head unit opinions

nc-grayson

Member
hey all, I know nothing about this kinda stuff so I thought I'd post it here. I found this decently priced item on amazon....it's time for the 3rd gen to get some audio love. I have NEVER once purchased a head unit so I have no clue what to look for.

I'm in love with the factory stereo in my 2010 VW, and I'd like to get on par with that as far as the 3rd gen goes. I'm sure it's not the best quality factory head unit out there, but it does what I want it to: bluetooth hands free calling, and satellite radio.

I would like my new unit for the 3rd gen to have these things as well in addition to the bluetooth hands free calling, and satellite radio:
-bluetooth audio streaming? (my vw only does calls, no music)
-back up camera ability (most likely wire it up on install, but nice to have the option later)
-siriusxm receiver (saves the data on my phone instead of streaming it from the app)
-Navigation would be cool, but not necessary. If it's possible to "beam" it from my iphone up to the head unit somehow that would be cool, but again not necessary. Iphone gps works just fine at the end of the day, but it would be nice to get it on the screen somehow.
-Watching DVDs going down the highway was something I thought would be cool in a decade ago when I was in highschool, and I never got that. Wouldn't be opposed to that.....just for the one time thrill factor, or the little kids in the back seat to keep them happy.

so.....would this head unit gimme those things I'm looking for?

Help?

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B017LKVCIK/ref=olp_product_details?_encoding=UTF8&me=
 
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Looks like it has most of what you want. Friend of mine just got the same unit installed in his F150 and he loves it, he can call with bluetooth and play music through his phone with bluetooth, and his navigation on his phone plays through the system so he can hear the directions. Only thing he doesn't like is that the volume adjust is 2 buttons, not a knob, so adjusting volume quickly is kind of a pain.


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That would do it. I'm a fan of knobs as well, I don't want to be staring at the screen trying to find the volume or next track button while driving, that just invites trouble. But, if you are looking for lots of features at a low price it'll work.

Unless you already have an aftermarket head unit in there, you will most likely need an adapter to fit the factor wiring to the new head unit. Also, remove the stock amplifier if it's still in there, you will not need it anymore.
 
thanks guys for your input! I already have an aftermarket head unit in there. it's old and cheap, but it should already have the adapter back there. I think this is the unit I will end up with when the timing is right.

Thanks again!
 
Keep it simple...

I replaced mine with a single DIN Pioneer receiver (for $100) WITHOUT CD or DVD. I haven't used in CD is so long that I decided not to get it. 95% of my content is streamed via my phone and that last 5% is Bluetooth for those times I am off-grid.

I use NAV off my phone and voice promopts over the Pioneer are good enough. I like my knobs, and the extra spaced saved opened up room for a much needed location for a HAM/Amature radio.

The screens on the cheap units are more gimmick to me... but I could see myself using it for a backup camera... but i generally just run over stuff if its in my way :lmao:

As for the kids and rear seat entertainment... most of my friends who are parents just hand them an iPad...
 
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That's the same HU I'm actually going to use to replace my wife's stock radio on her Sequoia. If you search youtube, there's a way for you to be able to use your Waze app on the HU itself. But I think you will need an iPhone for it though as I heard that Android phones are kinda buggy w/ the Pioneer AVH brands.
 
Keep it simple...

I replaced mine with a single DIN Pioneer receiver (for $100) WITHOUT CD or DVD. I haven't used in CD is so long that I decided not to get it. 95% of my content is streamed via my phone and that last 5% is Bluetooth for those times I am off-grid.

I use NAV off my phone and voice promopts over the Pioneer are good enough. I like my knobs, and the extra spaced saved opened up room for a much needed location for a HAM/Amature radio.

The screens on the cheap units are more gimmick to me... but I could see myself using it for a backup camera... but i generally just run over stuff if its in my way :lmao:

As for the kids and rear seat entertainment... most of my friends who are parents just hand them an iPad...

My kids don't even use the flip down monitor in my wife's Sequoia anymore. They mainly use their phones now.
 
bumping this up after almost a year because I'm lazy and still looking at upgrading lol.

take a look at this.

https://www.crutchfield.com/p_104BN965BL/Boss-BN965BLC.html?search=BN965BLC&skipvs=T

Normally, I would never consider BOSS stuff, but, this unit has some solid reviews, and the Crutchfield adviser also backed it up and said this was a great unit for the value.

I don't need the fanciest thing ever. I'd like to not ever consider changing head units again. but in the same respect - I don't want to frivilously waste money on something that will crap out with in a year.

of course, this isn't on par with Pioneer/kenwood/Jensen/etc...

but does anybody have an opinion on this unit, or BOSS stuff in general? Admittedly, BOSS used to be crap, but apparently has improved over the years.
 
bumping this up after almost a year because I'm lazy and still looking at upgrading lol.

take a look at this.

https://www.crutchfield.com/p_104BN965BL/Boss-BN965BLC.html?search=BN965BLC&skipvs=T

Normally, I would never consider BOSS stuff, but, this unit has some solid reviews, and the Crutchfield adviser also backed it up and said this was a great unit for the value.

I don't need the fanciest thing ever. I'd like to not ever consider changing head units again. but in the same respect - I don't want to frivilously waste money on something that will crap out with in a year.

of course, this isn't on par with Pioneer/kenwood/Jensen/etc...

but does anybody have an opinion on this unit, or BOSS stuff in general? Admittedly, BOSS used to be crap, but apparently has improved over the years.



I would still look into the Pioneers. Check this one out.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B06W...avh-x490bs&dpPl=1&dpID=41ugaSFdyxL&ref=plSrch

Now I don’t know how you feel about shopping in Amazon, but I purchased this unit for my wife’s Sequoia and couldn’t be happier. Plus it’s cheaper than the Boss unit that you mentioned.

If you’re still iffy with purchasing from Amazon, my suggestion to you is to purchase through either Car Toys or Sound of Tristate via Amazon. Both online retailers are authorized to sell Pioneer products online so you’ll be covered under Pioneers warranty. I just recently checked Pioneers website so I know that both those stores are still authorized dealers. I actually purchased my wife’s unit through Sound of Tristate. Couldn’t be happier with the service. Just a disclaimer, I’m in no way affiliated with any of these companies but just giving my feedback to help others out



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