BlackMamba89

My car is completely stock. I'm considering a few upgrades and first on the list is a new head unit, so I thought I would get some suggestions from those of you who have already done so. Here are the things I would like it to have:

• Bluetooth connectivity to the phone
• Blu-Ray player
• < $1000
• Apple CarPlay

Things that would be nice to have, but not required:

• USB port

What should I expect to pay to have a head unit installed?

Thanks for any tips and suggestions

Vet Interested

jna10

Crutchfields may also be able to provide a list of qualified installers in your area. For best resolution try to select a unit with a capactive touchscreen.

K-Spaz

Crutchfield has one on sale now for 800 + 79 in install gear. Top of the line Kenwood.

I simply can't help my curiosity, what on earth is the blu-ray player for?

SnakeQ

The Crutchfield tool that matches cars to aftermarket head units is not always accurate. I recently replaced the stock nav head unit with a Pioneer 8400. The tool said it would not fit. It fit nicely and the unit is especially nice because of the two camera ports.

TorchRedFred

Any double din head unit should fit. If it has a CD slot, most likely it is designed to play DVD also. Not sure what models, if any, offer blu-ray. Most stick with Alpine, Kenwood, or Pioneer when shopping for a head unit. I have a Pioneer, but I would recommend looking at Kenwood. In your price range you should be able to get a higher end head unit. I would look for something with a capacitive touch screen and stay away from the cheaper resistive touch screens. Capacitive screen is similar to what is on your cell phones. USB, bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, DVD, etc. are all pretty common features you will find in almost all head units except for the cheap entry level units.

Boostedsvt

TorchRedFred

Wow, that is way too much money for that head unit. You could probably do it all yourself for about half that price. It's not that difficult to do. Or try BestBuy when they are running their free install promo. You still have to pay for the install gear but should be a lot less than the price you were quoted.

I ran through some of the same issues with my local shop when I was being too lazy to do my speakers and amp myself. I got so fed up with their B.S. pricing and the lack of confidence they were giving me in their knowledge and ability to do it right, that I ended up doing all of it myself after all.

TorchRedFred

Do-it-yourself thread if anyone is interested. Done by former forum audio guy.

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...is-to-diy.html

Vet Interested

boonie c4

kenwood ddx 9904 refurbished for $350 found on ebay

TorchRedFred

Or currently $399 brand new through a seller on Amazon. Either way, a steal for that head unit IMO.

Vet Interested

BlackMamba89

Thanks! Appreciate it!

I plan on keeping the C6 for a long time (until it breaks and there are no more parts available for me to fix it), so I figured if I could get a BD player over DVD, then might as well. But yeah, on a 7" screen, from 2-3' away, your eyes are unlikely to be able to tell the difference between DVD and BD quality.

Thanks! Awesome info. I'm worried it's going to be quite a bit more challenging than that thread makes it seem, but I'm an electrical engineer, so I kind of want to try my hand at doing the install myself for fun/pride, lol. I just don't want to bite off more than I can chew and end up having to tow the car to get fixed and then pay the install fee anyways

Thanks a lot, I ended up going with this. I really don't need anything super fancy- this is nice while not breaking the bank and seems like it will do everything that I need it to.

I bought the kit that Crutchfield recommends based on my inputs, so hopefully it has everything that I need...

TorchRedFred

There is zero chance of that. Most of the wiring is done between the head unit and the interface before you even touch your car. Once you get that done, it's mostly just plug and play once you start the install.

Here is a video going over the wires on your Kenwood and what they are for. These guys have a lot of helpful videos.

Also, just for reference sake, here is all the things I purchased for my install. (includes the install thread again)

Copied and pasted from one of my previous posts:

Here is all the stuff I bought for my install. The Pac Audio harness/interface works with and/or without Bose systems. The installation gear is the same regardless of what brand head unit you buy. In my case I went with the Pioneer 8200nex. I got the head unit and all the installation gear from Amazon.

1- Pac Audio RP5-GM11 wiring harness with steering wheel controls (RP4-GM11 is also compatible and an alternative to the RP5)
2- Metra 95-3304 double din face plate
3- Sirius XM SXV300v1 tuner (optional if you want Sirius XM) and Sirius XM 10ft antenna ext. cable (if u want to re-use factory antenna)
4- Pyle PCNM38FRV back up camera (was only $17 but works great)
5- A pack of crimp style cap connectors 22/18 gauge and a crimp plier (since I didn't have one)

You can re-use the existing XM antenna with the cable mentioned but I just want to mention that my SiriusXm reception still stinks.

Do it yourself thread with pictures done by former forum audio vendor:

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...is-to-diy.html

Update: I have since cancelled my SiriusXm subscription because of reception problems in my Vette. I now use the SiriusXm app through my phone and Apple CarPlay. Works much better. My suggestion is skip the SiriusXm tuner and antenna and go with the app through your phone instead if you prefer to have SiriusXm. (*** Data charges may apply if you don't have an unlimited phone plan)

Vet Interested

TorchRedFred

First I tried re-using the factory antenna. Next I tried running the antenna to the rear bumper behind the taillights based on recommendation in another thread. Both produced similar subpar results for me.

vara411

I was in your shoes, holding on to my Vette for as long as possible, so that meant upgrading my head unit: with all the new technologies (particularly Apple CarPlay and Android Auto), I just could not take it anymore and had to upgrade. I researched Pioneer, Kenwood, and Alpine at everyone's recommendation but wanted something that looked and felt as stock as possible... very few of those satisfied that criteria for me.

I just installed the Sony XAV-AX200. Excellent unit so far. Got it because:
- Matte finish looks much more stock than glossy black
- Apple CarPlay, Android Auto compatible
- Extremely easy to use interface
- Has an actual volume **** instead of tiny buttons
- Steering wheel controls still work
- Plays CDs and DVDs (sorry, no Bluerays)
- Sirius/XM ready
- Has THREE camera inputs. I set up front and rear.
- Sound quality is a good deal better than stock units, even with the Bose speakers
- Didn't break bank at $499... other units cost hundreds more

I also agree with what a lot of folks are saying: buy through Crutchfield. They say it won't fit your Corvette but not to worry - it does. Make sure you buy their "Ready Harness" for easier installation, and the PAC RP5-GM11 adapter. Best of luck.

EDIT: Ah, I see you got a Kenwood. Awesome! Enjoy.

endus

If you buy it from Crutchfield you can pay them 20 bucks to mate the radio harness to the factory harness adapter for you. I'm pretty good with 12 volt electrical but I was feeling lazy when I ordered my HU and went for it. Install could not have been easier. The disassembly of the dash is a real pain in the ***, but not hard.

If you're an electrical engineer you can 100% do it.

kperez

I recommend the Kenwood DDX 9703s, it meets all your requirements. I also recommend buying it at best buy, while it may not be cheaper they give yyou free professional installation when you buy the head unit through them.