Recommendations for aftermarket Head-unit/receiver

[1nf1d3l]

Didn't know if I should post this in A/V & Home Theater or here, but here it is...

Anyway, the OEM stereo in my 2000 Expedition stopped working and I'm looking at getting a new aftermarket unit but I have zero knowledge about car audio. I'm wondering if anyone has good recommendations, or specific units they've used, or heard are good. Brands, models, anything will be helpful.

At this point, the only requirement would be Bluetooth, but even that isn't a hard req.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Dr. Detroit]

Check out Crutchfield -

High end deck prices have seriously come down in price over the years so for under $200 - you will get a high quality unit with pre-outs, Bluetooth with external mic, USB connectivity with Pandora & iPod support.

I'm partial to Sony due to the feature-set but lots of good options from Alpine, Kenwood, & Pioneer too.

Installed this one in our daughters car a few months back - http://www.crutchfield.com/p_158BT4100P/Sony-MEX-BT4100P.html

 

[Occ]

You can take a look at Crutchfield and their kits that come with everything you need (instructions, wiring, head unit, etc). If you feel confident in your abilities you can then go to Amazon and order the unit / wiring pieces separately and possibly scout out a better deal.

As far as actual brand recommendations go, I like my Kenwood, but that could just be because it works much better than the old crappy JVC unit my truck came with. The only thing I dislike is I didn't get one with Bluetooth, as at the time, I didn't realize how neat it was to have.

 

[SyndromeOCZ]

As someone who has been using Kenwood headunits for years(4 different models) I would absolutely NEVER get another one.

 

[Ketchup]

I have been very happy with the last couple Sony models I have purchased. You will pay a little more at Crutchfield, but you can't beat the ability to call them up and they will get you everything you need. I did an Explorer once and the adapters for my particular model were somewhat hard to find (there are several different options for those, depending on the year, model, etc) so I would definitely recommend using Crutchfield from that aspect as well.

 

[1nf1d3l]

Seems pretty unanimous. I'll definitely check Crutchfield out. Thanks everyone.

 

[CraigRT]

I really like JVC head units. I have owned 3 and all have worked perfectly, The oldest one bought in 2003 still sees use every day. Zero problems.