Pick a head unit
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Pick a head unit
I'm well confused.
I initially wanted a double din, but they were either too expensive, too Chinese, or near perfect on price but lacking on what I wanted.
Decided to rather do an Android 2-DIN unit, but I think proper units will only start panning out in a year or so (i.e. decent CPU, touch panel, features, etc).
So back to finding a single-DIN in the mean time. Tried to rather reduce budget, but you get crap as is to be expected. Or when you find a bargain it winds up missing specs advertised by the manufacturer. Thank you SONY.
Want unit with bluetooth, 4x pre-out, preferably mech-less.
Narrowed down to the following options:
1. Kenwood KMM-X50BT @ R1799
- Bluetooth
- mech-less (no CD)
- variable illumination
- plays FLAC (w00t!!)
- 2x USB (1x front, 1x back = flash drive in cubby would be good)
- 4x 2.5V pre-out
- 2 phones paired at the same time
- 3 band equaliser
2. SONY DSX-S300BT @ R.no_idea_yet (expect +- R2K)
- Looks like 2012/2013 model, have asked SONY SA if they have
- Bluetooth
- excellent info display (4-line OEL)
- red/blue illumination only (blue too bright and distracting, Vortex hack to make green )
- mech-less (no CD)
- internal cradle (Tune Tray) for ipod or usb
- front USB
- 7 band equaliser
- Advanced Sound Engine (listener positioning, etc)
3. SONY MEX-N4050BT @ R1499
- Bluetooth with NFC instant pairing (interesting)
- has a CD unit
- 1x USB on front
- red/blue illumination
- 4x 2V pre-out
- App Remote (software on Android allows completely managing the phone from handset)
- 10 band equaliser
- listener position time-alignment
- auto source volume adjust
First choice: the SONY DSX-S300BT, but think I'm too late on that being available anymore.
Leaning towards the Kenwood (from Makro, nogal).
But the #3 option SONY has a lot going for it, except the will-never-be-used-like-ever CD unit and just the one USB on the front.
Listener positioning not too important as I was going to try out my old JBL GTP4 (flippin' old skool stuff)
If you had to pick, which would you take?
Is the DSX-S300BT still available somewhere? (I found one supplier online in SA...dodgey site, but 3 "shops" ... so I looked up the shop, and they're operating out of the Wimpy in a mall in PMB )
I initially wanted a double din, but they were either too expensive, too Chinese, or near perfect on price but lacking on what I wanted.
Decided to rather do an Android 2-DIN unit, but I think proper units will only start panning out in a year or so (i.e. decent CPU, touch panel, features, etc).
So back to finding a single-DIN in the mean time. Tried to rather reduce budget, but you get crap as is to be expected. Or when you find a bargain it winds up missing specs advertised by the manufacturer. Thank you SONY.
Want unit with bluetooth, 4x pre-out, preferably mech-less.
Narrowed down to the following options:
1. Kenwood KMM-X50BT @ R1799
- Bluetooth
- mech-less (no CD)
- variable illumination
- plays FLAC (w00t!!)
- 2x USB (1x front, 1x back = flash drive in cubby would be good)
- 4x 2.5V pre-out
- 2 phones paired at the same time
- 3 band equaliser
2. SONY DSX-S300BT @ R.no_idea_yet (expect +- R2K)
- Looks like 2012/2013 model, have asked SONY SA if they have
- Bluetooth
- excellent info display (4-line OEL)
- red/blue illumination only (blue too bright and distracting, Vortex hack to make green )
- mech-less (no CD)
- internal cradle (Tune Tray) for ipod or usb
- front USB
- 7 band equaliser
- Advanced Sound Engine (listener positioning, etc)
3. SONY MEX-N4050BT @ R1499
- Bluetooth with NFC instant pairing (interesting)
- has a CD unit
- 1x USB on front
- red/blue illumination
- 4x 2V pre-out
- App Remote (software on Android allows completely managing the phone from handset)
- 10 band equaliser
- listener position time-alignment
- auto source volume adjust
First choice: the SONY DSX-S300BT, but think I'm too late on that being available anymore.
Leaning towards the Kenwood (from Makro, nogal).
But the #3 option SONY has a lot going for it, except the will-never-be-used-like-ever CD unit and just the one USB on the front.
Listener positioning not too important as I was going to try out my old JBL GTP4 (flippin' old skool stuff)
If you had to pick, which would you take?
Is the DSX-S300BT still available somewhere? (I found one supplier online in SA...dodgey site, but 3 "shops" ... so I looked up the shop, and they're operating out of the Wimpy in a mall in PMB )
2017 VW Cross Polo 1.2TSI
2006 VW Citi 1.4 carb
1995 VW Chico 1.3 4-speed
1989 Audi 500 turbo (the end. finally.)
2006 VW Citi 1.4 carb
1995 VW Chico 1.3 4-speed
1989 Audi 500 turbo (the end. finally.)
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Re: Pick a head unit
Yeah, that one was on my mental list too. It is kitted out for sure.
I pulled trigger in the Kenwood about an hour ago. Costs more, but had that second USB port round the back.
I pulled trigger in the Kenwood about an hour ago. Costs more, but had that second USB port round the back.
2017 VW Cross Polo 1.2TSI
2006 VW Citi 1.4 carb
1995 VW Chico 1.3 4-speed
1989 Audi 500 turbo (the end. finally.)
2006 VW Citi 1.4 carb
1995 VW Chico 1.3 4-speed
1989 Audi 500 turbo (the end. finally.)
- rodga
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Re: Pick a head unit
Would choose that for the same reason2226cc wrote:Yeah, that one was on my mental list too. It is kitted out for sure.
I pulled trigger in the Kenwood about an hour ago. Costs more, but had that second USB port round the back.
It's strange how hard it is to find a unit with rear USB these days.
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Re: Pick a head unit
Yip. Couldn't make up my mind for the past 3 weeks. Then realised I didn't really want CD anymore.
There are quite a few with 2 USB ports, but the price starts climbing quickly. 2-DIN is where the best options seem to be, but just can't afford right now.
Now I have to wait for makro to get this thing. Could take 3 weeks.
There are quite a few with 2 USB ports, but the price starts climbing quickly. 2-DIN is where the best options seem to be, but just can't afford right now.
Now I have to wait for makro to get this thing. Could take 3 weeks.
2017 VW Cross Polo 1.2TSI
2006 VW Citi 1.4 carb
1995 VW Chico 1.3 4-speed
1989 Audi 500 turbo (the end. finally.)
2006 VW Citi 1.4 carb
1995 VW Chico 1.3 4-speed
1989 Audi 500 turbo (the end. finally.)
- Unobeat
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Re: Pick a head unit
My 1st choice would be the Kenwood(the 2nd usb can be very handy) and then followed by the JVC.
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- Major
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Re: Pick a head unit
I think JVC and Kenwood are the same company these days?
Can't wait for the Kenwood to arrive, but looks like I won't have it for mini road trip next week.
Can't wait for the Kenwood to arrive, but looks like I won't have it for mini road trip next week.
2017 VW Cross Polo 1.2TSI
2006 VW Citi 1.4 carb
1995 VW Chico 1.3 4-speed
1989 Audi 500 turbo (the end. finally.)
2006 VW Citi 1.4 carb
1995 VW Chico 1.3 4-speed
1989 Audi 500 turbo (the end. finally.)
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Re: Pick a head unit
Got the Kenwood couple days ago. Just spent the evening making a harness to fit into the stock wiring and went to play.
Interesting... no rear speaker output being played. Checked the wiring and got 5.2 ohms to all speakers. Everything wired correct. Not sure if the rear pre-out is set to sub only and whether it affects the direct speaker output. Didn't mess with that setting yet.
Hooked up my phone, plays via bluetooth beautifully. Didn't test USB yet or FLAC playback.
Downside? These aftermarket head units are fugly. Are sound engineers really that bored? Wish someone would make a full featured yet nice (near stock) looking HU.
Interesting... no rear speaker output being played. Checked the wiring and got 5.2 ohms to all speakers. Everything wired correct. Not sure if the rear pre-out is set to sub only and whether it affects the direct speaker output. Didn't mess with that setting yet.
Hooked up my phone, plays via bluetooth beautifully. Didn't test USB yet or FLAC playback.
Downside? These aftermarket head units are fugly. Are sound engineers really that bored? Wish someone would make a full featured yet nice (near stock) looking HU.
2017 VW Cross Polo 1.2TSI
2006 VW Citi 1.4 carb
1995 VW Chico 1.3 4-speed
1989 Audi 500 turbo (the end. finally.)
2006 VW Citi 1.4 carb
1995 VW Chico 1.3 4-speed
1989 Audi 500 turbo (the end. finally.)
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Re: Pick a head unit
Go pioneer on the high end all you have is a few buttons2226cc wrote:Got the Kenwood couple days ago. Just spent the evening making a harness to fit into the stock wiring and went to play.
Interesting... no rear speaker output being played. Checked the wiring and got 5.2 ohms to all speakers. Everything wired correct. Not sure if the rear pre-out is set to sub only and whether it affects the direct speaker output. Didn't mess with that setting yet.
Hooked up my phone, plays via bluetooth beautifully. Didn't test USB yet or FLAC playback.
Downside? These aftermarket head units are fugly. Are sound engineers really that bored? Wish someone would make a full featured yet nice (near stock) looking HU.
Current:
2017 Toyota Corolla D4-D Ultimate Performance Tuned
2013 A3 1.6 TDi S-Tronic 8V.1
EX:
2014 Polo 1.2 TSI Comfortline CPi Tuned
2013 Ford Focus 2.0 Sport
2011 Hyundai i20 1.4
2006 Toyota RunX
2017 Toyota Corolla D4-D Ultimate Performance Tuned
2013 A3 1.6 TDi S-Tronic 8V.1
EX:
2014 Polo 1.2 TSI Comfortline CPi Tuned
2013 Ford Focus 2.0 Sport
2011 Hyundai i20 1.4
2006 Toyota RunX
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Re: Pick a head unit
Actually looking at pioneer now. See a dual USB and BT unit on crutchfield, but probably not available here.
High end here too pricey for me, though.
To tell the truth, I used to like blaupunkt. Had one in my Audi, then moved to my chico and then it got nicked. They have a simple look to them and sounded good back in the day. Not sure about new stuff.
I'm about to rewire the plug to test rear speakers. If they don't play then there's something whack with this unit.
High end here too pricey for me, though.
To tell the truth, I used to like blaupunkt. Had one in my Audi, then moved to my chico and then it got nicked. They have a simple look to them and sounded good back in the day. Not sure about new stuff.
I'm about to rewire the plug to test rear speakers. If they don't play then there's something whack with this unit.
2017 VW Cross Polo 1.2TSI
2006 VW Citi 1.4 carb
1995 VW Chico 1.3 4-speed
1989 Audi 500 turbo (the end. finally.)
2006 VW Citi 1.4 carb
1995 VW Chico 1.3 4-speed
1989 Audi 500 turbo (the end. finally.)
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Re: Pick a head unit
If you give me the model number , I can look if I have it on my stock list2226cc wrote:Actually looking at pioneer now. See a dual USB and BT unit on crutchfield, but probably not available here.
High end here too pricey for me, though.
To tell the truth, I used to like blaupunkt. Had one in my Audi, then moved to my chico and then it got nicked. They have a simple look to them and sounded good back in the day. Not sure about new stuff.
I'm about to rewire the plug to test rear speakers. If they don't play then there's something whack with this unit.
Current:
2017 Toyota Corolla D4-D Ultimate Performance Tuned
2013 A3 1.6 TDi S-Tronic 8V.1
EX:
2014 Polo 1.2 TSI Comfortline CPi Tuned
2013 Ford Focus 2.0 Sport
2011 Hyundai i20 1.4
2006 Toyota RunX
2017 Toyota Corolla D4-D Ultimate Performance Tuned
2013 A3 1.6 TDi S-Tronic 8V.1
EX:
2014 Polo 1.2 TSI Comfortline CPi Tuned
2013 Ford Focus 2.0 Sport
2011 Hyundai i20 1.4
2006 Toyota RunX
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- Major
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Re: Pick a head unit
It was simpler than I thought. In BT mode default is to only play front speakers. flipped the setting and all plays fine.
One annoying thing compared to stock: can't turn it on without key in ignition. I never leave keys in the car, but wife and kid might be there so radio would be good. Any harm in wiring the accessory power pin to direct 12V instead? Unless of course this means amps and processor are constantly on.
One annoying thing compared to stock: can't turn it on without key in ignition. I never leave keys in the car, but wife and kid might be there so radio would be good. Any harm in wiring the accessory power pin to direct 12V instead? Unless of course this means amps and processor are constantly on.
2017 VW Cross Polo 1.2TSI
2006 VW Citi 1.4 carb
1995 VW Chico 1.3 4-speed
1989 Audi 500 turbo (the end. finally.)
2006 VW Citi 1.4 carb
1995 VW Chico 1.3 4-speed
1989 Audi 500 turbo (the end. finally.)
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Re: Pick a head unit
Do yourself a favour and look at www.soundslimited.Co.Za
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Re: Pick a head unit
Spent plenty time on there.
2017 VW Cross Polo 1.2TSI
2006 VW Citi 1.4 carb
1995 VW Chico 1.3 4-speed
1989 Audi 500 turbo (the end. finally.)
2006 VW Citi 1.4 carb
1995 VW Chico 1.3 4-speed
1989 Audi 500 turbo (the end. finally.)
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Re: Pick a head unit
If you had to pick, which would you take?Kavi4GP wrote: ↑Thu Dec 25, 2014 10:54 amGo pioneer on the high end all you have is a few buttons2226cc wrote:Got the Kenwood couple days ago. Just spent the evening making a harness to fit into the stock wiring and went to play.
Interesting... no rear speaker output being played. Checked the wiring and got 5.2 ohms to all speakers. Everything wired correct. Not sure if the rear pre-out is set to sub only and whether it affects the direct speaker output. Didn't mess with that setting yet.
Hooked up my phone, plays via bluetooth beautifully. Didn't test USB yet or FLAC playback.
Downside? These aftermarket head units are fugly. Are sound engineers really that bored? Wish someone would make a full featured yet nice (near stock) looking HU.
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- Cadet
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Re: Pick a head unit
I bought a pioneer avh-205bt double din dvd unit from makeover for 2k. Has Bluetooth, aux, usb. Aux and usb are at the back. It also has the dual Bluetooth feature, various illumination colours, it's got 4 pre amp outs as well as 2 subwoofer outs. Also has a video out as well as reverse camera in. Ther interface is very intuitive and looks neat as well. When set on red lighting it matches my Amarok interior quite nicely. In terms of sound output it's quite decent, although I haven't really compared to other units. At 2k this was well worth the money.Jimmy2poul wrote: ↑Mon Oct 29, 2018 6:28 amIf you had to pick, which would you take?Kavi4GP wrote: ↑Thu Dec 25, 2014 10:54 amGo pioneer on the high end all you have is a few buttons2226cc wrote:Got the Kenwood couple days ago. Just spent the evening making a harness to fit into the stock wiring and went to play.
Interesting... no rear speaker output being played. Checked the wiring and got 5.2 ohms to all speakers. Everything wired correct. Not sure if the rear pre-out is set to sub only and whether it affects the direct speaker output. Didn't mess with that setting yet.
Hooked up my phone, plays via bluetooth beautifully. Didn't test USB yet or FLAC playback.
Downside? These aftermarket head units are fugly. Are sound engineers really that bored? Wish someone would make a full featured yet nice (near stock) looking HU.
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Re: Pick a head unit
Anyone has the Kenwood DDX9703S double DIN?
I want to buy the Kenwood DDX9703S head unit, because it's the best rated on many sites.
Does anyone have experience with installing it?
Thanks
I want to buy the Kenwood DDX9703S head unit, because it's the best rated on many sites.
Does anyone have experience with installing it?
Thanks