Aftermarket Head unit

Thinking about replacing my stock head unit. Narrowed it down to the Alpine Halo ILX-509. Any thoughts on it even being worth the effort or $$. Stock already has wired android/apple play & xm built in.

 

Only you know if it’s worth it. I can give you a few questions that might help.

-Are there features missing in the stock headunit that you would like to have? ( ex. Wireless android auto/CarPlay )
-Is it just the headunit, or will you replace speakers too?
-Are you happy with the sound quality of the stock headunit?
-Are you thinking of adding a sub? Amps? (This can be accomplished without a new headunit)

Your answers to those should help you decide.

 

Your insight is spot on. If it ain't broke don't fix it. The only difference is looking at a different interface as opposed to stock.

 

that head unit would need a radio mounting kit that the 1-din base mounts in the bottom slot, unless you want the radio to be way above the dash.

there's really only about 3 options for radio mounting kits(scosche, metra, and ai), and almost none of them offer the capability to mount the included pocket at the top-- all the brands assume you'd want the 1-din radio mounted as high as possible in the dash, which in this truck, feels like i'm role-playing air jordan every time i go to tweak the volume...

i 'adjusted' mine by installing an old sony radio in the upper spot as a placeholder because the pocket of the ai version only worked on screw bosses in the lower position. i had the scosche, but the trim was finished in a glossy mirror finish, was like a mirror around the radio, which i found irritating. this is the ai toyk9714 kit that better matches the finish of the dash, but needed some fab work with a drill bit to inset the radio to the depth i wanted so it didn't look like a large electronic zit in the dash. the metra wasn't available, but usually has better mounting tab adjusters that might allow the pocket mounting points needed.

$30 Ai TOYK9714 2016 Toyota Tacoma Dash Mounting Kit

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B01M7UE2BQ?ie=UTF8

just some things to keep in mind

 

Im posted below in another thread so ill just copy and paste it here to (cause lazy asf tonight )

I have a 2017 Taco and i just ordered a Sony XAV-AX7000 HU to replace the stock non JNL unit i have currently. It comes prewired for the Tacoma you order it for from these guys so i don't have to fiddle with wiring harnesses or anything ( which is great because i hate wiring) . It's Plug and play and your steering wheel controls are still usable as well. Im keeping the stock speakers and I'll see what difference this makes. This system comes with a 4 x 100w amp built in and you can run a subwoofer directly off the radio with the need for a separate amplifier. I also ordered there OEM mic adapter so i can keep the OEM mic location when i do the install. I have to use the Sony Mic but it comes with an adapter to install the Sony Mic in the OEM location.

1) https://trailgridpro.com/shop/head-units/sony-xav-ax7000-plug-play-bundle-16-19-tacoma/
2) https://trailgridpro.com/shop/accessories/sony-microphone-mount-16-19-tacoma/

Plug and play radio install video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W5oBSs_xGcg&feature=emb_imp_woyt
Sony Mic OEM adapter video> this video is for the 4 runner but Tacoma install is almost identical: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ibTHvel8rwk

 

Did you install this HU? how is it? My stock HU stopped working so I’m looking at getting a new one and trying to decide between something like this or an android HU

 

I would like to know if you installed this and are you happy with it? Did you replace any speakers and if so does it drive them well? I was thinking about going this route and adding new speakers but wasn't sure how well it would push a set of 6x9's in the front and 6 inch in the rear.

 

Any issues with this Sony head unit?

 

The kit i bought and linked to in the video comes pre wired and is very straightforward to install. It costs more than the base unit but they solder and shrink wrap all the wires together for your specific vehicle. The Sony XAV-Ax7000 has a built in amplifier so it has a lot of power to push good speakers and has an out for a subwoofer. https://www.sony.ca/en/electronics/in-car-receivers-players/xav-ax7000. If you buy the raw radio from another company and not the unit from Trail Grid Pro then you will have to solder or connect all the wiring for your radio and options.The only downside is you cannot use the OEM mic for phone calls and have to install or clip on the included mic in a convenient spot for hands free to work with the system. I found it much easier to just pay the extra and let them do the work.

I love the radio and its really a solid unit. It's really good quality and has apple carplay and i also have my Sirius satellite radio connected to it as well. ( there is an optional module they will install for you to have sirius radio included with the radio. if you don't take the option then you'll have to stream it via your phone app i think .

 

Are all of the functions of the OEM head unit retained? For example, the vehicle controls for the interior lights, auto door locks and headlight timer?

 

some of that is controlled in the joying units, but most aftermarket head units won't have that support. even joying's are somewhat limited in what they do. i just set all of that to my preference before yanking the oem unit out.