Please help... I have a TCH with Nav. I have replaced the factory speakers (which are terrible- JBL) with aftermarket component speakers - high end Memphis M class speakers, and a powerful Memphis amp (which does not effect the neuro center of the car nor its performance MPH). The stock NAV radio is terrible and wanted to replace it with a high end unit, such as an Eclipse Double Din unit or a Kenwood Excelon DNX9140. Crutchfield tells me now. My car audio guy tells me yes, but of course, will not be able to view the charging system of the car (no big deal). Is this do-able?

 

The ambiant, white, noise level., ~70db, in a car (LS400) while underway is so loud that a true hifi system is unobtainable, unless you are parked, engine off, windows up, in a sub-terranian garage.

Spend your money on your home hifi system.

 

Not sure what you mean "do-able" ?
I think (but not 100%) that it is standard dual DIN size, so any such unit should fit. If you can't get adapter plugs for your particular radio, you could download schematic diagrams and connect it wire by wire (that's how they used to do it in good old days) and if you're not handy, hire somebody who does it for a living.
But I agree with Wwest, WHY?
Also there is a chance that even good car audio guy can mess things up, especially the CAN signal wire for hybrid info that is hooked up to car's computer, ouch.

 

If you want an in-dash OEM-looking nav unit, why don't you just get one of these:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/07-09...item439aadab73

Or, if what you want is a good nav unit that is easy to program, reliable, and will guide you to a good route, just get a regular Garmin. (The nav unit that Toyota provides has been criticized by various sources, for good reason. The maps have many errors, and they don't know the speed limits of most roads.)

 

Steve, I think the OP has the stock NAV unit and just wants to replace it with a higher-end, better sounding head unit to compliment the aftermarket speakers and amp that were installed...

Off topic, does the stock NAV unit play DVDs?

 

Yes, i would like a higher quality radio unit with Nav to replace the crap unit provided in my TCH when I bought it...

 

I must have become confused between two different threads --

off-topic -- No. At least, mine doesn't. I suppose the newest units might be different. I cannot imagine Toyota building a car that plays DVDs that the driver can see while the car is in motion. After the recent "safety" PR, they might even remove the ability to change the radio station.

 

Re. the radio station change, GOOD ONE !

Re. playing DVD's:

Yeah, but it sure would be nice if we could use the unit to play music (mp3) stored on data DVD. Unit can read a DVD and it can play mp3's form a data CD. Doesn't seem like that much of a stretch.

Anybody out there figured out that one yet ?