What head unit did you swap out the stock one for? Any regrets? Whats the best unit you found?

    Looking to get some feedback on swapping out the factory head unit. I removed mine and the entire wire harness. I can vouch that removing the entire stereo harness has done nothing wrong with my '16 SL.

    I've got everything else installed (two amps, new speakers, pods, wiring and more).. Looking at Alpine, Kenwood and Sony currently. Would like largest screen I can get in that factory space. Would like CD, DVD and USB playback PLUS HDMI input. I want to stream my own device into the stereo to watch on its screen and through audio system.


    This one looks real good to me:

    Alpine INE-W970HD

    Looking to avoid cheaper brand units. I want something with quality like Alpine, Kenwood, etc. No BOSS, Jense, Dual, etc..


    Appreciate any input on this. Going to purchase this week/weekend.


    Thanks!

    I went with a Dasaita 10.2".

    https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07V…2GXF?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1


    Four other Slingshot friends were so impressed at the functionality, they went with the same unit.

    It is NOT waterproof. I carry a thin shower cap and that has worked well should I encounter rain.


    The unit operates on Android. When connected through my phone hotspot, options are limitless. Stream YouTube, Netflix, live TV, you name it.


    It has 3 USB inputs. I have a 128gb stick in one slot that easily has about 30 hours of music videos and 1000's of mp3. I also have a dash cam in one slot and all video is recorded on the head unit. The 3rd slot is for my phone.


    It has GPS built in with it's own navigation. It also has Google maps. You can download regions from Google maps for offline access.

    Built in DSP for tons of audio adjustment.


    It also does Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

    I'm back in the same boat. After having a Kenwood Excelon DMX905S (which I LOVED - Current model is DMX907S), it was hit by rain - twice - and finally died. I'm back into market and really looking.


    There is NO TRULY waterproof Double Din stereo. Even the Boss Audio that I inquired about because they were advertising "Weather Resistant" is not waterproof - see my thread here.


    There is a Sony XAV-AX100 series that has videos of people watering the head unit here and hereand still working fine, but Sony warranty specifically says no to water damage. (That second video is from one of our members here.)


    If you're not worried about rain, there are LOTS of great units out there. I've seen 10"+ screens as well as people using 12"+ tablets as a head unit (which I looked into also).


    BTW, don't think about rain hitting just the screen. Above the stereo mounting under those triangular covers on the dash is a couple of slots that drip water straight down into the stereo area too.

    I THINK I FOUND A FULLY WATERPROOF DOUBLE DIN!!


    Insane Audio DD2001


    I still want to see technical specs (RCA output voltage, etc), but looking good so far (except price). Double Din, all the apps are directly loaded - instead of Apple Carplay/Android Auto, Front & Rear camera inputs, GPS/Navigation, etc. I want to try to call them to discuss, will let you know.


    ** EDIT: Reviews on Amazon were NOT flattering. **



    The waterproof rating is interesting as it doesn’t look much different than other Android decks on the market.


    I was looking at this one for my wife’s car and it looks VERY similar: https://www.amazon.com/Vanku-A…08MPM2LWB?ref_=ast_sto_dp



    Ended up with an Atoto A7 10” screen as I wanted to keep it simple for her. The A7 operates on a modified Linux platform so, no installing more apps. The Android auto and Apple Carplay interface has been flawless so far. And, it was inexpensive.


    The deck I removed from her car was a Sony XAV-AX100. The Atoto has far better sound than the Sony.



    When you call to gather info, ask what processor, ram, memory, wifi compatibility (2.4 or 5ghz) and Android version is in the unit. PX6 processor on Android 10 seems to be the latest / fastest in the Android radio units. Previous PX5 is known to be slower with some bugs.


    Other things to ask is how compatible it is for Android Auto or Apple Carplay (if you plan to use these). Many Android decks require an additional dongle (and additional $$) to use this feature. Or they have a “screen mirror” app that is laggy and is known for locking up, etc.



    The installed navigation appears to be IGO. This software is included with just about every Android deck sold on Amazon. It works well – only complaint is no “spoken” road names.



    I chose the Dasaita for my Slingshot as I did a ton of research on XDA Forums and it seemed to be the top dog of Android units. It uses an app called “ZLink” that interfaces with Android Auto / Apple carplay – both wired or wireless. I only have a couple of complaints with the Dasaita. First, wifi is 2.4ghz only. Second, the Bluetooth will not connect to my LED light controller. I think the controller/app accesses Bluetooth through “location services” and just isn’t compatible with the deck.

    Kewl Beans mpj220 .


    Here's their response. I find it telling that they still absolutely refuse to provide an actual spec sheet.



    I also note that one of the 3 reviews on Amazon was very detailed and specific and not flattering:

    Quote from FrickFrak
    d3a6d81c-957a-48cb-9d92-395fe56623a2._CR0,0,366,366_SX48_.jpg

    Frickfrack

    1.0 out of 5 stars Stay Away From Android-based Head Units!
    Reviewed in the United States on October 28, 2020
    I bought the DD2001 and these are my biggest gripes: GPS does a terrible job holding a signal making navigation practically useless. The Android version is seriously outdated and system settings are extremely shallow. The overall interface lacks a streamlined layout forcing you to deal with apps, even just to play music. The music interface is an app. The EQ is a separate app. You can't just tap an icon to instantly switch to the EQ. You have to minimize the player and open the EQ. They added steps to a process that has been streamlined for years. So the user experience is quite cumbersome to say the least. The lack of physical buttons forces you to use controls within apps that becomes a difficult task due to its tiny screen. And if you want to use an app that only has a portrait mode, you're SOL as the interface will not display the app properly. It's as if Insane Audio took a 1st gen Pixel XL phone and fashioned it to an amp. Last but not least, music quality could be a lot better. I have a feeling that this is due to the codecs used to feed the amp is as cheap as the app used to play the music files. You can buy a better music player on the Google App Store, but what kind of quality do you think you'll get for 10 bucks? Also, the fact that you can't find ANY information on the specs of the amp is shady at best. I wouldn't be surprised to find a direct auxiliary circuit from the front side of the unit (the phone) to the back directly to the speakers buried beneath the facade of amp circuitry. I'm a bit embarrassed to tell my friends that I feel like I wasted over a thousand dollars on a HU that was really worth $50. I'll just have to eat the loss and buy another HU from a more reputable audio manufacturer.


    Now the other news: I went back out to check the measurements for replacing the double-din with something else (either a single din or one of those gauge marine radios). Just for giggles, I turned on the ignition - AND THE KENWOOD CAME TO LIFE! Cameras still out, but everything else working again, including the LEDs under the front buttons. I may pull it out and see what I can do to waterproof it even more (have the rear cage covered in duct tape and a plastic sheet mounted above it to keep water from dripping in from the above.). Maybe buy a spray can of the conformal coating??

    What is most telling is the "Our screen is an IP66 waterproof" statement.

    My "screen" is waterproof too but, the back with the vents and ribbon connector certainly are not.

    I actually sprayed my screen with water to apply my matte screen protector.


    All of the other specs they quoted is identical to the Vanku unit I posted. The extra $700 seems a bit much for the name "Insane Audio"

    Quote from mytoy

    I use Kenwood head unit, I made the double din mounting and it has a splash cover, so far no problem. You guys can also ask Bill Martin he has the same

    Yep, I've got your mount too mytoy - in Carbon Fiber also running the Kenwood Excelon DMX905S. Put the splash cover over it too but still got water, either around the edges or from behind. And I did fill in the firewall area with insulation although admittedly, I'm sure some water can still get in a round the wires or from above. I'm really thinking of pulling the Kenwood apart and cleaning/covering what I can with conformal coating and sealing all the edges around the screen. I did notice that there was water/moisture in the screen before it initially died. <$20 and I think I can resurrect it.



    Quote from mpj220

    What is most telling is the "Our screen is an IP66 waterproof" statement.

    My "screen" is waterproof too but, the back with the vents and ribbon connector certainly are not.

    I actually sprayed my screen with water to apply my matte screen protector.


    All of the other specs they quoted is identical to the Vanku unit I posted. The extra $700 seems a bit much for the name "Insane Audio"

    Yeah, I caught that too. From what it sounds like to me, it's nothing but a glorified phone with an amp wire.

    Quote from chavey2

    Yep, I've got your mount too mytoy - in Carbon Fiber also running the Kenwood Excelon DMX905S. Put the splash cover over it too but still got water, either around the edges or from behind. And I did fill in the firewall area with insulation although admittedly, I'm sure some water can still get in a round the wires or from above. I'm really thinking of pulling the Kenwood apart and cleaning/covering what I can with conformal coating and sealing all the edges around the screen. I did notice that there was water/moisture in the screen before it initially died. <$20 and I think I can resurrect it.



    Yeah, I caught that too. From what it sounds like to me, it's nothing but a glorified phone with an amp wire.

    well I sealed the outside with silicone, and I keep my fingers crossed

    Do not resent growing old. Many are denied.... The Privilege :REDSS: :SUPERCHARGERSS: : :HEADERSS: : :COILOVERSS: Wycked hitch





    Quote from chavey2

    Yep, I've got your mount too mytoy - in Carbon Fiber also running the Kenwood Excelon DMX905S. Put the splash cover over it too but still got water, either around the edges or from behind. And I did fill in the firewall area with insulation although admittedly, I'm sure some water can still get in a round the wires or from above. I'm really thinking of pulling the Kenwood apart and cleaning/covering what I can with conformal coating and sealing all the edges around the screen. I did notice that there was water/moisture in the screen before it initially died. <$20 and I think I can resurrect it.



    Yeah, I caught that too. From what it sounds like to me, it's nothing but a glorified phone with an amp wire.

    There are so many Android head units out there. Some are good, some not so much.


    I am very happy with the Dasaita. It is on the more pricey side as compared to others but, it does shine.

    I put one in my friend's (actually up to 3 now) Slingshot as well. I took a Sony XAV-AX8000 out. The Dasaita blows it away in every way.....sound, performance, screen brightness/sharpness.