Kenwood KIV-BT901 Installed

I recently installed the Kenwood KIV-BT901 head unit and wanted to post some photos for anyone else who may also be considering this stereo. I purchased my dash kit from Bestkits.com and really like the way it turned out.

Although I haven't had it long, I really like it so far. First imprssions: The key colors can be customized to match the Tacoma's orange/red dash lights, the iPod controls work great, and I really like how vibrant the screen is, both day and night.

 

That's the unit I've been considering. I love the way it looks. Nice install. Did you setup XM too?

 

No, I didn't install the antenna for the XM. However, I just programed the Bluetooth to my phone and have been using it for calls, and it works GREAT! You can hear the person you're speaking to from all of the truck's speakers and they can hear you very well too. It hasn't dropped any calls, cut out, nothing. I was very skeptical on just how good Bluetooth calling could be when ran through a Kenwood head unit, but they nailed it. I'm very impressed.

 

So that's not a scosche or a metra kit? or is bestkit.com just a retailer?

 

^^ looks like a scosche. I have it too.

 

Bestkit.com is the retailer. I'm not sure what brand my kit it is. It is possible that Bestkit.com is selling Scosche or Metra, but I'm not certain.

 

Ive been thinking of getting this same HU, have it narrowed between this and an alpine but your install is just so clean.

 

also with this hu are you able to stream bluetooth
?

 

They came out awesome, I have been playing with the idea of up getting a that done.
Anyone have any good places to get it done and or where to buy a good face plate ?

 

Let me know if you have figured out how to stream bluetooth to this unit. I cannot figure it out. It said in the specs it is possible but I can't get it to work.

 

I just bought this last night. How do you like this unit so far and how was the install? I am going to assume you did it yourself.

 

I also installed this unit and I like it a lot. It provides everything I need [bluetooth, iPhone based music with album art, steering wheel controls, etc] without taking up the entire dash and while leaving me a nice convenient storage pocket. Not that the Tacoma needs more storage. Good luck with the install, any questions feel free to ask.

 

Did not get he HU yet ups screwed me. But my only question is the ground wire for the video portion of the unit. Where is the easiest place wire this in to work properly? I have no reason to watch videos while I am driving but my two boys do.

 

Nice work! Is this HU paired with the JBL system? Or are our Tacoma's like my wife's 4Runner where if I want to change the HU I have to redo the entire system due to the JBL?

 

Looks good! I have the KIV-701, which doesn't have BT since I never use my phone. I went from an ugly cable up front for my Iphone, often paired with a power cable in my cigarette lighter, to a completey clean install with everything in the glove box. I love the audio controls of the KIV headunits - you can tweak and retweak about everything.

I got the black kit though. The silver looks more factory but I'm glad I went with the black kit since I have other black accents like Weathertechs.

Comparison pic of mine with the black kit: