Recommendations for head unit?

Hey all,

Looking for some up-to-date recommendations for a replacement head unit in my 2nd gen, non-JBL. Stock unit is functional but lacks the oomph and audio quality I want. The way it cranks the bass down at higher volume drove me to stupidly fry my sub amp trying to compensate and get my desired sound, not to mention being a bitch to tune for every different genre.

Anyways, looking to stay in the $300 and under realm. I don't need an audiophile-grade monster, just something more configurable and subwoofer-friendly.

Must-haves:

• RCA outputs, or sub out at the very least. The more configurable the better, HPF/LPF is a plus
• Ability to use stock backup cam
• ability to use stock steering wheel buttons (i know i'll likely need a separate module)
• Carplay or otherwise good integration with iPhone

Nice-to-haves:

• ability to use stock microphone
• decent EQ
• ability to pull data for apps through my phone(spotify, weather, etc)
• navigation would be pretty baller too. Ideally i'd like to not have to fiddle with my phone at all to change music, look at google maps, etc.
  
• This is probably way outta this price range, but integration with OBD to get some gauges would be awesome. I've been outta the game to long to know what's out there these days.

Just looking for first-hand accounts of what's out there nowadays. I used to be a diehard fan of keeping the dash stock, but this HU is just too god-awful to bear anymore.

 

Crutchfield is a good place to start looking

 

Might want to look over here, too: https://www.tacomaworld.com/forums/audio-video.12/

 

+1 to this, lots of audio geeks over there. $300 and under isn't going to get you much based on your wants/needs list. Good luck.

 

This is so f'n annoying. If I didn't like the way the OEM HU looked I would have replaced mine a long time ago. If only they made an OEM unit... that isn't OEM. lol.

 

when they are in the Alpine ILX-W650 is up your alley. it will be a bit more of course with all the other components you will need. idatalink Maestro for controls and intergration. then dash kit and connectors all in you are looking closer to the $500 range

https://www.alpine-usa.com/product/apple-carplay-android-auto-ilx-w650

im not a huge fan of those Android head units, i feel the quality isnt there and the reliability.

 

Damn just checked out Crutchfield for shits n giggles and a lot of their head units are out of stock or temporarily unavailable. Like a surprisingly amount of head units, weird.

 

you have to wonder if this all tied to the global chip shortage.

 

I had the Alpine Halo-9 and loved it. To retain steering controls though you'd need to buy a Maestro.

Considering upgrading to the Kenwood floating unit in my next truck.

 

Audio geeks....? I resemble that remark. Lol. And ya, 300 isn't gonna fill the void he's trying to fill.

 

From @Ripcord :

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V8HILhGNtQ4

 

^^ Should be a lot of good info in that vid for the OP. Most of it is applicable regardless of what head unit he chooses.

 

+1 for the

$290 ILX-W650 7" Double DIN Touchscreen Digital Multimedia Receiver with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

ILX-W650. I just installed this, along with the

$264 KTA-450 4-Channel Power Pack Amplifier with Dynamic Peak Power 45W RMS x 4, at 2 Or 4 Ohms

KTA-450 power pack about a month ago. Car Play is a little finicky (hoping there's a FW upgrade to fix that) but overall I've been very pleased.

 

100% related, its almost impossible to get a good newer hu now.
Some say it will be months, maybe even into next year before everything is restocked.

 

Thanks for the input everyone. Yeah, I thought about posting in the AV forum, just figured i'd check with 2nd gen specifically in case there were any wiring surprises with the steering controls. Though, doing more research I'm realizing I'm more into the $4-500 range for all the features on my wish list, though the nice-to-haves i can easily live without. I see a few on Crutchfield that fit my needs for 350ish, but build quality/longevity is a factor. Don't wanna have to replace it again 3 months from now.

I KNOW, IT'S INFURIATING! I love the OEM look and am hesitant to change to a newfangled flashy aftermarket unit, but the longer I use it the more annoying it becomes. I used to think the HD radio was neat with the weather and traffic apps, but none of it works anywhere these days. But the bass.....I was really excited when I replaced the speakers with Kickers, only to have my dreams smashed as soon as I turned the knob up. Tried to work around it with the sub, but ya just can't amplify what isn't there. Not without letting some smoke out anyway.

Yeah, I noticed that too. Partially why I prodded TW for input, figuring maybe there was a unicorn unit on Amazon or something

 

You're looking at $150 for the maestro which you need to retain steering wheel controls.

By the time you add a head unit, dash surround, and the other misc install parts you'll probably be closer to 600 on the cheap end.

 

Ugh. I hate that you're right. Time to start scrounging around FB Marketplace.

 

I bought one of those Android headunits...works great for me and checks all of your boxes including price. It's worth a shot and it is the best looking headunits you can get. Fits in the factory location without modification...looks stock and has no branding. I bought the Joying unit.

 

Regarding the steering wheel controls, honestly I wish I didn’t pay the extra to have it. It’s so much easier for me to touch the head unit than the steering wheel buttons. Then I accidentally touch a steering wheel button I didn’t want to and change something.

Maybe it’s because I’m used to not having it. When I grew up, you were cool if your car had a fm radio. If you were really cool, you had a cassette player.

 

The big

The 2nd gen Joying units with their flush mount definitely look the best, but I've read the FM reception isn't so great.
I mainly listen to sports talk, so was scared to try the Joying.
How's your experience with reception?