Recommendations for replacement head unit

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gregmcc

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#249474 12-May-2019 20:53

It's time to replace the aging head unit in my car, so looking for some advice on things to look out for both good and bad.

Current unit is single din, but it can easily take double din by removing pop out cup holder.

Not looking at spending big bucks, car is quite old but still runs well.

These are my spec's, none of these are fixed in stone

Android based (8 or 9)

provision for reversing camera

steering wheel control

Wi-Fi

USB (2 usb would be good but 1 would do)

GPS

Android Auto

It looks like there are plenty of units to choose from, but having not had any exp. looking for advice before purchasing so I don't get a hunk of junk.

mdav056

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#2235639 12-May-2019 21:43

My import was fitted with an Adayo CE4MO1D unit and it has all you need, I think. Radio is superb, as is usb music play. Only thing is that I can't get sound on the navigation (Android iGo navigation app)

gml

Handsomedan

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#2235818 13-May-2019 10:11

I replaced my double DIN unit for a Nakamichi head unit around 4 years ago and it's been pretty solid up until the last few weeks.

I went with the base unit that doesn't have Apple Carplay or Android Auto, but the next model up had that at the time - now I think it's largely standard on the one that is the newer version of mine.

Doesn't connect with my reversing camera or steering wheel controls as I have a Volvo and apparently (according to everyone that's tried) I'll need a rewire to make it work...apparently it's a unique feature of my car, not the head unit.

Would I recommend it? Until a few weeks ago I would have - but it's recently started playing up and I think a sophisticated head unit should last more than 4 years.

It only cost me $500 fitted, but still...I'd probably go for a more "standard" brand, such as JVC, Sony, etc. they're not that expensive and should be relatively straightforward to fit.

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RUKI

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#2252238 5-Jun-2019 17:40

mdav056:

My import was fitted with an Adayo CE4MO1D unit and it has all you need, I think. .... Only thing is that I can't get sound on the navigation (Android iGo navigation app)

@mdav056

I have that same unit, which I installed myself mainly to have rear camera.

To get your GPS sound going you need to adjust it in two places - in general settings - to the maximum.

Today I have added front camera to it - mainly because car is silent and I have very friendly neighbor's cat who greets me every time but sometimes does not leave driveway.

Unit has 2 video inputs - front and rear. I connected front camera to the rear input.

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ilovemusic

1439 posts

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#2252270 5-Jun-2019 18:06

Handsomedan:

I replaced my double DIN unit for a Nakamichi head unit around 4 years ago and it's been pretty solid up until the last few weeks.

I went with the base unit that doesn't have Apple Carplay or Android Auto, but the next model up had that at the time - now I think it's largely standard on the one that is the newer version of mine.

Doesn't connect with my reversing camera or steering wheel controls as I have a Volvo and apparently (according to everyone that's tried) I'll need a rewire to make it work...apparently it's a unique feature of my car, not the head unit.

Would I recommend it? Until a few weeks ago I would have - but it's recently started playing up and I think a sophisticated head unit should last more than 4 years.

It only cost me $500 fitted, but still...I'd probably go for a more "standard" brand, such as JVC, Sony, etc. they're not that expensive and should be relatively straightforward to fit.

unfortunately nakamichi of teh last 10+ years have nothing to do with the classic nakamichi of the 70s/80s/90s.

modern features - yes, the same quality - no

mdav056

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#2252577 5-Jun-2019 22:21

RUKI:

mdav056:

My import was fitted with an Adayo CE4MO1D unit and it has all you need, I think. .... Only thing is that I can't get sound on the navigation (Android iGo navigation app)

@mdav056

I have that same unit, which I installed myself mainly to have rear camera.

To get your GPS sound going you need to adjust it in two places - in general settings - to the maximum.

Thanks, @RUKI, appreciated, I'll have a go, though I thought I had done both... Not a very intuitive interface!

gml

mdav056

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#2253128 6-Jun-2019 14:37

RUKI:

I have that same unit, which I installed myself mainly to have rear camera.

To get your GPS sound going you need to adjust it in two places - in general settings - to the maximum.

Thanks, @RUKI, appreciated, I'll have a go, though I thought I had done both... Not a very intuitive interface!

Absolutely right, max volume does it! Thanks @RUKI

gml