Big props for mentioning the interface! Nobody EVER mentions this and it's becoming increasingly important. I would like to see a side-by-side comparison of all the major brands. In a vehicle, I believe it's critical to have a simple and intuitive UI.
@@jimmycorbett4611 .Yeah, Sony has been designing menus and on-screen displays for lots of other products like TV's and phones for years so they usually seem to have pretty good settings, menus, user-interfaces.
@@good-tn9sr 1.) Not everyone has or wants Apple gear 2.) There are settings (such as tones controls, sub level, fader) that aren't accessible through an app.
The biggest issue most new head units have is not including a hard skip forward and back button.Mute is also often on the touch screen only so if you don't have steering wheel controls, it can be difficult to quickly mute audio or skip songs. When you have a very loud system, it's important to be able to turn it down quickly in certain situations as most of us here can relate to.
The Car Joying ones can fully dim way down or you can even choose to have the screen go completely black too if you want the screen all the way off while listening to them, and simply touch the screen anywhere to have it instantly light back up
I tried many head units and always faced some problems with Bluetooth, Android Auto or installation itself. I decided to build my own head unit so I gave a try for Raspberry PI 4 (single board computer) with OpenAuto Pro software on-board. First advantage is that is the cheapest head unit I ever installed in my car. Second advantage is that everything works pretty well so far.
For years I’ve used pioneer head units and just never have been happy with the bass coming from my after market speakers. I have jl audio 5x7s in the back and focals in the front that I just got last year. I even put a 4 channel 50 watt per channel amp in and still was not happy how tinny all the speakers sounded. My pioneer head unit gave out and replaced it with an alpine 650. Immediately the bass from the all the speakers were kicking. The speakers sound so rich now with good clean highs and good mid bass then my sub doing the low lows. I can’t believe a head unit made that much of a difference even with amps powering the speakers. I’m still just amazed how good the speakers sound now. I’ll never get a pioneer anything again. Edit. The amp I have is the alpine power pack which also connects Nicely to the back of the alpine head unit. I have actually been using my infinity kappa 12 vq sub for 15 years now. I freaking love that sub.
Yep, some vehicles have a HU that is so integrated there isn't a great solution, but we are seeing companies create more and more complex interfaces serve as a solution which is good! In the mean time a DSP integrated properly with the stock system is the way to go!
Aman Samra it's the 2020 model and has the JBL upgrade (JBL isn't that bad, but it's not great either!). I played around with the head unit in a 2020 Corolla on an extended work trip through the AZ desert (my last work trip before Covid), and really really liked the new touch screen head unit Toyota has made common. 4Runner now has the same one. Just about everyone in a Toyota gets CarPlay and Android now!
I think we took a few steps backwards ditching cds. I came across my cds and popped one in; the clarity is crisp & clear, no comparison to anything else.
So much great info here! Highlights for me were the optical out feature and ability to adjust the color of the display/buttons. I’m really glad I found this channel!
When I bought my head unit for my truck this year, I looked at a bunch of them. When I settled on one or two, the price difference to add the DVD player was $20 or $30. For me that's a no brainier, and if the disc player ever dies, the rest of it will still work.
I watched this video to check whether you'd be mentioning digital audio outputs, or rather lack of them in the current head unit market - and you did. So thank you for that! Truth to be told, if we talk about audiophiles, then analog connections are just not good enough, looking at the mainstream Android Head Unit / Android Auto options out there. We've seen some 1DIN bluetooth stereos in the range of $1,000+ with decent hardware for analog outputs, but as you said - it is still uncomparable with digital signal. There is a new Android Head Unit from Joying, the first one that offers digital audio output (but there might be others too). Seeing the market turning gradually towards the end-to-end Android in-car experience - if you ever plan to make a video on how to run Android Head Unit + Adv. DSP + Ex. AMP - we'd be happy to offer some content to share with your audience (we're not affiliated with any brands; truly independent) .
Alpines ilx-w650 was $300. It works great and the tunability is amazing. Also using a DD1+ I get clean output all the way through max volume. I've never had issues with Alpine decks. The one pioneer I bought when I was cheaping out broke in a month(the toggle switch to next/back. The spring in it to return switch back to center failed and was annoying there after).
I recently purchased a new aftermarket head unit which is the Pioneer DMH-4660NEX. My biggest want was Wireless Android Auto. It came down to Pioneer, Kenwood and JVC. I really liked the fact that the Kenwood had a cool feature that you could add four camera inputs. But ultimately, their interface was my least favorite.
@tomaspetr6771 i have a sister model, the dmh bt 160, / 1770 nex, and its why im on this video. Pioneer has apparently been dropping in quality post covid and im a victim of their recent havit of bad solder joints. It gives an intermittent no start on the radio where you get a white screen, only option is to mail to pioneer.
I'm a few months into using a $300 Android head unit from joying and no regrets so far. The functionality is way beyond what Android auto offers, and I have independent eq control over the front and rear speakers which was perfect because the front component speakers behave very differently than the rear deck 6x9s. I don't know of any other head unit on the market that lets you do that without having to add a dsp. The only thing that doesn't work flawlessly is I occasionally have to reboot the system to get Bluetooth to work, but I so rarely use that anymore it isn't an inconvenience.
Really good content. One thing that I would add is to do some homework on what car audio companies strengths and weaknesses are. I've installed and ran several systems, and I've found that I'm particularly favorable to several companies, for different aspects. I prefer Kenwood receivers as I've had great luck with each one of I've used, but it's all I really like by them. I won't even consider Alpine head units after previous experiences, but I absolutely love their amps, and consider them my favorites. Their speakers are not my favorite, but I do like them. Taking time to do some research on products ( what people like and dislike about them), and their strengths and weaknesses will save you a lot of headaches, and learning the hard way. It can save money, particularly in the long run. Many times, spending a little more for better quality prevents wasting money on extra purchases due to unsatisfactory results of a previous purchase. Good information. Thanks for the video
I haven't had any qualms using Alpine in the past, tried JVC and Pioneer, and their low - mid range radios suck.. For speakers, it's either Alpine, Focal or Dynaudio. Amps, Alpine is what I have used in the past, still have a few 16 year old amps playing in my car. I just wish there were more options regarding screen sizes. I'd like a 8" display, I will probably have to custom mount it anyways, so warranty is "compromised" from the start.
Absolutely incredible channel. Well done. So I built an isobaric clamshell box in 1992 for my Jetta. Great times. My dad had me into Crutchfield before I was ten, so it was fun using them, Crutchfield is unique and thorough, with perfect work ethic. I just got a 2012 VW specifically because it’s simpler than new cars. Now I’m doing my research, and found your channel. Very nice to have found this. So my question is, when making all these videos, covering so many topics, due to technology advancing so quickly, do you ever go back and remake the same video to include new gear? Because I just saw this video and am wondering how much better 2024’s units are compared to 2020. Functionality must have improved I would assume. Great channel Mark, it’s fun watching someone who loves what they do.
Sucks because I'm only 22 but was born off CDs hearing the crisp clear sound when my dad used to blast his system just hits different for me lol. Also this video was definitely needed these new vehicles are getting more difficult with how their head units are built connected to the car's computer system
I hear you Mallory, but all is not lost, in fact in a way going with a strictly digital media interface deck is beneficial in many ways. For one you can burn all your CD or WAV files to a program like iTunes on your computer, then transfer them over to a flash drive in WAV format/1411 Kbps. Also many of the new Hi-Res formats have fantastic audio quality and actually take up less space than a WAV file does. Either way, the flash drive is the new CD CHANGER for car audio now and instead of 6-12 discs plus 1 in the Head unit, now you can have 1000 CD’s or more w/out quality loss in something that fits in the palm of your hand. I’d call that progress.
@@ryanmalinovsky6504 that is true guess I need to start buying some flash drives. Also a quick question are the newer cars coming with a decent radio now? And is it hard to swap out with aftermarket headunits?
Mallory Cain Jr. Yeah, they’re cheap; I picked up a few that were 160GB for like $15/each a couple years ago from Best Buy. They were discounted over $100/each at the time. To answer your question IMO; I agree w/Mark. You gotta have an Apple Car Play/Android Auto radio. I use speech to text and GPS all the time plus streaming services, taking calls (all safe and easy to do... never even have to touch your phone) For me these are crucial befitting my job as I average 60-75k miles/year. So I’d be happy w/ factory stereo with these services and adding DSP/amps. Additionally vehicles that have aftermarket kits/harnesses made for them are easy to swap out so long as you take your time until your fluent with the instructions which just comes with experience from repetition. But even if you don’t swap stereos out on a regular basis, or even if you’ve never integrated a factory deck to work with aftermarket amplifiers, DSP’s, crossovers etc.; It’s just a matter of doing your research, testing & verifying, taking your time and using the right tool for the job you’re doing, and don’t throw the instructions away. If Mark doesn’t have a video that helps you I can almost guarantee some TH-cam channel or low volt forum will have what you need. Now if a newer vehicle doesn’t have a kit/harness designed for it and the stereo is where other important vehicle accessories are controlled from like AC/heating and so much more, then my advice would be to leave that stereo in place and integrate your aftermarket equipment (more than likely using Audio Control components or something similar) as a bridge to your amplifiers unless of course it’s already built into the DSP. Long story short; I encourage you to give it a go bc you know you are able to do it and when you complete it you’re rewarded with the amount of effort you put into it 👍🏼.
I seriously recommend JVC KW-R930BT Double DIN Head Unit. Easy to use. My dad who is 60+ plus. loves it he can read the radio stations without his glasses. Big finger friendly. with all the buttons. Using all my cd again is great. my mum wants one for her car now.
My android based head unit has been super awesome, I run torque pro, can put gauges on my stereo, pull up TH-cam or any other video app for people when traveling, etc., I couldn’t go back to a non android based stereo.
i got my android head unit from amazon because of their awesome return policy. works perfectly and while i disagree with his tip about android head units. It was my only replacement option due to the age of my car.
Then get a CD player, just saying if you are not someone who needs the CD functionality (which is now most people) then keep things simple an understand there is a non-CD option
I don't get your reasoning. Do you have several head units connected to a mixer? Doesn't mixing in traffic distract you from driving? I'm interested to hear about this in detail.
I am glad I watched this video before buying some cheap peice of junk. I also trust all of the manufacturers you said you had no problems with. Thanks much👍
0:48 "... a lot of you guys that have started watching the channel are guys that did car audio 10-15 years ago and are starting to get back into it..." This is so accurate! How did you know??
@@rabbit73au i travel an hour plus each way and hate station fade on FM. I have not spent the $ to put a bunch of music on an mp3 device either. So...I have resorted to listening to Pandora until my data gets too used. I can admit that my factory stereo would never be loud enough to make the CD skip if I had one....but I also don't like to spend more than I have to if I can avoid it.
Uhh, nobody steals car stereos any longer. That was the 90's. There is no market for stolen car stereos since you can get a decent one for like $99 (last bit on removeable faceplates) Informative and concise video, thanks!
Thank you for this. Since I started driving, I have done all the audio work myself (had some help starting off, of course.) You got a new subscriber. I have a good stereo in my old truck, but I want to upgrade, and your tips may help me in the future. I have also always used Crutchfield, and always trusted Pioneer. Thanks for the content in this video!
One awesome advantage to having a dvd player built into the head unit is filling a blank dvd full of your favorite DSD or FLAC files and just simply letting them play away.. Be careful with the DSD data-rate though. Anything higher than DSD128 and I have found that the DVD player cannot read the file fast enough. Spotify is very nice to have but sometimes the quality can seem lacking at times.
I need to add: make sure that the pre out voltages are higher than 4. Preferably 5 volts. Bought an awesome headunit with only 2 volt pre out for the subwoofer and it simply doesn't cut it, compared to using high outs into the amps high to low adapter.
i dont know why this is not in the video, but this is the most important feature when doing car audio xD i was about to write about this but then saw your comment. thumbs up for this important comment.
Great channel...I have been imersed in truck audio the past few months as I upgraded my 2005 Ram 1500 Rumble Bee audio. Had Audio shop install the new Kenwood KDC-X704. I replaced the 7 spk infinity speakers with Soundstage CPT 6.5" Components and sized up the 5.25" Coaxial rears to 6.5". Also installed the XR401-4 Kenwood Amp. Fun project. Have to agree, Crutchfield site looks very professional. Love their how-tos and recommendations.
ha" I did just get back into car audio earlier this summer,. i also just talked to Stone at Crutchfield over the phone earlier this week. a lot has changed in installing aftermarket audio in these newer cars. I'm going to be calling stone back on Monday hopefully, to place my order for a aftermarket stereo in my 2010 Cadillac escalade. Thanks for posting, your videos help out a lot. I'm glad I found this channel and subscribed.
For shits and giggles I bought a $120 10.1” android head unit off EBay. Not only did it introduce such large amounts of static into my system, after halfway up, it made a pop sound and had 3 times the static it had before. Never again, stuck with Kenwood for years and that’s what I’ll be doing again
Yes the motorized functions do fail at some point like on a jvc kameleon that I have somewhere that the button tray quit moving out. I am happy with just a usb input for a flash dongle that I put music on.
Absolutely! If its one of my favorite bands, I still buy the album. Songs on an album are arranged in a certain order for a reason. Artwork and album packaging is displayed and arranged a certain way for a reason. Still the best all around platform for music.
Ya, so many new cars simply are not able to be headunit upgraded due to the trend of the slap on, thin screens that run everything. When buying newer cars, make sure you like the screen interface because so many you are going to be stuck with it for the life of your car.
Fortunately more (actually legit) companies are coming out with replacement solutions. As an example look what PAC recently made for the Grand Cherokee, the RPK4-CH4103. The GC has an OEM screen with climate controls built in (actually the screen you see in the intro and the section of the video talking about climate controls). The PAC piece allows an aftermarket head unit and adds a secondary screen to retain those controls! Pretty cool!
Yeah, late model Mazdas have this problem. My wife's 2019 CX-5 and my 2017 MX-5 Miata will never accept an aftermarket head unit because the HU sceen sits on top of the dash and are basically proprietary. I opted for the basic, no-frills HU with bluetooth only because I don't care about touch-screen interfaces in a convertible, driver's car. My wife's CX-5 has all the infotainment bells and whistles and when it craps out, it's not going to be cheap to replace. Her previous vehicle was a 2017 Honda Ridgeline and the infortainment HU was pure garbage--slow and glitchy and the apple carplay that read her texts completely stopped working. I'm shopping around for a new HU for my 1999 Lexus GS 300 and I'm not sure what I want!
Thank you great video still using my old Pioneer DEH -P200BT never get rid of it because I never paid for Sirius radio for over 10 years! I purchased another older portable Sirius for $6.00 again you can listen for free!
walking through the store with a shaving bag my 10.1 inch touch screen pops off the double din now with a press off a button to not get my window broken but beffor walkman we skied with a car deck strapped to our chest cant remember the name
Great video as always, probably my favorite car audio resource on TH-cam! I like the new features of head units like android auto/carplay or backup display/gps and the impressive specs but I really prefer tactile feedback of older stereos. Due to this I got an older model kenwood dpx304mbt for the physical buttons and volume knob. In my opinion it's a lot easier to be able to reach over without looking and use muscle memory and the clicks from the buttons to tell what you are actually pressing than hoping you're hitting the right part of the screen. This little stereo may not be the best but it's definitely got as much as I need, except maybe the 2.5v amp pre-outs, I may look into a line converter for that but that'd be my only concern with this unit. Awaiting installation in the 94 lexus sc400. Great stuff as always man!
These are typically a modified aftermarket brand, the problem is they use the cheap brands to do this. They look nice but are overpriced, very low quality and poor performance.
Honestly Mark, at this point i am actually trying to go back in time around 5-10years for a decent single din head unit. Everything ive looked at and played with that is available today in Australia just hasn't impressed me. Gimmicky features like Sonys "BASS" button, Pioneers arguably pointless NAV button and phone mirroring, broken functionality like kenwoods absolutely useless bluetooth and a phone button that will answer calls but wont hang up calls, pioneers random firmware corruption for no apparent reason, Alpines complete lack of innovation to the point that most units still feature a 3 band EQ and NO adjustable backlight brightness or colour. I also hate how every unit now days lacks the park light dim trigger input, i can understand why (modern car BCM personality settings etc), but i would still be nice to have the option there! Moving into the double dins, Kenwoods highest end units legitimately feature the best screen (actually 720p) out of any brands name head unit available, yet the interface is rubbish, not cohesive and lacks any decent customization, plus the bluetooth still sucks and this is in a $1000 unit. Alpine just rebrand chinese junk now days, their halo series is rubbish, buggy and slow, the screen sucks ass. Their other options are just plain ugly and they all lack any decent EQ features. Pioneer imo is pretty much the only viable option for a double din now days. Whilst their screens are still WVGA, they at least look modern, the interface is cohesive, fast, customization is "good enough", and most importantly their bluetooth doesn't take 20 minutes to connect. Their new DMH capacitive touch series looks really promising! In regards to the china android units, i largely agree. The majority feature rubbish interfaces, buggy software, absolutely horrible audio quality and relatively poor build quality. However they do have some advantages, especially if you buy the right unit, like being able to run apps that aren't limited to android auto program, vastly customizable interfaces, higher quality screens and built in GPS nav without the extreme price penalty. I honestly believe if there was a chinese head unit that featured a high end audio chip and an accessible software back-end (ie rootable, custom rom) and someone wanted to spend the time, they could easily create a very impressive car multimedia experience that would rival everything else out there. Imagine having something like a Tesla/Apple/Android interface, that is infinity customizable, on a high resolution screen with seamless phone/bluetooth integration, no app lockouts (android auto) and decent DSP settings. It would be incredible! Unfortunately i cannot write software otherwise i would give it a go myself lol.
What really miss from my oem headunit is speed sensitive volume control; with my aftermarket Kenwood I have to turn up and down the volume all the time. And thats on a 1din HU in a car from 2001, but even latest 2 din car play units dont have that.
1980 my parents left town on a Friday night and I went straight to Target and bought a Kraco cassette player for 19.95. Installed it in the glove box of my VW bug. It had 1 speaker by the speedometer. First song I played was Another One Bites the Dust.
Oh my. Just started shopping for a head unit and this came out! Have my eyes on the Pioneer DMH-2660NEX. All I want is a nice capacitive screen, android auto, and preamp outputs for my future Helix V Eight DSP MK2 (8 channel amplifier). What are your opinions on that particular unit? (PS, I have not watched the video. Im at work)
Could you please do a full build with wiring guide for a sedan car preferably with one chanel for each 2 tweeters, 4 speakers and 1 subwoofer. For a factory radio. with actively crossovered tweeters
Thanks for this, I always stick with name brands for Sound Quality but have tried Cheap Android big screened radios just for the heck of it. They have a huge deficit in the sound quality department. You CAN get units with decent quality but they start to creep into Kenwood, Pioneer price territory. Also it's amazing that Optical has just NOW started making its way into car audio when it's been included on every piece of home audio almost as an after thought for a decade now.
I agree with everything in this video, just keep in mind that some of us still love the CD, nothing compares to a physical medium, however, i really only use them inside. I got everything ripped to Apple Lossless and use a 256GB Ipod Touch as a hard drive. Works like a charm!
When i was a kid my Dad had a s10 blazer with a kicker box in the back and a Alpine pull out radio with the green buttons sitting on some fat rims, early 90's shht 😁
All good advice Mark. Each one has different set up and have to live with what you have. Crutchfield’s been around for a great while. Good customer service, that matters.
I'm a bit old school and love cd's but so many vehicles don't support it that I keep them home to enjoy there. I wish they were more supported on the large touchscreen HU's but that just me.
My wife wants some bass in her ride but its a 2016 mazda and it has that funky touch screen, I don't believe I can replace it. If so im sure it will be a very complicated process so I've got some research to do.
@@CarAudioFabrication PLEASE DO! i have an old ford pickup truck that i dont want to hack up the dash to install a modern bluetooth source unit. I am extremely curious about the fitment, and performance of their units.
One major thing I learned was to never get a GPS unit from Pioneer. I bought their top of the line unit back at around 2014 and found out their map updates aren't even free. Pay an almost 50% premium for GPS and I gotta pay for maps? Get the eff outta here.
Please provide technical information for the Nakamichi NA3100i head unit. How to outsmart the head unit so that it doesn't auto on when the ignition key is in the ACC position. Thank you.
@@manorslousher4654 No infotainment system hu is the same atm. The factory hu does have two digital coaxial inputs which I want to connect an Audison Bit 1 dsp then to a 5.1 and a Quattro for a 3 way Dynaudio component up front, center channel, rear fill and sub to. So that the signal is purely digital and not degrade the signal with a high to low level adapter.
I still have my phoenix gold amplifier I forget what my crossover is but still have that from probably 1990. And jl subs mb quartz went with car. Really miss them.but want to do something again.
Damn what timing! My old aftermarket pioneer "dvd head unit" on my 05 ram just crapped out last week, the memories i have of slipping in a redbox rental and having a movie night with the GF in the same McDonald's parking lot and retuning it after watching it are good! But after doing some research i found that no way in hell im spending $400-$600+ on a fancy new brand name unit, instead i went with a $100 one that does pretty much everything my old one did minus the disc drive and its wayyyy lighter and bigger screen, i dont need apple play since i dont use apple anything, it does have a screen mirror and other wireless comms and since Bluetooth is all i ever use its a no brainer for me. No a/c controls, only steering wheel buttons that made it easy to wire, and has amp and sub outputs so it was a breeze to install to my existing set up. again its a 05 ram so nothing fancy, so good so far. The pioneer lasted me almost 10 yrs, ill be happy if i get 5 out of this one.
Apple CarPlay is a reason I’m considering upgrading now. I’ve got an aftermarket Pioneer stereo, but it’s 10-12 years old. It has wireless calling, but I still have to plug my phone in to play music. Would be nice to just switch wirelessly to play from whichever phone we want.
Also, if you are car is newer and the factory radio already has every feature you want, just use a HiLo converter instead of an aftermarket radio or go with an amp or DSP that has high-level inputs. If your car is so old that it does not have even Bluetooth music, an aftermarket radio is mandatory and if you are willing to spend the extra cash get the floating screen model and you will definitely keep your old car a lot longer and avoid car payments but you will most certainly be saving up for the whole 9 yards for an aftermarket system.
I have a random Android based head unit in my drag truck, it has pros and cons. The reason I keep it is it can run the Torque app so I can put additional gauges and vehicle info on the screen with a bluetooth OBDII adapter. Very helpful at the track, and it still can pick up the FM station at the track that they use to communicate. The bluetooth on the radio works great and it remembers my phone and the station the track uses even when I turn off the battery kill switch between races and at tech inspection. It looks good and satisfies those needs so its a real keeper, but it sucks at everything else, tuning is a bear, its hard to navigate, it kills the battery, it sounds awful and comes on full volume static when you reconnect the battery. Did I mention its slow... super super slow. Wouldn't trade it for anything...
Lots of crap out there, but also a bunch of respectable brands like Atoto, Joying or Xtron that make wonderful models with quality parts (fast CPUs, at least 3 gigs of ram, good screens, quality japanese amplifiers, well built software). But as with everything... you do pay for quality.
Stay away from touch based volume control. Buttons or knobs are the best!
So mfing true
My one complaint, more HU's need the knob!
But graphics
I wish my pioneer avh221ex had a volume knob
Double thumbs up for this comment! 👍👍
Man, remember waiting for that fresh Crutchfield catalog to come in the mail? Those were the days...
You can still get their catalog! Sign up for free on the site
@@CarAudioFabrication have u guys built and filmed an 07 sg forester audio installation?
And Eastbay mags too!
Big props for mentioning the interface! Nobody EVER mentions this and it's becoming increasingly important. I would like to see a side-by-side comparison of all the major brands. In a vehicle, I believe it's critical to have a simple and intuitive UI.
From what I’ve seen, Sony has the most simple UI but simple in a good way. It looks good and is easy to operate while driving.
what’s the point if you’re always using Apple carplay
@@jimmycorbett4611 .Yeah, Sony has been designing menus and on-screen displays for lots of other products like TV's and phones for years so they usually seem to have pretty good settings, menus, user-interfaces.
@@good-tn9sr 1.) Not everyone has or wants Apple gear 2.) There are settings (such as tones controls, sub level, fader) that aren't accessible through an app.
Anyone else here old enough to remember when pullout head units and CD changers were new to the game? Just me? F@#! I'm getting old. Lol
And... they were always too expensive for me!
sony cdxr 77 was the first it had a changer option in the trunk
@@tommccall7492 ha ha ha now they have a cd shape dealiebob that you pute in the cd player to play media files from a thum drive
I had a pull out Pioneer tape deck with SuperTuner III (?) radio 🤣
You brought back memories of my old Alpine auto reverse cassette pullout receiver with a 6 disk CD changer control.
That green display was awesome.
The biggest issue most new head units have is not including a hard skip forward and back button.Mute is also often on the touch screen only so if you don't have steering wheel controls, it can be difficult to quickly mute audio or skip songs. When you have a very loud system, it's important to be able to turn it down quickly in certain situations as most of us here can relate to.
As a teenager, I didn't have the internet but I did look forward to the latest Crutchfield magazine.
😎👍
Last magazine I got was I think beginning of 2007
The ability to make the screen blank is a must have. Especially for night driving.
Most will dim when properly installed, but yes that is a good feature if the screen bothers you
The Car Joying ones can fully dim way down or you can even choose to have the screen go completely black too if you want the screen all the way off while listening to them, and simply touch the screen anywhere to have it instantly light back up
I tried many head units and always faced some problems with Bluetooth, Android Auto or installation itself. I decided to build my own head unit so I gave a try for Raspberry PI 4 (single board computer) with OpenAuto Pro software on-board. First advantage is that is the cheapest head unit I ever installed in my car. Second advantage is that everything works pretty well so far.
Wow!! Freshest thing have heard all week. Am not an electronics guru but that has inspired me one day will try make one....love to see a pic of that.
You should make a video
For years I’ve used pioneer head units and just never have been happy with the bass coming from my after market speakers. I have jl audio 5x7s in the back and focals in the front that I just got last year. I even put a 4 channel 50 watt per channel amp in and still was not happy how tinny all the speakers sounded. My pioneer head unit gave out and replaced it with an alpine 650. Immediately the bass from the all the speakers were kicking. The speakers sound so rich now with good clean highs and good mid bass then my sub doing the low lows. I can’t believe a head unit made that much of a difference even with amps powering the speakers. I’m still just amazed how good the speakers sound now. I’ll never get a pioneer anything again.
Edit. The amp I have is the alpine power pack which also connects Nicely to the back of the alpine head unit.
I have actually been using my infinity kappa 12 vq sub for 15 years now. I freaking love that sub.
I got a chuckle out of how my new 4Runner has a recommendation of "We do not recommend upgrading the head unit."
Sounds like a challenge.
Yep, some vehicles have a HU that is so integrated there isn't a great solution, but we are seeing companies create more and more complex interfaces serve as a solution which is good! In the mean time a DSP integrated properly with the stock system is the way to go!
CarAudioFabrication all the way Mark! Love your work and excited to see new builds coming along 😁
What year is your 4runner. I have a 2014 4runner and was going to change the deck. I've never seen anyone saying they dont recommen anything
Aman Samra it's the 2020 model and has the JBL upgrade (JBL isn't that bad, but it's not great either!). I played around with the head unit in a 2020 Corolla on an extended work trip through the AZ desert (my last work trip before Covid), and really really liked the new touch screen head unit Toyota has made common. 4Runner now has the same one. Just about everyone in a Toyota gets CarPlay and Android now!
I bought from Crutchfield before the internet was mainstream. My first purchase from them was 1993 I believe. I bought some Cerwin Vega home speakers.
I bought from Crutchfield before the internet when cassette tapes were the new technogy :-) First purchase was probably in 76 or 77.
Still use crutchfield and have been since my first car 2003. Not as long as you guys though
I think we took a few steps backwards ditching cds. I came across my cds and popped one in; the clarity is crisp & clear, no comparison to anything else.
The timing of this, could not be more perfect ;)
So much great info here! Highlights for me were the optical out feature and ability to adjust the color of the display/buttons. I’m really glad I found this channel!
Maaan, Crutchfield has been my go to since before the internet!!! Damn im old
Oh now, it's been only 20 years since the internet was publicly released lol
Crutchfield is still the source. That’s great.
When I bought my head unit for my truck this year, I looked at a bunch of them. When I settled on one or two, the price difference to add the DVD player was $20 or $30. For me that's a no brainier, and if the disc player ever dies, the rest of it will still work.
My 10.1 android HU works absolutely perfect fast never froze and sounds perfect
I watched this video to check whether you'd be mentioning digital audio outputs, or rather lack of them in the current head unit market - and you did. So thank you for that! Truth to be told, if we talk about audiophiles, then analog connections are just not good enough, looking at the mainstream Android Head Unit / Android Auto options out there. We've seen some 1DIN bluetooth stereos in the range of $1,000+ with decent hardware for analog outputs, but as you said - it is still uncomparable with digital signal.
There is a new Android Head Unit from Joying, the first one that offers digital audio output (but there might be others too). Seeing the market turning gradually towards the end-to-end Android in-car experience - if you ever plan to make a video on how to run Android Head Unit + Adv. DSP + Ex. AMP - we'd be happy to offer some content to share with your audience (we're not affiliated with any brands; truly independent) .
I've owned an atoto a6 android head unit for over 1 year with no issues. Great sound and wifi for youtube browsing when I'm on my lunch break at work
I bought my radio this past weekend , darn it 😂 but I’m glad that I followed the same basic principles you highlighted in the video 😁🙏🏼
Alpines ilx-w650 was $300. It works great and the tunability is amazing. Also using a DD1+ I get clean output all the way through max volume. I've never had issues with Alpine decks. The one pioneer I bought when I was cheaping out broke in a month(the toggle switch to next/back. The spring in it to return switch back to center failed and was annoying there after).
That is 's what I'm having an issue with right now at a high volume causing a distorted sound. What's dd1?
I recently purchased a new aftermarket head unit which is the Pioneer DMH-4660NEX. My biggest want was Wireless Android Auto. It came down to Pioneer, Kenwood and JVC. I really liked the fact that the Kenwood had a cool feature that you could add four camera inputs. But ultimately, their interface was my least favorite.
How is the two year review?
@tomaspetr6771 i have a sister model, the dmh bt 160, / 1770 nex, and its why im on this video. Pioneer has apparently been dropping in quality post covid and im a victim of their recent havit of bad solder joints. It gives an intermittent no start on the radio where you get a white screen, only option is to mail to pioneer.
Optical audio output is huge. Just enusre your amp has optical in and a good Digital to Analog converter (DAC).
I'm a few months into using a $300 Android head unit from joying and no regrets so far. The functionality is way beyond what Android auto offers, and I have independent eq control over the front and rear speakers which was perfect because the front component speakers behave very differently than the rear deck 6x9s. I don't know of any other head unit on the market that lets you do that without having to add a dsp. The only thing that doesn't work flawlessly is I occasionally have to reboot the system to get Bluetooth to work, but I so rarely use that anymore it isn't an inconvenience.
What head unit is this?
I got Joying in Toyota. It's really good. I do recomemnd it. Great cpu huge RAM, it's fast. Has spdif output, subwoofer output. Great dsp.
Really good content. One thing that I would add is to do some homework on what car audio companies strengths and weaknesses are. I've installed and ran several systems, and I've found that I'm particularly favorable to several companies, for different aspects. I prefer Kenwood receivers as I've had great luck with each one of I've used, but it's all I really like by them. I won't even consider Alpine head units after previous experiences, but I absolutely love their amps, and consider them my favorites. Their speakers are not my favorite, but I do like them. Taking time to do some research on products ( what people like and dislike about them), and their strengths and weaknesses will save you a lot of headaches, and learning the hard way. It can save money, particularly in the long run. Many times, spending a little more for better quality prevents wasting money on extra purchases due to unsatisfactory results of a previous purchase. Good information. Thanks for the video
I haven't had any qualms using Alpine in the past, tried JVC and Pioneer, and their low - mid range radios suck..
For speakers, it's either Alpine, Focal or Dynaudio.
Amps, Alpine is what I have used in the past, still have a few 16 year old amps playing in my car.
I just wish there were more options regarding screen sizes. I'd like a 8" display, I will probably have to custom mount it anyways, so warranty is "compromised" from the start.
What is it about Alpine that you don't like? How does the new stuff compare to the older 90's stuff?
Absolutely incredible channel. Well done. So I built an isobaric clamshell box in 1992 for my Jetta. Great times.
My dad had me into Crutchfield before I was ten, so it was fun using them, Crutchfield is unique and thorough, with perfect work ethic.
I just got a 2012 VW specifically because it’s simpler than new cars. Now I’m doing my research, and found your channel. Very nice to have found this. So my question is, when making all these videos, covering so many topics, due to technology advancing so quickly, do you ever go back and remake the same video to include new gear?
Because I just saw this video and am wondering how much better 2024’s units are compared to 2020. Functionality must have improved I would assume.
Great channel Mark, it’s fun watching someone who loves what they do.
Sucks because I'm only 22 but was born off CDs hearing the crisp clear sound when my dad used to blast his system just hits different for me lol. Also this video was definitely needed these new vehicles are getting more difficult with how their head units are built connected to the car's computer system
I hear you Mallory, but all is not lost, in fact in a way going with a strictly digital media interface deck is beneficial in many ways. For one you can burn all your CD or WAV files to a program like iTunes on your computer, then transfer them over to a flash drive in WAV format/1411 Kbps. Also many of the new Hi-Res formats have fantastic audio quality and actually take up less space than a WAV file does. Either way, the flash drive is the new CD CHANGER for car audio now and instead of 6-12 discs plus 1 in the Head unit, now you can have 1000 CD’s or more w/out quality loss in something that fits in the palm of your hand. I’d call that progress.
@@ryanmalinovsky6504 that is true guess I need to start buying some flash drives. Also a quick question are the newer cars coming with a decent radio now? And is it hard to swap out with aftermarket headunits?
Mallory Cain Jr. Yeah, they’re cheap; I picked up a few that were 160GB for like $15/each a couple years ago from Best Buy. They were discounted over $100/each at the time. To answer your question IMO; I agree w/Mark. You gotta have an Apple Car Play/Android Auto radio. I use speech to text and GPS all the time plus streaming services, taking calls (all safe and easy to do... never even have to touch your phone) For me these are crucial befitting my job as I average 60-75k miles/year. So I’d be happy w/ factory stereo with these services and adding DSP/amps. Additionally vehicles that have aftermarket kits/harnesses made for them are easy to swap out so long as you take your time until your fluent with the instructions which just comes with experience from repetition. But even if you don’t swap stereos out on a regular basis, or even if you’ve never integrated a factory deck to work with aftermarket amplifiers, DSP’s, crossovers etc.; It’s just a matter of doing your research, testing & verifying, taking your time and using the right tool for the job you’re doing, and don’t throw the instructions away. If Mark doesn’t have a video that helps you I can almost guarantee some TH-cam channel or low volt forum will have what you need. Now if a newer vehicle doesn’t have a kit/harness designed for it and the stereo is where other important vehicle accessories are controlled from like AC/heating and so much more, then my advice would be to leave that stereo in place and integrate your aftermarket equipment (more than likely using Audio Control components or something similar) as a bridge to your amplifiers unless of course it’s already built into the DSP. Long story short; I encourage you to give it a go bc you know you are able to do it and when you complete it you’re rewarded with the amount of effort you put into it 👍🏼.
I seriously recommend JVC KW-R930BT Double DIN Head Unit. Easy to use. My dad who is 60+ plus. loves it he can read the radio stations without his glasses. Big finger friendly. with all the buttons. Using all my cd again is great. my mum wants one for her car now.
This video was so helpful, I thought I knew what I was looking for but you covered a lot of things I didn't even take into consideration!
My android based head unit has been super awesome, I run torque pro, can put gauges on my stereo, pull up TH-cam or any other video app for people when traveling, etc., I couldn’t go back to a non android based stereo.
I still use cd's but the stock cd player skips, and I wanted to add a reverse camera, so my only options were DVD headunits.
bangyahead1 you could've grabbed a new rear view mirror that has a backup camera screen. Very inexpensive.
Or learn how to use mirrors...
@@ItsDaJax reverse cameras have a much better view and wider angle than all the mirrors. Is this smart ass comment?
i got my android head unit from amazon because of their awesome return policy. works perfectly and while i disagree with his tip about android head units. It was my only replacement option due to the age of my car.
If ur a DJ like myself...a CD player is a must!!!
Then get a CD player, just saying if you are not someone who needs the CD functionality (which is now most people) then keep things simple an understand there is a non-CD option
You can just upload your CDs to an SD card or a thumb drive. I don't know any DJs that still use CDs.
Serato no need for cd except cd contrler
I don't get your reasoning. Do you have several head units connected to a mixer? Doesn't mixing in traffic distract you from driving? I'm interested to hear about this in detail.
@@frankthetankricard DJ would be making his own mix CDs or listening to promo CDs from other DJs
I am glad I watched this video before buying some cheap peice of junk. I also trust all of the manufacturers you said you had no problems with. Thanks much👍
That’s a awesome unit!!! Mine fried when I jump the battery.
0:48 "... a lot of you guys that have started watching the channel are guys that did car audio 10-15 years ago and are starting to get back into it..." This is so accurate! How did you know??
I guess I'm officially old. I miss having a CD player. 😇😎
Same lol. and at this point finding an OEM CD player for my ride will be nearly impossible.
S!mme
My car came with a DVD/CD player but I don’t use it I use my phone instead to play music I thought I would use it but I haven’t
@@rabbit73au i travel an hour plus each way and hate station fade on FM. I have not spent the $ to put a bunch of music on an mp3 device either.
So...I have resorted to listening to Pandora until my data gets too used. I can admit that my factory stereo would never be loud enough to make the CD skip if I had one....but I also don't like to spend more than I have to if I can avoid it.
Thinking about getting a USB CD player for my Joying android unit
Uhh, nobody steals car stereos any longer. That was the 90's. There is no market for stolen car stereos since you can get a decent one for like $99 (last bit on removeable faceplates)
Informative and concise video, thanks!
Thank you for this. Since I started driving, I have done all the audio work myself (had some help starting off, of course.) You got a new subscriber. I have a good stereo in my old truck, but I want to upgrade, and your tips may help me in the future. I have also always used Crutchfield, and always trusted Pioneer. Thanks for the content in this video!
One awesome advantage to having a dvd player built into the head unit is filling a blank dvd full of your favorite DSD or FLAC files and just simply letting them play away.. Be careful with the DSD data-rate though. Anything higher than DSD128 and I have found that the DVD player cannot read the file fast enough. Spotify is very nice to have but sometimes the quality can seem lacking at times.
I need to add: make sure that the pre out voltages are higher than 4. Preferably 5 volts. Bought an awesome headunit with only 2 volt pre out for the subwoofer and it simply doesn't cut it, compared to using high outs into the amps high to low adapter.
i dont know why this is not in the video, but this is the most important feature when doing car audio xD i was about to write about this but then saw your comment. thumbs up for this important comment.
you can run the rca to crossover and their preouts are 5-8 volts but they gotta be powered from the battery like amp
You guys don't know what you're talking about.
@@PayneWewton Tell us what we dont know Kenny
Great channel...I have been imersed in truck audio the past few months as I upgraded my 2005 Ram 1500 Rumble Bee audio.
Had Audio shop install the new Kenwood KDC-X704. I replaced the 7 spk infinity speakers with Soundstage CPT 6.5" Components and sized up the 5.25" Coaxial rears to 6.5".
Also installed the XR401-4 Kenwood Amp. Fun project.
Have to agree, Crutchfield site looks very professional. Love their how-tos and recommendations.
There's a lot of OEM controls on stock car head units now such as those to do with the vechiel itself
ha" I did just get back into car audio earlier this summer,. i also just talked to Stone at Crutchfield over the phone earlier this week. a lot has changed in installing aftermarket audio in these newer cars. I'm going to be calling stone back on Monday hopefully, to place my order for a aftermarket stereo in my 2010 Cadillac escalade. Thanks for posting, your videos help out a lot. I'm glad I found this channel and subscribed.
For shits and giggles I bought a $120 10.1” android head unit off EBay. Not only did it introduce such large amounts of static into my system, after halfway up, it made a pop sound and had 3 times the static it had before. Never again, stuck with Kenwood for years and that’s what I’ll be doing again
Yes the motorized functions do fail at some point like on a jvc kameleon that I have somewhere that the button tray quit moving out. I am happy with just a usb input for a flash dongle that I put music on.
I used to have a JVC kameleon.
I loved that head unit 👍
CDs still sound better then streaming to me 💯
Exactly
Agreed.
Just change your streaming quality to high, it takes pretty much the same amount of data
Absolutely! If its one of my favorite bands, I still buy the album. Songs on an album are arranged in a certain order for a reason. Artwork and album packaging is displayed and arranged a certain way for a reason. Still the best all around platform for music.
Brandon Calvert 💯💯💯
For BMW, biggest Issue for not selecting Android, is the popular IDatalink Maestro won't cover deletes when OEM equipment is removed.
Ya, so many new cars simply are not able to be headunit upgraded due to the trend of the slap on, thin screens that run everything.
When buying newer cars, make sure you like the screen interface because so many you are going to be stuck with it for the life of your car.
Fortunately more (actually legit) companies are coming out with replacement solutions. As an example look what PAC recently made for the Grand Cherokee, the RPK4-CH4103. The GC has an OEM screen with climate controls built in (actually the screen you see in the intro and the section of the video talking about climate controls). The PAC piece allows an aftermarket head unit and adds a secondary screen to retain those controls! Pretty cool!
That is what Maestro RR & RR2 are for. They interface with aftermarket stereos and allow control of all of the OEM HVAC, tire pressure monitor, etc.
@@CarAudioFabrication Excellent
Yeah, late model Mazdas have this problem. My wife's 2019 CX-5 and my 2017 MX-5 Miata will never accept an aftermarket head unit because the HU sceen sits on top of the dash and are basically proprietary. I opted for the basic, no-frills HU with bluetooth only because I don't care about touch-screen interfaces in a convertible, driver's car. My wife's CX-5 has all the infotainment bells and whistles and when it craps out, it's not going to be cheap to replace. Her previous vehicle was a 2017 Honda Ridgeline and the infortainment HU was pure garbage--slow and glitchy and the apple carplay that read her texts completely stopped working. I'm shopping around for a new HU for my 1999 Lexus GS 300 and I'm not sure what I want!
Another reason new cars are regugnant garbage. A radio should just be a radio.
I like the freedom of being able to make my own custom mix cds this gives me more control of my music 🎶🎼 nothing beats a real cd
A record recorded from direct and a excellent turntable.
and you can't do that digitally because?
Thank you bro! That was some very useful information! I'm going to crutchfield right now 💨🏃♂️
Thank you great video still using my old Pioneer DEH -P200BT never get rid of it because I never paid for Sirius radio for over 10 years! I purchased another older portable Sirius for $6.00 again you can listen for free!
I remember when we had pull out head units!
And faceplates 👍🏻
I had an Denon pullout CD player in high school. It was awesome.
Joey Merrell mine was a Kenwood. 905 maybe? And it was a cassette player!! 🤣
walking through the store with a shaving bag my 10.1 inch touch screen pops off the double din now with a press off a button to not get my window broken but beffor walkman we skied with a car deck strapped to our chest cant remember the name
That's what she said.
New to this android head unit. Can someone explain to me how do I get to play my CD's.
Want to upgrade my head unit.
Ive got a huge CD collection and I enjoy having hard copies...
@Dan Tallsten today... Ozzy Osbourn
@Dan Tallsten everyday! it better sound than digital!
Yes sir
@@dodgeramsport01 CD is an digital format too, and there are better digital formats then a cd.
@@marcwiesen no shit and name one!
I love alpine but I'm loving the sony lineup right now . Currently shopping for a double din with optical output..
I'd also add to get a head unit with a high pre-amp voltage preferably higher than 4. It enriches the sound quality and reduces background noise.
or get a standalone 4 channel amp for the low like an alpine
Great video as always, probably my favorite car audio resource on TH-cam! I like the new features of head units like android auto/carplay or backup display/gps and the impressive specs but I really prefer tactile feedback of older stereos. Due to this I got an older model kenwood dpx304mbt for the physical buttons and volume knob. In my opinion it's a lot easier to be able to reach over without looking and use muscle memory and the clicks from the buttons to tell what you are actually pressing than hoping you're hitting the right part of the screen.
This little stereo may not be the best but it's definitely got as much as I need, except maybe the 2.5v amp pre-outs, I may look into a line converter for that but that'd be my only concern with this unit. Awaiting installation in the 94 lexus sc400. Great stuff as always man!
Please review the Retrosound head units! A lot of us restoring older vehicles don’t want a garish modern head unit but still want decent performance
These are typically a modified aftermarket brand, the problem is they use the cheap brands to do this. They look nice but are overpriced, very low quality and poor performance.
I have been using Pioneer since my first car in the late 90s. They are always rock solid units! I currently have a avh-w4400nex, and it's amazing!
Honestly Mark, at this point i am actually trying to go back in time around 5-10years for a decent single din head unit. Everything ive looked at and played with that is available today in Australia just hasn't impressed me.
Gimmicky features like Sonys "BASS" button, Pioneers arguably pointless NAV button and phone mirroring, broken functionality like kenwoods absolutely useless bluetooth and a phone button that will answer calls but wont hang up calls, pioneers random firmware corruption for no apparent reason, Alpines complete lack of innovation to the point that most units still feature a 3 band EQ and NO adjustable backlight brightness or colour. I also hate how every unit now days lacks the park light dim trigger input, i can understand why (modern car BCM personality settings etc), but i would still be nice to have the option there!
Moving into the double dins, Kenwoods highest end units legitimately feature the best screen (actually 720p) out of any brands name head unit available, yet the interface is rubbish, not cohesive and lacks any decent customization, plus the bluetooth still sucks and this is in a $1000 unit. Alpine just rebrand chinese junk now days, their halo series is rubbish, buggy and slow, the screen sucks ass. Their other options are just plain ugly and they all lack any decent EQ features.
Pioneer imo is pretty much the only viable option for a double din now days. Whilst their screens are still WVGA, they at least look modern, the interface is cohesive, fast, customization is "good enough", and most importantly their bluetooth doesn't take 20 minutes to connect. Their new DMH capacitive touch series looks really promising!
In regards to the china android units, i largely agree. The majority feature rubbish interfaces, buggy software, absolutely horrible audio quality and relatively poor build quality. However they do have some advantages, especially if you buy the right unit, like being able to run apps that aren't limited to android auto program, vastly customizable interfaces, higher quality screens and built in GPS nav without the extreme price penalty.
I honestly believe if there was a chinese head unit that featured a high end audio chip and an accessible software back-end (ie rootable, custom rom) and someone wanted to spend the time, they could easily create a very impressive car multimedia experience that would rival everything else out there. Imagine having something like a Tesla/Apple/Android interface, that is infinity customizable, on a high resolution screen with seamless phone/bluetooth integration, no app lockouts (android auto) and decent DSP settings. It would be incredible! Unfortunately i cannot write software otherwise i would give it a go myself lol.
What really miss from my oem headunit is speed sensitive volume control; with my aftermarket Kenwood I have to turn up and down the volume all the time. And thats on a 1din HU in a car from 2001, but even latest 2 din car play units dont have that.
Honestly I hate floating screens.
Knobs are a must and I lowkey like just plug in w/o Bluetooth
Man I miss my kraco am/fm cassette with my 7 band eq from radio shack lol the day of yesteryear....
1980 my parents left town on a Friday night and I went straight to Target and bought a Kraco cassette player for 19.95. Installed it in the glove box of my VW bug. It had 1 speaker by the speedometer. First song I played was Another One Bites the Dust.
The popular saying is "either Kenwood or Pioneer"
Not sure which is better for my 2017 Honda Civic
Oh my. Just started shopping for a head unit and this came out! Have my eyes on the Pioneer DMH-2660NEX.
All I want is a nice capacitive screen, android auto, and preamp outputs for my future Helix V Eight DSP MK2 (8 channel amplifier).
What are your opinions on that particular unit? (PS, I have not watched the video. Im at work)
You should watch it 😂
@@seanmichael2777 oh boy, its in there isn't it. Lol, sec
Could you please do a full build with wiring guide for a sedan car preferably with one chanel for each 2 tweeters, 4 speakers and 1 subwoofer. For a factory radio. with actively crossovered tweeters
I would love to see such a video as well. I am considering such a project with an audio control dq 61
Thanks for this, I always stick with name brands for Sound Quality but have tried Cheap Android big screened radios just for the heck of it. They have a huge deficit in the sound quality department. You CAN get units with decent quality but they start to creep into Kenwood, Pioneer price territory. Also it's amazing that Optical has just NOW started making its way into car audio when it's been included on every piece of home audio almost as an after thought for a decade now.
I'm glad you touched on theft. I was thinking a pop out big screen but scared someone would bust a window to get it.
But not seeing a floating screen that is removable in or under the $500 price range.
with android auto😀 - maybe next year's models
2:07 nah it has to have a cassette tape and cd player in it
Don't forget the 8 track
@@jonhamilton2962 yes. I prefer that in a home system though
Haha here i am, upgraded my 1993 miata from a factory head unit, to a Panasonic CQ VX5500. I definitely wanted more of a retro look to the interior.
I agree with everything in this video, just keep in mind that some of us still love the CD, nothing compares to a physical medium, however, i really only use them inside. I got everything ripped to Apple Lossless and use a 256GB Ipod Touch as a hard drive. Works like a charm!
When i was a kid my Dad had a s10 blazer with a kicker box in the back and a Alpine pull out radio with the green buttons sitting on some fat rims, early 90's shht 😁
Just an FYI lots of people still use cd/dvd!
I'm not saying they don't. Im saying don't buy features you won't use.
@@CarAudioFabrication right
All good advice Mark. Each one has different set up and have to live with what you have. Crutchfield’s been around for a great while. Good customer service, that matters.
I've seen entirely too many people believe the output power rating on the head unit.
I'm a bit old school and love cd's but so many vehicles don't support it that I keep them home to enjoy there. I wish they were more supported on the large touchscreen HU's but that just me.
Waiting for this video long time... 👍🏻🤩👍🏻
My wife wants some bass in her ride but its a 2016 mazda and it has that funky touch screen, I don't believe I can replace it. If so im sure it will be a very complicated process so I've got some research to do.
Another great one!! 👍🏼
Had many many head units. Eclipse was my all time fav. Apline, Kenwood, and Pioneer is just okay. Sony is fav nowadays.
Removable double din screens. I mean the those 8 9 and 10 screens should just detach amd unhook the cords
Thanks for the retro sound suggestion!
Definitely! I think I need to try one out in my dads old Camaro. Hmmm :)
@@CarAudioFabrication PLEASE DO! i have an old ford pickup truck that i dont want to hack up the dash to install a modern bluetooth source unit.
I am extremely curious about the fitment, and performance of their units.
One major thing I learned was to never get a GPS unit from Pioneer. I bought their top of the line unit back at around 2014 and found out their map updates aren't even free. Pay an almost 50% premium for GPS and I gotta pay for maps? Get the eff outta here.
Word.. Fk that!
Please provide technical information for the Nakamichi NA3100i head unit.
How to outsmart the head unit so that it doesn't auto on when the ignition key is in the ACC position.
Thank you.
I hate my infotainment hu in my 2018 Honda Civic Type R, so damn laggy! I wish it didn’t come with any hu.
do you have the fk2 or fk8 Type R. DId you changed the head unit of your audio system
@@manorslousher4654 No infotainment system hu is the same atm. The factory hu does have two digital coaxial inputs which I want to connect an Audison Bit 1 dsp then to a 5.1 and a Quattro for a 3 way Dynaudio component up front, center channel, rear fill and sub to. So that the signal is purely digital and not degrade the signal with a high to low level adapter.
@@weduhpeople8504 I have the 2017 type R which is the fk2 model.
I wonder if my head unit has also a digital outline
I own a 1986 f150 bought a pioneer avh 3500 best thing i ever bought!
My Head Unit DOES have to have a CD player lol.
Yikes lol
Me too for movies
@@germanywho it's kinda behind in times, can't scratch a mp4 file
@@sethh8892 IAM old school doe👍🏼
4:40 Hallelujah!! my pioneer is a no on fiber but my clarion is straigh optic to my 12 channel processor. LOVE THIS FEATURE
I have the issues you described with my Pioneer HU
I still have my phoenix gold amplifier I forget what my crossover is but still have that from probably 1990. And jl subs mb quartz went with car. Really miss them.but want to do something again.
Damn what timing! My old aftermarket pioneer "dvd head unit" on my 05 ram just crapped out last week, the memories i have of slipping in a redbox rental and having a movie night with the GF in the same McDonald's parking lot and retuning it after watching it are good! But after doing some research i found that no way in hell im spending $400-$600+ on a fancy new brand name unit, instead i went with a $100 one that does pretty much everything my old one did minus the disc drive and its wayyyy lighter and bigger screen, i dont need apple play since i dont use apple anything, it does have a screen mirror and other wireless comms and since Bluetooth is all i ever use its a no brainer for me. No a/c controls, only steering wheel buttons that made it easy to wire, and has amp and sub outputs so it was a breeze to install to my existing set up. again its a 05 ram so nothing fancy, so good so far. The pioneer lasted me almost 10 yrs, ill be happy if i get 5 out of this one.
Apple CarPlay is a reason I’m considering upgrading now. I’ve got an aftermarket Pioneer stereo, but it’s 10-12 years old. It has wireless calling, but I still have to plug my phone in to play music. Would be nice to just switch wirelessly to play from whichever phone we want.
Mira mira, i dont need a CD player, but I really like em. I got a whole mess of CDs i dont get to use much any more
At last an excellant review that explains all the options clearly
Also, if you are car is newer and the factory radio already has every feature you want, just use a HiLo converter instead of an aftermarket radio or go with an amp or DSP that has high-level inputs. If your car is so old that it does not have even Bluetooth music, an aftermarket radio is mandatory and if you are willing to spend the extra cash get the floating screen model and you will definitely keep your old car a lot longer and avoid car payments but you will most certainly be saving up for the whole 9 yards for an aftermarket system.
I have a random Android based head unit in my drag truck, it has pros and cons. The reason I keep it is it can run the Torque app so I can put additional gauges and vehicle info on the screen with a bluetooth OBDII adapter. Very helpful at the track, and it still can pick up the FM station at the track that they use to communicate. The bluetooth on the radio works great and it remembers my phone and the station the track uses even when I turn off the battery kill switch between races and at tech inspection. It looks good and satisfies those needs so its a real keeper, but it sucks at everything else, tuning is a bear, its hard to navigate, it kills the battery, it sounds awful and comes on full volume static when you reconnect the battery. Did I mention its slow... super super slow. Wouldn't trade it for anything...
Lots of crap out there, but also a bunch of respectable brands like Atoto, Joying or Xtron that make wonderful models with quality parts (fast CPUs, at least 3 gigs of ram, good screens, quality japanese amplifiers, well built software). But as with everything... you do pay for quality.