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Old Jun 2, 2024 | 10:11 AM
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Default Time to upgrade stereo

Ordering this and the associated parts this week to replace the base stereo. It does have wireless Android Auto which is what I'm looking for. Will likely have it installed locally. Anyone have any strong opinions either way on this option?

Also considering a license plate frame backup camera since I don't like most of the mounting options that I've seen so far. Likely would have to drill a small hole behind the license plate I'm guessing.



Last edited by PVS-1959; Jun 2, 2024 at 10:17 AM.
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Old Jun 2, 2024 | 11:04 AM
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You can feed the wires down for the camera from the opening for the taillight harness. A good bit of the area above the plate is open to run things down.

Pioneer makes great units. I didn’t look on the specs on this one, but if you spend the money for something with a graphic we, it will pay dividends in quality of sound.
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Old Jun 2, 2024 | 12:53 PM
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Originally Posted by PVS-1959
Ordering this and the associated parts this week to replace the base stereo. It does have wireless Android Auto which is what I'm looking for. Will likely have it installed locally. Anyone have any strong opinions either way on this option?

Also considering a license plate frame backup camera since I don't like most of the mounting options that I've seen so far. Likely would have to drill a small hole behind the license plate I'm guessing.

I have an older version of this unit, the 2550NEX and love it. There are a few differences, (2770 vs 2550)capacitive touch screen and buttons vs resistive screen and physical buttons, wireless/wired car play/Android auto vs wired only, and 2.5V preamp outputs vs 4V, but overall it the the identical unit.

One thing to note with either of these, if you plan to add a front camera, these units do not accept additional camera inputs, just a rear camera input only. You can get around this using a PAC GM1A-RST interface and a VS41 camera switcher. This will add a bit more to the cost unless you find a good deal on ebay for these devices. The VS41 will allow adding 4 cameras, front, rear, left and right and can be programmed to switch to a camera based on turn signal input (left and right) or by speed below a certain threshold (front).

IF additional camera inputs are not required, you can simply use a PAC RP5-GM11 interface or other similar devices.

Wireless Car Play is nice, but for long trips, you are still going to have to plug your phone in, so that almost defeats the purpose. For the quick stop and go trips around town, where you are in and out of the car repeatedly, wireless car play can be beneficial in that you don't have to plug your phone in and disconnect it every time.

As for the difference in the pre-out voltages, this won't really come into play unless you are adding external amplifiers (either now or later). The higher output will provide a better signal to the amp, but 2.5V is standard for most.

Finally, the capacitive screen on the 2770 allows for better touch response versus the resistive screen on the 2550. Personally, I like the physical buttons on the 2550 versus the capacitive ones of many other models (the 2770 included). Think physical button that you can feel for versus an on screen button that you have to look for.

Other than those few things, these two devices look to be about the same. I'm sure you will like the performance of the unit, taking into account the things I pointed out above before jumping in of course.
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Old Jun 2, 2024 | 01:15 PM
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Also be sure to visit the Audio/Electronics section of this forum for other info/tips/tricks. https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...lectronics-20/
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Old Jun 2, 2024 | 02:19 PM
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Originally Posted by NBVette_Canada
I have an older version of this unit, the 2550NEX and love it. There are a few differences, (2770 vs 2550)capacitive touch screen and buttons vs resistive screen and physical buttons, wireless/wired car play/Android auto vs wired only, and 2.5V preamp outputs vs 4V, but overall it the the identical unit.
Great info, thanks!
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Old Jun 2, 2024 | 06:53 PM
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I also have an older version of the same unit and it's great. User friendly too. Why not install it yourself?? Not all that difficult. Plenty of video's and threads on doing it. If you do it yourself get Crutchfields inter-face cable kit.
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Old Jun 2, 2024 | 10:38 PM
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I recently installed Crutchfield's Alpine iLX-507 unit. I used their Boyo VTK601HD camera for both front & rear. It offers multiple mounting options and works great.
I forget what they call it, but recommend paying the $25 (I think) for their pre-wiring option for the stereo harness & SWC. Then what you receive is basically plug and play.
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Old Jun 3, 2024 | 08:04 AM
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I recently got scammed out of $125.00 from a member that has (since been banned from this site) who was selling his OEM radios. Left a bad taste in my mouth but willing to try again if you decide to sell yours. I'm looking for the one that has NAV in it.
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Old Jun 3, 2024 | 08:47 AM
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I currently have the basic non-display unit. I am ordering the pre-wired harness from crutchfield also..

I was considering doing it myself.... I've looked at few of the videos on YouTube and I've done a few installs in the past. But given the difficulty in finding replacement parts for the dash I'd rather not risk breaking or scratching something with my oft-times ham-fistedness. I was quoted $180 on the phone by a local shop that has 4.7 out of 5 Star reviews on Google. I won't be doing a front camera, and likely will skip the rear camera for now but I may have them run the line for it so I can connect it myself if I decide to do it.
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Old Jun 3, 2024 | 08:51 AM
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Originally Posted by dlcain
I recently got scammed out of $125.00 from a member that has (since been banned from this site) who was selling his OEM radios. Left a bad taste in my mouth but willing to try again if you decide to sell yours. I'm looking for the one that has NAV in it.
Seems there are quite a few of them on ebay. Have you tried that?
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Old Jun 3, 2024 | 12:19 PM
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I have the Pioneer W4660NEX and like it. It's prolly much smarter than I am. IF I was gonna do it again, I'd get one with a volume ****, since I don't have steering wheel controls. The touch screen works fine, but it still takes my eyes off the road for a moment or 2.
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Old Jun 3, 2024 | 01:10 PM
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Originally Posted by ominousone
I have the Pioneer W4660NEX and like it. It's prolly much smarter than I am. IF I was gonna do it again, I'd get one with a volume ****, since I don't have steering wheel controls. The touch screen works fine, but it still takes my eyes off the road for a moment or 2.
Yup !!
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Old Jun 3, 2024 | 04:22 PM
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If you plan to install a rear camera anyway I'd suggest you do it at the same time as the head unit install. The trigger wiring would have to be connected to the reverse output and the Crutchfield harness has it already identified. The extra work involved in mounting and wiring the camera is minimal compared to running the wiring out to the rear of the car, and you'll appreciate having it once it's connected to your new screen.
I did both front and rear cameras on mine but I have a Kenwood unit that has capacity for 4 cameras. I have a carbon fiber front splitter from ARP that had to be repaired twice due to unforeseen contact with raised curb stops, and having that front camera was well worth the time and effort it took to install it.
Good luck with the install. You'll appreciate the better sound quality and features of the new unit over the old stock radio. If you use Sirius XM you'll also need to get a new module to connect, as it is separate from the head unit.
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Old Jun 5, 2024 | 09:44 PM
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Joe,
Which Kenwood unit do you have?
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Old Jun 6, 2024 | 08:47 AM
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I just ordered a JVC KW-M785BW from Crutchfield for my recently acquired 2011. Hoping to try and install it this weekend if I have enough time to tackle it. I wanted something with wired/wireless CarPlay and this seemed to fit the bill. Don't need anything terribly fancy other than that.
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Old Jun 6, 2024 | 04:13 PM
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I have the DDX9707S. It has wireless Airplay and Android Auto, and also can take CDs and DVDs. I still have a library of CDs that I like to occasionally use so it's a feature I didn't want to lose with the new head unit. The other features that I find useful is the ability to tilt the screen to reduce glare, plus the two USB connections. I replaced the center console 12V outlet with a combination USB/Audio input jack and ran the other USB cable to the glove box. The only thing I miss from the original head unit is the audio compensation for increased road noise. I find myself turning the volume up and down depending on my speed and if my NPP baffles are open. The original unit did a pretty good job of adjusting the listening volume. But this unit sounds so much better with the ability to adjust the EQ settings to fit the cabin and the choice of music.
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Old Jun 11, 2024 | 07:37 PM
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Default Just installed Kenwood DMX958xr……wow!!!

OMG what a difference a high quality head unit does with the Bose! I was ready to upgrade speakers and amp and was told to hold off by the installer who is a sound engineer. He said you will be extremely happy with it! Boy was he right!!

I also added rear 720HD and a front camera. 2k well spent!!





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To Time to upgrade stereo

Old Jun 11, 2024 | 07:41 PM
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Originally Posted by C6-Sewald
Joe,
Which Kenwood unit do you have?
Just installed DMX958XR and 2 cameras.
So worth the investment!!
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Old Jun 14, 2024 | 01:04 PM
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I just installed the Sony XAV-9000ES head unit, rear camera, JL speakers in the doors and rear. I should have spent the extra $$ for the rear subwoofer that goes behind the left rear wheel. I pulled out the carpet and also installed a Vettenuts insulation kit. I have a set of heated/cooled C7 seats to go in once I receive the adapters for the wiring.

I will do the front camera when I get a new splitter.




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Old Jun 15, 2024 | 08:56 PM
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Originally Posted by dlcain
I recently got scammed out of $125.00 from a member that has (since been banned from this site) who was selling his OEM radios. Left a bad taste in my mouth but willing to try again if you decide to sell yours. I'm looking for the one that has NAV in it.
I may sell mine, I was kind of keeping so if I sold car and buyer want stock,would be easy to do
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