Digital player for truck suggestions

@simao I would be absolutely stunned if any current vehicle came without a USB port and the capability to play digital files from a flash drive.  I wouldn't spend any money until I learned the capability that's built-in.  You should also have the ability to connect your phone via Bluetooth or a cable from the headphone jack (using the aux input), assuming your phone still has one :).  I personally wouldn't get THAT worked up about sound quality.  Unless your sitting still with the vehicle off, I doubt you'll hear much difference.  I use FLAC in my main system but convert them to 256 kbps mp3s for the car and they sound fine.

Regarding aftermarket replacements for the Bose system that comes installed - you may find that it's near impossible or at least VERY expensive to do so.  I have a 2013 Honda Accord and the sound system and multi-function display are completely integrated into the innerworkings of the car.  I'm not sure it could be removed and have the car still run.  They wouldn't do this on purpose would they??? :)

Dick

Simao & DJohnson,
I just completely reworked a disgusting Bose system in my Infinity.  If you want to talk about complicated messes...this wins.
1-Bose BLOWS.  When we ripped out the speakers, we found that there wasn't a single tweeter in the whole vehicle.  Bose has now invented the newest audio bullcrap a "Twiddler".  I kid you not.  This doesn't go as high as tweeters and is definitely not a mid range.  They figure that since the amp/head can't reproduce full frequency responses, why try.  Thanks Pandora & XM for continued low fidelity.
2-Did I say Bose Blows?
3-The bose amp was terribly underpowered.  Even though we had dual subs, there was nothing to push them.
4-Most car USB ports are crap.  Not only are you stuck using the built in DAC, you are usually forced to use MP3/MP4 or similar quality.  Any of us that have tried to use flash drives in cars will testify to how unreliable this can be.
My friend Chris who is an installation genius did have some solutions.  First, Alpine, Rockford and a few others make very nice processors that actually work in line with the factory unit to take out any lame bose equalization to get you full flat frequency repsonse.  This is an intense install that is an all day job at a shop and will run $600-$1000.  If the processor doesn't do it for you, you can always add an amp or two (or three...).  DO NOT SKIMP.  Many car audio amps are full of hot air.  My Class D Alpine puts out real wattage.  
Replacing factory speakers may help but just how much???
Sorry to rant :-)
Go see an aftermarket installer to see what they have to say.

@elevick I understand the disgust!  I'd have to spend WAY more time in my car to justify that kind of expense.  As it is I spend a grand total of about an hour a day commuting to the office so I spent a little money to put together a decent office system instead.  All in all, mp3 works fine for me in the car.  Glad to know there are solutions though.  Dick

I do appreciate all the advice you've given me on this. @djohnson54 You have a point about not getting too worked up about sound quality - especially in a truck where road noise is going to be a bit more than in a more sealed sedan or coupe. I think I'll invest in a good digital media player - an iPod 6; an Astern; maybe an Onkyo or a Sony - and work on ripping and downloading in ALAC, as @dbtom2 suggested.

the vehicle in question can function as a wifi hotspot, so that's a bonus.

For years now I've been using my iPod via Bluetooth into my car audio system. It works great. We also sometimes use my son's iPhone the same way when traveling. I rip my CDs to iTunes using AIFF with error correction turned on and sync to my iPod. It sounds surprisingly good in the car.

You can also listen to any other digital source that you can access on your phone. I sometimes cache 4 hours of Radio Paradise on my iPod and listen to it via bluetooth in the car. Uses none of your data plan that way.

Enjoy,

TIC