2020 head unit replacement question

08TxRunner

08TxRunner

Member
My 2020's non-JBL head unit has several areas of vehicle customization in the menus - things that don't appear to be duplicated in the dash info display. Are you guys with aftermarket head units just choosing to forego the ability to make those customizations?

I've already replaced the OEM speaks and now want to move on to installing the Alpine 5 channel amp out of my old '08 along with the JL sub. Keeping the OEM head unit seems to be a headache, even with things such as Taco Tunes' wiring harnesses (for example, my very expensive amp does not take line level inputs). But then switching to an aftermarket head unit presents the problems above. Appreciate any input.
 
Register to hide this ad
Thank you for that, Whip. I had no idea such a thing existed. Just looked at the website - it looks complicated to install lol
 
08TxRunner said:
My 2020's non-JBL head unit has several areas of vehicle customization in the menus - things that don't appear to be duplicated in the dash info display. Are you guys with aftermarket head units just choosing to forego the ability to make those customizations?

I've already replaced the OEM speaks and now want to move on to installing the Alpine 5 channel amp out of my old '08 along with the JL sub. Keeping the OEM head unit seems to be a headache, even with things such as Taco Tunes' wiring harnesses (for example, my very expensive amp does not take line level inputs). But then switching to an aftermarket head unit presents the problems above. Appreciate any input.
Click to expand...

No one with a 2020 is changing head units.

And if they're using an amp, they're finding an amp compatible with the car, not the other way around.
 
Gotcha. That would be a good reason. But they just lack so many other things that an aftermarket unit has. Lots of food for thought - thanks guys.
 
I'm using a JL Audio Fix 86 OEM digital signal processor to integrate my factory 2020 head unit with my JL audio amp. No need to switch out your head unit.
 
DryHeatAZ said:
I'm using a JL Audio Fix 86 OEM digital signal processor to integrate my factory 2020 head unit with my JL audio amp. No need to switch out your head unit.
Click to expand...

I was looking at that unit this evening. But it's $450. For about $200 more, I can get the Maestro and a good Pioneer head unit. I think I'm going that route.
 
Well, I'm going to have to call IDatalink tomorrow to check compatibility. The steering wheel buttons are pretty different on my '20 compared to the one they show for the '19 - the newest one on their website.
 
Just got off the phone with the manufacturer. The Meastro units and associated wiring harnesses do NOT work on the 2020's yet. The steering wheel buttons are different, as is some of the wiring. He said they are working on it, no ETA yet, just keep checking back with the website.
 
08TxRunner said:
I was looking at that unit this evening. But it's $450. For about $200 more, I can get the Maestro and a good Pioneer head unit. I think I'm going that route.
Click to expand...

So you would be willing to spend an extra $200 to get a worse looking radio that really isn't much, if any, of an upgrade?
 
I think it is much better looking than the stock unit. If you don't think it's an upgrade, you should check out the capabilities of a higher end NEX unit. And it gives preamp outputs for my amp. And it gives 11 band EQ without resorting to a laptop, and quite a few more things. So yes, I'd be willing to spend my money swapping to a better head unit.
 
08TxRunner said:
I think it is much better looking than the stock unit. If you don't think it's an upgrade, you should check out the capabilities of a higher end NEX unit. And it gives preamp outputs for my amp. And it gives 11 band EQ without resorting to a laptop, and quite a few more things. So yes, I'd be willing to spend my money swapping to a better head unit.
Click to expand...

You are the first person I heard say that an aftermarket radio looks better than the stock radio. I know what an aftermarket radio can do, but I still don't get why you think you need to upgrade it. I only upgraded my 2012 Nav radio because I wanted CarPlay. I didn't use an aftermarket faceplate because they all look like butt. Here is what I custom did for mine. It needs some refinement along the trim on by the faceplate, but I'm satisfied. The buttons don't work on the facelate though.

jw8QptH.jpg
 
You're showing an unusual amount of concern over what I want to do with my truck with my money. Again, maybe if you read up on the high level NEX units you would understand.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Members online

Total: 376 (members: 3, guests: 373)

Forum statistics

Threads
278,307
Messages
3,554,054
Members
248,016
Latest member
Advally Service

Share this page

Trending content

Back
Top