Those that kept the factory HU: why?

Yet another snow event in Texas is keeping my 2018 stuck at the distribution center, but that didn't stop me from ordering the parts I'll need to replace the stock JBL headunit with the Pioneer 4200NEX I had in my 2008.

I feel like with iDataLink Maestro, the benefits of a new HU with Carplay/Android far outweigh losing a couple of screens on my cluster display (which realistically will be on the digital speedo 99.9% of the time) and having an extra bluetooth mic on my sun visor.

So for those who did more extensive ICE builds and kept the stock HU, why?

 

I realize that the stock HU may not be for everyone, but frankly, the Premium JBL unit in mine works perfectly and does everything I need it to do. I think it sounds really good included a deep base. Most importantly, everything works as desired. I utilize the Siri digital assistance on my iPhone a lot and the HU functions perfectly with it along with the stock mic. I simply press the steering wheel button to activate and then speak the request in a normal voice. It rarely skips a beat. The only thing I think the stock HU is lacking is the navigation. Again, this is where the phone takes over. I navigate all with the iPhone with directions over the audio. For internet radio, I also use the Slacker app and apps on my phone that utilize the steering wheel buttons to control. So again, may not be for everyone, but the Premium HU sounds good and does everything I need it to do.

 

I was going to keep my Factory HU but found a awesome deal on a Kenwood HU so I had to get it lol, and others told me I wouldn’t regret it so happy I did.

 

New head unit's screens look small compared to the factory. If i was going aftermarket, i'd get the tesla style one, but there are just too many bugs at this moment.

I'm fine with keeping the stock head unit for now. It gives a shit-tastic signal, but i've got it worked out with the fix86

 

You don’t need to have the mic in the visor. I had mine installed in the same place as the factory.l and it works great.

 

I listen to all talk radio. “Right” wink wink. Don’t really need it to be perfect, what music I do listen to my Non JBL does just fine. I do like the Tesla so if I did change it that would be the one.

 

Factory is 7 inches most aftermarket are 6.95 inches.

 

Maybe its more of the fact that the aftermarkets sit further back than the factory:

 

I’m weird I like keeping things factory as far as fit finish and function. Plus they charged me for the damn thing when I bought the truck LOL. My plan is to order one of those OEM type speaker upgrade units. I think they run about $1200. It adds a sub and replaces the stock speakers as well as an amp. It’s all plug-and-play. I know I could build a system for cheaper but I like the idea that it plugs in with that factory feel.

 

That one is 6.8" the 6.95" ones have the buttons at the bottom. Its probably because the cd slot and the rest of black bezel around the factory is flush so your eyes are putting it all together. That aftermarket is not sitting diagonal so there are clear lines to distinguish the difference. Mine tilts so i have it slightly tilted so it sits flush with the rest of the system.

 

Can you have it sit flush with the silver bezel and not use that black spacer that makes it sit further back?

 

Here is mine. It’s is flush but that’s because mine allows you to tilt the screen. If the screen is straight it sits back because the dash is tilted.

 

Keeping mine for all the integrated features. All of the maintenance items which I use to set service reminders.

 

Two things: OEM look and The F'in volume knob! I hate that aftermarket volume buttons. That feeling when a little shit next to you thinks he's got a nice stereo and you crank that knob.

 

Was planning on keeping the factory head unit because it's factory for fit and finish. Was ok with the sound until I found out with a alpine unit I can have a controller that has 8 12V switches controlled from the touch screen