This is Pioneer's competitor to the Halo 9.

Pioneer Link

Unboxing video


If you're interested in vids or something specific (like Gaia), just message me on IG @thegraverunner and I'll see what I can do. Don't message me here as I won't see it.

This won't be an install thread as there are many like it and it's very straight forward if you've done this before. Maestro's supplied harness and wiring diagram makes it pretty easy. Although I will note: when you are installing it, there are two plugs that are keyed and only go one way that plug into the OEM+ speaker and sub harness instead of the stock harness (they will hang loosely and are unused).

Last week I got my hands on the just released Pioneer 9" DMH-WT7600NEX as well as a Maestro RR to retain steering wheel controls.

I installed this on 2019 TRD ORP, with OEM Audio+ Reference 500 and fully soundproofed doors and floorboard with Noico 80mil.

I bought it off Crutchfield due to the generous return policy (60 day). It arrived on a Monday and I had it installed by the following Wednesday.

Since there was no pre-assembled "kit", I pieced together everything separately.

• Maestro RR
• Receiver
• Maestro Wiring Harness
• Metra 99-8227CHG Dash kit (gloss black/charcoal)

Total cost for the above items came out to USD $1337.66. Labor was free as I did it myself.

I used this Halo9 install video for the interior: link

I bought additional items like an antenna usb adapter but ultimately did not use them. I never listen to FM or Sirius radio and the usb adapter didn't plug into my usb port on the bottom.

If you are an OEM+ user like me, depending on when you bought it, you may have to flash the amp/signal processor under the seat - I've yet to do this as they are sending me a dongle that I am yet to receive. While I've adjusted the EQ and speaker settings to my taste, I still want to have this done.

Pictures of it installed:


OBD Readout


Pros

• 720P, looks very sharp compared to the stock unit.
• style and thin bezel, compare this to images to of the Halo9 and it blows it away in my opinion
• Size ;). 9" fills the gap very nicely, however there is certainly room for the 10" model
• Carplay is nice and works as it should (I have Gaia installed but have yet to actually use it on a trip)
• EQ adjustability, stock left a lot to be desired and this fills the gap
• Came with a screen protector already installed
• Multiple adjustment points to get the angle you want
• Wireless Carplay is nice, but I still prefer to plug in my phone
• Gauges are interchangeable and display loads of diagnostic information (can't find trans temp however)
• It's fast and responsive, startup time is comparable to stock, buttons do what I tell it
• Not flimsy and doesn't feel cheap, feels like quality
  
  

Cons

• Stock low-res rear view camera is immediately made apparent, this is not a knock on the receiver, but because it's so sharp (relatively speaking), the rear view camera looks pretty bad. I'll look into upgrading this when I replace my rear bumper
• The larger screen means you can't be heavy handed when inserting your key, I jumped in the car quickly and my key hit the screen (lightly, no scratch left), but something to be aware of.
• The USB adapter to retain the stock USB port does not appear to work on my model 4runner and appears to work for early model 5th gen's, someone can please correct me if I'm wrong and direct me to the correct part # and I will correct this. For now I just ran the USB and 3.5m jack in the original USB port's place (I took it out and it's two wires hanging out there)
• At night, you can turn off the screen and still play music, however the touch sensitive buttons on the left side are still illuminated, it's a pleasing glow, but I would like the ability to turn all the illumination off
• Pioneer CarAVAssist iOS app does not appear to work properly and does not want to sync with my receiver, this is minor and I don't use the factory interface as I use Carplay, but still, I'd like this option to be there. This will be used in the future to update the firmware of my receiver, so I'd like to get this to work sooner rather than later. I'll look into this further as I suspect it's user error. However after working in the UI/UX software design field over 8 years, this should be easier.
• Not a knock on the receiver, but I am skeptical of the Metra kit's attachment point, especially when off road and things bouncing around. Next time I'm back there I'll try to remember to get a shot of it
  

I've only had it a week and probably have clocked a grand total of 4-5 hours of drive time with (if that), so I'll be sure to update this thread with additional photos and long term impressions, especially with extended trips as things heat up in summer and as I venture off-road with it.

Anyways, hope this was helpful for anyone looking into this.

damn, that looks pretty slick. how is the glare in the sun?

I like it. Want to try that modular unit with a custom mount

Not as bad as you would expect, I can't say I've noticed this but most of the time I've driven and used it is in prime sunset with the glare on it in some fashion.

Are you out of gas or is it not reading the fuel gauge?

This looks better than the Alpine option that seems to block the vents no matter how low you have it. I'm still meh about the floating screen look.

I used the PAC USB-TY1 for my USB.

So OEM+ and the Pioneer = $4000?

Looks nice as it doesn’t cover much of the vents or obstruct the knobs.

How many CarPlay icons does it have across ? Compared to the t9, it has 5 across.

$3,203 as I do not have the seconday sub+amp (although I suspect this will be in the future)

At the time I was out and headed to the gas station

You can reuse your OEM metal brackets/hardware with the Metra kit. First, you'll have to drill out the alignment nibs so they sit flush with the plastic Metra brackets (you still use these to mount the dash kit to the head unit), but that should leave you with enough holes lined up with the threaded DIN mounting points on the Pioneer to screw/bolt the whole assembly together.

Where did you put the microphone? I'm looking for ideas on where to place mine when I install.

Great point! That'll give me something to do to clean up the install.

The clip they supplied has a large opening, but it inserts nicely overhead on the visor, I opened and closed the visor multiple times to ensure just the right amount of wire was pulled through the A pillar.

Looks nice, I've always been a Pioneer fan. I just recently bought an Alpine Halo 9 for a bit less money, but this definitely looks like a nice radio