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Entune vs New head unit

Discussion in 'Audio & Video' started by Coleman42, Jan 6, 2020.

  1. Jan 6, 2020 at 7:00 AM
    #1
    Coleman42

    Coleman42 [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Mar 26, 2012
    Member:
    #75687
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    NH
    Vehicle:
    14' White TRD Sport DCSB
    5100's @ 1.75, FN F(x) 17x8 0 offset bronze wheels, 265/70/17 Toyo Open Country AT3, Tint, SS3 fog lights, Leer 100XR Topper, Derped Front Emblem, Martin off road foundation rack
    So I recently replaced all the factory non JBL door speakers with some aftermarket JBL components up front and coaxials in the rear. And added a kicker cx400.1 and a kicker crt loaded 8" box behind the seat with a bass knob up front. Running off the entune with an inline line out converter.
    Also have a Kenwood dmx7706s head unit and idatalink maestro rr new in the boxes....but I'm actually pretty happy with how it is right now.

    Will the difference between sound quality and user interface with the kenwood be marginally or significantly better? Because if its minimal than I will return the HU and Maestro and get my $600~ back
     
  2. Jan 6, 2020 at 7:27 AM
    #2
    destin_meeks

    destin_meeks I used to fix people's crappy stereos

    Joined:
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    Destin
    Tuscaloosa, AL
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    2017 SSM DoubleCab TRD Off-Road 4x4
    The audio will be a pretty significant difference. You’ll go from the factory +/- 5w per front speakers (and even less to the rears), to about 15-20w per all 4 speakers with the kenwood. Having triple the power is a drastic change. Not just for raw volume, but sound quality as well.
    You’ll also get real EQ and crossover settings (not just bass/mid/treble) and this can make even better audio quality because you can actually tweak things to your ears.

    then for functionality, you’ll get Apple CarPlay or android auto. This has been a game-changer for most people, myself included.

    I don’t think there are too many upgrades one can make for $600 that are as useful in everyday life as a new head unit. Bumpers are nice. Winches are cool. New wheels and tires can be stylish and useful off-road. But we use our radio every second we are in the truck.
    You’ve already spent the money and you’ve already got the speakers and sub. Throw the radio in there and enjoy :thumbsup:
     
  3. Jan 6, 2020 at 7:40 AM
    #3
    Coleman42

    Coleman42 [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Mar 26, 2012
    Member:
    #75687
    Messages:
    218
    Gender:
    Male
    NH
    Vehicle:
    14' White TRD Sport DCSB
    5100's @ 1.75, FN F(x) 17x8 0 offset bronze wheels, 265/70/17 Toyo Open Country AT3, Tint, SS3 fog lights, Leer 100XR Topper, Derped Front Emblem, Martin off road foundation rack
    Sold! Also thinking tayt the gauges and all that stuff from the maestro will be a huge upgrade as well.
     
  4. Jan 6, 2020 at 7:58 AM
    #4
    destin_meeks

    destin_meeks I used to fix people's crappy stereos

    Joined:
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    Destin
    Tuscaloosa, AL
    Vehicle:
    2017 SSM DoubleCab TRD Off-Road 4x4
    They’re cool. I don’t think I’ve looked at any of them a single time, but they’re cool to have lol
     
  5. Jan 6, 2020 at 8:01 AM
    #5
    lsukevinc

    lsukevinc Well-Known Member

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    Kevin
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    2019 cement limited
    i just installed a new head unit and saving up for everything else. the car play was the game changer for me. plus the ability to easily add front camera and additional inputs.
     
  6. Jan 6, 2020 at 9:30 AM
    #6
    clenkeit

    clenkeit Well-Known Member

    Joined:
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    Colin
    Lakewood, CA
    Vehicle:
    2010 White DCLB TRD Sport
    Personally, I hate the UI for aftermarket units. The last two I bought were terrible. The one or two before that were so-so. At this point I much prefer the stock setup. I just replaced my stock 2010 head unit with a 2014 and so far it's a great upgrade.

    Per the OP's recommendation regarding a better sound quality due to higher power to the speakers... If I was in your position I'd keep the factory radio and replace the kicker subwoofer amp in favor of a 5 channel amp that will power all your speakers. I had a Kenwood 3 channel I used to power my front components and subwoofer in my Impreza and it was great.
     

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