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I did a DD mod about 8 years ago.. the unit I bought back then (a pioneer) while cutting edge in 2011, is long in the tooth … menus are wonky, screen resolution isn't great, and slow....
What are people using these days?
I'm not looking for tons of features, just android auto and maybe hd radio. video/backup camera/etc not needed.
I wanted a volume **** so I went with a Sony XAV-AX100 and the **** sucks. The features are great and apple car play / android auto is flawless, back up camera is almost immediate, but I wish I had more screen in exchange of the ridiculously small volume **** that takes 49.7 revolutions to lower the volume any noticeable level.
FWIW, I'm working on a mod that could (in theory) add a volume **** to just about any aftermarket stereo that supports steering wheel controls. My intention is to broaden the field for those who like a particular ****-less head unit but still want to control volume with a ****.
This mod is already working for my particular setup, take a look if you're interested: https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...post1601941404https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...post1601945853
I was also an early adapter for the double din head unit mod back in the day. My first head unit was a Kenwood with a NAV system and included a volume ****. It worked well enough, however I swapped out my head unit last year for another Kenwood that had Apple Car Play which was the primary updated technology I wanted.
Similar to other personal preference mods or upgrades, there is the **** vs. no-**** debate as to which one is "better". After owning both and driving with both (no steering wheel controls on my C5), I prefer my newer, larger screen with the volume buttons on the bottom. I find it easier for me to simply touch and hold a button vs. an actual volume ****. Plus, I like the additional screen space and the option to add a CD/DVD behind the screen instead of on top of it since I rarely use that feature.
I bought this one. It works great, has a nice screen. My only complaint is the screen is high resolution and sometimes the touchscreen controls can be a little too small for my big fingers.
I got it direct from China for $155. It was a bit of a gamble getting a no name but it seems to have paid off. All the brand name stuff is probably made in the same factory anyway.
Last edited by StickTail; Aug 6, 2020 at 10:03 AM.
I've done many stereos over the years, got tired of it. when I did the stereo in my Vette last year I though screw it, let's go with no HU. Blanked it off.
Bluetooth only, going direct to a big 5-ch amp. I since removed the volume ****, not needed, phone has volume and the **** sometimes added noise. Simple, fast, stereo is 'upgraded' every time I get a new phone
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077JLY24S
I bought this one. It works great, has a nice screen. My only complaint is the screen is high resolution and sometimes the touchscreen controls can be a little too small for my big fingers.
I got it direct from China for $155. It was a bit of a gamble getting a no name but it seems to have paid off. All the brand name stuff is probably made in the same factory anyway.
I've done many stereos over the years, got tired of it. when I did the stereo in my Vette last year I though screw it, let's go with no HU. Blanked it off.
Bluetooth only, going direct to a big 5-ch amp. I since removed the volume ****, not needed, phone has volume and the **** sometimes added noise. Simple, fast, stereo is 'upgraded' every time I get a new phone
I like the idea.. I did the same thing in my '67... I kept the stock AM radio, and behind the seats just mounted a Bluetooth amp.
But in the c5, that blank just doesn't look right to me. What would be great is if someone could just come out with a decent 8" screen that JUST does screen mirroring. That way we always get the benefit of the latest tech whenever we upgrade phones.
big issue with that though is that the standards are still evolving.. miracast is totally different today than it was a few years ago, same with android auto.
I like the idea.. I did the same thing in my '67... I kept the stock AM radio, and behind the seats just mounted a Bluetooth amp.
But in the c5, that blank just doesn't look right to me. What would be great is if someone could just come out with a decent 8" screen that JUST does screen mirroring. That way we always get the benefit of the latest tech whenever we upgrade phones.
big issue with that though is that the standards are still evolving.. miracast is totally different today than it was a few years ago, same with android auto.
I actually glued a medal and a Vette logo on the blank - looks pretty cool now. Don't have a pic
That is the only thing missing. But on the plus side it runs all android apps, android auto only runs certain apps. So instead of connecting my phone as android auto would require, I just turn on the phone hot spot. No wires or plug in in necessary. Everything runs EXACTLY as it would on your phone.
I've done many stereos over the years, got tired of it. when I did the stereo in my Vette last year I though screw it, let's go with no HU. Blanked it off.
Bluetooth only, going direct to a big 5-ch amp. I since removed the volume ****, not needed, phone has volume and the **** sometimes added noise. Simple, fast, stereo is 'upgraded' every time I get a new phone
One step further on that would have been to mount the phone sideways in the blank panel and have maybe 1" of cable coming out to plug the phone in. And with a corvette logo as a background pic it would be nice. Also doesn't block the AC vent.
I like this idea a lot though. I worry about all these fancy HU's that get outdated as time goes on with GPS or apps in general. Your phone is ALWAYS on you and ALWAYS updated
Last edited by smitty2919; Aug 6, 2020 at 12:54 PM.
One step further on that would have been to mount the phone sideways in the blank panel and have maybe 1" of cable coming out to plug the phone in. And with a corvette logo as a background pic it would be nice. Also doesn't block the AC vent.
I like this idea a lot though. I worry about all these fancy HU's that get outdated as time goes on with GPS or apps in general. Your phone is ALWAYS on you and ALWAYS updated
I played with that but a lot of the aps don't work well in that orientation.
I did a DD mod about 8 years ago.. the unit I bought back then (a pioneer) while cutting edge in 2011, is long in the tooth … menus are wonky, screen resolution isn't great, and slow....
What are people using these days?
I'm not looking for tons of features, just android auto and maybe hd radio. video/backup camera/etc not needed.
Anyway, thoughts appreciated.
i watched a YouTube video from DriveHub yesterday where he installed a new Pioneer HU that seemed to install really clean. I believe it was the 1400NEX. It was a full touch screen with no buttons.
I went Double Din a few months ago - put in a Kenwood DNR476S and added a backup camera and satellite radio receiver. I wanted the Garmin nav and ability to play .mp3 files from a USB or SD card. It has the Apple Play and Android Auto and I did play with the Android Auto features with my Samsung but have not used it past that, mostly play .mp3s and sat radio. Volume is via Up/Down buttons on the side of the unit so pretty convenient.
I run a pioneer 8200nex which I just swapped from my coupe to my Z06. I considered upgrading to the newer 8400 model, but the new features were not of interest and the GUI looked like junk.
The 8200 has great sound processing and clarity, all the connections and feeds you could want, reverse cam, second cam if wanted, minimalist buttons, ability to blank out the screen. I love it. Best of all, it has a synaptic screen which works with the same sensitivity as your cell phone for touch controls. There is nothing goof on this model.
I installed a Eincar pro Android 10 radio from Amazon. It was $150 and it came with a backup camera and microphone. It has a pretty good built-in GPS as well as being able to use Google maps. No DVD though. It accepts a micro SD card and has a front USB input as well as two aux USB cables. FM reception is about as good as the stock radio. Since it does Android radio you can connect your phone. The phone mic they give works pretty good.
I have the Kenwood DMX 7704 (3? i can't remember) and like it a lot. Volume buttons on the bottom but I didn't want touch screen only buttons. The ones with a know had a smaller screen area. Great head unit but if I were doing it again I would look at the Alpines that now have the MYQ app in them. You can control a MYQ garage door opener from the head unit app. i can do it through carplay on the kenwood but I need more crap to do it- a Homebridge to make the opener talk to apple's homekit and something (new apple TV) to run as the homekit hub. That's kindof a lot to go through just to have a cool garage door button on your head unit but it's all for fun...
suggestions on DD head units?
