Head Unit Suggestions

2021 limited with JBL that's been having issues with the head unit constantly resetting and not working even after software updates. Took it to the dealer and they diagnosed as a bad head unit and quoted me $1,085 for a new one. Plus install

Looking to see what options are out there. I would like as close to factory look as possible and at least a knob for volume/power. I would also like to keep factory steering wheel controls and backup camera

 

Go to crutchfield and put in the truck and it will give you a lot of options.

 

One of the many reasons I chose my Kenwood was because I wanted an actual volume knob. It's surprising how many of them don't have one.

I'm SUPER happy with it, but I went with the big screen, so you'd need to look at other models for the factory look, although I think it blends quite well with it adjusted in close to the dash.

You'll need to add the iDatalink Maestro module to retain your steering wheel controls. I added a front camera too which is really helpful.

 

I also went with a kenwood for all the same reasons and I love it. I wasn’t sure about the size but it does blend well. A lot of folks ask if it’s stock or aftermarket.
There are several versions. I went with the

$1,399 dnr1007xr excelon 10.1" high definition navigation car stereo receiver with capacitive touch panel

dnr1007xr. But as stated earlier you have to get all the goodies to integrate it but afterwards it is way better than factory and not near as glitchy and temperamental.

 

And cheaper than what the dealer quoted for the craptastic OEM! That's insane

https://www.crutchfield.com/p_113DMX1057/Kenwood-Excelon-Reference-DMX1057XR.html?tp=72381

 

@SD Surfer - do you know if your head unit has a Display Off function that turns the screen completely off? My Pioneer head u it’s have had that function but my Kenwood Double Din does not turn the backlight off; it will turn the display off but it still glows from the backlight. When I drive at night in the middle of nowhere I like to turn the screen off and the dash lights down super low. The Kenwood screen drives me nuts.

 

Push knob one time then top left it says “backlight” adjust to -4 at night

 

I've got my eye on that one and a

$999 DMX1037s 10.1" High Definition Car Stereo Receiver with Capacitive Touch Panel

DMX1037s but I'm not sure what the differences are between the two for the $50 difference. The Crutchfield comparison only shows a preamp difference of 5v vs 4v

 

But the backlight is still on, ya? I know it sounds minor, but it's kind of a big deal to me. For 12 years I've been able to turn off the backlight completely in my tundra with the Pioneer, but I can't in the sequoia with the Kenwood.

 

I'm not 100% sure, I never really mess with it. I think the "Standby" mode turns the display off but there's still some light emitted.

 

I asked my stereo guy that very question and he didn't see any real differences either.

 

for $50 I’ll take the 5v preamp out. Let’s you keep the gain on the amps a bit lower and thus reducing noise or possible engine whine.

 

The 1057XR is from the Excelon Reference line (premium) vs the 1037s being from the standard line. 2 year warranty on the 1057XR and typically better bin selection for components (better tolerances). Pioneer has done/used to do the same thing withe Premier line. Used to have gold terminals on some of the chassis parts, too.

 

Press knob and instead of screen adjustment right next to it push display off

 

So far on my list I have:

Kenwood DMX1057XR
iDatalink Maestro RR2 Interface Module
iDatalink HRN-HRR-TO3 harness

$32 Metra 99-8252 Multi Installation Kit for Toyota Tundra 2014 and Up,Silver

Metra 99-8252 Dash Kit
iDatalink UTO3 USB Port Adapter

$12 Metra 40-LX11 Antenna Adaptor Cable for Select Lexus/Toyota

Metra 40-LX11 Antenna Adapter
iDatalink ACC-HU-KEN1 Kenwood Harness
iDatalink

$30 ACC-SAT-TO2 Sat Radio and GPS Antenna adaptors for TO2 Vehicles

ACC-SAT-TO2 Antenna Adapter

Is there anything I'm missing or might need to get everything working such as steering wheel controls, Bluetooth, microphone etc?

 

Call crutchfield and ask them what all you need and get a quote and then go from there. But they usually have great prices and a great warranty.

 

Thanks, but I think you are missing the point of my question. I will take some pictures this evening for you to better understand, but my current Kenwood unit does not turn the backlight off when I turn the display off, even if the backlight is adjusted all the way down. I know how to access both the display brightness and display off mode - I'm wanting to know if the backlight turns off in display off mode like my pioneer head unit. Going from a 7" display to a 10" display makes for even bigger distraction if the backlight stays on when driving at night in the middle of nowhere, trying to keep an eye out for critters that may or may not want to jump suicidal-like in front of my truck.

 

I’ll go look at my dnr1007 and see what it does. Looks like it should be able to be completely turned off.

 

I replaced one of the 12V receptacles in front of the cupholders with a combo USB/HDMI IN. (HDMI cable runs from there to back of HU)
The 1057 wirelessly mirrors my Samsung phone nicely, but it lets my wife plug in her iPhone to cast Netflix, Prime, or whatever to the Kenwood.
VERY handy on road trips.





Another thing worth considering while you have it out.

I REALLY like having the front camera, makes stuffing this big beautiful pig into tight spaces SOOO much easier.

 

What camera did you install?

 

I got it from the shop that did my install so I'm not 100% positive, but I think it's this one. https://www.crutchfield.com/p_301HCAMC01/Hertz-HM-CAM-C01.html?tp=83

 

https://a.co/d/bjCa6JR

Here's the link for the HDMI socket adapter I used with mine. Just like @SD Surfer, it allows my wife to stream movies from her iPhone during long drives.

 

Is there an HDMI slot on the back of the unit or is an adapter needed? I see some threads that say they used a micro HDMI adapter but some don't mention it

How is everyone using Bluetooth for calls? I see some threads of adapting the OEM mic and some use an aftermarket mic

 

The Kenwood HUs with the floating screen have a regular HDMI port in the back. Other brands might need the HDMI mini adapter but not this Kenwood.

I'm just using the aftermarket mic that came with the HU.

 

Where did you put the mic at? Amy trouble sounding muffled with it?

I places my radio and accessories order from Crutchfield. Should arrive this week. I'll go ahead and order the HDMI plug as well

 

At the top of the A-pillar on the driver's side. Sounds crystal clear on the other end when on phone calls. I know some people will put in in the overhead center console but some run into the muffled sound issue.

 

Pull the driver's side dash speaker grille, run the mic wire up the pillar, and tuck it behind the headliner.
You won't even notice that it is there after a few days..

 

Where did you plug the USB into for it to work?

 

Into the USB adapter in the back of the head unit.

 

Ah. I bought the adapter to use the factory USB. I guess I could add a splitter and have both. Or just get an HDMI only plug