http://www.piloteers.org/forums/19-audio-electronics/31702-usaspec-bt35-hon-bluetooth-ipod-kit.html

 

If you don't want to break the bank, I recommend the Kenwood DPX500BT. If you're not a Kenwood fan, Clarion and Alpine also make good stuff.

The factory speakers in my 2008 EXL w/NAV were awful. A new headunit won't fix that. I bought Kenwood KFC-P709PS for up front and Kenwood KFC-1694PS for the rear. Good sound quality for the money. Start with the speaker upgrade, then add an amp if you want them to sound better.

 

I don't mind the sound quality so much as I wish it would just get a little bit louder. My 2003 Toyota Avalon can crank.

But, if I have my windows down in the Pilot, I don't feel like I can really rock the radio

 

I too hated the stock stereo, and upgraded this summer. Kenwood DDX-790 head unit, Sound Ordinance B-8PTD subwoofer (fits nicely under drivers seat), Polk DB651s (front), Polk DB651(rear), Polk DB1001 tweeters (installed on the existing tweeter dash grills), XM antenna and steering wheel controls, etc. It is so much better than the stock HU, especially with the sub tuned in properly. I have all my music on a 32G USB thumb drive attached to the cord, from the HU, sitting in the glovebox. I can also use Bluetooth off my android for hands free phone, Pandora, etc.

The new models will be out in January, so they may offer more features, like Aha, Spotify, etc. (whatever is currently popular) on the lower to middle end units.

Now that I know how easy it is to install, I'd probably go with a higher end Nav unit, since those have more of the features that I would like (Pandora, Spotify, Aha, HD radio, etc.). I'm happy with what I have now, l look forward to being in the car without the kids so I can crank it. I see no reason to buy a new vehicle to get marginally better technology, when it requires you to buy the high end "touring" models to get the basics most people expect in cars today. Spend 500 to 1k on a good setup, and keep your 2006 until Honda actually offers a more powerful and fuel efficient Pilot.

 

How do you like that Sound Ordinance B-8PTD subwoofer? I've just ordered a new Pioneer receiver and I've learned how Honda has made it particularly complicated to keep using a sub so I'm considering a power sub instead of trying to get something to work in the spot where the factory sub is.

Thanks

 

The Sound Ordinance B-8PTD is very good, easy to install under the drivers seat, and is much better than the stock sub. If you are getting the new HU, might as well do it all at once.

 

Did you secure it down somehow so it doesn't slide around?

Also, what did you do with the wired adjustment remote? Do you have to use it very often?

 

Mallard - what Clarion & Alpine units do you recommend.
I would prefer to be at $150 or under, but can spend more if it's something I like.

The main feature I want is the bluetooth integration.

Thanks!

 

Sorry to revive this old thread, but getting ready to make the purchase now for the 2006 Looking at the Kenwood DPX500BT, as mentioned above.

Any other recommendations?