Double din head unit suggestions

Am I the only one who feels like an old fart when seeing "does not play CDs"

 

You're only a few years older than me but I don't even own any CD's anymore. Everything I listen to comes from Spotify.

 

Ummmm I just wonder what I can use to play my 8-tracks.

 

LOL...no. I actually sent back my Atoto because it did not play CDs...the bonus was that the new one plays CDs and DVDs...not that I'll watch any DVDs on it, but who knows, the kids might.

Funny thing is I haven't listened to any of my 100+ in my Tundra since I bought it...but I still want the option! The cool thing about the new HU is since it's Android with wifi, and I have Google Music...I can download my playlists to the HU...so I really have no need for the CD capability at all...but I want it.

 

coming from a real ole fart, I initially had the same thought when looking at the links in this thread. I have now moved toward maybe I don't need one and would rather have that extra 1/2 inch? for screen. Waited this long, might as well wait for @empty_lord and his 2020 86 install

 

I was torn on CD vs no CD, but I don't even own CD's anymore and I don't own DVDs... My truck has DVD players in the headrests and I don't even want/need those.

 

The new Toyota radios don’t have cd’s either.

also the write up will come. Lost my
Phone to a hot tub incident so I’m going to have to get pictures again, but I’ll get it done whenever I get round to installing the backup camera

 

A volume knob is a must for me.

 

My 2019 one has a knob. The 2020 one is buttons. But I use the steering wheel anyway.

 

CD’s are bad for the environment. Every time one is made a Barking Tree Spyder loses one of its furry little hairs. BTW, these Spyders are making a big come back these days.

I’m waiting for XM/Pandora to come out with a newer type receiver that allows customization like their app does on the cell phone.

 

Guess what. Its available. Now I can finally optimize my Lawrence Welk Station.

 

I'm too cheap to use the subscription spotify, I use the free one a lot but I hate when I'm driving and I hear that "want 30 uninterrupted minutes? Click now to watch a short video". If I click it I get that volvo commercial with the groovy music, but if I can't click it I get 3 other adds instead without the guarantee of 30 minutes uninterrupted.

So if I'm driving in an area where I can't be distracted by those annoyances, it's nice to drop a CD in. I'd really like a double din with modern features some day though.

BTW, my GTI has a tape deck. I still need to find my box of tapes.

 

Same here but I don't think many double din units have this, if any.

 

Sony XAV-AX1000 has a volume knob

 

Question for the group, I see some of these say you have to tap into the parking brake wires. Is this only if I want to watch videos?

Also, I assume my mic I have on my A pillar will plug into the back of my new stereo the same? Or is the mic no longer needed for bluetooth calling?

 

When you wire up a new stereo, they want you to connect the parking brake sensor wire in the stereo up to the parking brake so your DVD won't play unless you are in park for liability reasons. If you simply follow the directions for install, that is what should happen. If you don't want to be limited to watching DVDs with your parking brake on, then you can just ground that wire according to this video. I would research how to do it specifically for the HU you end up choosing though, just in case there is something special going on.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YZOhfIDHfSA

Your new head-unit will most likely have a microphone built-in to the front of it, but also a MIC port on the back for better performance from an external mic like the one you have. You should just be able to plug your mic into it. In fact, most of aftermarket Android HUs I looked at came with external mics to plug in the back of the HU.

This is that ATOTO A6 Pro I originally bought then returned because it didn't have a CD/DVD player.

 

Thank you. That helps. I was just about to pull the trigger on this Alpine, but then I read you have to set the parking brake every time you need to adjust bluetooth features or sound settings. I really don't want to have to tap into my parking brake. Back to square 1 now.

 

The kenwoods just require grounding a wire from the back of the radio to the radio itself.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gOk4fXL0XBU

 

You can buy an Alpine Parking Brake Bypass relay for $10 on ebay or Amazon

 

My oem is suppose to have a parking brake signal.... I just didn’t hook it up lol

 

My man! Thanks for that tip!

 

Would anyone trust a stereo from ebay? They are $50 cheaper than Crutchfield. I'm trying to stay loyal but....

 

I mean, if the seller is reputable. I’d be worried about a possible refurb unit though

 

Beware!

 

It would have to be $100 for me...

Crutchfield will hold your hand through the install...and they offer a $25 adapter wiring service, to make it plug and play...it would have to be more like $100 for me to risk it.

 

Service is key in my book. Having someone in your corner for a small premium is a good thing. Those $25 adaptors make it worthwhile per some of the commenters I’ve read over there over the year.

 

Maestro works great.

 

Been using the same Pioneer AVIC-X930BT since 2011. I had been able to find map updates until recently to keep it useful, but it's getting a bit dated.

I think I want to try out one of these Carplay things next.

 

I run a Pioneer AVHx3800BHS with the 70-1761 harness for it and bypassed the amp. It has pretty much all the requirements you mentioned, and sounds great. I don't have a camera installed yet only because I am cheap, but it's been a pretty great system, link below.

Pioneer AVHX3800BHS 2-DIN Receiver with 6.2" Display/Built-in Bluetooth/Siri Eyes Free/AppRadio One/HD Radio

https://www.amazon.com/Pioneer-AVHX3800BHS-Receiver-Bluetooth-AppRadio/dp/B017LKVEBA

 

IMO you will just have a better overall experience if you spend the extra $50 and buy from Crutchfield. They are amazing with customer service and their orders deliver in 2 days. Any questions and they will be happy to help. I bought my Pioneer AVH2550-NEX from them.