Replacement Stereo Head Unit - Trying to Decide

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bigbillyt

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I have the most basic stock head unit, non-Nav, non-JBL and it makes me a little nutz. The two biggest problems are the lousy integration with my Galaxy Note 2 phone, particularly for the phone functionality, and the dimness of the screen with the headlights on. So, after much research and deliberation I have narrowed it down to four units, two Kenwood and two Pioneer. Kenwood has the DDX470 and DDX790 which are very similar other than a few extra bells and whitles on the 790 and Pioneer has the AVH-X8500BHS and the SPH-DA210 AppRadio 3. The two Pioneer units are distinctly different in their approach to phone integration. There are mixed reviews on all of these and I know that Pioneer doesn't list the Note 2 as tested compatible but it is a very popular phone model so I suspect they will eventually offer a firmware upgrade that will make better use of compatibility features.

Anyway, any advice or opinions are welcome. I am also open to JVC if anyone had a strong argument for that brand. I guess the big thing I am looking for here are any anecdotal stories regarding personal experience with these specific units or brands relative to installation and use in our 4Runners, particularly fifth gen as far as steering wheel controls, USB, party mode, sound quality etc.

Thanks!
 
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A local installer that I went to in order to discuss upgrade possibilities told me that the Pioneer's would be easier to install; but that in the end, any brand I liked and had the options I wanted was fine/do-able. What I didn't like about the Pioneer option I had settled on was 1) the wired remote (it was unclear as to whether or not you could remove it nicely), and 2) the external mircrophone for the bluetooth phone capability (I want to use the Toyota built-in microphone and speaker).

So I didn't do anything. For now.
 
You really can't go wrong with any of the Pioneer products. I've had my Pioneer Double din touch screen for 4 years and in 3 different vehicles. My worry with these radios is that the finish would wear off and the touch screen would go bad. But that hasnt been the case, I haven't had 1 issue with my head unit and it still looks brand new.

You should install it yourself thought. Just order the radio and dash kit and any extra cables you might want (ipod, phone, ect.). Putting the radio itself and wiring it up is very simple just color code the wires. If you have any questions feel free to ask.
 
Noticed that navigation functionality was not one of your concerns. I have the Pioneer AVIC Z140BH and am growing very tired of its lack of GPS accuracy. My ten-year-old old Garmin Nuvi is immensely better at navigation than this Pioneer. The interface sucks and the maps (NavTeq) are even worse.

It works great with my Iphone and Ipod though.

Next one I get will have the Garmin map series.

Here is what I have in my 5th Gen: AVIC-Z140BH - Flagship In-Dash Navigation AV Receiver with 7" WVGA Touchscreen Display, Built-In Bluetooth®, HD Radio? Tuner, and Advanced App Mode for iPhone® 4/4S | Pioneer Electronics USA
 
I have the Kenwood DNX6140 in my FJC and love it. It has Garmin GPS, DVD, Bluetooth, etc. very easy to use and was an easy install. Going to miss it once my trade is done!
 
Not Sure About Built in Nav

I have messed around with most major brands of GPS unitsover the years and I am happy with my current Garmin unit with lifetime map upgrades. I also have had good success with the Maps features on my Note 2 which I have only just started to really work with. I think if I would decide to get a head unit with GPS it would have to be Kenwood to get the Garmin maps functionality. Since I am happy with the Nav system being separate I am still torn between Pioneer, Kenwood and maybe JVC units.
 
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