Kenwood/Pioneer/Alpine Head Unit?

Looking for some opinions on HU's from members that have direct experience.
I looked into adding my subs to the factory audio. Considering the cost of an LOC or similar to add subs I am now considering just purchasing a new HU rather than putting $ towards an LOC.

I am primarily looking at the floating screens and have always had Kenwood in the past. My biggest issue would be ANY loss of OEM functionality.

OPINIONS:
*What, if any, functions are lost or not available with any brand?
*Any complications with factory equipment?
*Pros and Cons?
*Does anyone have regrets or wish you had stuck with factory?

I recently removed a large fully active SQ setup from my RAM and don't want to get that involved again. I do miss my VIM function and subs. I want to keep it simple in case of warranty issues in the future I can easily revert back to stock. Thanks for your time and opinions!

 

I installed a Kenwood DMX906S almost two years ago. Input entered below.

OPINIONS:
*What, if any, functions are lost or not available with any brand? The only loss I’m aware of is if you have factory navigation the turn prompts will no longer display on your steering cluster screen. If you don’t have factory nav it’s a non-issue.
*Any complications with factory equipment? None when using a Maestro RR unit.
*Pros and Cons? Pros - Sounds 1000x better. Smoother running UI in my opinion. Wireless CarPlay
Cons - Screen is not as fingerprint resistant as OEM
*Does anyone have regrets or wish you had stuck with factory? I regret not getting rid of the shitty entune HU sooner.

I also replaced all the OEM speakers. Running JL 6.5” components in the doors and 2 10” subs behind the seat powered by a JL 5 channel amp. Sound is night and day different as you can imagine.

 

I have a

$599 Pioneer AVH-W4400NEX In Dash Multimedia Receiver with 7" WVGA Clear Resistive Touchscreen Display

Pioneer AVH-W4400NEX in my truck and a Kendwood

$585 DMX9707S 6.95" Capacitive Touch Screen, Car Stereo, Wired and Wireless CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, AM/FM Radio, MP3 Player, USB Port, Double DIN, 13-Band EQ, SiriusXM

DMX9707S in my wife’s Highlander. I have the Maestro on mine and a Crux SWC on the Highlander, so it’s not apples to apples on capabilities and can’t really comment on that, but I’d recommend getting the Maestro no matter which brand you go with. I prefer the Pioneer UI over the Kenwood, but I think that’s mostly because I’ve used it more. Both have their pros and cons, neither having deal breakers on one vs the other. One thing the Kenwood unit has that might have me swap stereos is 4 video inputs, so you can run 3 extra cameras after the backup camera. But Pioneer probably offers this in other models and may or may not be something you care about.

If you have any specific questions on either, let me know.

 

Thanks for the input guys! I am more concerned with losing factory features and functions than anything I guess. Just want to make sure it isn't something I'll end up regretting. Was on the fence about installing subs but I'm an audiophile so its inevitable.

I used the Maestro in my old truck and didn't have any issues so familiar with their products. I LOVED my setup in my RAM but it was a lot of work and $ to tear out after 1.5yrs!!! Had a recall issue on that truck so had to turn it in. Attempting to sell everything on fleabay but haven't had offers for half what it's worth so considering keeping subs and piecing out everything else.

 

The only factory feature I lost that I'd kinda like to sort out some day is the compass in the dash. Even with the Maestro, the Nav section of the dash is blank. I think certain HUs with real navigation, not CarPlay/AA, will provide that info, but I don't really want/need that full functionality.

 

There is a USB retention adapter that finally came out a few months ago. You will lose factory microphone though.

 

Someone actually figured out a harness to make the factory one work, but I can't find the thread/post. As a consolation to that, some models of Tundras that have the mic in the overhead console allow you to mount the aftermarket mic in the same spot. The ones that have it in the headliner by the sun shade would be a lot more work, though.

 

Here we go: https://www.tundras.com/threads/wha...d-gen-tundra-today.713/page-2044#post-2346286 @SchnauzerMan did you end up posting the pinouts for this anywhere? I'm sure a lot of us would give this a shot.

 

This. Forgot about having to run a new mic.

 

Here:

https://www.tundras.com/threads/use-oem-mic-with-aftermarket-headunit.93038/#post-2347163

 

Forgot all about having to run the new mic. Mine is in the headliner so I'll have to consider that. Not a deal breaker but something to consider.
What model is everyone running? I did like the Kenwood reviews but the new Pioneer looks intriguing. I know certain models were more compatible with Tundras. Thanks

 

There is a ghost that randomly reboots my Kenwood unit. I was supposed to pull the unit and bench test it.. unfortunately, that never happened. Seems to only happen when using CarPlay. Not sure if pioneers experience that issue but I know Kenwood’s do for sure. My only issue with my setup so far.

 

My Pioneer will randomly freeze up to where I need to restart the truck or hit the reset button on the faceplate with a small pin. I couldn’t tell you if it’s related to CarPlay or Android Auto or not since that’s all I use. I’m pretty sure my HU has a defect since I don’t think this issue was widely reported for my model. My wife hasn’t reported any issues with her Kenwood.

Edit: I meant to add, if you have the Maestro RR on yours, look into firmware updates. There was an update released a few months ago that was supposed to address HU reboots with certain setups.

 

https://www.tundras.com/threads/head-unit-constantly-rebooting.37750/

 

I have heard of that issue with some units. My understanding is the processing would get laggy then freeze or restart. I had a JVC (kenwood) for a few weeks with wireless AA and it would do that often. If wired it would work great but. I think they released the wireless before working out the bugs, this was 3yrs ago so hopefully its better.
Again, I appreciate everyone's input! It really is helpful to hear from you guys with direct experience. Any specific model recommendations (pros/cons)?

 

I will simply be integrating it into the factory speakers so primary uses would be for a set of preamp outs for subs and VIM. Yup, I travel for work and enjoy my Netflix when on lonely low traffic roads
May consider a speaker upgrade years down the road but primarily using for the subs/screen so was looking closely at the 10" floating screens.

 

that sounds like what i want - are you only using 4 6.5 door speakers and a sub? no separate tweeters or center speaker? I have always liked Rockford Fosgate but JL audio has always had nice stuff as well. I haven't had a custom stereo in a car in a while and im looking forward to it !

 

Shit. Thats my general “home” screen. Good info in this thread. Thanks

 

Haven't replied to this thread in a while, kind of gave up on the aftermarket stereo. I would love to upgrade the speakers/amp for better output but think I'm going to wait due to not wanting to void any warranties.
I have discovered the MMB box in the meantime and it has been working out great for me for VIM. It has some room for improvements but has been a great unit overall. Being able to access the Google play store and download apps has been great. I have installed Netflix, prime, discovery+, HBO, and even Arlo for my home security cameras. Direct plug and play for anyone that is interested I'd recommend it. A bit pricey but worth it in my opinion. I've mounted mine behind the dash and used a 90 degree high speed USB cable to the data port (carplay) and its hardly visible.



You can see provided USB cable here before swapping out for 90deg.

 

Forgot to mention, MMB does require use of your phone Hotspot. I installed Tasker ($3.50) from playstore and use it to automatically turn on/off Hotspot once MMB is detected. Its nice not having to pull phone out of pocket and go through steps in settings to turn it on.
Simply wanted to throw that out there in the event somebody reads this post and considers purchasing one.

 

Component speakers come with a separate tweeter. The JL C1 components I installed coke with a tweeter that can be easily installed in the sail panels up front (you can mod existing or purchase the ones from Toyota that accept a tweeter - see pic below) and in the stock location in the back door.

 

What is the tweeter mold size in the factory sails? I had Audison components in my RAM and absolutely loved them but the tweeter was 1.5". Doubt it would fit but would look clean and factory. Always said if I had to do it again in old truck I'd buy/fab pods and aim tweets towards listening position for better imaging. Few hrs tuning with a good DSP they can sound great but feel it would've made a big difference having them on axis, just hate the "non factory" look of pods.

 

I kept my factory head unit and changed out everything else. Keeping the Mic was one of my pet peeves and I kind of enjoyed the factory GPS interface. Amp pro adapter, alpine amp and speakers, dual sub bass behind the rear seat. All factory functions work.

 

.75”. If you used a normal sail panel, you could easily use a hole-saw to fit a 1” tweeter but 1.5” would be pushing it.

 

This is what I ended up doing on mine since I have the basic b*tch SR5

I don’t recall what size my JBL component tweeters are, but they’re either 1 or 1.25”. Probably could squeeze in a 1.5 if you were mindful of the supports and wiring locations.

 

That looks good! Angle looks like its fairly close to on axis.

 

The flush mount cups on my tweeters give some decent articulation, which was nice. They definitely sound better this way than in the dash corners under the factory speaker grilles where I had initially installed them.

 

Yeah, tweets don't like to bounce off windshields. I ran the the 3 way comps fully active in my old truck with midbass in doors, 3" in dash location (firing at windshield), and tweets in sails but off axis. It sounded phenomenal but tweeters could've been directed for better imaging from 10khz-20khz. I keep debating putting them in the Tundra but its a slippery slope, I know if I do it'll turn into a full overhaul. If it weren't new and under warranty there'd be no question but after my experience with last truck I'm leary of putting all the work in.

 

I don't know the size.

I bought JBL door sails to put front components on my non-JBL truck.
I used Focal PS 165 FX speakers.

Tried mounting the tweeters behind the door sail and wasn't happy with it.



I cut out the grille and mounted them from the front.

 

so for most of these its basically door speakers front and back w the tweeters in the separate locations? center dash and dash corners left empty?