Replacing Radio set up (1 Viewer)

[newnew112]

Hello!
I know nothing about Land Cruisers, but my boyfriend has a 1993 Land Cruiser FZJ80 and was using Spotify's Car Thing until it recently got discontinued. I wanted to surprise him with a digital multimedia receiver for Christmas, but I'm not sure which one to get and what all I would need to get with it so I made an account to get some good advice without ruining the surprise.
I've been looking at the Crutchfield website for one, but the options are kind of overwhelming. He likes being able to see the music and playlists and switch them on the screen so I know that it should be a touchscreen, but I don't want to get him something he can't install for his specific car or something that won't work properly with his set up. I've uploaded what his dash looks like currently. Any advice or help is appreciated!

 

[voodu3]

One of the best bang for your buck stereos out there. I have the older version they don’t make anymore and it’s been great. There are also upgraded versions depending on your budget. Crutchfield has great customer support if y’all need help with the install.

Sony XAV-AX3200

Digital multimedia receiver (does not play discs)

www.crutchfield.com

 

[ERG80]

Your boyfriend is lucky to have you. This is a very thoughtful gift.

What is your budget for this?

I agree with @voodu3 and his recommendation of the Sony. I also have Sony xav-ax’s in both my Toyotas and love them.

If you enter the 1993 cruiser info in the search crutchfield does a good job tellng you what fits. They also recommend a wiring harness for this install but I think you can reuse the one from the pioneer.

1. New Receiver
2. Wiring harness adapter (reuse the one on the pioneer)
3. Mounting brackets ( check if the new receiver comes with one but you maybe able to reuse the one on his pioneer)
4. Backup cam? They’re inexpensive on Amazon but makes the install more complicated. I really like the added safety.

 

[mudgudgeon]

Firstly, welcome to Mud

I agree with above, the Sony xav-ax range will do everything he's likely to want. Choice of model comes down to budget and a couple of personal preferences.

Example, some people like a rotating knob to adjust the volume vs push buttons.

If you get a standardized "double din" sized unit, it should fit in the original dash lurking without needing a trim kit.

I have a Sony xav-xa5000 in my 80series. It's been good and no big complaints. It's glitched occasionsly, but reset gets it going again. Its about 5 years old, and I think it's superceded now.

I recently installed a super cheap Chinese stereo in my work truck. So far, I'm very impressed. It has newer software, and seems to be more functional than the way more expensive Sony.
One example is the volume control. It is press button, but touching a button brings up a volume control bar on the screen. Then setting volume via the touch screen is much easier than using buttons.

Finding a "plug & play" wiring harness adapter will make install super easy, and as mentioned above, it's likely the stereo he has will have the same harness plug.
Lots of stereos use standardized plug format. There is a few types though.

 

[newnew112]

Thanks guys! @voodu3, that was one of the ones on my list I was narrowing down! & it seems like everyone agrees!
@ERG80 thank you for the list! My budget is about $200-300 so the Sony one seems like a good fit!
@mudgudgeon thank you! I think 5 years is a pretty good run!
I’ll go with the Sony since it seems reliable and he’s pretty handy so I think he will figure out the rest!

 

[QuackAxel]

Crutchfield as linked above is awesome! Just put in your vehicle details and they will suggest what fist and everything you need to hook it up.

 

[SirSimon]

Here’s a thread that covers some good options. I wanted BT streaming but a “period correct” look, this Blaupunkt Bremen works great for me.