Head Unit Upgrade

I just ordered the Alpine iLX-507 from Trail Grid Pro. They were super helpful answering all my questions. They also have a big sale going on right now so I recommend ordering from them. https://trailgridpro.com/pages/toyota-tacoma-accessories#toyota-tacoma-alpine-bundles

 

Yes, that makes sense it would use the same DAC. I upload WAV files from my hard drive to a USB and plug it into my USB port. That's my preferred method of listening.

 

Got the XAV-9000ES from trail grid pro. I noticed that the number of cables that the stock 7” Entune had plugged in outnumber what was sent to connect to the plugs on the back of the headunit kit, then an extra 2 pin cable that doesn’t have a match on the Toyota.
Some are explainable, I didn’t get the Siriusxm tuner. There is one that was ignored. I watched the video on trail grid pro, and it basically showed them hook everything up that matched. In my 2023 SR it has a 30 pin and 2 28 pin connectors, as well as the smaller black connector (12 pin? ) that is the factory wiring harness. It does appear to matter which of the 28 pins are used. When I used the Black 28 pin connector from the truck to the it doesn’t work. When I used the Gray 28 pin connector from the truck to the harness, it powers up and works. I’m presuming that the “extra” black connector is for something that my kit isn’t utilizing. My stock radio does have wiring for options that my SR doesn’t have for example GPS. It is wired for a GPS antenna.
Anyone else have a similar experience or know what the extra 28 pin connector is for ?

 

Yes, I had the exact same experience. I also used the wrong 28 pin connector initially. And a quick switch to the other connector solved the issue.

 

Have you had any issues with this head unit. Trying to decide between the Alpine halo 509 or this Sony. Thoughts? Issues? Trouble? Pure audio heaven?

 

For whats its worth no issues or loss of stock controls with the Kenwood dmx1057xr. BUT if I were to do it over again I would not have purchased this unit as it is way over my tech. needs as far as audio controls..

 

What about the blind spot monitor on the mirrors? Do those work with Kenwood HUs?

 

I have a TRD Sport with Tech. Package, all work. Got everything from Crutchfield, I did not do the install I had a professional put it in but I'm sure some of you guys can do your own...

 

You were able to retain your Sirius functionality as well with the DMX1057XR? Thinking of doing the same.

 

Just a quick update about my Sony XAV-9000ES:

Sony issued a software update for this unit. I tethered it to my phone and did the update. The message at the end mentioned that the updates may require several start ups to complete. I didn't quite understand what this meant. Well after a few days now, my USB connection recognition issue is resolved. Previous to this update, I would need to insert my USB stick (for my hi res WAV files) multiple times for the HU to recognize it. This was very frustrating to me because I bought this Sony head unit expressly for the excellent DAC chip (32-bit ESS DAC). Trail Grid Pro were very responsive and allowed me to return it for a full refund or exchange. I elected to wait it out and see what the update would do. After completing the update, nothing seemed to change at all.

Today I started the car and it worked...ran some errands and each time I started the truck up...the USB stick was recognized! The Sony XAV-9000ES has all the features of the 9500ES but without the big screen...it's low-key. Now if I can get the Maestro to recognize the blind spot monitor on the side view mirrors, everything will be 100% functional compared to OEM.

I noticed the software update for the XAV-9500ES came out few days prior to mine. For those of you with that unit, I'd like to hear your experiences with this issue. Did the update solve it?

I need to say: Listening to big music files on a USB stick is stunning compared to XM radio or Bluetooth. No comparison.

 

I ordered the Sony AX6000 from Trail Grid Pro for my 2017. I chose this model as I only have one factory camera and didn’t want to add another camera. A huge difference over my factory JBL. CarPlay works great. I ran the Sony mic to the factory overhead location. Merry Christmas to me. I wish I would have done this sooner.

 

I realize this thread is a year old. Has anyone with floating screens experienced bad vibrations while wheeling? Especially washboard roads? I mean everything shakes loose with enough miles on washboard but I can imagine some of the larger screens might be pretty bad.