Recommendations for New Head Unit??
#1
Racer
Thread Starter
Recommendations for New Head Unit??
Hi All,
After over 10 years. of ownership, I am growing tired of the stock C6 head unit. What are some good alternatives on the market with a full touch screen & bluetooth?
Thanks
After over 10 years. of ownership, I am growing tired of the stock C6 head unit. What are some good alternatives on the market with a full touch screen & bluetooth?
Thanks
#3
Burning Brakes
I was in your shoes, holding on to my factory unit for 5 years. I even installed the factory nav unit and it served me pretty well. But with all of the new technologies (particularly Apple CarPlay and Android Auto), I just could not take it anymore and I had to upgrade. I researched Pioneer, Kenwood, and Alpine at everyone"s recommendation but wanted something that looked and felt as stock as possible and very few of those satisfied that criteria for me.
I just installed the Sony XAV-AX200. Excellent unit so far. Got it because:
- Matte finish looks much more stock than glossy black
- Apple CarPlay, Android Auto compatible
- Extremely easy to use interface
- Has an actual volume **** instead of tiny buttons
- Steering wheel controls still work
- Plays CDs and DVDs
- Sirius/XM ready
- Has THREE camera inputs. I set up front and rear.
- Sound quality a good deal better than stock units, even with stock speakers
- Doesn't break bank at $499... other units cost hundreds more
Best of luck.
I just installed the Sony XAV-AX200. Excellent unit so far. Got it because:
- Matte finish looks much more stock than glossy black
- Apple CarPlay, Android Auto compatible
- Extremely easy to use interface
- Has an actual volume **** instead of tiny buttons
- Steering wheel controls still work
- Plays CDs and DVDs
- Sirius/XM ready
- Has THREE camera inputs. I set up front and rear.
- Sound quality a good deal better than stock units, even with stock speakers
- Doesn't break bank at $499... other units cost hundreds more
Best of luck.
Last edited by vara411; 10-14-2018 at 01:53 AM.
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#4
Racer
Generic Android
Cheap android unit off ebay- very easy to mod
Blue tooth, 2 USB connectors and 2 camera inputs
Under $200 with the harness and dash kit from crutchfield
Blutooth, 2 USB ports, 2 camera inputs, easy to mod...
Under $200 with the harness and dash kit from crutchfield
Blutooth, 2 USB ports, 2 camera inputs, easy to mod...
Last edited by Mikelofty; 10-14-2018 at 09:28 AM.
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PCK1221 (10-16-2018)
#6
Burning Brakes
Yep, I saw that before buying too. But when I saw the fit was off by saying 0.04" (roughly 1mm) I went for it... And it absolutely fits, I did the installation myself.
PM me for any questions. I'm happy to help.
PM me for any questions. I'm happy to help.
#7
Did you spend the $28 for the wire harness and antenna adapter or did you have to spend$78 on the other harness with the blue box?
#8
I'd love to see some pictures. And when you say the steering wheel controls work, would that be all of them? Radio and bluetooth calling?
#9
Burning Brakes
I would definitely go for the PAC RP5-GM11 ($80) module instead of the CRUX SOCMG-17C ($25). This will be required with most aftermarket head units in order to preserve steering wheel controls, a door chime, and allow you to take advantage of the DVD player. They additionally offer their $25 "Ready Harness" which basically means they do all the wiring for you. Even after having learned how to do the installation myself, I still would have sprung for the Ready Harness for the time savings. If you're gonna have the unit installed by someone else then just skip the Ready Harness.
Last edited by vara411; 10-15-2018 at 11:57 AM.
#10
Burning Brakes
I'll take pics later today if I can but I hope this helps in the meantime.
^^^ As you can see from above, the head unit itself actually matches the matte color of the factory dash. The Metra dash kit surrounding it is unfortunately ever so slightly darker, but that can't be avoided...
Last edited by vara411; 10-15-2018 at 12:01 PM.
#11
I would definitely go for the PAC RP5-GM11 ($80) module instead of the CRUX SOCMG-17C ($25). This will be required with most aftermarket head units in order to preserve steering wheel controls, a door chime, and allow you to take advantage of the DVD player. They additionally offer their $25 "Ready Harness" which basically means they do all the wiring for you. Even after having learned how to do the installation myself, I still would have sprung for the Ready Harness for the time savings. If you're gonna have the unit installed by someone else then just skip the Ready Harness.
#12
Burning Brakes
Last edited by vara411; 10-15-2018 at 12:42 PM.
#13
Wow...I didn't even last 5 days with the stock head unit. Changed mine to a JVC with android auto\Apple car play(no DVD). Sounds awesome with the upgraded Alpine speakers and sub.
#14
Burning Brakes
Very happy with overall look. The "Sony" moniker is one of the only signs that it's aftermarket.
Android Auto and Apple CarPlay work perfectly.
Of course, gotta add the prerequisite custom Corvette background!
Plays CDs and DVDs... (no Blu-ray, though)
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eckseleven (10-16-2018)
#15
Burning Brakes
I also managed to find a way to install the rear view camera without any drilling or adhesives! I purchased the ($17), reversed the direction of the feet on the camera mount, simply used a screw for the license plate light to firmly anchor it! Someone may have already thought of this obvious solution, but I hadn't seen it, so wanted to share. The video quality is plenty acceptable for this purpose.
Look, Ma! No new holes!
Look, Ma! No new holes!
Last edited by vara411; 10-17-2018 at 12:31 PM.
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eckseleven (10-16-2018)
#16
Race Director
Member Since: Nov 2017
Location: Prosper TX/Austin TX
Posts: 10,955
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2020 C6 of the Year Winner - Modified
I’m happy with the Pioneer avh-2300nex. Headunit, pac wiring harness, faceplate & back-up camera total under $450.
Has apple car play, Bluetooth, connections for front & rear camera, usb connection, hands free mic, can change the background color & pic. Does not have navigation because I use my phone for that. My radio bezel is wrapped in matte black vinyl so you can compare the headunit color.
Has apple car play, Bluetooth, connections for front & rear camera, usb connection, hands free mic, can change the background color & pic. Does not have navigation because I use my phone for that. My radio bezel is wrapped in matte black vinyl so you can compare the headunit color.
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capors crossfire (10-27-2018)
#18
Le Mans Master
Member Since: Jan 2017
Location: Morris County New Jersey
Posts: 5,372
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Since we are posting pictures, here's my Pioneer 8200.
Last edited by TorchRedFred; 10-16-2018 at 09:30 PM.
#19
Pro
I am currently considering an AVIC-8400NEX or an AVIC-7201NEX (AVIC-7200 NEX with backup cam included) for my '07. According to my local Pioneer dealer, the AVIC-8201NEX is last year's model and no longer available (to him) and would be new old stock for anyone selling online.
Questions:
Is the capacitive screen on the 8400 that much better than the resistive screen of the 7200 to justify an approximately $500 difference in price?
What other features are included in the 8400 that don't exist in the 7200 (other than wireless Apple CarPlay and mirror casting)?
Thanks in advance for any help
Questions:
Is the capacitive screen on the 8400 that much better than the resistive screen of the 7200 to justify an approximately $500 difference in price?
What other features are included in the 8400 that don't exist in the 7200 (other than wireless Apple CarPlay and mirror casting)?
Thanks in advance for any help
#20
Le Mans Master
Member Since: Jan 2017
Location: Morris County New Jersey
Posts: 5,372
Received 1,636 Likes
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1,121 Posts
I am currently considering an AVIC-8400NEX or an AVIC-7201NEX (AVIC-7200 NEX with backup cam included) for my '07. According to my local Pioneer dealer, the AVIC-8201NEX is last year's model and no longer available (to him) and would be new old stock for anyone selling online.
Questions:
Is the capacitive screen on the 8400 that much better than the resistive screen of the 7200 to justify an approximately $500 difference in price?
What other features are included in the 8400 that don't exist in the 7200 (other than wireless Apple CarPlay and mirror casting)?
Thanks in advance for any help
Questions:
Is the capacitive screen on the 8400 that much better than the resistive screen of the 7200 to justify an approximately $500 difference in price?
What other features are included in the 8400 that don't exist in the 7200 (other than wireless Apple CarPlay and mirror casting)?
Thanks in advance for any help
I can't compare the 8400 because I haven't seen one yet, but my advice is consider the 8200 or the 8400. The capacitive screen is definitely worth it and the 8200 is a bargain right now if that's what you are looking for.
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