2cd Gen Display Head Units/Displays Aftermarket Soundsystem with Maestro

I have been browsing for a while here, as of late I have been researching and scouring the internet to try and figure out what I want to do with my head unit and speakers in the doors.

I had been reading so many of the threads here and seeing many things I like. I have about made my decision on the door speakers. But the display/multimedia/navigation head unit is where I am personally stuck.

I had almost decided on a Pioneer DMH-C5500NEX mainly for the size. But I seen it supposedly will not fit.
https://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PUSA/Car/NEX/DMH-C5500NEX
Has anyone messed with one of these? All of the latest thing I have seen installs for here are last years models. I was also checking the Pioneer AVH-W4500NEX and the AVIC-W8500NEX. Which seem to be very similar to a few of the write ups here from last years model. I don't need a write up I am just wondering why any of these will not fit per pioneer and crutchfield or if they actually will with some kind of bracket modification.

I am now leaning toward the Kenwood Excelon DDX9906XR

I have also looked into these iPad mounts that mount over or take the place of the head unit. I haven't found much info accept pictures. This seems really cool in the idea of using a iPad as the display and interface. If you could use it as such. But just using it as a media player or iPad seems underutilized to me. If you could use it with Maestro and fully integrate it as the display and vehicle control panel(such as the newer 3rd gens with touchscreens that control AC, lighting, ect... ect... then I would be all down for this.

What I am somewhat grasping for is why I am not finding something more like the iPad display/or larger display with the control like carplay and backup camera and the like. I am not 100% locked into wanting to use an iPad for a display or controller but I just say that to try and convey my idea. I do wish I knew more about this option though if it is more that just using a iPad instead of an iPod. lol

And I have seen the Alpine 9 inch display. I don't get why it isn't an HD display in this day and age.

So with all that TLR
What are all you 2cd gen guys using for multimedia/display screens, head units. Post em here show em off.

What all does the maestro show you on the 2cd gens. Is it useful other than for providing steering wheel button functunality or does it tie into some things you normally can't see without an ODBII tool?

Alright thanks in advanced if you made it through this. More thanks if ya find the urge to reply

 

All DDIN units will fit, including all models you named. Pioneer 4500 and 8500 are awesome units

iPads lose lots of functionality such as backup cam, steering wheel controls, am/fm radio, and zero maestro RR compatibility.

I’d stick with a pioneer or kenwood with CarPlay and any other features you want

 

For what's its worth, the speakers are probably not as bad as you think. I once replaced the head unit in a crummy little Toyota Matrix and you wouldn't believe the incredible sound we started getting. IMHO, the manufacturers dumb down the base model head units to make the upgrades sound better in comparison. Many people might want to consider replacing the head unit first before incurring the cost of new speakers that might not be needed.

 

Thanks for the replies. I may try that first. I am leaning towards the Kenwood after doing alot more research and reading. I was liking the 5500nex from pioneer but it just lacking a few things that the Kenwood has, and the 8 inch non hd screen the 5500nex has just isn't enough to make me want the pioneer. I may put all of this off a while and see what they come out with this year. Or has this years releases already came out? I am way behind in the audio arena. I doubt I will wait a full year. But if I wait a bit I may be able to catch the Kenwood Excelon DDX9906XR for a price better than $899.

 

on a side note Metra is releasing a dash kit for the 2cd gen and 3rd gen Tacoma's for the Pioneer 5500NEX soon.
I really think the idea of a display screen and brain unit being separate. I think they need to offer some higher end displays with this. like an 8 inch hd screen. with at least like 720 capabilities

 

It's tough researching these headunits. Half of them I can't tell if the CarPlay is wired or wireless, and 95% of the details don't tell you anything about screen resolution. I think I'm going to save some money and get the wired CarPlay.

I'm leaning towards the Sony XAV-AX5000

 

You may want to think twice about the importance of HD on such a small screen. I once read some interesting research on video displays. If a person is buying a TV less than 42 inches in size, there is no recognizable difference between 720P and 1080P. Now think about that as it relates to something as small as an 8-inch monitor. The pixels are so compacted on a screen that size, do you really think the human eye can see a difference between HD and non HD?

 

That is what knocked me off the rail for the 5500NEX. I kinda want wireless carplay. I also really like the option of more camera inputs on the Kenwood. I would add one to the front grill somewhere and maybe another to the back somewhere for towing. One that could be mounted and then taken back off. Only use it when I need it.

I was actually searching for somewhere to go check out the Pioneer in person and couldn't find anywhere close. It was a few days later when I realized that wireless vs. wired carplay units was a thing. I am thinking, why aren't they all wireless.

-edit less edit. I actually typed that a few days ago and never posted so this will look chronologically out of order. sorry

 

I somewhat disagree but you are probably correct. My basis is smart phones. I can definitely tell a difference between my first LG env and the iPhone I have now, I understand that is somewhat apples to oranges but that was display tech advancing. There are plenty of display manufactures out there that could make them I think. After not looking at any kind of head unit in years I just figured they would be farther along with the tech. Amount of colors available and refresh rate also play a pretty big part in displays. I haven't seen any head units that list many details on the display unit. It's all pretty trivial for a head unit though I agree. Does it really matter idk. I would just like one that looks better than the generic looking cartoonish icons, is more clear for cameras and maybe watch a youtube video on it from a phone on break at work or something.

I think the one that may best fit what I want is the Kenwood Excelon DDX9906XR

 

This is my choice of the current options.

 

https://www.crutchfield.com/p_113DDX8706/Kenwood-DDX8706S.html

That from what I have found is this is the DDX9906XR without HD radio and instead of 5v preouts it has 4v preouts. 1 year warranty vs 2 year. I think I may go with this instead now.