Aftermarket Stereo Upgrade: Alpine Halo iLX-F509 or Sony XAV-9500ES?

[I4CUTigers]

Any updates on how you are liking this Kenwood after using it a couple of weeks? I'm researching it and it's one of the more expensive options. However, the reviews are pretty good so it might be worth it.

I love it. The integration feels really good. One issue I’ve had, and I think it’s because of my phones, but sometime car play will disconnect. It hasn’t been a significant issue though. Honestly, it feels like OEM. I can access vehicle menus previous unavailable, maps are way more friendly and large enough to actually be useful. I did a ground mod that will allow me to mirror youtubetv from my iPhone with a cable while driving for the family.

All in all, something would have to go significantly wrong at this point to not keep loving it.

 

[arouth]

I love it. The integration feels really good. One issue I’ve had, and I think it’s because of my phones, but sometime car play will disconnect. It hasn’t been a significant issue though. Honestly, it feels like OEM. I can access vehicle menus previous unavailable, maps are way more friendly and large enough to actually be useful. I did a ground mod that will allow me to mirror youtubetv from my iPhone with a cable while driving for the family.

All in all, something would have to go significantly wrong at this point to not keep loving it.

Do you use SiriusXM?

One thing I've noticed is that most aftermarket radios, SiriusXM, and steering wheel presets don't really work correctly. Instead of going from preset to preset radio channel the steering wheel controls will just go to the next channel (i.e. channel 20 to channel 21 instead of to the next preset radio station).

 

[I4CUTigers]

Do you use SiriusXM?

One thing I've noticed is that most aftermarket radios, SiriusXM, and steering wheel presets don't really work correctly. Instead of going from preset to preset radio channel the steering wheel controls will just go to the next channel (i.e. channel 20 to channel 21 instead of to the next preset radio station).

I use Sirius daily and Yes you are correct. However, 1) you are going to likely deal with that on any aftermarket radio, so it really shouldn’t matter if you are committing to going aftermarket (since the experience will be the same), BUT 2) on this User Interface, it really isn’t an issue. On the xm screen, it shows your preset icons, but if that’s not big enough, you can hit the arrow tab, and the presets will display on nearly half the screen. It’s very easy to scroll through and find your stations. As a matter of fact, I rarely used the factory steering wheel buttons, so for me, this made changing to different presets far easier.

 

[Ripper238]

Any updates on how you are liking this Kenwood after using it a couple of weeks? I'm researching it and it's one of the more expensive options. However, the reviews are pretty good so it might be worth it.

Love it, very impressive. The screen is incredible and the features it has were way more than I could have even thought I wanted. I am a bit of an audio audiophile and this definitely excels there. But how it integrates with Maestro and the 4Runner and even cameras really is nice. I still cant get over that it tells you error codes and allows you to rest them.

Its just such a flexible unit from mirroring to wireless Android Auto. I even had an HDMI port added.

 

[arouth]

Love it, very impressive. The screen is incredible and the features it has were way more than I could have even thought I wanted. I am a bit of an audio audiophile and this definitely excels there. But how it integrates with Maestro and the 4Runner and even cameras really is nice. I still cant get over that it tells you error codes and allows you to rest them.

Its just such a flexible unit from mirroring to wireless Android Auto. I even had an HDMI port added.

Well even though this is not one of the two stereos I originally posted I'm getting more and more tempted to get this one lol. So any gotcha's with the Kenwood??? I've had more than one aftermarket head unit have brightness issues and not get dim enough at night.

Also, does it seem to make the stock speakers sound any better?

 

[Ripper238]

Well even though this is not one of the two stereos I originally posted I'm getting more and more tempted to get this one lol. So any gotcha's with the Kenwood??? I've had more than one aftermarket head unit have brightness issues and not get dim enough at night.

Also, does it seem to make the stock speakers sound any better?

The screen is very impressive and has auto dim connected to the 4R so it works seamlessly. You also have a lot of custom display settings making it just right for dark or bright scenarios. You can actually adjust the darker and lighter colors to provide a true black. It also is easy to put it in dark (schreen off) mode if its too bright. This is a screen far better than others so no worries there. I would put this screen in the visual category of the best smartphone screens available today.

I have it hooked up to a 600 watt 6 channel Alpine amp and 6 Alpine X series speakers so it sounds incredible. However It should improve the stock speakers sound but I would highly reamend at least upgrading the speakers.

The few gotchas is the screen size. Its beautiful and clear but it is big, lucky for me I don't mind the minor obstruction of the vents. Just such a contrast to the OEM.

The other gotcha is the incredible depth of customization and settings. There are a lot and it will take time to learn them but are easy to access.

Final gotcha is if you have a 4R with rear amp you will need to bypass it and you must get Maestro so it integrates with the 4R.

O and the Kenwood app for downloading pictures sucks. lol

 

[osugsxr]

Sony site lists the 9500ES as iDatalink Maestro compatible. It isn't clear if it is the new Maestro2 or the original Maestro...

Here are pics I found online of an install into a Limited trim.

possible to lower it using oem brackets ?

 

[97BlackAckCL]

possible to lower it using oem brackets ?

I was able to mount my Halo9 in the lower position using OEM brackets :thumb3:

 

[osugsxr]

I was able to mount my Halo9 in the lower position using OEM brackets :thumb3:

find a 2020 -22 OEM unit or aftermarket floating one

best price on OEM used is $900-1400 range plus harness another $200

 

[osugsxr]

Love it, very impressive. The screen is incredible and the features it has were way more than I could have even thought I wanted. I am a bit of an audio audiophile and this definitely excels there. But how it integrates with Maestro and the 4Runner and even cameras really is nice. I still cant get over that it tells you error codes and allows you to rest them.

Its just such a flexible unit from mirroring to wireless Android Auto. I even had an HDMI port added.

which kenwood model do you have? Im on the fence between the following, mainly for apple car play and long road trips.
I've been leaning towards the pioneer

Sony XAV-9500ES
Pioneer DMH-WT8600NEX
2020 OEM radio
alpine ilx f411 purchased at $800 ( bought it but will probably cancel order, not wireless carplay)

 

[Ripper238]

which kenwood model do you have? Im on the fence between the following, mainly for apple car play and long road trips.
I've been leaning towards the pioneer

Sony XAV-9500ES
Pioneer DMH-WT8600NEX
2020 OEM radio
alpine ilx f411 purchased at $800 ( bought it but will probably cancel order, not wireless carplay)

I have the Kenwood DMX1030s, I really liked that it had a knob for volume. lol
I am usually an Alpine guy but this Kenwood was quite impressive and is great for my long trips. Wireless car play which is great but all the little detailed surprises this unit has in combination with Maestro is awesome for an off-roading rig.

The Pioneer DMH-WT8600NEX looks like a close match but for the price I would go Kenwood.

 

[osugsxr]

I have the Kenwood DMX1030s, I really liked that it had a knob for volume. lol
I am usually an Alpine guy but this Kenwood was quite impressive and is great for my long trips. Wireless car play which is great but all the little detailed surprises this unit has in combination with Maestro is awesome for an off-roading rig.

The Pioneer DMH-WT8600NEX looks like a close match but for the price I would go Kenwood.

can you post some pix or PM some to me, not sure if i like the knob on it. The pioneer one there is a video and it seems like a good fit

 

[Ripper238]

can you post some pix or PM some to me, not sure if i like the knob on it. The pioneer one there is a video and it seems like a good fit

Its nice to have when its cold and wearing gloves, adds some function but totally unassay:

 

[osugsxr]

Its nice to have when its cold and wearing gloves, adds some function but totally unassay:

thanks for the pic. looks good. Still think the pioneer or sony might be the way to go. Pioneer open box at about $1k

 

[97BlackAckCL]

Its nice to have when its cold and wearing gloves, adds some function but totally unassay:

Does the screen have up and down adjustability? Is this the lowest it goes? Just curious as far as the vents being blocked

 

[2021nightshade4x4]

Does the screen have up and down adjustability? Is this the lowest it goes? Just curious as far as the vents being blocked

My dogs would be MAD (and panting)


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[Ripper238]

Does the screen have up and down adjustability? Is this the lowest it goes? Just curious as far as the vents being blocked

Yes it has some adjustment up/down but not a ton. Only blocks the bottom 1.5" of the vent and still cools just fine.

 

[2000se]

I went with the CarTrimHome T10 and couldn’t be happier. Only took a few days to arrive. Looks OEM and wireless CarPlay is awesome. Install took an hour, then another 30 minutes or so to get the software setup exactly how i wanted. It’s extremely customizable, uses all the OEM type functions like steering wheel buttons, headlight dimmer, you can even customize the inputs

5th Gen 4Runner Apple CarPlay Radio Upgrade - A Family Adventure Blog

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Did your 4runner have JBL audio prior to this upgrade?

 

[jp.vegas]

Yes it has some adjustment up/down but not a ton. Only blocks the bottom 1.5" of the vent and still cools just fine.

Maybe where you live...but some of us need every last possible molecule of airflow directed our way.

 

[Ripper238]

Maybe where you live...but some of us need every last possible molecule of airflow directed our way.

There are 4 vents up front and its not like it doesn't blow cold air anymore or that it doesn't blow where you direct it (unless blowing low and you are short). But if I lived out mid west I guess it could be more of a consideration.

Also noticed the bottom part of the front vents don't blow air anyway.