So I am looking for an aftermarket head unit to serve as the start of my 07 Sahara stereo upgrade. I am thinking about going with a version with a touch screen and DVD. What I am concerned about is how useable and visible the unit will be with the top off. Does anyone who keeps their top down a lot have any input or advice? Specifics as to brand and model would be great! I will be interfacing with the Infinity system to start, but will eventually be running several amps, upgrading all the speakers and installing a couple under the front seat subs. I still have some Boston Accoustic Pro 50's, so I think I'll press them into service. I used to make and install the speaker pods and integrated subwoofer boxes in some pretty high end cars, but I am not looking to do anything amazing in the Jeep since I never have the top up unless its raining. Just clean and loud enough to be heard above the wind noise....

 

I think that's going to be tough unless someone is making a led screen on a double din these days. LCD when I was up to date on them didn't have a 180 degree viewing angle. And the touch screen were pressure sensitive and not heat sensitive. So it's a plastic screen and not a glass screen.. They didn't have a high contrast or brightness. It may be an issues but should still be able to be seen just not as good as if the glare wasn't on it.

 

I bought the JVC KW61BT, it is nice because it fills the hole, nice digital output for subwoofer amp, and a detachable face i can lock in the glove box. Plus it has microphone that can actually remove the noise when the top is off so its worth it. I think i paid like 269 for it on amazon. If you have an Iphone 4/4s its a big plus too as you can link GPS and movies and what not from it.

 

Thanks for the info. The big question is can you see the screen when it's sunny and the top is down....

 

top off, will the sun affect it? yes, but not as bad as you think, you can still adjust the dimmer on it to help, and i actually found it is easier to see with my sunglasses on. also i have the spiderweb shade, so that definitely helps too.

i just installed the AVH-X8500BHS, pretty much identical specs as the JVC above, iphone compatible, regardless of readability with the sun, i would not go back to stock.

i would recommend the parking bypass chip, then you can watch movies, and control GPS functions on the go.

 

EBerin, I am looking at the same head unit. Are you happy with it? How hard was the install? What accessories did you need to make it work and fit? Thanks!

 

PM replied, i love it, works great, easy to search songs, definetly sounds better, or more power to the speakers i assume, install wasnt a huge problem, it was my first time installing a double din unit by myself, but trial and error is all about the learning curve.

if you need more info, just search all the youtube videos, thats how i learned all about it the unit.

 

I'm interested in this same unit.. any chance you could post a quick pic of how it looks after installed?