Head unit discussion

cavemancan

I have a project that’s about to start and guess what I have a decision that I need to make...What head unit do I pick?

I did some searching and could not find much useful info so I decided I would ask since my criteria is different.

My wants in order or priority:

1) Functionality (aka Android style unit with tons of options, cameras, etc)
2) Looks
3) Sound quality (I hate putting this in third place cause its so important...but it it sounds better then stock Bose and bass hits harder I guess 3rd place it is)
4) Apple CarPlay (newer android units now have it)
5) Price (Less then $600)

Other factors to consider:

1) I picked JL Audio C1-690 (6x9) components - recommended by crutchfield
2) Rockford Fosgate P300x2 amp
3) Cerwin-Vega VPAS12ST spare tire powered sub (check it out it fits on the spare tire and replaces the Bose pos sub)
4) Rear speakers will be disabled due to keeping cost down

My Car: Touring Sport Bose no Navi

My thoughts: I am concerned that the droid units don’t have good sound quality. I am eying the Seicane droid unit but just want to be sure. It does everything I want but I don’t know jack about picking a good sounding unit. There is so much to choose from that its easy to get lost and confused. Hell maybe this helps someone else find what they are looking for...


Big Edit:

I decided to share my research with the community to save others time that I clearly invested way to much of looking into the right setup. Here is some data I accumulated while comparing all the Android OS based head units. Note I was only looking for head units with Android 8 or above & I leaned towards the units with no buttons when available due to ascetics so this is not an end all be all list.

Note: the following head units have the following in common unless otherwise pointed out...Android 8, DVR & Reverse Camera options, OBD scan tool option, iPhone Mirror, 4 GB of Ram, WiFi Hot spot, Resolution of 1024x600, and RGB Buttons.

1) Xtrons TE706PL:
- Audio Frequency Response 30-15000Hz
- 4 volt PreOut UNKNOWN
- Split screen multitasking
- 2 yrs of warranty
- NO 5 GHz WiFi
- External DVD option UNKNOWN
- Reviews (Amazon 3.5 stars)

2) Seicane H203G:
- Audio Frequency Response 42-20000Hz
- 4 volt PreOut UNKNOWN
- NO Split screen multitasking
- Warranty UNKNOWN
- 5 GHz WiFi UNKNOWN
- External DVD option
- Reviews...None I would consider reliable

3) Pumkin ND0289B:
- Audio Frequency Response UNKNOWN
- 4 volt PreOut UNKNOWN
- UNKNOWN Split screen multitasking
- Warranty UNKNOWN
- 5 GHz WiFi UNKNOWN
- NO External DVD option
- Reviews (Amazon averages between 3.5 & 4 starts)

4) iDoing HTTY031:
- Audio Frequency Response UNKNOWN
- 4 volt PreOut UNKNOWN
- Split screen multitasking
- Warranty UNKNOWN
- 5 GHz WiFi UNKNOWN
- UNKNOWN External DVD option
- Reviews...None I would consider reliable

5) ATOTO A6YPro-G (Model number truncated):
- Audio Frequency Response UNKNOWN
- Only unit to CONFIRM 4 volt PreOut
- Only 2 GB of RAM
- UNKNOWN Split screen multitasking
- Warranty UNKNOWN
- 5 GHz WiFi CONFIRMED
- UNKNOWN External DVD option
- Only unit to have gesture controls
- Reviews Amazon 4 stars

6) Android AutoShop XV8 7 inch:
- Audio Frequency Response UNKNOWN
- 4 volt PreOut UNKNOWN
- Split screen multitasking
- Warranty 1 yr
- 5 GHz WiFi UNKNOWN
- UNKNOWN External DVD option
- Dedicate DSP chip
- Reviews...None I would consider reliable but they run out of Europe and source Chinese head units

7) Eonon GA2171S:
- Audio Frequency Response UNKNOWN
- 4 volt PreOut UNKNOWN
- Split screen multitasking & Picture in Picture
- Warranty 2 yrs & 60 day money back guarantee
- 5 GHz WiFi UNKNOWN
- NO External DVD option
- Dedicate DSP chip
- Reviews Amazon 4 stars

8) Joying JY-UO128N4G:
- Audio Frequency Response UNKNOWN
- 4 volt PreOut: Note some of the units state 2 volts & a youtuber tested one of the new 10 inch models and actually got 1.2 volts
- Split screen multitasking
- Warranty 2 yrs
- 5 GHz WiFi UNKNOWN
- NO External DVD option
- Dedicate DSP chip
- Reviews Amazon 4.5 stars

It is also worth noting that Joying has come out with some new units with SPDIF interfaces for better sound quality & intel processors but those units would need to be ordered directly from the China warehouse.

What you see above is a combination of whats on various websites and even some emails to the vendors. It may not be 100% accurate but it's the only place you will see all this info in one spot as far as I am aware. If any of the info is incorrect please let me know and I will correct it on this page but make sure to post a link to the info for reference.

Thanks!

__________________
Mazda Rx8 MT Titanium - SOLD!
2009 370Z T-Sport MT Black - Takeda Intake, Swift springs, Rear Camber kit, SS B Lines, FI Exhaust, Z Speed CMAK Flywheel/Clutch Kit, Stillen Brake Cooling.

SouthArk370Z

The rear speakers can make a big difference. Even if you are not using them now, I'd go ahead and install any extra wiring and other parts that may be required if you decide to use them later (after installing new drivers). YMMV

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CRiZO

The droid units are janky af tbh. I looked down that route and ultimately decided on a Sony android auto / carplay unit (XAV-AX100). Not sure what more I'd want it to do. Looks factory, sounds fantastic. Supports cameras.

I have the Cerwin Vega unit coming in this weekend, so maybe I'll let you know how it is with a similar setup.

For the components, I'm running Hertz esk 165.5's (100 watts RMS, 300 peak each). Currently off headunit and sound amazing due to their sensitivity (93.5 db), though I can tell they'd like more power when I crank it on bass heavy songs. Going to see if relieving them of the lower frequencies with the sub makes me happy. If not, I'll be throwing a Hertz HDP 4 at them.

The Z is a tiny space, so it really doesn't take much. I have zero desire to add the rears.

cavemancan

Yeah I’ve seen mixed feelings on here regarding the rears. One of the pro guys said more or less they are a preference thing but does nothing to improve the sound stage. Considering this is a tight budget for me I’ve opted to leave them out. In the future if I want to add them it’s a simple amplifier change and 2 speaker wires to be added.

Until then the JL Audio components I picked have a sensitivity rating of 94db’s which is very good and a frequency response of 33hz to 20,000. Plenty of flexibility and power.

As far as the droid units I’ve seen good reviews on the seicane unit but does it sound better quality wise then stock?

__________________
Mazda Rx8 MT Titanium - SOLD!
2009 370Z T-Sport MT Black - Takeda Intake, Swift springs, Rear Camber kit, SS B Lines, FI Exhaust, Z Speed CMAK Flywheel/Clutch Kit, Stillen Brake Cooling.

cavemancan

I would say it’s missing the functionality of having a backup camera plus a dvr camera. Also I would prefer a screen with smaller bezels. IE bigger screen preferably boarderless.

Edit: oh and it would be nice if it could play CD’s when I want better sound quality.

__________________
Mazda Rx8 MT Titanium - SOLD!
2009 370Z T-Sport MT Black - Takeda Intake, Swift springs, Rear Camber kit, SS B Lines, FI Exhaust, Z Speed CMAK Flywheel/Clutch Kit, Stillen Brake Cooling.

2011 Nismo#91

I have a nice Chinese Android unit.
Android HU install.

Works great the only limitation on my unit is system memory, installing/running too much stuff can slow it down. But it's also 3 years old so that's not too unexpected.

Joying was the best brand at the time and I think they are still pretty good.

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bigaudiofanat

Honestly whatever head unit you want. The big two are kenwood and pioneer, sadly alpine is kind of lacking now a days. Try to make sure it has at least 4 Volt pre out, 2 volt is okay but you have a higher risk of getting noise in your signal to your amps.
Me personally I would go kenwood. But then again, with my G I'm going with this baby.

https://www.phoenixautomotiveinc.com...r-infiniti-g37

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SouthArk370Z

All audio is subjective. Many people think rear speakers add to their listening enjoyment; some folks don't. If they don't do anything for you and your ears, no need for rear speakers.

I like rear speakers but it ain't my car.

__________________
Steering Lock Links - Search The370Z Bookmarklet - FSM @ NICOclub
Mankind has progressed past the need for war but we haven't evolved that far. - NachoMahma

cavemancan

That’s what I really wanted but only workshop12 has anything close to that and it just seems like it’s not fully figured out yet. I wish I could get something that cool.

What about the other Driod headunits out there any opinions? Sound quality?

__________________
Mazda Rx8 MT Titanium - SOLD!
2009 370Z T-Sport MT Black - Takeda Intake, Swift springs, Rear Camber kit, SS B Lines, FI Exhaust, Z Speed CMAK Flywheel/Clutch Kit, Stillen Brake Cooling.

cavemancan

I honestly think I would like it but it’s getting 86’ed due to budget.

__________________
Mazda Rx8 MT Titanium - SOLD!
2009 370Z T-Sport MT Black - Takeda Intake, Swift springs, Rear Camber kit, SS B Lines, FI Exhaust, Z Speed CMAK Flywheel/Clutch Kit, Stillen Brake Cooling.

bigaudiofanat

I've only dealth with a handful of android head unit. Quality from what I've seen is good. I'm going to try and use a toshlink adapter for my unit to go fiber directly to my DAC to allow it to decode the audio signal.

As for rear fill I've pulled it out of almost ever vehicle I've owned sedans and SUV's included.

__________________
Need help with car audio or electronics? Let me know!! Need Help Let Me Know
Direct email address reimermatt@gmail.com
Owner of: Dynamic Mobile Audio Follow me below
https://www.facebook.com/Dynamicmobileaudio/

cavemancan

Your strengthening the case to buy a Seicane android unit due to the following: COST...if I get a Kenwood unit that cost let’s say $500 the cameras that work with that unit cost like $300 + a peace 🤯🤮🤬. I mean I’ll never do it simply out of principle cause those cameras do no warrant that cost. Now if I get a Seicane the endevour is much cheaper not only for the cam’s But also the head unit.

__________________
Mazda Rx8 MT Titanium - SOLD!
2009 370Z T-Sport MT Black - Takeda Intake, Swift springs, Rear Camber kit, SS B Lines, FI Exhaust, Z Speed CMAK Flywheel/Clutch Kit, Stillen Brake Cooling.

cavemancan

What do you think: https://www.seicane.com/en/android-a...-s166226g#desc

Not that I would do this but they even have a module to connect 4 cameras for a 360 deg view around your car plus another module for blind spot monitoring these guys are quazy...if it would look more factory and the cams would be hidden then I would be all over it but I’m not jerry rigging cams on my doors lol!

__________________
Mazda Rx8 MT Titanium - SOLD!
2009 370Z T-Sport MT Black - Takeda Intake, Swift springs, Rear Camber kit, SS B Lines, FI Exhaust, Z Speed CMAK Flywheel/Clutch Kit, Stillen Brake Cooling.

bigaudiofanat

Looks good, however it won't fit because of the side flares look at a 2 din or double din. If you can get one with 4 GB of ram go for it, it'll help when you're running multiple programs.

Also you don't have to spend 300 for a reverse camera. The Ryden cameras are cheap and are great quality,

__________________
Need help with car audio or electronics? Let me know!! Need Help Let Me Know
Direct email address reimermatt@gmail.com
Owner of: Dynamic Mobile Audio Follow me below
https://www.facebook.com/Dynamicmobileaudio/

Zed_Eh

Let us know how that subwoofer is! Might be an option for me to add a bit more bass without sacrificing space. The price is right as well.

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