Car audio - new unit recommendations

I haven’t bought aftermarket car audio in 20 years. I’m looking for:

- user friendly/techno idtio proof
- Bluetooth streaming for music and Netflix audio
- iPhone compatible
- good for phone conversations
- good power for new door speakers
- under $400

Been looking on Crutchfield and that’s where Ill purchase. Figured you guys would give me the best feedback and opinions.

Vehicle is a 2012 Chevy 2500 crewcab. Does not have the factory navigation.

Whatcha got?

 

If you use an iphone (looks like you do), check out the head units with carplay. I had a carplay pioneer, it's really nice with an iphone and makes life easy. It'll show the navigation (albeit only apple maps) on the screen as well.

Decent example:
https://www.crutchfield.com/p_1301400NEX/Pioneer-MVH-1400NEX.html

 

If I’m streaming video, does it play the audio?

 

Yep. The unit I had could do that via bluetooth or carplay (has to be plugged in).

... or you could just plug the phone / tablet in with an HDMI converter and the content is on the head unit... if that's your bag.

 

there are a few "android" based units that are nice. Not the marquis names like Kenwood or Pioneer.
Neat stuff... you can bluetooth just about anything to it (like TPMS or Torque) and add apps just like your phone!
You can stream video and music just like your phone. Have upto 5 cameras, etc.

https://www.sonicelectronix.com/

 

Some of the Sony (Android systems) had reviews of klunky iOS interfacing. Any experience?

 

Yes, If you want video you need the other model with the HDMI, I just got the Pioneer MVH-2300NEX and love it.
Phone connection is way better than my Kenwood as is voice text/commands, Apple car play is nice and the unit is mostly idiot proof once setup.
Powering 6- 5 1/4's thru the factory porsche amp.

 

Sony XAV-AX100 is prolly the best bargin car-play head unit out right now.

https://www.crutchfield.com/p_158XA...tLu1VNVWbyuAvugTbVKkF0g73Zl_XDZ0aAqU9EALw_wcB

Plus, it has an honest to goodness volume knob instead of buttons to change volume.

 

New iOS (12) will enable 3rd party apps like Waze to display through CarPlay. Finally....

 

LOVE Waze!

So, does it screen mirror or do you utilize the app on the unit itself?

 

I like knobs.


Wait...

Dammitt

 

I assume you interact with the app on the radio just like with Apple maps. I just read about that new update for iOS so I didn’t research much more.

 

Yes, carplay has limited apps that are allowed to run on the head unit, but you interact with the application directly on the headunit, or via voice commands.

 

I have put off buying a head unit for years for my beater DD...recently dropped the coin to get a Pioneer 3300NEX. Does everything you're asking for and more. My only complaint is why I waited so long to get it. Not sure if your vehicle allows for a double din, but mine is single only with no option to fit a double din unless you went 100% custom. As of today, the 3300 is the only head unit that offers both Apple carplay and Android auto (or whatever they call it) in a single din unit. The screen is responsive to touch, a 100x better than the old ass one I had. The HU itself has more audio adjustments than I ever thought possible.

"Using" your phone through the HU is the coolest fucking thing ever. It reads texts to me, you can reply back using the mic, etc. It's awesome. I had a bit of heart burn when I finally bought it, wondering why I spent so much money for it (it did cost a set of tires...), but after the first time I used it, I didn't care. 100% worth it. I use the Amazon music app and it has a fantastic interface, easy to look through artists/albums/etc.

 

I have the Pioneer 2440NEX and I agree, these things are cool. Dictating destinations, text messages is awesome. I pulled the trigger b/c of the upcoming hands free laws in GA.

 

Cool thing about the Apple car play, you can use Siri (through HU of course) and be like "Give me directions to Road Atlanta", and it'll automatically pull up maps and give the driving route and such right there on the screen. There's a home button and everything on the screen. This technology has definitely brought out my inner Broome, and I'm loving the tech upgrades.

 

I put a Kenwood in my last three trucks and they are a steal on Amazon now Like $130....
Double Din and large buttons I can see and use easily, very user freindly and Bluetooth also.

https://www.amazon.com/Kenwood-DPX530BT-Double-DIN-Resolution-Compatibility/dp/B00B7IQC6K

 

Where does the USB cord plug into on these aftermarket head units with carplay? My finacee's VW has a USB port in the console that connects to the stereo, but I'm not seeing a face port on any of these units.

 

I’m assuming that neither CarPlay nor android auto allow video playback on screen, right? As in Netflix, YouTube etc...

 

USB on back of head unit that you route to where ever you want it, then plug in phone cord into that.