JVC KW-M785BW Car Audio Headunit with wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto Review, Demo and Rating

[@alexis_dc2]

Just installed this in my 2006 Acura RSX Type S. The wireless Apple CarPlay is good and not laggy. You have to install the GPS antenna to get more accurate position when using Maps. Unit is responsive and sound quality made my sound system come back to life. I will try and see if any of the firmware updates make any changes in the performance of this stereo.

[@DavidDiSante]

Good to hear. I was debating between this and its Kenwood cousin, the DMX809, for my 2004 Celica. Sounds like either would be a good upgrade for a 20 year old Japanese project car.

[@alexis_dc2]

@@DavidDiSante yes, I’ve heard good things about the DMX809. I know it’s a little more expensive but with all the same features. Can’t go wrong with either one! I also uploaded a Short. Check it out if you’d like.

[@hlanceboyd]

what accessory parts do you need? I assume brackets for specific car model, but what hooking up my existing backup camera? and the audio/phone controls on the steering wheel? are there other parts that need to be purchased or just hook them up? thanks

[@alexis_dc2]

⁠​⁠​⁠@@hlanceboydI was able to re-use the existing bracket that came with my stock stereo. The JVC stereo has inputs for a back-up camera. You would have to hook up the reverse wire to trigger the backup camera to come on when you put your car into reverse. I do know that the Maestro Live feature is a separate module you can purchase and wire into your existing harness so that you are able to use your steering controls. I was able to get away with only using one harness. It was the Metra 70-1725 which integrates my stock amp and sub. I would start off with looking into more videos for your specific vehicle and reading forums.

[@electrotech7633]

u r lucky u still using 2006 model otherwise in my country govt start banning old vechile 😅😅

[@sevbait]

Thanks for the thorough review. Just bought this to put into my wife's 2017 Ford Transit.

[@Pallidus_Rider]

I like JVC/Kenwood 👍

[@BreakersStereo]

Me too!! 👍👍👍

[@JeLifeCoach]

Just bought this for $399 off Crutchfield. Was a steal!

[@nb6584]

Best Buy had it for the same price new or an open box for $350.

[@jonathansch444]

Why did you choose this over the kenwood dmx8709s

[@BreakersStereo]

Great deal!

[@is300_Paul]

I bought this stereo and adapters to screen mirror with iPhone 15 pro max. However it does not fully fit In the screen. It has to black bars on the top and bottom shrinking the screen

[@BreakersStereo]

That’s weird when I used Netflix during the demo it didn’t do that… I just watched the demo right now and there wasn’t the black bars. Maybe it’s the format on your phone? I used an iPhone in the demo

[@is300_Paul]

@@BreakersStereo that’s what confused me as well. I am using an iPhone 15 pro max. But when I turn the phone to the side it does not fill out the screen. Frustrating since this is the reason I bought this unit.

[@rolandomelendez8303]

Which wire did you buy??? @is300_Paul

[@JustinAgramonte-se3eg]

I have the head unit I plugged in the micro hdmi to and apple hdmi adapter to lightning cable but it disint work like how it did for you in this video

[@MMorris75]

I'd like to know the specific cable he used.

[@codyj7769]

When you demoed the hdmi option, can you explain what cables you used to get that working on iOS? I see JVC sells a KS-U70 hdmi cable but do I need another adapter?

[@NoLivesForLife]

I was able to figure it out, you need a micro hdmi to hdmi cable, I just bought Amazon brand and connect that to an Apple HDMI adapter for iPhone and then you can mirror it from there

[@cwkwood]

How quickly does the wireless CarPlay connect?

[@luparente8269]

Stuck between this and the dmx7709s, both so similar. Android auto user so not concerned with the laggy car play. Any difference in sound quality and screen resolution? I feel like the JVC has a slightly cleaner interface. Would you recommend one over the other? Thanks.

[@dancollins2546]

What did u go with?

[@LegalLady]

@Breakers Stereo & Performance if you have headrest video screens will the mirroring show on those screens? Trying to make this work for travel with grandkids since there is no DVD. Truck came equipped with the headrest screens built in. Thank you

[@MMorris75]

@BreakersStereo. What hdmi cable did you use. I used an Insignia cable and it doesn't work.

[@Lqdtch]

What is the GPS antenna used for? Doesn't the navigation and GPS data come from the mobile device connected to Android Auto or Carplay?

[@theripper121]

As stated in the manual Wireless Carplay requires the GPS antenna. So gps data might not be transferred through the wireless connection vs the wired one. Nothing is stated in the manual about it being required or not for Android Auto wired/wireless. I use wireless android auto in my car and added the gps antenna anyhow. Another little note with using the gps antenna from the headunit you are not using the gps from the phone which is a major battery drainer. So probably wise to connect it even if using wireless android auto.

[@BreakersStereo]

Correct. Thanks for clearing that up

[@JediSurviv0r]

Cant decide between this unit, kenwood dmx 8021 or the sony 6050 unit

[@luigisiano]

Does this device allow for the recovery of steering wheel controls?

[@DanielSantos-zk6wj]

yes it does

[@thee_alchemist]

i just got this exact same model headunit specifically bc it had WIRELESS apple car play, and JVCs most recent updates have removed that software function 💀so if wireless apple carplay is important to you don’t get this model they’ve removed it it’s only wired

[@colesweat4996]

Literally ordered it for this reason and the CarPlay option was greyed out🤦‍♂️

[@treyanderson8865]

you have to have the antenna installed to use wireless carplay. one you do that go to settings, system, connections, device list. add you device following the instructions on the screen. then go back to the connections screen and scroll down to wifi setup and set that up as well. i had the same problem

[@rolandomelendez8303]

Do I have to use the kca-hd200? Or can I use a different micro wire ?

[@BreakersStereo]

You can use a different one not just the JVC/Kenwood brand

[@allaith56]

Could you advise me which head unit suitable for montero sport 2020

[@BreakersStereo]

If it’s a double din opening I. Like the iLX-507 by Alpine.

[@jonathansch444]

Ok kw-m785BW for $399 or DMX8709s for $429 what is is better for sound quality? What should I get? Thanks

[@BreakersStereo]

I’d do the Kenwood for $30 more

[@clos9902]

@@BreakersStereowhy is that? Does the keenwood have more options?

[@khalilwm7750]

Which stereo device do you recommend, 7-inch size? It doesn’t matter the price. I want the best and strongest

[@BreakersStereo]

I like the Alpine iLX-507 great screen and sound quality and sound processing

[@RikAindow]

First. :) Looks like a great entry level headunit. Greetings from the UK. I wish our stereos had the same integration options. For us to get that level of functionality, we have to go Chinese android.

[@cobro2]

No , please just save and buy high end radio do not buy these chynese radios the will fail you in a month.

[@RikAindow]

​@cobro2 I don't want one. I've just bought the Kenwood DMX7722DABS which is considered a mid range here in the UK I guess. Even the higher end stuff rarely has integration options like what models in the US get. Then again I guess the US is a bigger market.

[@alfredo5189]

Hello, thank you for your videos. I may ask if you can answer my questions, im confused at the moment. I have bought the Pioneer GXT-3730B-SET and its a SVC 4 ohm Sub with a DC 2 ohm Amp. How do I wire things? The sub is a box, like delivered in the set. i want to get the most out of my amp, but there isnt a helpful video anywhere wiring my exact situation. Thanks for the answer in forward :)

[@Bananamann24]

You can get the sony xav ax5500 or 5600 right now at about $340

[@miztalexx]

those units arent wireless, id compare them to the m780bt

[@gabexvideos7363]

Does this unit have wireless mirroring capability?

[@daca1001]

Yes

[@leeeagle5994]

$400.99 ??

[@toyanthaog5109]

i found a good capacitive touch head unit with disk playability and apple carplay for $143. I think its a good deal

[@jeffsebestyen4666]

Heads Up, the mentioned Pioneer W277 is at Best Buy for $379 right now! Does that $50 price drop make it more appealing, leave your comments down below.

[@NotTodayBud]

$399 on Crutchfield

[@BreakersStereo]

Yeah good deal!