Looking for advice on stereo head unit
#1
Racer
Thread Starter
Looking for advice on stereo head unit
I’d like some input for my 2010 Z06 concerning what you feel, or have installed, as to the best replacement Nav/Stereo Head unit. I have the OEM Nav unit and would like the features of modern gps navigation, streaming Bluetooth and hands free calling. I’ve looked at the Kenwood and Pioneer units with price points around $750 and change. I’d like to keep the OEM amp as I don’t blast the music, so finding an install that adapts to the Bose system harness would be what I want.
im in the Sacramento area so if anyone has experience with a local installer, input would be appreciated.
email ... leardriver1@netzero.com
text ... 916-203-4821
thanks in advance
im in the Sacramento area so if anyone has experience with a local installer, input would be appreciated.
email ... leardriver1@netzero.com
text ... 916-203-4821
thanks in advance
#2
Team Owner
Kurt, you may not be aware, but there's an Audio/Electronics section here... https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...lectronics-20/
You should be able to find all kinds of useful threads in there on what you're looking for.
You should be able to find all kinds of useful threads in there on what you're looking for.
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KurtsZ06 (03-14-2019)
#3
Pro
I bought the Sony xav ax100 and love it. I kept the stock amp as well. Has apple CarPlay and I believe android auto as well. Purchased it through Crutchfield and had them prewire it, so it was 100% plug and play.
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KurtsZ06 (03-14-2019)
#4
I just bought the new Alpine iLX-W650. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. $300. Check it out.
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KurtsZ06 (03-14-2019)
#5
Instructor
I’m looking for a new nav stereo as well. Do you have apple or android phones? If you want wireless connectivity for CarPlay or android auto then make sure the head unit supports it.
I prefer kenwood since they use Garmin maps and also have a really neat dash cam integration with their kenwood dash cam. If you decide on kenwood then wait for their new wireless CarPlay and wireless android auto compatible head units that will be out in the next month or so. It’s really nice to be able to use them without having to plug your phone in every time to use these features.
I’m waiting for the new kenwood wireless nav units and then will be installing that as well as the dash cam when they are released.
I prefer kenwood since they use Garmin maps and also have a really neat dash cam integration with their kenwood dash cam. If you decide on kenwood then wait for their new wireless CarPlay and wireless android auto compatible head units that will be out in the next month or so. It’s really nice to be able to use them without having to plug your phone in every time to use these features.
I’m waiting for the new kenwood wireless nav units and then will be installing that as well as the dash cam when they are released.
Last edited by Over-Rev; 03-14-2019 at 04:17 AM.
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KurtsZ06 (03-14-2019)
#7
Melting Slicks
I’d like some input for my 2010 Z06 concerning what you feel, or have installed, as to the best replacement Nav/Stereo Head unit. I have the OEM Nav unit and would like the features of modern gps navigation, streaming Bluetooth and hands free calling. I’ve looked at the Kenwood and Pioneer units with price points around $750 and change. I’d like to keep the OEM amp as I don’t blast the music, so finding an install that adapts to the Bose system harness would be what I want.
im in the Sacramento area so if anyone has experience with a local installer, input would be appreciated.
email ... leardriver1@netzero.com
text ... 916-203-4821
thanks in advance
im in the Sacramento area so if anyone has experience with a local installer, input would be appreciated.
email ... leardriver1@netzero.com
text ... 916-203-4821
thanks in advance
for what its worth, i bought a kenwood (DMX905s) for my car with the intent on using android auto. Turns out that my phone isnt compatable because of the last update, hence doent work with the head unit. I would choose based on what program/app you want to use to stream & use NAV with.
some people have android and it works, and some dont, but what i CAN tell you is that 98% of Iphones work with these head units to run apple carplay. (even after software updates)
the biggest cost difference in head units are WITH or WITHOUT nav......so if you have an Iphone, you can save money on a HU, if you have an android phone id strongly suggest buying a HU WITH nav because your 1 update away from loosing everything
and yes the audio section is VERY helpful on this forum.
good luck buddy, and welcome to the forum
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KurtsZ06 (03-14-2019)
#8
Melting Slicks
Member Since: Oct 2001
Location: Louisville KY
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2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (performance mods)
C6 of Year Winner (performance mods) 2019
Most brands have Apple play and Android auto. You just have to choose the one right for you. Installation is fairly easy if all you're doing is replacing the head unit. Crutchfield will provide you with the adapters needed to make it almost plug and play. You tube has great videos on how the take apart your console.
#9
Melting Slicks
Most brands have Apple play and Android auto. You just have to choose the one right for you. Installation is fairly easy if all you're doing is replacing the head unit. Crutchfield will provide you with the adapters needed to make it almost plug and play. You tube has great videos on how the take apart your console.
for some reason i can understand so much better when watching someone go through the process vs reading it.
#10
Instructor
#11
Racer
Thread Starter
I have an Android, but keep all of my music files on my iPad. In my C7 I steam music via Bluetooth. Keeping the entire install as stock appearing as possible is important, therefore I don’t want USB ports or other slots cut into panels.
#12
I’m considering this as well, hope you don’t mind if I tag along with a small question since some guys here already have feedback.
Is there a unit that has front and rear parking cams, dash cam recording for both cams, and the ability to turn the screen off with the unit still working otherwise? I really want to get the features but I’m worried about distracting myself with a lit up head unit.
Is there a unit that has front and rear parking cams, dash cam recording for both cams, and the ability to turn the screen off with the unit still working otherwise? I really want to get the features but I’m worried about distracting myself with a lit up head unit.
#13
Le Mans Master
I run the Pioneer 8200 NEX...good unit, but I would like to check out the Kenwood 995S before I replace the Pioneer. My biggest complaints with the Pioneer are boot-up time (like 12 seconds) and 4V pre-amp outs. I'm an audiophile...and this is disheartening.
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KurtsZ06 (03-14-2019)
#15
Melting Slicks
Member Since: Apr 2009
Location: Virginia Beach VA
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C2 of the Year Finalist - Modified 2020
C2 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
I have a good friend who owns an Audio shop and he recommends the Pioneer 8400 nex. He sells them all but feels the Pioneer has the best features and reliability. I am seriously considering this unit but am still looking at the other options.
#16
Le Mans Master
It's not "bad" per se...it's just I've always preferred a 5V (or more) as it seems that the amplified output has more of a presence. My current HU is 4V and the one in my truck is a 5V. My truck sounds MUCH better (still tuning the Zo6 though) and much more powerful. But everyone's preferences are different as audio is a subjective artform.
#17
Drifting
It's not "bad" per se...it's just I've always preferred a 5V (or more) as it seems that the amplified output has more of a presence. My current HU is 4V and the one in my truck is a 5V. My truck sounds MUCH better (still tuning the Zo6 though) and much more powerful. But everyone's preferences are different as audio is a subjective artform.
#18
Le Mans Master
#19
Racer
Thread Starter
I’m going with the Pioneer 8400 NEX, Sirius asdapter, Maesro steering wheel button control unit and a wiring harness that apparently makes the whole thing plug and play. I did have a change of heart about the amplifier so that’ll be replaced as well with a unit that is the same size and bolts right in. The new amp has higher wattage and better audio specifics than the OEM unit. The rear speakers will be replaced also.
going to have it all done by a shop that has excellent yelp reviews as well as having most all in stock at Amazon competitive pricing.
going to have it all done by a shop that has excellent yelp reviews as well as having most all in stock at Amazon competitive pricing.