Stereo/Head-unit upgrade ideas

[kindpunkjames]

Hey all. This is my first post on these boards as I'm a first time owner of a 4Runner as of yesterday.

Was hoping I could get some basic info related to upgrading my head unit as I don't know much about it (I installed an aftermarket head unit in an '05 Grand Prix like 10 years ago but that's my entirety of experience, no bluetooth/gps/cameras/etc.)

I have a 2005 4Runner Limited with JBL and the non-nav (I'm assuming default stock?) radio.

I was looking to either get the Atoto S8 or the Dasaita

S8: Amazon.com: [10in Floating Display] ATOTO S8 Ultra S8G2108U (Gen1), in-Dash Android Car Navigation, Dual Bluetooth w/aptX HD,Wireless Phone Link, Gesture Operation,Built-in 4G Cellular Modem, Support 512GB SD: Car Electronics
Dasaita: Amazon.com: Dasaita 10 inch Rotatable Screen 2din Android 10.0 Car Stereo for Universal Radio Carplay Android Auto GPS DSP System 4G Ram 64G Rom 15Band EQ Navigation Multimedia: GPS & Navigation

Was wondering if anyone had any experience with either? I've heard the customer service with Atoto is really good, but I like the aesthetic of the Dasaita unit more. I'm also looking to get a backup cam and dashcam, which I know Atoto makes.

My other questions are: 1. Is the default factory stereo double din or single behind the faceplate? 2. What pieces will I need besides just buying the head unit and cameras? 3. This is a really stupid question and I apologize but when it comes to wifi/data/GPS on the head unit, do I need to add it to my phone plan to give it service or something? 4. Any recommendations on other accessories would be very welcome as well. My main goals as of now are to be able to wirelessly play music/do navigation from my phone (I've never used CarPlay or anything but I'm assuming it's not too difficult), and also to be able to charge my phone.

 

[riverwolf]

Hey all. This is my first post on these boards as I'm a first time owner of a 4Runner as of yesterday.

Was hoping I could get some basic info related to upgrading my head unit as I don't know much about it (I installed an aftermarket head unit in an '05 Grand Prix like 10 years ago but that's my entirety of experience, no bluetooth/gps/cameras/etc.)

I have a 2005 4Runner Limited with JBL and the non-nav (I'm assuming default stock?) radio.

I was looking to either get the Atoto S8 or the Dasaita

S8: Amazon.com: [10in Floating Display] ATOTO S8 Ultra S8G2108U (Gen1), in-Dash Android Car Navigation, Dual Bluetooth w/aptX HD,Wireless Phone Link, Gesture Operation,Built-in 4G Cellular Modem, Support 512GB SD: Car Electronics
Dasaita: Amazon.com: Dasaita 10 inch Rotatable Screen 2din Android 10.0 Car Stereo for Universal Radio Carplay Android Auto GPS DSP System 4G Ram 64G Rom 15Band EQ Navigation Multimedia: GPS & Navigation

Was wondering if anyone had any experience with either? I've heard the customer service with Atoto is really good, but I like the aesthetic of the Dasaita unit more. I'm also looking to get a backup cam and dashcam, which I know Atoto makes.

My other questions are: 1. Is the default factory stereo double din or single behind the faceplate? 2. What pieces will I need besides just buying the head unit and cameras? 3. This is a really stupid question and I apologize but when it comes to wifi/data/GPS on the head unit, do I need to add it to my phone plan to give it service or something? 4. Any recommendations on other accessories would be very welcome as well. My main goals as of now are to be able to wirelessly play music/do navigation from my phone (I've never used CarPlay or anything but I'm assuming it's not too difficult), and also to be able to charge my phone.

Go to Crutchfield, do the "what fits my car" thing and pick a double DIN radio (AA/CP compatible recommended for most accuracy). C'field is nice enough to show you what other pieces you'll need for isntall. In short, you'll need a double-DIN kit appropriate to your 4Runner's trim level, an interface to allow an aftermarket unit to work with the JBL system, and possibly a second interface to retain steering wheel controls...which may not be an option with the Android units.

My quick and dirty take on the two units:

The ATOTO will take a SIM card so you could add it as a device to your wireless service plan just like a tablet. Or, you can enable your phone as a hot spot (if allowed by your carrier) and let the ATOTO connect through it. The Dasaita only offers the option of using a hot spot...no SIM card that I can see.

The ATOTO says it's running Android Oreo...that's version 8.0. Current is version 11 with 12 out in preview. As such, I might question whether the ATOTO really can run AA/CP, especially wireless since AA wireless requires the phone to be at v11 (some phone models, like Pixel, could do wireless with v10), IIRC.

Honestly, given both units are $500ish, I'd seriously consider sticking to the traditional brands like Sony/Alphine/Pioneer/Kenwood/etc. Then add standalone dash cams. I've followed these generic Android units off-and-on for a number of years and the quality is seriously hit-or-miss...even when 2 people buy the exact same unit, they've been known to report quite different experiences...and support is virtually non-existent.

Good luck.

 

[kindpunkjames]

Honestly, given both units are $500ish, I'd seriously consider sticking to the traditional brands like Sony/Alphine/Pioneer/Kenwood/etc. Then add standalone dash cams. I've followed these generic Android units off-and-on for a number of years and the quality is seriously hit-or-miss...even when 2 people buy the exact same unit, they've been known to report quite different experiences...and support is virtually non-existent.

Good luck.

Thanks for all the helpful info! Two quick follow-ups - #1 if I went with a sony/alpine/etc., do those still have android? I'm really fond of the agama car launcher and the ability to have engine diagnostic apps and such, and #2 Can you recommend any similar pricepoint 'dependable' brand units that are still in the realm of the 10 or so inch floating touchscreen style?

 

[Bagels]

JA has a really good write up on an android unit he installed. There’s a ton of good info on his site including other projects for you to click through. Very well documented.

4th Gen Toyota 4Runner Android Head Unit

A big issue with android issues is that the suppliers tend to skip on heat dissipation measures. The processors get very hot and not having a proper heat sink or ventilation can lead to them failing early on. To combat this, I added a heat sink and fan to the processor inside of my head unit. The fan is probably a bit of overkill but it can’t hurt.

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[4.7V808]

I actually tried the 9" floating model from Pioneer (DMH-WC6600NEX) first, but it felt out of place in the cabin. It also hid other items in the dash, which annoyed the crap out of me. Ended up exchanging it for a smaller Pioneer unit (DMH-W4660NEX)

Do you have a picture with the DMH-W4660NEX Installed?

 

[Recove]

How did you install it? Did you use factory brackets?

 

[Cadams84]

I have the Pioneer MVH-1400NEX (has Apple CarPlay). I love fit and finish. It has the options for reading vehicle status (TPMS, temps, gages, etc) but I didn't end up getting the Maestro. If you paired it with the Maestro, it would be excellent. I have a wireless backup camera that works with it and I also have the JBL Synthesis system and it's working great with the factory amp.

Let me know if you have any specific questions about my setup. Hope this helps.

That's a great head unit. Put one in a 5th gen before. But doesn't support android auto so keep that in mind

 

[Forum148]

I got a Kenwood DMX4707s and love it capacitive screen and car play for $400. That is if you can find them in stock.

 

[Ripper238]

I just got a Kenwood 10.1" DMXs head unit. It has wireless Carplay and Android Auto, but better than that it has wireless mirroring so i can do so much more.

Fantastic audio settings and with Maestro i get all my TPMS pressures and temps plus tons of customisation. I can also add front and side cameras.

 

[SurferUK]

Apologies for the really stupid question, but does anyone know if head unit wiring is the same world-wide?

My current head unit is Eclipse avn-z02i, and it's great, apart from the fact it's hard-wired to Japanese :biggrin1: So at some point I will be changing it. (I only use USB and bluetooth, can't stand the radio)

I would like to keep the reverse camera and forward facing dash cam functionality if possible.

It is quite funny getting remonstrated by a female Japanese voice when I go over 60mph, though...

 

[Ripper238]

Apologies for the really stupid question, but does anyone know if head unit wiring is the same world-wide?

My current head unit is Eclipse avn-z02i, and it's great, apart from the fact it's hard-wired to Japanese :biggrin1: So at some point I will be changing it. (I only use USB and bluetooth, can't stand the radio)

I would like to keep the reverse camera and forward facing dash cam functionality if possible.

It is quite funny getting remonstrated by a female Japanese voice when I go over 60mph, though...

Though there are some common factors, head units wiring varys by manufacturer. However they make wiring harnesses that make it plug and play. Much much easer.

 

[srq4runner]

7600nex is amazing, especially with the obd2 hotspot

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[riceandpho]

7600nex is amazing, especially with the obd2 hotspot

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i was at best buy trying to play with that, so far it seems a newer version of what i tried before avh-3800bhs, i would just get the 8600 for the bigger screen. not sure if i want to use just one unit or have it pass through my deh-80prs unit.

 

[srq4runner]

i was at best buy trying to play with that, so far it seems a newer version of what i tried before avh-3800bhs, i would just get the 8600 for the bigger screen. not sure if i want to use just one unit or have it pass through my deh-80prs unit.

I was originally going for the 10" but when I pulled out my measuring tape I found that if I wanted to position it down center, it would overlap the vents and look tacky

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[kingnba6]

I just installed an android radio in my 03. Everything works as expected. Plug and Play.

 

[riceandpho]

I was originally going for the 10" but when I pulled out my measuring tape I found that if I wanted to position it down center, it would overlap the vents and look tacky

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theres a print out you can use to mock up, it covers the vents only a little bit.

any daytime pictures? i want to see how it is.

 

[srq4runner]

theres a print out you can use to mock up, it covers the vents only a little bit.



any daytime pictures? i want to see how it is.

I'll take some more tomorrow.
I'm changing the position so it fits dead center, I just like the way it looks more

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[riceandpho]

I'll take some more tomorrow.
I'm changing the position so it fits dead center, I just like the way it looks more

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is it in the extended depth or regular depth?
i have single din kit i can still use, its bestkit TOYK975. i have also tried the metra brand, didnt work well with the looks.

 

[srq4runner]

is it in the extended depth or regular depth?

i have single din kit i can still use, its bestkit TOYK975. i have also tried the metra brand, didnt work well with the looks.

Extended, I can reach the buttons without taking my hand off the wheel. I'm going to try and change it to recessed and have it cover the other din (I never use the pocket) for a "stock" look. From the side, extended, it reminds me of one of those stereos with a flip out screen lol

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[dldsm7]

I'll take some more tomorrow.
I'm changing the position so it fits dead center, I just like the way it looks more

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Can you take a photo further out? Curious to see what it looks like in the overall scheme of the front dash!


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