MSG C5

I've decided to upgrade my 6-year old Kenwood double din head unit with a new head unit that has Apple Car Play.

I have a custom double din bezel installed in my C5 vert that I want to reuse with the new head unit. Since I don't have steering wheel controls like later models, I need a head unit that still has a tactile feel for volume control, etc.

Unlike my 2012 Kenwood DNX 6980 that has NAV and phone bluetooth only, I don't plan to get NAV with the new unit as I use my iPhone mapping software/apps the majority of the time anyway.

Any recommendations of the best head unit? Kenwood, Pioneer, Alpine?

I'm performed some research and read some reviews, and so far I like the Kenwood Excelon DDX 9904S in terms of features, however looking for input or other recommendations. The current Kenwood DNX 6980 has performed well with no complaints other than the slow response rate when tracking through playlists, etc.

Thanks!

https://10carbest.com/apple-carplay-stereo

Current Set Up:



Kenwood Excelon DDX9904S

02BlownZ06

Any thoughts on going Alpine? It does an excellent job interfacing with Apple and if you have any interest in actual sound quality that is definitely the way to go. I have heard the Kenwoods also sound good but haven't heard any recent versions to make a comparison, but my Alpine demolished the Pioneer I had in sound quality.

02BlownZ06

This is a good read and may be helpful to you...
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...m-dd-mods.html

MSG C5

Thanks. I'm actually considering the Alpine iLX-007 as it is the most recommended per the review link I supplied above and is specific to Apple Car Play as it does not offer Android sync capabilities.

A couple of issue against it is that it does not have bluetooth or play DVDs/CDs. 99% of the time I listed to my iPhone/iPod library, however it's nice to have the vintage audio/video option.

Do you know if the up and down arrows on the bottom of the Alpine display below are used for volume control?

Homer3D

You don't really need bluetooth if you are connected via Apple CarPlay. You calls will all be handled over the connected wire. And if you have music on your phone, it will also be fed to the radio via the connected wired. I love CarPlay and wish all my cars had it.

And yes, those are the volume controls.

MSG C5

Thanks. Actually, what I like to do is wire up my iPod Touch and keep it in the car at all times. I would then like to use my iPhone with Bluetooth for calls or maps. If the iPod Touch is connected via USB, the artwork, etc. can be displayed.

My wife has Apple Car Play in her car and the C7Z I plan to buy later this year also has it. For the C7, I know guys who wire up their iPod and keep it in the cubby behind the motorized screen.

I obviously would like to have the best-sounding unit and I've already swapped out my OEM speakers and subwoofer. I plan to upgrade my amp with the new head unit as well. Plus, this will be installed in a C5 vert that is driven top down 99% of the time so as long as the unit produces good sound, convenience and usability are key. The ability to toggle through play lists, identify specific songs, touch screen responsiveness, etc., are some of the features important to me.

Yahtz

I have an older Kenwood Excelon with nav, but before apple car play was included, in my C6 and it is great. There is a little lag when navigating through screens and music library, but its not bad. You can play music over bluetooth or usb and take calls over bluetooth. I'm no audiophile , but the system sounds great to me. I use my iPhone primarily for music/navigation.

In my truck I have a single din Alpine head unit. Its just a simple single din unit with bluetooth being the fanciest thing it has in it. It really makes the system sound great. If I did my C6's audio upgrade (bought it with it already having the Kenwood and a sub in it) I would get an Alpine deck. I love their products. I really like my Kenwood now too though. I think the excelon or the iLX are both good options.

bobeast

[QUOTE=MSG C5;1596623614]I've decided to upgrade my 6-year old Kenwood double din head unit with a new head unit that has Apple Car Play.

I have a custom double din bezel installed in my C5 vert that I want to reuse with the new head unit. Since I don't have steering wheel controls like later models, I need a head unit that still has a tactile feel for volume control, etc.

Unlike my 2012 Kenwood DNX 6980 that has NAV and phone bluetooth only, I don't plan to get NAV with the new unit as I use my iPhone mapping software/apps the majority of the time anyway.

Any recommendations of the best head unit? Kenwood, Pioneer, Alpine?

I'm performed some research and read some reviews, and so far I like the Kenwood Excelon DDX 9904S in terms of features, however looking for input or other recommendations. The current Kenwood DNX 6980 has performed well with no complaints other than the slow response rate when tracking through playlists, etc.

Thanks!

https://10carbest.com/apple-carplay-stereo

Current Set Up:

Kenwood Excelon DDX9904S

I'd stick with Kenwood. (or really anything besides Pioneer)

MSG C5

Update: I decided on the Kenwood DDX97704S.

So far, I'm really happy with the Apple Car Play option and the fact that it's easier to navigate and toggle through playlists, etc. than the previous unit.

I ran the USB under the center console and into the center arm rest with a USB dual port connect.

SPDKLZ1

Looks awesome! In having the 9904S installed Monday. Thanks for the pictures.

MSG C5

Thanks. I was concerned that I may have problems with the tilting screen that is used for viewing angle and for CD/DVD use and retrofitting it to my custom double-din bezel as the original unit did not have a moving screen. However, it all fit together perfectly with no issues.

The only downside to the new head unit is that the screen shows fingerprints a lot more than the previous unit, so I just ordered a set of anti-glare screen protectors from Tuff.

SPDKLZ1

The only downside to the new head unit is that the screen shows fingerprints a lot more than the previous unit, so I just ordered a set of anti-glare screen protectors from Tuff.

That's one of the reasons I went with the capacitive touchscreen on the 9904. Also, the warning on initial startup goes away after 7 seconds.

ElisTwoCents

Thanks for posting, really helped me pick my unit out. I went with the Kenwood DDX9905S in my 02Z, installing next week I hope, waiting on the bezel

02BlownZ06

That looks awesome!! How does it sound?

keith568

did you somehow get the corvette flag to show on the display? i'm having a Kenwood DNX875S installed this week.

MSG C5

It sounds great, however I had already installed new speakers and a sub with the original system.

I just transferred a .jpg file via a usb flash drive. The set up tab on the head unit walks you through it. The AVIC background thread on this Forum section is a great source for files.