Upgraded to the pbr300x2 & infinity kappa speakers and sold the stock head unit. Purchased a bt1005 off a member here along with a metra kit. Now its time to upgrade to an aftermarket stereo

pre out amp voltage 4+

bluetooth, CD player, USB and thats pretty much it. Budget would prefer to be under $160

I have come down to the following head units all on ebay:

sony mex-gs610BT 5v at $129 (good reviews and price is good, sony app is nice apparently for settings)

Pioneer DEH-X8700BH $153 (usb in rear have to route line not a deal breaker, tad different than others)

kdc x798 $165 (recommend by a few)

After much consideration I decided to go with the Kenwood kdc 798, think it came down to the display , few buttons on front for presets, usb in front, plus the features.

 

anything you like will work (stick with A Brands please like Apline, Kenwood, JVC, Pioneer, Sony).
most important "requirements" are preferably 4V or more (5V) pre-outs (2V will work though) & support for external audio controls - most brands have 3.5mm plug - believe Kenwood has 2 wires.

see sticky regarding ASWC1 / Metra combo for handlebar controls (cheaper than BT100x version - which is BTW the only one supporting AVC).

otherwise - whatever you think is important.
The only thing I wish I had on mine is a more extensive EQ (currently 5 band fixed frequencies)

I personally would stay away from refurbs... had too many bad experiences with it in the past. not worth the 20 bucks less IMHO

 

I'd just go with this one from BT

http://www.biketronics.com/sony-mex-m70bt-marine/

 

Looked into the wiring harness for the controls little puzzled but shouldn't be too bad. If I do a kenwood unit I would need to do alittle extra work, while with a Sony unit it might be a tad easier.

The sony m70bt ebay $88 refurbished unit on ebay ,hmmm

 

Just helped a buddy install a Kenwood HU using the Metra kit and the ASWC-1 control unit. It looks a little complicated but once you have it all in front of you it makes much more sense. The Kenwood requires connecting one additional wire over the Sony so it don't let that be a major influence on your decision.

 

Look up the Kenwood Excelon KDC X798 I have that HU and it is great it will take me some time to learn all of the functions but it is worth it I got mine for $159.00 and I still see them around $165.00- $200.00 it is a great unit with built in HD radio and connection for Xm radio (which I picked up at Best Buy for $50.00) xm radio $9.95 per month first 3 months free trial.

 

I also got the V-Twin Audio VTURCEH install combo and it was fast and easy to put together.

 

Was considering the install kit posted in the forum along with harness ,$80 or so total

 

Just ordered the Kenwood KDC-X798 with Biketronics Retro Radio BT 1005X, BT71S speakers and PBR300X2. Look forward to installing it next weekend!

 

Ill look into the kdc798 ,few different options seem like the head units look the same.