. to make it all available.... adding to the cost.

If/when I get my system in, I'll try and post some install pics to share my final result and hope it helps someone else going through the same process.

 

I agree with all of that as the likely reasoning for the rear ports only, as well as your thinking on convenience and it being a PITA to buy more stuff for it.

 

Really glad I stumbled upon your thread, as I have the same model sitting here. I'm just waiting on a microbypass I ordered from amazon to get here. I was also really bummed to only find HU at Crutchfield that used rear USB and AUX. I should have everything installed this coming Tuesday or Wednesday, so I'll see if I can come up with a convenient routing for the AUX cable. I was thinking about adding a port next to the cigarette lighter or just simply snaking a long cable through to the center console.

Do you have the factory Audiophile as well?

 

Not sure what you mean by "factory Audiophile"....... so I guess I don't have it. I have a basic AM/FM/CD with 4 speakers (no sub).

As for ports..... Clarion makes these that are sold in the Marine section at Crutchfield http://www.crutchfield.com/fg_252350...fiers&tp=61766

Then there's this one: http://www.crutchfield.com/fg_252350...fiers&tp=61766

I'm sure there are many other options that I haven't found yet.

I am also considering routing to cigarette panel area or center console. I'm undecided at present. I'm going to try and decide before I order.

Because of audio streaming Bluetooth and HD radio ..... I'm still planning on AVH-X3500BHS.

 

Have you considered an Alpine INE W927HD or even better INE Z928HD,
The 927 is a 7" screen and the 928 is an 8" screen Both have Bluetooth, Serius/XM
Pandora, Nav. Stereo AM & FM and HD on both. There are a host of other goodie you
may like as well. Of course they are High end products but allow FM tagging, well just look
at them and see if it doesn't fit what you are looking for. I have used Alpine products for
years and never been disappointed. Good Luck.
Rusty