Halo11 / ILX-511 experience.

I am considering swapping out the stock JBL head on my 17 Limited to get wireless Android Auto, and the newer Halo11 is looking pretty attractive.

Has anyone been living with this stereo in their Taco for a bit and want to comment on the experience? Too big? Buggy? Bad interface?

It's a lot of dough, but I think I would appreciate being able to use proper maps and apps without having to look down at my phone while driving.

 

I've had the iLX-507 for a couple of months now. Same exact interface as the 509 & 511, just in a DDIN 7" screen form factor. I've been really happy with it but then again my prev HU was a CDA-9835 that was 15 yrs old, didn't even have bluetooth.

The 507 even sounds so much better. Running a

$190 KTP-445A Head Unit Power Pack

KTP-445A power pack, Infinity Kappa components in the front, Kappa co-ax in the rear, & a

$350 PWE-S8 Compact Powered 8" Subwoofer System

PWE-S8 compact sub.

So nice not having to touch my phone anymore while driving. I have ran into a couple of bugs but not a big deal to me. Wireless Carplay/Android Auto is nice. I don't use AA much except on longer drives but one bug is when connected to AA wirelessly, there's sometimes a lag or sometimes freezes when skipping songs. The HU doesn't actually freeze, if I pause & unpause it will catch up. But then again I've got an old Note8, rooted, had to flash a newer ROM for wireless AA, & not sure if it's the Samsung Music player either. I don't use Apple products so no idea if it happens with Carplay, I suspect no. Doesn't do this when using just Bluetooth for music. I think it's just my old ass phone.Maps run fine wirelessly, both Waze & Google Maps. Voice assistant works well. No issues with phone calls.

All the settings are easy to navigate compared to my old HU, was playing a lot with audio settings for the 1st few weeks. I'm running a custom programmed Micro Bypass to access settings anytime. I hate push button volume control so I bought the RUX-H02 volume knob (also controls sub volume), so much better. Sucks that it doesn't auto connect though. Have to wake it up everytime before the HU turns on but not a big deal, I'm used to it now. They don't come with a remote but my old remote worked with it, not all the remote buttons though, volume, directional pad, mute, that's all I care about, so I bought a new genuine RUE-4202 remote for it.

If I had to do it over I'd would buy it again.

...snip

 

Been running the ILX-309 for almost three years now, you will have to add a inline amp if you plan on swapping the speakers out, the head unit alone will not be able to power all speakers, its a common tacoma issue. I added a inline mono 500W alpine under the seat and it sounds amazing. there is still alpine support for firmware updates and what not for the 409, and other models of the alpine halo . as for the 309, there is no further support for firmware and whatnot. I have mine set to read the OBD reader, so you can get real time stats, ( tire pressure, door ajar, camera rear front on/off, various temps). it isnt a bad way to go and they are nice for using the large screen for navigation and full integration with android and Iphones.

 

Wouldn't it tie into the factory JBL amp?

 

I did not have a factory inline amp. I just bought the standard OR model, tech package, no other upgrades. but upgrading the speakers and adding the amp kicks the OEM upgraded speaker system IMO.

 

Gotcha. Thanks for the info.

What do you think about the 9" screen? Too big? Could be bigger?

It looks like the 511 reduces the bezel so it doesn't take up a lot more space, but I haven't seen one in place to see if it's going to be covering up vents.

The 507 that zero4 is showing looks like a viable alternative, and probably about the same size screen the JBL has to start with. I just figured I'd regret not getting the bigger screen if I'm going to do the upgrade.

 

I think its perfect, I have the 11 inch screen its a little big but like I said if you do alot of Nav stuff, it works well, it is a little bright at night, I need to adjust it to auto. I dig it , its a great upgrade and you won't be disappointed.

 

Ah, ok. Sorry about that. You listed the 309, so I figured you were talking about the 9".

Thanks for the input.

@zero4 , Do you have cameras in your 507? I know Alpine wants you to use their own camera systems, but I've already got the factory rear and an aftermarket front via an anytime camera module.

 

I have a 1st gen so no factory camera or idatalink stuff. I haven't hooked up any cameras yet, on my to do list. The vendor I bought from did include a wireless charging pad & back up cam for free. I'm not gonna use that back up cam though cause it's a license pate mount one.

From what I read you don't have to use Alpine cameras, maybe for the front/dash cam but I haven't researched that. The harness also has connections for universal camera. From what I remember you have to add a ground to the RCA on Alpines if you do have issues with whatever camera you are using.

 

I sell them and the ilx-509 looks good in the dash of a Tacoma the unit itself works great make sure when you get it that it is updated to the 2.0.0 software though aside from that spend the money and get a idatalink maestro harness it will retain all your factory options and controls functioning

 

It looks like the 509 might "fit" better than the 511.