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head unit questions

Discussion in 'Audio & Video' started by tjacob95, Oct 19, 2024.

  1. Oct 19, 2024 at 4:54 PM
    #1
    tjacob95

    tjacob95 [OP] New Member

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    hello everyone, I'm interested in installing an aftermarket head unit. now I'm kind of a Kenwood man, but I see a lot of different options I was wondering if anyone can lead me in the right direction, I kind of want a flush mount, however I'm not against the floating screens but I'm not sure what the benefit would be to having such a big screen. if anyone has a Kenwood aftermarket head unit, can you weigh in, any likes/dislikes and what you would have done different, where to buy that sort of stuff, if you have the big floating screens can you weigh in on the benefits on having one, new to the forum so any help would be appreciated
     
  2. Oct 20, 2024 at 8:42 AM
    #2
    Iamsecond

    Iamsecond New Member

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    I got the kenwood dnr1007xr. It’s a bit pricey but I love the giant screen especially for gps and everyone loves it when they see. Several friends have purchased the same one after riding in my tundra.

    decided to go with this instead of the alpine or pioneer due to a friend who does high end audio installs. I didn’t buy from him so he had no dog in the fight but he really likes Kenwood over other brands. I know many have had great luck and love their alpine and pioneers so take it for what it’s worth.
    But I have never regretted the large screen or buying the excelon version of kenwood.

    They just work.
     
  3. Oct 20, 2024 at 9:07 AM
    #3
    1lowlife

    1lowlife Toxic prick and pavement princess..

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    DADA
    THE GREAT STATE OF TEXAS
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    2014 MGM DC SR5

    Welcome to the forum.
    Hard to beat Crutchfield for customer service, prices, research, and reading reviews.
    They have a great return policy as well..
    Crutchfield: Car Stereo and Audio, Speakers, Home Theater, Pro Audio, TVs

    I've had 2 Pioneer and 2 Kenwood HUs in my 2014.
    I'm using the Maestro steering wheel adapter.
    The Kenwoog HUs seem to have less lag and better layouts.

    If your Limited has JBL, it makes the install a bit different if you end up bypassing the OEM amp.

    I would start with these 2 threads for info on some HUs.

    Newb installation thread- Pioneer DMH-WT8600NEX into a 2018 SR5 Entune Non-JBL | Toyota Tundra Forum (tundras.com)

    The Great HU Install of 2023 | Toyota Tundra Forum (tundras.com)
     
  4. Oct 20, 2024 at 4:10 PM
    #4
    tjacob95

    tjacob95 [OP] New Member

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    also can i add another amp for subs? or is there some way i have to use the factory amp under the seat im new to all this stuff....i seen somewhere that if you dont use the factory amp your door speakers wont work im confused any input on that?
     
  5. Oct 21, 2024 at 9:23 AM
    #5
    Snert

    Snert New Member

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    You can fairly easily add another amp for sub(s). Replacing the head unit is fairly easy/straightforward. The main thing to consider about the factory amp is that it is impedance matched with the factory speakers. You could remove the factory amp, and loop the signal so that your new head unit is powering the speakers, but the speakers are likely 2 ohm and 99% of head units are only 4 ohm stable. Connecting 2 ohm speakers directly to the head unit could damage it. This leaves 3 or 4 options for upgrades depending on how you look at it.

    Option 1: Replace the factory head unit. Fairly easy. Crutchfield is great. TrailGridPro has plug and play bundles and they are great too, sometimes cheaper than Crutchfield.

    Option 2: Add a subwoofer and sub amp. Fairly easy.

    Option 3: Replace the factory amp AND replace the factory speakers. If you're going to replace one, you're best served/safest by replacing both. More involved, but still not terrible to DIY.

    Replacing the head unit is often step 1. Doing so will get you "better" sound, new features like CarPlay and Android Auto, ability to add a front camera, new gauges etc. If upgrading head unit, I'd highly recommend spending the extra money and getting a Maestro RR like @1lowlife mentioned. It's an extra cost but you won't regret it in the long run and it'll make your head unit upgrade proof for a longer period of time.
     

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