ASAP information+opinions for Android Headunit.

[miiser]

Hi everyone.

I am looking for the best alternative headunit for quite sometime, to replace the factory one, because I find it bad in every way possible (no clarity, not enough power for the bass etc)

I have many times found nice deals to replace it, with universal 2 din radios such as pioneer kenwood etc with or without touchscreen, but in the end I didn’t pull the trigger cause I didn’t like the way it looked in my dash. It didn’t match the theme of the car at all.

This time thought, I found a great deal on an OEM look like Android headunit (pictures bellow), with very impressive specs for its price (250€ =~290$). Here are the most important of them:
•Quad core A9 chip
•2GB DDR3 ram
•7.1.2 Android
•Captivate screen (which is a big deal for me compared to resistive touch headunit)
•2 years warranty.

I think that’s the one I wanna have in my car and I am ready to purchase it next week before I loose the deal.

But now I need your opinions about this.
I am not a music freak. But I want to have a descent sound in my car. Right now I can understand the poor quality of the sound with my factory stereo. I don’t want to waste money on another headunit and have the same poor sound quality.
With this amount of money I can go to brand name way like pioneer. I will need new plastic bessels + steering wheel control adapter with the universal HU because my car is from Europe and the factory stereo is one piece with the center console. I can’t just remove it and place another one.

So to sum up, is it worth to buy a Chinese Android HU over a brandname HU ?
I know that Android headunits have so much to offer because there are ton of apps in play store, but I am not concerned about the apps as I am with the sound quality.

What’s your experience with Android Chinese HU guys ? What should I do ?
Both will cost the same, if I go for the Android one or a pioneer with buttons.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180928/c4adb914472b8fe21321be4b58c80049.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180928/d4e5fe9a65a49813cf07f99aeba9ebe9.jpg







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[ern-diz]

Wish I could offer more help but I don't have any experience with Chinese Android head units. I've seen a few people complain about them here on the forum. One member punched one to death when it arrived with a bad screen and he didn't realize it until it was installed lol. On the flip side, my bro-in-law installed an eBay Android head unit in his BMW and was happy with it. He didn't have a good sound system in the car, though, just stock speakers.

What I do know is that the head unit is the main point of sound processing so if you're looking to build a system with sound quality as a primary need, I'd make sure to do as much research on the unit as possible. See if you can find reviews on it from other online sources. There can be a difference in sound quality from a lower level Pioneer unit to a higher level Kenwood unit, so it's hard for me to trust the no-name brands. Again, I have no personal experience with any of them, so take it for what it's worth.

[06YarisRS]

I've put these Chinese android units in my last 4 vehicles - ranging from Android 4.41 - Android 6.xx. I put a Chinese WinCE factory fit in my 4th gen. Dodge Grand Caravan. I have had only 1 failure and it was a touchscreen. The replacement screen is around $40.00. All of these units have exceeded my expectations. Western offerings are more expensive and are not factory fit - important to me.

Are the quality of the electronics up to par with a high end Kenwood? Likely not, but uness you're an audiophile, I bet it would be hard to tell the difference. As far as long-term relaibility, I sold my Kia Rondo locally and the head unit is still fully functional. It is at least 3 years old and has survived extremes of temperature.

Something else I've found is that these units do work significantly better with a dedicated amp using the low level outputs. OEM radios are tuned for a frequency response that works 'well' with the crappy speakers. You may find your sound a little thinner (less bass). But, using the app mentioned below (PowerAmp) you can use the EQ to tailor your sound. Minimally, I'd replace the door speakers and anything but the cheapest junk will be a significant improvement. Keep in mind that the usually stated 45w x 4 peak power of these headunits is overblown and is probably similar output to your stock radio - maybe 14 - 17 watts RMS/channel.

The good:
Android OS
factory fit
plug and play (unless you're installing other gear - amp, speakers, sub etc)
incredible versatility (endless apps)
Wifi
internet
excellent customizable audio* (with PowerAmp digital processing App - about $6.00) In my experience, this transforms the sound quality.
large external storage (I have around 2000 songs on a 16Gig microSD card - no wires, adapters, plugs to contend with)


The Bad:
If it breaks - throw away, unless it's something like a touchscreen as above.
Slow boot - on the order of 15+ seconds
Generally poor radio reception
no Sat/HD radio
Nothing else comes to mind.

At that price, I'd go for it. I considered a unit like that with the side panels and the price you're mentiong is probably the lowest I've seen - especially with 2G of Ram. But you have to be willing to accept that you're out your money as shipping back for repair is prohibitive. Though, if you know a good electronics repair person, you could likely source the parts from the Chinese.

I bought all my units on aliexpress with free shipping. Shipping is usually really quick and to your door.

Here is a link to my latest install:

http://www.yarisworld.com/forums/showthread.php?t=59495

[miiser]

I've put these Chinese android units in my last 4 vehicles - ranging from Android 4.41 - Android 6.xx. I put a Chinese WinCE factory fit in my 4th gen. Dodge Grand Caravan. I have had only 1 failure and it was a touchscreen. The replacement screen is around $40.00. All of these units have exceeded my expectations. Western offerings are more expensive and are not factory fit - important to me.

Are the quality of the electronics up to par with a high end Kenwood? Likely not, but uness you're an audiophile, I bet it would be hard to tell the difference. As far as long-term relaibility, I sold my Kia Rondo locally and the head unit is still fully functional. It is at least 3 years old and has survived extremes of temperature.

Something else I've found is that these units do work significantly better with a dedicated amp using the low level outputs. OEM radios are tuned for a frequency response that works 'well' with the crappy speakers. You may find your sound a little thinner (less bass). But, using the app mentioned below (PowerAmp) you can use the EQ to tailor your sound. Minimally, I'd replace the door speakers and anything but the cheapest junk will be a significant improvement. Keep in mind that the usually stated 45w x 4 peak power of these headunits is overblown and is probably similar output to your stock radio - maybe 14 - 17 watts RMS/channel.

The good:
Android OS
factory fit
plug and play (unless you're installing other gear - amp, speakers, sub etc)
incredible versatility (endless apps)
Wifi
internet
excellent customizable audio* (with PowerAmp digital processing App - about $6.00) In my experience, this transforms the sound quality.
large external storage (I have around 2000 songs on a 16Gig microSD card - no wires, adapters, plugs to contend with)


The Bad:
If it breaks - throw away, unless it's something like a touchscreen as above.
Slow boot - on the order of 15+ seconds
Generally poor radio reception
no Sat/HD radio
Nothing else comes to mind.

At that price, I'd go for it. I considered a unit like that with the side panels and the price you're mentiong is probably the lowest I've seen - especially with 2G of Ram. But you have to be willing to accept that you're out your money as shipping back for repair is prohibitive. Though, if you know a good electronics repair person, you could likely source the parts from the Chinese.

I bought all my units on aliexpress with free shipping. Shipping is usually really quick and to your door.

Here is a link to my latest install:

http://www.yarisworld.com/forums/showthread.php?t=59495



Can you tell me more about the poor radio reception? Cause this is important to me. Is it really bad?

Also, I will buy this locally, not from eBay so I can trust more the local seller than sources like eBay or aliexpress etc. plus I will get 2 years warranty

Ps: I have already swapped my speakers


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[miiser]

Wish I could offer more help but I don't have any experience with Chinese Android head units. I've seen a few people complain about them here on the forum. One member punched one to death when it arrived with a bad screen and he didn't realize it until it was installed lol. On the flip side, my bro-in-law installed an eBay Android head unit in his BMW and was happy with it. He didn't have a good sound system in the car, though, just stock speakers.

What I do know is that the head unit is the main point of sound processing so if you're looking to build a system with sound quality as a primary need, I'd make sure to do as much research on the unit as possible. See if you can find reviews on it from other online sources. There can be a difference in sound quality from a lower level Pioneer unit to a higher level Kenwood unit, so it's hard for me to trust the no-name brands. Again, I have no personal experience with any of them, so take it for what it's worth.



Yea I have seen this post you mention. But I do understand that there are many differences between all these HUs.
And the other member had an older version. I think that Chinese makers have come a long way since then. But again, like you, I have zero experience on this. That’s why I am so skeptical

The price is amazing bargain thought.
And it’s from a local seller. Not from amazon or eBay etc...


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[ern-diz]

I am not a music freak. But I want to have a descent sound in my car.

...Keep in mind that the usually stated 45w x 4 peak power of these headunits is overblown and is probably similar output to your stock radio - maybe 14 - 17 watts RMS/channel.

And ^that^ is the problem I would assume with these units.

Some stock radios are closer to 5 watts RMS so if the Chinese units get 14-17, it's an improvement, but marginally.

For my money, if I'm going for sound quality, I'm spending a bit more and going with something that pushes more RMS power per channel to get the most out of my speakers.

I went with a Pioneer and sometimes I think I should switch it out for a higher level Kenwood model.

[06YarisRS]

Can you tell me more about the poor radio reception? Cause this is important to me. Is it really bad?

Also, I will buy this locally, not from eBay so I can trust more the local seller than sources like eBay or aliexpress etc. plus I will get 2 years warranty

Ps: I have already swapped my speakers


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In my experience, the reception is not as strong, drops off more and can be 'staticy'. The radio also doesn't catch as many stations as it scans. Maybe yours will be different, but all mine did not have as good/strong reception as the stock radio. This was something I could overlook as I listen to music more. My wife found it bothersome at times. It's not horrible, just not as good as stock. Maybe a qualified auto sound tech could do something to improve it.

I guess you have a local importer of these radios. I'd love a link if you have one. A two year warranty is bonus. Mine are all one year, and really moot because I'd never pay the high shipping rates to return it.

[06YarisRS]

And ^that^ is the problem I would assume with these units.

Some stock radios are closer to 5 watts RMS so if the Chinese units get 14-17, it's an improvement, but marginally.

For my money, if I'm going for sound quality, I'm spending a bit more and going with something that pushes more RMS power per channel to get the most out of my speakers.

I went with a Pioneer and sometimes I think I should switch it out for a higher level Kenwood model.

I think you are right. I meant to say that the stock would have 14 - 17ish watts peak.

Although these units sound 'acceptable' (subjective, I know) out of the box, it really is amazing what a digital processing app such as PowerAmp can do. My systems are exceptionally clear, balanced but I do quite a bit of tweaking and I have a 4-channel amp, sub and extra tweeters. Neither a stock unit or one of these head units is going to have enough juice, as you say, to power an aftermarket speaker to the point that it produces a well-rounded, clean sound.

[IllusionX]

And ^that^ is the problem I would assume with these units.

Some stock radios are closer to 5 watts RMS so if the Chinese units get 14-17, it's an improvement, but marginally.

For my money, if I'm going for sound quality, I'm spending a bit more and going with something that pushes more RMS power per channel to get the most out of my speakers.

I went with a Pioneer and sometimes I think I should switch it out for a higher level Kenwood model.If I recall correctly, the stock fujitsuten HU is something like 13wRMS. I could dig up the manual someday to look that up again.
Sound quality is great on it paired with the right pair of speakers, but it does filter out bass once you crank up the volume.


I've ran an Alpine CDA9855 with the stock speakers and that didn't help much.

I'm not sure how much the Android HU has improved since I last bought a non-android touch screen Chinese HU. But something with the DAC that makes the sound horrible compared to a cheap Sony or Pioneer HU.

I would love, someday, try one of the Joying Android HU available on AliExpress.

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[06YarisRS]

In case anyone is interested...PowerAmp app and available on Google Play Store:

http://powerampapp.com/

[miiser]

In my experience, the reception is not as strong, drops off more and can be 'staticy'. The radio also doesn't catch as many stations as it scans. Maybe yours will be different, but all mine did not have as good/strong reception as the stock radio. This was something I could overlook as I listen to music more. My wife found it bothersome at times. It's not horrible, just not as good as stock. Maybe a qualified auto sound tech could do something to improve it.

I guess you have a local importer of these radios. I'd love a link if you have one. A two year warranty is bonus. Mine are all one year, and really moot because I'd never pay the high shipping rates to return it.



This signal reception problem occurs on AM? Of FM too? Cause here we use only FM and as I understand, there in states you use both of them.


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[miiser]

If I recall correctly, the stock fujitsuten HU is something like 13wRMS. I could dig up the manual someday to look that up again.
Sound quality is great on it paired with the right pair of speakers, but it does filter out bass once you crank up the volume.


I've ran an Alpine CDA9855 with the stock speakers and that didn't help much.

I'm not sure how much the Android HU has improved since I last bought a non-android touch screen Chinese HU. But something with the DAC that makes the sound horrible compared to a cheap Sony or Pioneer HU.

I would love, someday, try one of the Joying Android HU available on AliExpress.

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I bet there must be a huge difference between Android and nonandroid Chinese HUs.


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[miiser]

I think you are right. I meant to say that the stock would have 14 - 17ish watts peak.



Although these units sound 'acceptable' (subjective, I know) out of the box, it really is amazing what a digital processing app such as PowerAmp can do. My systems are exceptionally clear, balanced but I do quite a bit of tweaking and I have a 4-channel amp, sub and extra tweeters. Neither a stock unit or one of these head units is going to have enough juice, as you say, to power an aftermarket speaker to the point that it produces a well-rounded, clean sound.



Well sure, for an all around clear sound you need more things than just a HU. But is it the difference between the Chinese and brands, big? Or just marginal?

Ps: I will try the poweramp app you mentioned for sure, if I end up buying it


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[06YarisRS]

I But something with the DAC that makes the sound horrible compared to a cheap Sony or Pioneer HU.

If I can dig up the manual on my latest headunit, I'll see what audio chipset is in it. I seem to recall that it was a Philips TDA something or other. At the time I looked it up online and recall it was regarded as a respectable audio chip.

[IllusionX]

I bet there must be a huge difference between Android and nonandroid Chinese HUs.


Sent from my iPhone using TapatalkIt all comes down to the DAC and amp they are using. Android has nothing to do in the equation

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[06YarisRS]

I bet there must be a huge difference between Android and nonandroid Chinese HUs.


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I think there is probably a bit of variation just within the android units themselves. IllusionX mentions the Joying brand. I also read online that that company was aiming to improve the sound quality in their units.

Here is a link that makes reference to Joying's move to improve sound quality. There is also reference to Intel-based units.

https://forum.xda-developers.com/android-auto/android-head-units/bad-sound-quality-android-units-fixed-t3647498

I'm not an audiophile, but I know what sounds good to me (again obviously subjective). The acoustical enviroment in my vehicles is far from perfect, so I don't know that cost of high end gear would be justified. Once in a while I will play the song "Long After You're Gone" by Chris Jones in the car to get a nice 'audio' experience. The depth and clarity of the instrumentation is very pleasing, despite a slight bit of age-related hearing loss.

[miiser]

It all comes down to the DAC and amp they are using. Android has nothing to do in the equation

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I mean that, generally in Android headunits, Chinese manufactures tent to use better parts to build them. Just like they do with their smartphones.
Comparing an android smartphone from China, and a non one, the difference is day-night. I think that’s the case with the HU too.


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[IllusionX]

I mean that, generally in Android headunits, Chinese manufactures tent to use better parts to build them. Just like they do with their smartphones.
Comparing an android smartphone from China, and a non one, the difference is day-night. I think that’s the case with the HU too.


Sent from my iPhone using TapatalkI don't think your point is valid. Chinese brand Android phones also has its quirks compared to US brands.

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[06YarisRS]

I don't think your point is valid. Chinese brand Android phones also has its quirks compared to US brands.

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I read somewhere that unlicensed versions of Android OS are used in the Chinese units. :iono:

[06YarisRS]

This signal reception problem occurs on AM? Of FM too? Cause here we use only FM and as I understand, there in states you use both of them.


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FM as we don't listen to AM - way too muddy even for a voice. LOL

[miiser]

I think I am more confused than before now [emoji14]
Damn what should I do.
To put it more simple. Should I buy this Android headunit or the pioneer fh-x730bt?
Both will cost the same, because I will need bessels etc for the pioneer.
These are my choices.



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[miiser]

I read somewhere that unlicensed versions of Android OS are used in the Chinese units. :iono:



I have looked into that, these HU with no licensed version of Android have no play store. The one I found has, so we are ok on this part


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[06YarisRS]

I think I am more confused than before now [emoji14]
Damn what should I do.
To put it more simple. Should I buy this Android headunit or the pioneer fh-x730bt?
Both will cost the same, because I will need bessels etc for the pioneer.
These are my choices.



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For me, it would be a no-brainer, but I have lots of experience with the factory fit android HUs and have become well accustomed to them. However, if I was not planning to add extra gear (amp, sub etc) my approach might be different. And, the Pioneer does look like a nice unit.

Maybe make a pros and cons list for each unit?

I be willing to bet that you'd be happy with either.

[miiser]

For me, it would be a no-brainer, but I have lots of experience with the factory fit android HUs and have become well accustomed to them. However, if I was not planning to add extra gear (amp, sub etc) my approach might be different. And, the Pioneer does look like a nice unit.



Maybe make a pros and cons list for each unit?



I be willing to bet that you'd be happy with either.



How much do you think it’s the average lifespan of these Android HUs?
What’s your experience ?


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[IllusionX]

I have looked into that, these HU with no licensed version of Android have no play store. The one I found has, so we are ok on this part


Sent from my iPhone using TapatalkGoogle is not allowed to install Play Store in China I think. No Chinese models of Android phones have Play store

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[miiser]

Google is not allowed to install Play Store in China I think. No Chinese models of Android phones have Play store

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They have different markets there to bring the cost of manufacture down. But the global versions of their smartphones are enquipted with playstore


Aaaanyway.


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[06YarisRS]

How much do you think it’s the average lifespan of these Android HUs?
What’s your experience ?


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That would be hard to know. I had one failure (touchscreen) of all the units I had and I would guess that the oldest is 3+ yrs old.

[miiser]

That would be hard to know. I had one failure (touchscreen) of all the units I had and I would guess that the oldest is 3+ yrs old.



What are you using right now for headunit??


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[miiser]

Here are the specifications that I managed to find about this particular HU


https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180929/b4a86f89225351ee0503c9d69df237fa.png




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[06YarisRS]

What are you using right now for headunit??


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This. Though I got it for around $200.00 CAD, shipping included...

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/2-Din-Android-6-0-Car-DVD-GPS-For-Toyota-Hilux-Yaris-Vios-Camry-Corolla/32836828525.html?spm=2114.search0104.3.19.foKLJP&ws_ab_test=searchweb0_0%2Csearchweb201602_5_10152_ 10151_10065_10344_10130_10068_10342_10547_10343_10 340_10548_10341_10084_10083_10139_10613_10615_1030 7_10614_10059_10314_10534_100031_10604_10103_10142 %2Csearchweb201603_25%2CppcSwitch_3&algo_expid=0ed4c1c9-7954-4b2d-8aa4-e30b3a155a15-3&algo_pvid=0ed4c1c9-7954-4b2d-8aa4-e30b3a155a15&priceBeautifyAB=0

[06YarisRS]

Here are the specifications that I managed to find about this particular HU


https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180929/b4a86f89225351ee0503c9d69df237fa.png

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I don't think you'll have any issue with processing power, though I never have with any of mine, whether dual core or quad core.

One thing I don't like about the latest units is that the screen resolution is high, making the text hard to read. The one in my van is like 800 x 640(?) and vastly easier to read. My eyes aren't the best and I'm far too vain to get glasses. :laugh: Actually, I'm just a bit farsighted.

So, are you leaning farther in one direction than the other at this point?

[miiser]

This. Though I got it for around $200.00 CAD, shipping included...

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/2-Din-Android-6-0-Car-DVD-GPS-For-Toyota-Hilux-Yaris-Vios-Camry-Corolla/32836828525.html?spm=2114.search0104.3.19.foKLJP&ws_ab_test=searchweb0_0%2Csearchweb201602_5_10152_ 10151_10065_10344_10130_10068_10342_10547_10343_10 340_10548_10341_10084_10083_10139_10613_10615_1030 7_10614_10059_10314_10534_100031_10604_10103_10142 %2Csearchweb201603_25%2CppcSwitch_3&algo_expid=0ed4c1c9-7954-4b2d-8aa4-e30b3a155a15-3&algo_pvid=0ed4c1c9-7954-4b2d-8aa4-e30b3a155a15&priceBeautifyAB=0



Oh yeah I have seen your topic already.
It looks nice. I would like to buy something like this with universal fitment and bigger screen, but I will need bessels. So it’s not worth for me


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[miiser]

I don't think you'll have any issue with processing power, though I never have with any of mine, whether dual core or quad core.

One thing I don't like about the latest units is that the screen resolution is high, making the text hard to read. The one in my van is like 800 x 640(?) and vastly easier to read. My eyes aren't the best and I'm far too vain to get glasses. :laugh: Actually, I'm just a bit farsighted.

So, are you leaning farther in one direction than the other at this point?



Well you made me more confident with my decision to go the Android HU way.

I hope it will be a good experience. The only thing that bothers me is the poor radio signal you mentioned before. The HU comes with RDS thought.




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[WeeYari]

FYI, the few times over the years that I've seen aftermarket HUs with the integrated trim pieces installed, the fitment has not been the greatest. Edges don't quite line up with mating oem dash bits.

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[miiser]

FYI, the few times over the years that I've seen aftermarket HUs with the integrated trim pieces installed, the fitment has not been the greatest. Edges don't quite line up with mating oem dash bits.

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It’s fine I guess. I can live with that. I don’t expect everything to be perfect. It’s China after all.
But I saw pictures with this particular hu and the fitmen was on point.


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[miiser]

I went for it guys. The guy I ordered from, even had it in silver color (like my entire dash) so I will have the most factory look like result. He was kind enough even thought the silver edition is more expensive than the black one (maybe because it’s painted unlike the black which is just a black unpainted plastic), to sell it to me at the same price 280$ - 250€, like the black...
Now I am waiting for it to arrive. I hope I made the right decision. Wish me luck. I will keep you updated, maybe in a new topic to give my opinion about my experience with this headunit to those who are in the same boat like me, and cant decide if these Android headunits worth our attention.



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[ern-diz]

It's always going to come back to RMS power for me. I've used PowerAmp since my T-Mobile G1, the very first US Android Phone. Wonderful app, but it's no substitute for RMS power.

As 06Yaris has said, you'll probably be happy with either unit. I'm late to the party on answering the question of should you buy the Chinese Android unit or the Pioneer since you already made the purchase but for what it's worth, my pick would have been the Pioneer.

[miiser]

It's always going to come back to RMS power for me. I've used PowerAmp since my T-Mobile G1, the very first US Android Phone. Wonderful app, but it's no substitute for RMS power.

As 06Yaris has said, you'll probably be happy with either unit. I'm late to the party on answering the question of should you buy the Chinese Android unit or the Pioneer since you already made the purchase but for what it's worth, my pick would have been the Pioneer.



Both had like the same rms power, as I saw.

I know pioneer was the safe choice. But in the same amount of money, with this particular Android HU, I think I give less for much more. I mean with the same amount of money, I have a big screen (which I don’t get with the pioneer), I get maps (which I don’t get with pioneer), I keep the factory look of my car (which... well you get the point) and I have access to a huge app library, with useful apps like torque etc.

I bet pioneer has better sound processing chip. But I don’t think that the Android HU is that far off... these things have come a long way in the last year, due to demand and the smoother Experience newer Android flavors (7.0, 8.0) offer.
Time and usage will tell. I will keep you updated.

Poweramp will be in my app list for sure. Thanks for the recommendation.
Also, does anyone of you has to recommend a better EQ app? I haven’t use the stock thought yet because I don’t have the HU in my hands, so I don’t know if I need a better one anyway


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[06YarisRS]

Both had like the same rms power, as I saw.

I know pioneer was the safe choice. But in the same amount of money, with this particular Android HU, I think I give less for much more. I mean with the same amount of money, I have a big screen (which I don’t get with the pioneer), I get maps (which I don’t get with pioneer), I keep the factory look of my car (which... well you get the point) and I have access to a huge app library, with useful apps like torque etc.

I bet pioneer has better sound processing chip. But I don’t think that the Android HU is that far off... these things have come a long way in the last year, due to demand and the smoother Experience newer Android flavors (7.0, 8.0) offer.
Time and usage will tell. I will keep you updated.

Poweramp will be in my app list for sure. Thanks for the recommendation.
Also, does anyone of you has to recommend a better EQ app? I haven’t use the stock thought yet because I don’t have the HU in my hands, so I don’t know if I need a better one anyway


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Congrats on the purchase! I think you'll be pleased. Poweramp has all the EQ you'll need. It has a 10 band equalizer plus all kinds of filters etc. Once you get the unit installed and PowerAmp loaded, there are a few settings in Poweramp and your system settings that I can help you with. To reiterate what ern-diz said, a bit more power is better. Since you've already installed speakers, that's the hardest part of an audio upgrade. I bet that you'll be looking at an amp, sub and tweeters before long! Haha. Trust me, it would make a world of difference. There are some good 4 channel mini amps in the 50/75 RMS x 4, CEA-2006 approved category that rock. If you go that route, I can make some suggestions on budget gear that's pretty good quality (Clarion, Kenwood, Korean-made Dual amps, NVX etc, no Boss/Pyle gear here LOL)

[miiser]

Congrats on the purchase! I think you'll be pleased. Poweramp has all the EQ you'll need. It has a 10 band equalizer plus all kinds of filters etc. Once you get the unit installed and PowerAmp loaded, there are a few settings in Poweramp and your system settings that I can help you with. To reiterate what ern-diz said, a bit more power is better. Since you've already installed speakers, that's the hardest part of an audio upgrade. I bet that you'll be looking at an amp, sub and tweeters before long! Haha. Trust me, it would make a world of difference. There are some good 4 channel mini amps in the 50/75 RMS x 4, CEA-2006 approved category that rock. If you go that route, I can make some suggestions on budget gear that's pretty good quality (Clarion, Kenwood, Korean-made Dual amps, NVX etc, no Boss/Pyle gear here LOL)



Thank you, I hope I will be pleased.

I would love some help with these settings since I am new to this. Thank you

So poweramp applies eq settings in the whole system? Or just the songs I play within the app?

Haha once you get in the sound upgrade path, you can never stop. I was always wondering what people think when they turn their cars into a transformer full of speakers and when I decided to upgrade my sound system, the list went on and on and on.
I made some mistakes in the beginning, I bought a pair of speakers that I shouldn’t have, because they had build in tweeters (coaxials) and I placed them in the front, while I had already tweeters from the factory in the a pillars, so there was no depth in the sound, no bass, only highs.
After that I bought the other set which I have right now. They are stock speakers from VW group, but to me, they sound amazing (I have upload some pics of them in an other post I made about some interior upgrades I did, and you can really see the difference in quality between them and the stock Yaris speakers : Neat-cheap interior mods that makes a huge difference.

https://r.tapatalk.com/shareLink?share_fid=105393&share_tid=60420&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Eyarisworld%2Ecom%2Fforums%2 Fshowthread%2Ephp%3Ft%3D60420&share_type=t

I had experience with them before due to our previous car (Audi a5) and I knew that their stock speakers are pretty good, so I bought 4 used of them and I couldn’t be happier. Total cost of them 40$.
Now with the new HU I think they will shine.

For now I will try to hold myself from spending more money on amp and sub. But I know that at some point I will do it for sure [emoji39]



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[06YarisRS]

Thank you, I hope I will be pleased.

I would love some help with these settings since I am new to this. Thank you

So poweramp applies eq settings in the whole system? Or just the songs I play within the app?

Haha once you get in the sound upgrade path, you can never stop. I was always wondering what people think when they turn their cars into a transformer full of speakers and when I decided to upgrade my sound system, the list went on and on and on.
I made some mistakes in the beginning, I bought a pair of speakers that I shouldn’t have, because they had build in tweeters (coaxials) and I placed them in the front, while I had already tweeters from the factory in the a pillars, so there was no depth in the sound, no bass, only highs.
After that I bought the other set which I have right now. They are stock speakers from VW group, but to me, they sound amazing (I have upload some pics of them in an other post I made about some interior upgrades I did, and you can really see the difference in quality between them and the stock Yaris speakers : Neat-cheap interior mods that makes a huge difference.

https://r.tapatalk.com/shareLink?share_fid=105393&share_tid=60420&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Eyarisworld%2Ecom%2Fforums%2 Fshowthread%2Ephp%3Ft%3D60420&share_type=t

I had experience with them before due to our previous car (Audi a5) and I knew that their stock speakers are pretty good, so I bought 4 used of them and I couldn’t be happier. Total cost of them 40$.
Now with the new HU I think they will shine.

For now I will try to hold myself from spending more money on amp and sub. But I know that at some point I will do it for sure [emoji39]



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The question about Poweramp applying settings to the whole system is something I'm not sure about actually. I don't use any other sources, so couldn't say for sure. The Android unit will have an EQ under the sound settings. I normally leave that flat and the use Poweramp for my 'frequency tuning'.

Sounds like those speakers will work well. Most aftermarket speakers, whether low or high end, I believe, will not come into their own without an amplifier. Maybe the low impedance speakers like some of the Polks or Infinitys would give better results with head unit power alone. I think OEM speakers are more efficient, demand less power, and as a result may sound better than aftermarket if powered only by a stock head unit. My experience has always been that just adding an aftermarket speaker will improve the clarity, but results in less perceivable bass response.

[miiser]

The question about Poweramp applying settings to the whole system is something I'm not sure about actually. I don't use any other sources, so couldn't say for sure. The Android unit will have an EQ under the sound settings. I normally leave that flat and the use Poweramp for my 'frequency tuning'.

Sounds like those speakers will work well. Most aftermarket speakers, whether low or high end, I believe, will not come into their own without an amplifier. Maybe the low impedance speakers like some of the Polks or Infinitys would give better results with head unit power alone. I think OEM speakers are more efficient, demand less power, and as a result may sound better than aftermarket if powered only by a stock head unit. My experience has always been that just adding an aftermarket speaker will improve the clarity, but results in less perceivable bass response.



That’s exactly what I figured out, too.
I bought these speakers, because they demand less power and they work really well if you are on a budget. With a new HU, with more settings than our factory one they can really shine. Even with the crappy stock Yaris speakers you can improve the sound by using a new headunit, or at least that’s what a member here told me.

With aftermarket speakers you have to get an amp sooner or later otherwise you miss depth and bass response.

So to anybody else who’s thinking buying a new pair of speakers, without having an amp, guys buy a pair of used factory speakers of another, more expensive car (I heavily recommend the vw speakers, but it’s up to you). Just make sure that the ohm independence is 4ohms if you are going to use them with the stock headunit .
They will make wonders.


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[miiser]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181008/72c8e980ded4c6182bdc347b8b6e5f8a.jpg
It’s here guys. And it looks amazing !


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[ern-diz]

As you had said, looks like a perfect replacement/fit.

[06YarisRS]

Head unit looks awesome! Looking forward to your impressions.

[miiser]

Head unit looks awesome! Looking forward to your impressions.



After 3 days trying to fix the radio reception which was terrible, I finally found the problem. I had to stop acting like an idiot [emoji14] and then use the correct connector for the antenna. (I was using a tv antenna connector and I thought it will be the same. Wrong !)

Now everything is perfect. But the radio still has static sounds. every fm station is playing but all of them have static issues..
any idea on how to fix this? How to make it better ?

Is this a problem only on these Android HUs or in every 2 din conversion (pioneer etc) ?

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[kevinj93]

There is an amplifier in the antenna base that needs 12 volt power applied. Without the power, the radio reception is very poor. From memory, on my series 3 this was a black wire thag runs with the antenna lead. Most after market radios will have a switched 12 volt output that can be used to power the antenna anmplifier.

[miiser]

There is an amplifier in the antenna base that needs 12 volt power applied. Without the power, the radio reception is very poor. From memory, on my series 3 this was a black wire thag runs with the antenna lead. Most after market radios will have a switched 12 volt output that can be used to power the antenna anmplifier.



I did that Kevin. I found the wire (it was a blue one) and I plugged it on an unused connector wire with an AMP tag sticker on it.
But still nothing..


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[miiser]

The factory antenna connector with the 2 wires you mentioned :

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181011/103ffe180229c808c3c37498544b0d24.png

I thought by plugging it in the amp connector wire I would have better reception. But it exactly the same... with or without

Maaaybe a blown fuse of the antenna amp?
Which is the fuse for it?


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