Need Some Head...

Need some head unit advice. Truck - 2002, 2500HD, 4 dr

I want to install a new head unit. Unsure on what to get. I am not that much of a audiophile, but I do like clean, crisp highs and bass. I want to stay with all the speakers in the doors (no sub woofer)

I remember seeing pics on this forum of an installed head unit with a small equalizer underneath. Took up the existing space and looked great. Tried searching the forum, can't find. Has anyone seen or done this?

Metra makes install kits (if you don't go with a gm 1.5 din sized unit) that offer an equalizer option or a small storage pocket underneath the unit. Looks a lot better than a unit with just a plain filler plate.

Does anybody have any experience with a unit / equalizer option?

Does anybody have any suggestions for a brand of unit and or a specific model #, looking to spend about $300 to 400 on the head unit. Leaning towards either pioneer, kenwood or alpine. I also like the fold down face plate that has functional controls.

Has anyone installed the pioneer gm sized unit DEHP77DH ??http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/pna/product/detail/0,,2076_4043_33719,00.html

For speakers I am leaning towards polk or infinity.

Thanks in advance for any expert help.

Can't beat a Pioneer unit. Had several and have the 1.5 din unit now in my S10. Still, hard to beat the factory unit unless you're adding an amp and speakers. And, not sure, but the late model GMs have a security deal that the radio is connected to a body control computer. Taking out the radio might cause other problems? Gray area there. Those mounting kits work pretty good but I don't like the way the stereo sticks way out, but sure necessary in the S-series trucks and Camaros that I've had.

Thanks for the info Tom3

So you have that pioneer unit?

The reviews I have found on that unit are not bad. The biggest complaints was the display is hard to read in direct sunlite and the unit needs some updating. No complaints on the sound.

As far as security and wiring, don't know.

The unit is a out-dated.

Will it wire direct to my truck, not sure.

With all the gm's and dodge's out there, there should be more 1.5 din units on the market.

There are a total of 3 units to chose from for a direct fit to GM - 2 from pioneer and 1 from jensen. All the units need updating.

How many GM trucks are sold? Can someone explain this!

There are a lot 2 din units.

Where are the 1.5 din's?

My friend has a 2 DIN unit he had in his 98 Z71 that got totalled. He'd sell lit for a good price if you wanted to start cheap. NE how. With the 3 brands you listed, Alpine to me, is the better of the 3. Don't get me wrong Kenwood and Pioneer are great also, but I've owned some head units from all brands over the years and Alpine just sounds damn good.

As for the install, The 2 DIn units look good, but theres nothing wrong with a 1 DIN either if you use a good install kit and wiring harness.

As for the old radio, removing it wont hurt a thing, no security issues. Mine's been gone for 3 years. To ease the install be sure to get the proper wiring kit for your truck.

Door speakers only? Consider MB Quart maybe. They are a little more pricey then the others but sound REMARKABLE. Infinity is also excellent in sound reproduction. I can answer more later, but I'm at work and people are starting to bug me already!

alpine, hands down
are your factory speakers bad, ie crackling, blown or staticy(sp???)? i have my factory speakers behind an alpine dvd player head unit, and people have asked me where they can get those speakers.....when i tell them chevrolet, they kinda give me a dumb look though.

ok just reread your post.....i never had any problems out of the infinitys..i had them in my old acura, sounded great and got me some noise violations.....