DO's & DON'Ts - Picking a Car Audio Radio Head Unit

[@FSXgta]

Stay away from touch based volume control. Buttons or knobs are the best!

[@philosophicalfloridaman]

So mfing true

[@CarAudioFabrication]

My one complaint, more HU's need the knob!

[@Ryan_1997]

But graphics

[@BeardedDaddyD]

I wish my pioneer avh221ex had a volume knob

[@repairdrive]

Double thumbs up for this comment! 👍👍

[@wiscolife4939]

Man, remember waiting for that fresh Crutchfield catalog to come in the mail? Those were the days...

[@CarAudioFabrication]

You can still get their catalog! Sign up for free on the site

[@19-1-91]

@@CarAudioFabrication have u guys built and filmed an 07 sg forester audio installation?

[@HPSFRoadrunner]

Big props for mentioning the interface! Nobody EVER mentions this and it's becoming increasingly important. I would like to see a side-by-side comparison of all the major brands. In a vehicle, I believe it's critical to have a simple and intuitive UI.

[@jimmycorbett4611]

From what I’ve seen, Sony has the most simple UI but simple in a good way. It looks good and is easy to operate while driving.

[@good-tn9sr]

what’s the point if you’re always using Apple carplay

[@HPSFRoadrunner]

@@jimmycorbett4611 .Yeah, Sony has been designing menus and on-screen displays for lots of other products like TV's and phones for years so they usually seem to have pretty good settings, menus, user-interfaces.

[@HPSFRoadrunner]

@@good-tn9sr 1.) Not everyone has or wants Apple gear 2.) There are settings (such as tones controls, sub level, fader) that aren't accessible through an app.

[@joeymerrell8585]

Anyone else here old enough to remember when pullout head units and CD changers were new to the game? Just me? F@#! I'm getting old. Lol

[@JD-sn1lr]

And... they were always too expensive for me!

[@tucanman9775]

sony cdxr 77 was the first it had a changer option in the trunk

[@tucanman9775]

@@tommccall7492 ha ha ha now they have a cd shape dealiebob that you pute in the cd player to play media files from a thum drive

[@phizzle24]

I had a pull out Pioneer tape deck with SuperTuner III (?) radio 🤣

[@MadDragon75]

You brought back memories of my old Alpine auto reverse cassette pullout receiver with a 6 disk CD changer control. That green display was awesome.

[@ericMT]

The biggest issue most new head units have is not including a hard skip forward and back button.Mute is also often on the touch screen only so if you don't have steering wheel controls, it can be difficult to quickly mute audio or skip songs. When you have a very loud system, it's important to be able to turn it down quickly in certain situations as most of us here can relate to.

[@CarlsonLipke]

I tried many head units and always faced some problems with Bluetooth, Android Auto or installation itself. I decided to build my own head unit so I gave a try for Raspberry PI 4 (single board computer) with OpenAuto Pro software on-board. First advantage is that is the cheapest head unit I ever installed in my car. Second advantage is that everything works pretty well so far.

[@mainamaseeti]

Wow!! Freshest thing have heard all week. Am not an electronics guru but that has inspired me one day will try make one....love to see a pic of that.

[@alanconcepcion]

You should make a video

[@MadDragon75]

As a teenager, I didn't have the internet but I did look forward to the latest Crutchfield magazine. 😎👍

[@TheNigerianScammer.]

Last magazine I got was I think beginning of 2007

[@mattb9664]

I got a chuckle out of how my new 4Runner has a recommendation of "We do not recommend upgrading the head unit."

[@krisandersson7156]

Sounds like a challenge.

[@CarAudioFabrication]

Yep, some vehicles have a HU that is so integrated there isn't a great solution, but we are seeing companies create more and more complex interfaces serve as a solution which is good! In the mean time a DSP integrated properly with the stock system is the way to go!

[@seanmichael2777]

CarAudioFabrication all the way Mark! Love your work and excited to see new builds coming along 😁

[@Aman-vu7ld]

What year is your 4runner. I have a 2014 4runner and was going to change the deck. I've never seen anyone saying they dont recommen anything

[@mattb9664]

Aman Samra it's the 2020 model and has the JBL upgrade (JBL isn't that bad, but it's not great either!). I played around with the head unit in a 2020 Corolla on an extended work trip through the AZ desert (my last work trip before Covid), and really really liked the new touch screen head unit Toyota has made common. 4Runner now has the same one. Just about everyone in a Toyota gets CarPlay and Android now!

[@geoffcon100]

The ability to make the screen blank is a must have. Especially for night driving.

[@CarAudioFabrication]

Most will dim when properly installed, but yes that is a good feature if the screen bothers you

[@jeepjoe1996]

The Car Joying ones can fully dim way down or you can even choose to have the screen go completely black too if you want the screen all the way off while listening to them, and simply touch the screen anywhere to have it instantly light back up

[@7munkee]

I bought from Crutchfield before the internet was mainstream. My first purchase from them was 1993 I believe. I bought some Cerwin Vega home speakers.

[@jimkaray]

I bought from Crutchfield before the internet when cassette tapes were the new technogy :-) First purchase was probably in 76 or 77.

[@blazedraider1522]

Still use crutchfield and have been since my first car 2003. Not as long as you guys though

[@BoogieManSince1977]

The timing of this, could not be more perfect ;)

[@Kevinb1821]

For years I’ve used pioneer head units and just never have been happy with the bass coming from my after market speakers. I have jl audio 5x7s in the back and focals in the front that I just got last year. I even put a 4 channel 50 watt per channel amp in and still was not happy how tinny all the speakers sounded. My pioneer head unit gave out and replaced it with an alpine 650. Immediately the bass from the all the speakers were kicking. The speakers sound so rich now with good clean highs and good mid bass then my sub doing the low lows. I can’t believe a head unit made that much of a difference even with amps powering the speakers. I’m still just amazed how good the speakers sound now. I’ll never get a pioneer anything again. Edit. The amp I have is the alpine power pack which also connects Nicely to the back of the alpine head unit. I have actually been using my infinity kappa 12 vq sub for 15 years now. I freaking love that sub.

[@SilkySmooth02]

Maaan, Crutchfield has been my go to since before the internet!!! Damn im old

[@beardedforlife3740]

Oh now, it's been only 20 years since the internet was publicly released lol

[@gilbertrivera1293]

I think we took a few steps backwards ditching cds. I came across my cds and popped one in; the clarity is crisp & clear, no comparison to anything else.

[@MaverickGrabber71]

When I bought my head unit for my truck this year, I looked at a bunch of them. When I settled on one or two, the price difference to add the DVD player was $20 or $30. For me that's a no brainier, and if the disc player ever dies, the rest of it will still work.

[@VR6NAVYVW]

Alpines ilx-w650 was $300. It works great and the tunability is amazing. Also using a DD1+ I get clean output all the way through max volume. I've never had issues with Alpine decks. The one pioneer I bought when I was cheaping out broke in a month(the toggle switch to next/back. The spring in it to return switch back to center failed and was annoying there after).

[@alialkhafaji8607]

That is 's what I'm having an issue with right now at a high volume causing a distorted sound. What's dd1?

[@extrememod_ahu]

I watched this video to check whether you'd be mentioning digital audio outputs, or rather lack of them in the current head unit market - and you did. So thank you for that! Truth to be told, if we talk about audiophiles, then analog connections are just not good enough, looking at the mainstream Android Head Unit / Android Auto options out there. We've seen some 1DIN bluetooth stereos in the range of $1,000+ with decent hardware for analog outputs, but as you said - it is still uncomparable with digital signal. There is a new Android Head Unit from Joying, the first one that offers digital audio output (but there might be others too). Seeing the market turning gradually towards the end-to-end Android in-car experience - if you ever plan to make a video on how to run Android Head Unit + Adv. DSP + Ex. AMP - we'd be happy to offer some content to share with your audience (we're not affiliated with any brands; truly independent) .

[@SkarTisu]

So much great info here! Highlights for me were the optical out feature and ability to adjust the color of the display/buttons. I’m really glad I found this channel!

[@mrupholsteryman]

I guess I'm officially old. I miss having a CD player. 😇😎

[@MaddJakd]

Same lol. and at this point finding an OEM CD player for my ride will be nearly impossible.

[@Aaron-fb6mb]

S!mme

[@rabbit73au]

My car came with a DVD/CD player but I don’t use it I use my phone instead to play music I thought I would use it but I haven’t

[@mrupholsteryman]

@@rabbit73au i travel an hour plus each way and hate station fade on FM. I have not spent the $ to put a bunch of music on an mp3 device either. So...I have resorted to listening to Pandora until my data gets too used. I can admit that my factory stereo would never be loud enough to make the CD skip if I had one....but I also don't like to spend more than I have to if I can avoid it.

[@gmax341]

Thinking about getting a USB CD player for my Joying android unit

[@justlooking813]

Optical audio output is huge. Just enusre your amp has optical in and a good Digital to Analog converter (DAC).

[@seanmichael2777]

I bought my radio this past weekend , darn it 😂 but I’m glad that I followed the same basic principles you highlighted in the video 😁🙏🏼

[@Dominicwylai]

0:48 "... a lot of you guys that have started watching the channel are guys that did car audio 10-15 years ago and are starting to get back into it..." This is so accurate! How did you know??

[@bangyahead1]

I still use cd's but the stock cd player skips, and I wanted to add a reverse camera, so my only options were DVD headunits.

[@superchile9640]

bangyahead1 you could've grabbed a new rear view mirror that has a backup camera screen. Very inexpensive.

[@ItsDaJax]

Or learn how to use mirrors...

[@superchile9640]

@@ItsDaJax reverse cameras have a much better view and wider angle than all the mirrors. Is this smart ass comment?

[@BucketNakedz]

I recently purchased a new aftermarket head unit which is the Pioneer DMH-4660NEX. My biggest want was Wireless Android Auto. It came down to Pioneer, Kenwood and JVC. I really liked the fact that the Kenwood had a cool feature that you could add four camera inputs. But ultimately, their interface was my least favorite.

[@tomaspetr6771]

How is the two year review?

[@Cee1019]

@tomaspetr6771 i have a sister model, the dmh bt 160, / 1770 nex, and its why im on this video. Pioneer has apparently been dropping in quality post covid and im a victim of their recent havit of bad solder joints. It gives an intermittent no start on the radio where you get a white screen, only option is to mail to pioneer.

[@BenMagargee]

I'm a few months into using a $300 Android head unit from joying and no regrets so far. The functionality is way beyond what Android auto offers, and I have independent eq control over the front and rear speakers which was perfect because the front component speakers behave very differently than the rear deck 6x9s. I don't know of any other head unit on the market that lets you do that without having to add a dsp. The only thing that doesn't work flawlessly is I occasionally have to reboot the system to get Bluetooth to work, but I so rarely use that anymore it isn't an inconvenience.

[@dylanvard761]

What head unit is this?

[@jordan7385]

I've owned an atoto a6 android head unit for over 1 year with no issues. Great sound and wifi for youtube browsing when I'm on my lunch break at work

[@blackbass4u2c]

Ive got a huge CD collection and I enjoy having hard copies...

[@blackbass4u2c]

@Dan Tallsten today... Ozzy Osbourn

[@dodgeramsport01]

@Dan Tallsten everyday! it better sound than digital!

[@cedricjeffers7444]

Yes sir

[@marcwiesen]

@@dodgeramsport01 CD is an digital format too, and there are better digital formats then a cd.

[@dodgeramsport01]

@@marcwiesen no shit and name one!

[@1mouse3]

Yes the motorized functions do fail at some point like on a jvc kameleon that I have somewhere that the button tray quit moving out. I am happy with just a usb input for a flash dongle that I put music on.

[@stevej6824]

I used to have a JVC kameleon. I loved that head unit 👍

[@mallorycainjr.1921]

Sucks because I'm only 22 but was born off CDs hearing the crisp clear sound when my dad used to blast his system just hits different for me lol. Also this video was definitely needed these new vehicles are getting more difficult with how their head units are built connected to the car's computer system

[@ryanmalinovsky6504]

I hear you Mallory, but all is not lost, in fact in a way going with a strictly digital media interface deck is beneficial in many ways. For one you can burn all your CD or WAV files to a program like iTunes on your computer, then transfer them over to a flash drive in WAV format/1411 Kbps. Also many of the new Hi-Res formats have fantastic audio quality and actually take up less space than a WAV file does. Either way, the flash drive is the new CD CHANGER for car audio now and instead of 6-12 discs plus 1 in the Head unit, now you can have 1000 CD’s or more w/out quality loss in something that fits in the palm of your hand. I’d call that progress.

[@mallorycainjr.1921]

@@ryanmalinovsky6504 that is true guess I need to start buying some flash drives. Also a quick question are the newer cars coming with a decent radio now? And is it hard to swap out with aftermarket headunits?

[@ryanmalinovsky6504]

Mallory Cain Jr. Yeah, they’re cheap; I picked up a few that were 160GB for like $15/each a couple years ago from Best Buy. They were discounted over $100/each at the time. To answer your question IMO; I agree w/Mark. You gotta have an Apple Car Play/Android Auto radio. I use speech to text and GPS all the time plus streaming services, taking calls (all safe and easy to do... never even have to touch your phone) For me these are crucial befitting my job as I average 60-75k miles/year. So I’d be happy w/ factory stereo with these services and adding DSP/amps. Additionally vehicles that have aftermarket kits/harnesses made for them are easy to swap out so long as you take your time until your fluent with the instructions which just comes with experience from repetition. But even if you don’t swap stereos out on a regular basis, or even if you’ve never integrated a factory deck to work with aftermarket amplifiers, DSP’s, crossovers etc.; It’s just a matter of doing your research, testing & verifying, taking your time and using the right tool for the job you’re doing, and don’t throw the instructions away. If Mark doesn’t have a video that helps you I can almost guarantee some KZbin channel or low volt forum will have what you need. Now if a newer vehicle doesn’t have a kit/harness designed for it and the stereo is where other important vehicle accessories are controlled from like AC/heating and so much more, then my advice would be to leave that stereo in place and integrate your aftermarket equipment (more than likely using Audio Control components or something similar) as a bridge to your amplifiers unless of course it’s already built into the DSP. Long story short; I encourage you to give it a go bc you know you are able to do it and when you complete it you’re rewarded with the amount of effort you put into it 👍🏼.

[@gplusgplus2286]

What really miss from my oem headunit is speed sensitive volume control; with my aftermarket Kenwood I have to turn up and down the volume all the time. And thats on a 1din HU in a car from 2001, but even latest 2 din car play units dont have that.

[@thomasbarnardjr9657]

Really good content. One thing that I would add is to do some homework on what car audio companies strengths and weaknesses are. I've installed and ran several systems, and I've found that I'm particularly favorable to several companies, for different aspects. I prefer Kenwood receivers as I've had great luck with each one of I've used, but it's all I really like by them. I won't even consider Alpine head units after previous experiences, but I absolutely love their amps, and consider them my favorites. Their speakers are not my favorite, but I do like them. Taking time to do some research on products ( what people like and dislike about them), and their strengths and weaknesses will save you a lot of headaches, and learning the hard way. It can save money, particularly in the long run. Many times, spending a little more for better quality prevents wasting money on extra purchases due to unsatisfactory results of a previous purchase. Good information. Thanks for the video

[@SpaceraverDK]

I haven't had any qualms using Alpine in the past, tried JVC and Pioneer, and their low - mid range radios suck.. For speakers, it's either Alpine, Focal or Dynaudio. Amps, Alpine is what I have used in the past, still have a few 16 year old amps playing in my car. I just wish there were more options regarding screen sizes. I'd like a 8" display, I will probably have to custom mount it anyways, so warranty is "compromised" from the start.

[@fryloc359]

What is it about Alpine that you don't like? How does the new stuff compare to the older 90's stuff?

[@tywebb6561]

Crutchfield is still the source. That’s great.

[@prouddaddyofdos]

If ur a DJ like myself...a CD player is a must!!!

[@CarAudioFabrication]

Then get a CD player, just saying if you are not someone who needs the CD functionality (which is now most people) then keep things simple an understand there is a non-CD option

[@johnjacob688]

You can just upload your CDs to an SD card or a thumb drive. I don't know any DJs that still use CDs.

[@djleo68]

Serato no need for cd except cd contrler

[@frankthetankricard]

I don't get your reasoning. Do you have several head units connected to a mixer? Doesn't mixing in traffic distract you from driving? I'm interested to hear about this in detail.

[@speeding2fast]

@@frankthetankricard DJ would be making his own mix CDs or listening to promo CDs from other DJs

[@MisterGreer]

i got my android head unit from amazon because of their awesome return policy. works perfectly and while i disagree with his tip about android head units. It was my only replacement option due to the age of my car.

[@ParoN1994]

This video was so helpful, I thought I knew what I was looking for but you covered a lot of things I didn't even take into consideration!

[@jeremyncrm2012]

My android based head unit has been super awesome, I run torque pro, can put gauges on my stereo, pull up KZbin or any other video app for people when traveling, etc., I couldn’t go back to a non android based stereo.

[@69_MK]

There's a lot of OEM controls on stock car head units now such as those to do with the vechiel itself

[@Adamhc75]

One awesome advantage to having a dvd player built into the head unit is filling a blank dvd full of your favorite DSD or FLAC files and just simply letting them play away.. Be careful with the DSD data-rate though. Anything higher than DSD128 and I have found that the DVD player cannot read the file fast enough. Spotify is very nice to have but sometimes the quality can seem lacking at times.

[@bleachstain9785]

For shits and giggles I bought a $120 10.1” android head unit off EBay. Not only did it introduce such large amounts of static into my system, after halfway up, it made a pop sound and had 3 times the static it had before. Never again, stuck with Kenwood for years and that’s what I’ll be doing again

[@leoluciferr5150]

My 10.1 android HU works absolutely perfect fast never froze and sounds perfect

[@aang6421]

Oh my. Just started shopping for a head unit and this came out! Have my eyes on the Pioneer DMH-2660NEX. All I want is a nice capacitive screen, android auto, and preamp outputs for my future Helix V Eight DSP MK2 (8 channel amplifier). What are your opinions on that particular unit? (PS, I have not watched the video. Im at work)

[@seanmichael2777]

You should watch it 😂

[@aang6421]

@@seanmichael2777 oh boy, its in there isn't it. Lol, sec

[@bntptl]

Could you please do a full build with wiring guide for a sedan car preferably with one chanel for each 2 tweeters, 4 speakers and 1 subwoofer. For a factory radio. with actively crossovered tweeters

[@SimeonSealy]

I would love to see such a video as well. I am considering such a project with an audio control dq 61

[@nismofreak33]

Honestly Mark, at this point i am actually trying to go back in time around 5-10years for a decent single din head unit. Everything ive looked at and played with that is available today in Australia just hasn't impressed me. Gimmicky features like Sonys "BASS" button, Pioneers arguably pointless NAV button and phone mirroring, broken functionality like kenwoods absolutely useless bluetooth and a phone button that will answer calls but wont hang up calls, pioneers random firmware corruption for no apparent reason, Alpines complete lack of innovation to the point that most units still feature a 3 band EQ and NO adjustable backlight brightness or colour. I also hate how every unit now days lacks the park light dim trigger input, i can understand why (modern car BCM personality settings etc), but i would still be nice to have the option there! Moving into the double dins, Kenwoods highest end units legitimately feature the best screen (actually 720p) out of any brands name head unit available, yet the interface is rubbish, not cohesive and lacks any decent customization, plus the bluetooth still sucks and this is in a $1000 unit. Alpine just rebrand chinese junk now days, their halo series is rubbish, buggy and slow, the screen sucks ass. Their other options are just plain ugly and they all lack any decent EQ features. Pioneer imo is pretty much the only viable option for a double din now days. Whilst their screens are still WVGA, they at least look modern, the interface is cohesive, fast, customization is "good enough", and most importantly their bluetooth doesn't take 20 minutes to connect. Their new DMH capacitive touch series looks really promising! In regards to the china android units, i largely agree. The majority feature rubbish interfaces, buggy software, absolutely horrible audio quality and relatively poor build quality. However they do have some advantages, especially if you buy the right unit, like being able to run apps that aren't limited to android auto program, vastly customizable interfaces, higher quality screens and built in GPS nav without the extreme price penalty. I honestly believe if there was a chinese head unit that featured a high end audio chip and an accessible software back-end (ie rootable, custom rom) and someone wanted to spend the time, they could easily create a very impressive car multimedia experience that would rival everything else out there. Imagine having something like a Tesla/Apple/Android interface, that is infinity customizable, on a high resolution screen with seamless phone/bluetooth integration, no app lockouts (android auto) and decent DSP settings. It would be incredible! Unfortunately i cannot write software otherwise i would give it a go myself lol.

[@janjohnny4945]

I got Joying in Toyota. It's really good. I do recomemnd it. Great cpu huge RAM, it's fast. Has spdif output, subwoofer output. Great dsp.

[@suprola7961]

I remember when we had pull out head units!

[@deancostopoulos9218]

And faceplates 👍🏻

[@joeymerrell8585]

I had an Denon pullout CD player in high school. It was awesome.

[@suprola7961]

Joey Merrell mine was a Kenwood. 905 maybe? And it was a cassette player!! 🤣

[@tucanman9775]

walking through the store with a shaving bag my 10.1 inch touch screen pops off the double din now with a press off a button to not get my window broken but beffor walkman we skied with a car deck strapped to our chest cant remember the name

[@OrionTheOwtlaw]

That's what she said.

[@TJsVette]

My wife wants some bass in her ride but its a 2016 mazda and it has that funky touch screen, I don't believe I can replace it. If so im sure it will be a very complicated process so I've got some research to do.

[@gmax341]

2:07 nah it has to have a cassette tape and cd player in it

[@jonhamilton2962]

Don't forget the 8 track

[@gmax341]

@@jonhamilton2962 yes. I prefer that in a home system though

[@patrickgreen9879]

Absolutely incredible channel. Well done. So I built an isobaric clamshell box in 1992 for my Jetta. Great times. My dad had me into Crutchfield before I was ten, so it was fun using them, Crutchfield is unique and thorough, with perfect work ethic. I just got a 2012 VW specifically because it’s simpler than new cars. Now I’m doing my research, and found your channel. Very nice to have found this. So my question is, when making all these videos, covering so many topics, due to technology advancing so quickly, do you ever go back and remake the same video to include new gear? Because I just saw this video and am wondering how much better 2024’s units are compared to 2020. Functionality must have improved I would assume. Great channel Mark, it’s fun watching someone who loves what they do.

[@GamingShiiep]

I need to add: make sure that the pre out voltages are higher than 4. Preferably 5 volts. Bought an awesome headunit with only 2 volt pre out for the subwoofer and it simply doesn't cut it, compared to using high outs into the amps high to low adapter.

[@jeltehuizinga317]

i dont know why this is not in the video, but this is the most important feature when doing car audio xD i was about to write about this but then saw your comment. thumbs up for this important comment.

[@tjaprilgage]

you can run the rca to crossover and their preouts are 5-8 volts but they gotta be powered from the battery like amp

[@PayneWewton]

You guys don't know what you're talking about.

[@tholo86]

@@PayneWewton Tell us what we dont know Kenny

[@VonSpud]

Great channel...I have been imersed in truck audio the past few months as I upgraded my 2005 Ram 1500 Rumble Bee audio. Had Audio shop install the new Kenwood KDC-X704. I replaced the 7 spk infinity speakers with Soundstage CPT 6.5" Components and sized up the 5.25" Coaxial rears to 6.5". Also installed the XR401-4 Kenwood Amp. Fun project. Have to agree, Crutchfield site looks very professional. Love their how-tos and recommendations.

[@PeteyG708]

Thank you for this. Since I started driving, I have done all the audio work myself (had some help starting off, of course.) You got a new subscriber. I have a good stereo in my old truck, but I want to upgrade, and your tips may help me in the future. I have also always used Crutchfield, and always trusted Pioneer. Thanks for the content in this video!

[@yingle6027]

I just installed a double din JVC head unit in my car and I noticed that it was really light and was mostly empty space inside! Why couldn't this empty space be used as room for more amp etc? Seems like a waste of space if you ask me.. It has 22w rms which is good enough I guess.

[@carlitot5388]

CDs still sound better then streaming to me 💯

[@cedricjeffers7444]

Exactly

[@msh6865]

Agreed.

[@armaanwalli7058]

Just change your streaming quality to high, it takes pretty much the same amount of data

[@brando81]

Absolutely! If its one of my favorite bands, I still buy the album. Songs on an album are arranged in a certain order for a reason. Artwork and album packaging is displayed and arranged a certain way for a reason. Still the best all around platform for music.

[@carlitot5388]

Brandon Calvert 💯💯💯

[@tobyesquibel318]

I heard you say that it's best to stay digital between your head unit and you amps or digital processors. What about from your phone to your head unit. Isn't bluetooth a lower quality signal than your Aux cord? I hear a noticable sound quality difference no matter what vehicle I'm in. I don't like the cord but I want the sound quality. What's your opinion?

[@youngb1ood]

Bluetooth compresses the sound....bitrate goes down. Auxiliary is constant bitrate, no compression. Stick to Auxiliary or CD player or MP3 CD only.

[@N_Richd1]

@@youngb1ood Mp3 Cd sounds like an oxymoron.. If it's Mp3 on a Cd, it's compressed already.. 💿

[@N_Richd1]

@@youngb1ood also, i don't think Bluetooth compresses sound..

[@davect01]

Ya, so many new cars simply are not able to be headunit upgraded due to the trend of the slap on, thin screens that run everything. When buying newer cars, make sure you like the screen interface because so many you are going to be stuck with it for the life of your car.

[@CarAudioFabrication]

Fortunately more (actually legit) companies are coming out with replacement solutions. As an example look what PAC recently made for the Grand Cherokee, the RPK4-CH4103. The GC has an OEM screen with climate controls built in (actually the screen you see in the intro and the section of the video talking about climate controls). The PAC piece allows an aftermarket head unit and adds a secondary screen to retain those controls! Pretty cool!

[@danwhitaker9168]

That is what Maestro RR & RR2 are for. They interface with aftermarket stereos and allow control of all of the OEM HVAC, tire pressure monitor, etc.

[@davect01]

@@CarAudioFabrication Excellent

[@pastagreyhound]

Yeah, late model Mazdas have this problem. My wife's 2019 CX-5 and my 2017 MX-5 Miata will never accept an aftermarket head unit because the HU sceen sits on top of the dash and are basically proprietary. I opted for the basic, no-frills HU with bluetooth only because I don't care about touch-screen interfaces in a convertible, driver's car. My wife's CX-5 has all the infotainment bells and whistles and when it craps out, it's not going to be cheap to replace. Her previous vehicle was a 2017 Honda Ridgeline and the infortainment HU was pure garbage--slow and glitchy and the apple carplay that read her texts completely stopped working. I'm shopping around for a new HU for my 1999 Lexus GS 300 and I'm not sure what I want!

[@ItsDaJax]

Another reason new cars are regugnant garbage. A radio should just be a radio.

[@kylemyers9659]

Thanks for the review. Some specifications for head unit decks indicate that it is "App Compatible". What does that mean and what scenarios would I want a Digital receiver to include this feature? I'm putting touch screen head unit deck in a 1997 4 Runner

[@richardclark4383]

Please review the Retrosound head units! A lot of us restoring older vehicles don’t want a garish modern head unit but still want decent performance

[@terrywinningham5405]

These are typically a modified aftermarket brand, the problem is they use the cheap brands to do this. They look nice but are overpriced, very low quality and poor performance.

[@EBROSE98]

I seriously recommend JVC KW-R930BT Double DIN Head Unit. Easy to use. My dad who is 60+ plus. loves it he can read the radio stations without his glasses. Big finger friendly. with all the buttons. Using all my cd again is great. my mum wants one for her car now.

[@geocow5105]

That’s a awesome unit!!! Mine fried when I jump the battery.

[@SYN420420]

Most of my future's on my 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee are built into the radio such as heated seats AC and Heat controls how do I put an aftermarket radio in that Including my backup camera where when I backup my lines for my backup camera moves to? Is there a Pacific radio that I can use for that? That would have all the RCA outputs that I would like to use? I do have the larger display and my Dutch. Ty I forgot to mention I also have a Built-in CD player that I would like to retain in my center council.

[@edwardstill8577]

Man I miss my kraco am/fm cassette with my 7 band eq from radio shack lol the day of yesteryear....

[@MrErpman]

1980 my parents left town on a Friday night and I went straight to Target and bought a Kraco cassette player for 19.95. Installed it in the glove box of my VW bug. It had 1 speaker by the speedometer. First song I played was Another One Bites the Dust.

[@stevestokes4206]

I am glad I watched this video before buying some cheap peice of junk. I also trust all of the manufacturers you said you had no problems with. Thanks much👍

[@sardal1930]

I'd also add to get a head unit with a high pre-amp voltage preferably higher than 4. It enriches the sound quality and reduces background noise.

[@silver1407]

or get a standalone 4 channel amp for the low like an alpine

[@johnsnetsinger7105]

Uhh, nobody steals car stereos any longer. That was the 90's. There is no market for stolen car stereos since you can get a decent one for like $99 (last bit on removeable faceplates) Informative and concise video, thanks!

[@troylbrown6009]

Thank you bro! That was some very useful information! I'm going to crutchfield right now 💨🏃‍♂️

[@encaged314]

I recently bought a '19 Subaru Outback with the Harmon Kardon system in it. Unfortunately, the head unit is notorious for delaminating and factory replacements are bound to do the same within a year or two. After one of the hot days we had recently, I noticed some bubbles in my screen starting to form. I've been trying to figure out what to get so I can keep all of the factory features without breaking the bank before it's unusable.

[@dodgeramsport01]

Just an FYI lots of people still use cd/dvd!

[@CarAudioFabrication]

I'm not saying they don't. Im saying don't buy features you won't use.

[@dodgeramsport01]

@@CarAudioFabrication right

[@pkt1213]

I was really surprised my eXcelon HU was not available with an optical out. My cheap soundbar has that. I wish someone would invent a remotely located volume knob. I know people want max screen size but I would rather have a volume knob.

[@TheAirConditionerGuy]

I agree with everything in this video, just keep in mind that some of us still love the CD, nothing compares to a physical medium, however, i really only use them inside. I got everything ripped to Apple Lossless and use a 256GB Ipod Touch as a hard drive. Works like a charm!

[@dragonfly-f6x]

Please provide technical information for the Nakamichi NA3100i head unit. How to outsmart the head unit so that it doesn't auto on when the ignition key is in the ACC position. Thank you.

[@cameltoast]

Thanks for this, I always stick with name brands for Sound Quality but have tried Cheap Android big screened radios just for the heck of it. They have a huge deficit in the sound quality department. You CAN get units with decent quality but they start to creep into Kenwood, Pioneer price territory. Also it's amazing that Optical has just NOW started making its way into car audio when it's been included on every piece of home audio almost as an after thought for a decade now.

[@fernandoramos7679]

ha" I did just get back into car audio earlier this summer,. i also just talked to Stone at Crutchfield over the phone earlier this week. a lot has changed in installing aftermarket audio in these newer cars. I'm going to be calling stone back on Monday hopefully, to place my order for a aftermarket stereo in my 2010 Cadillac escalade. Thanks for posting, your videos help out a lot. I'm glad I found this channel and subscribed.

[@_BAD_MERC_]

I've seen entirely too many people believe the output power rating on the head unit.

[@EngineerDJ_Julius]

The popular saying is "either Kenwood or Pioneer" Not sure which is better for my 2017 Honda Civic

[@weduhpeople8504]

I hate my infotainment hu in my 2018 Honda Civic Type R, so damn laggy! I wish it didn’t come with any hu.

[@manorslousher4654]

do you have the fk2 or fk8 Type R. DId you changed the head unit of your audio system

[@weduhpeople8504]

@@manorslousher4654 No infotainment system hu is the same atm. The factory hu does have two digital coaxial inputs which I want to connect an Audison Bit 1 dsp then to a 5.1 and a Quattro for a 3 way Dynaudio component up front, center channel, rear fill and sub to. So that the signal is purely digital and not degrade the signal with a high to low level adapter.

[@manorslousher4654]

@@weduhpeople8504 I have the 2017 type R which is the fk2 model. I wonder if my head unit has also a digital outline

[@grantw7946]

For BMW, biggest Issue for not selecting Android, is the popular IDatalink Maestro won't cover deletes when OEM equipment is removed.

[@nevoyu]

Honestly I hate floating screens.

[@davegoslingphoto]

I have a top of the line 9" pioneer head unit....Two of the things that I don't like(among others) is the touch interface is not very responsive when swiping and the start up time! You would think for the price I paid it the touch would be way better... The other issues are around AA..

[@JOEDADY78]

Waiting for this video long time... 👍🏻🤩👍🏻

[@leahhector5159]

New to this android head unit. Can someone explain to me how do I get to play my CD's. Want to upgrade my head unit.

[@QuadDoc]

Another great one!! 👍🏼

[@markphilpot4981]

All good advice Mark. Each one has different set up and have to live with what you have. Crutchfield’s been around for a great while. Good customer service, that matters.

[@bryanCLXT]

Removable double din screens. I mean the those 8 9 and 10 screens should just detach amd unhook the cords

[@57fire]

I would like you to try out the atoto stereos and other brands that have been around for a while making these android based stereo for cars. Like to see you opinuon on them against the larger name brand companies

[@vongdong10]

One major thing I learned was to never get a GPS unit from Pioneer. I bought their top of the line unit back at around 2014 and found out their map updates aren't even free. Pay an almost 50% premium for GPS and I gotta pay for maps? Get the eff outta here.

[@N_Richd1]

Word.. Fk that!

[@DakFink]

You mention Optical! (Toslink) could you do a video on who has Head Units and Amplifiers and Processors that use these. Also have read that HDMI is actually better for really Hi-End audio. Is there any Head units that have HDMI OUT and and DSP/Amplifiers that have it for Input? I'm looking but not finding much!!

[@TimHaunFishing]

My Head Unit DOES have to have a CD player lol.

[@sethh8892]

Yikes lol

[@germanywho]

Me too for movies

[@sethh8892]

@@germanywho it's kinda behind in times, can't scratch a mp4 file

[@germanywho]

@@sethh8892 IAM old school doe👍🏼

[@jasonbuben2708]

Okay I’m restoring an older car that uses the old single din with the holes in the dash for knobs. So I would have to cut the dash to put an aftermarket head unit in it. But I’ve seen retro sound head units that are made so you don’t have to cut your dash. My question is, are retrosound head units as good ( quality wise) to an aftermarket head unit like alpine or pioneer.

[@asdb0red278]

i found a used alpine CDA-117Ri and don't plan on changing it any time soon!! 4v preouts front/rear/sub and 24bit dac for cds.. for cheap!

[@HB-yq8gy]

Thank you great video still using my old Pioneer DEH -P200BT never get rid of it because I never paid for Sirius radio for over 10 years! I purchased another older portable Sirius for $6.00 again you can listen for free!

[@hollisross3561]

Fantastic recommendations. Can I drive the existing 'normal' speakers from the head unit or do I need to add an amp. For instance a 2006 Honda Odyssey.

[@lambo3d]

Another question, is it possible to connect a front license plate camera to the (Pioneer AVH-3500NEX/B 1 DIN DVD/CD Player 7” Flip screen. Up Bluetooth Android Auto CarPlay) head unit, along with the backup camera, especially for parking, so you don’t pull up over a curb or parking block? Thank you.

[@esmokah]

I have been using Pioneer since my first car in the late 90s. They are always rock solid units! I currently have a avh-w4400nex, and it's amazing!

[@JakeNaughtFromStateFarm]

Apple CarPlay is a reason I’m considering upgrading now. I’ve got an aftermarket Pioneer stereo, but it’s 10-12 years old. It has wireless calling, but I still have to plug my phone in to play music. Would be nice to just switch wirelessly to play from whichever phone we want.

[@mplslawnguy3389]

I’ve never done anything with car audio in the almost 30 years of owning cars lol. I’ve just never cared that much, but the apple CarPlay looks pretty cool, and I’d like a bigger screen for navigation, as I just use a tiny old Garmin, and my eyes are starting to fade a bit. Any recommended videos for a beginner as far as instal?

[@calebwooldridge242]

Great video as always, probably my favorite car audio resource on KZbin! I like the new features of head units like android auto/carplay or backup display/gps and the impressive specs but I really prefer tactile feedback of older stereos. Due to this I got an older model kenwood dpx304mbt for the physical buttons and volume knob. In my opinion it's a lot easier to be able to reach over without looking and use muscle memory and the clicks from the buttons to tell what you are actually pressing than hoping you're hitting the right part of the screen. This little stereo may not be the best but it's definitely got as much as I need, except maybe the 2.5v amp pre-outs, I may look into a line converter for that but that'd be my only concern with this unit. Awaiting installation in the 94 lexus sc400. Great stuff as always man!

[@KasraOskuie]

Any head unit suggestion for Prius 13 that works with the built in OEM bluetooth mic and backup camera?

[@brambhai4877]

So which model/brand is superior? I want the best one that doesn’t lag and has all the features

[@unused0011]

HELP: So I have an after market set of speakers and matching amplifier. I am ONLY changing my head unit to mitigate a factory coloured sound signal. Therefore, can I go with the cheapest aftermarket head unit if my only need from a head unit (besides its rear outputs) is to have an untampered sound signal for my external amp to process? This question is hard to find the answer for on google.

[@deathtoflesh]

I also believe CDs are becoming a thing of the past BUT when you consider sound QUALITY.. IMO no audio or video file can compare, FLAC files come very close. But I guess for the common users ear sound QUALITY can't be differentiated.

[@larainebarton2103]

If it doesn't play CDs I don't want it.