This week in the garage- Apple CarPlay for Porsche 991 featuring Alpine iLX-107 wireless CarPlay receiver.
Alpine iLX-107 Apple CarPlay for Porsche 991
In the summer of 2016, a potential new customer contacted our shop in Brookfield, CT about aftermarket Apple CarPlay for Porsche 991. At the time, I had nothing but rumors and hearsay to go off of. According to my sources, there were no such products on the market or in development. It was on the radar of a couple manufacturers, but nothing had been planned for product development – they were still probably 6 months to a year away from releasing even a prototype. I kept notes about our conversation and periodically checked for updates with NAV-TV and iDatalink, two of the companies that had been rumored to be working on it.
Earlier this summer I received a follow up call from the same customer so I put another call into NAV-TV for the latest update. I found out they were just weeks away from releasing an aftermarket radio interface for select 2012 – up Porsche 911, 991 and 2011-up Cayenne. After more than a year of waiting we finally had the right parts available to replace the stock stereo and retain the Bose M.O.S.T. fiber optic amplifier.
Some things are worth waiting for like the NAV TV NTV-KIT835 aka MOST-HUR31
When the NTV-KIT835 finally shipped we still had lots of unanswered questions about what factory features would be lost and what features would be retained. At the time, NAV-TV wasn’t sure if the reverse park assist sensors would remain since their test vehicles were not equipped with that feature. After installing the interface, we were happy to find out the audio was retained, however the park sensor visual display was lost.
Apple CarPlay for Porsche 991 with factory reverse camera and Dynamic lines
With the help of a vehicle wiring schematic, we were able to identify the OEM reverse camera wiring and retain the factory camera and dynamic park assist lines.
The NTV-KIT835 is a bit more advanced than previous NAV-TV radio replacement interfaces. Like other NAV-TV interfaces, fader control directly from the aftermarket head unit is not available. However, it is available through a new special menu labeled “NAVTV HUR” accessible under the audio display in the instrument cluster along with input gain, bass and treble.
Since the customer had long been awaiting installing an aftermarket Apple CarPlay receiver in his Porsche 991, he had already obtained the dash installation kit from Suncoast parts. At the moment, that is the only aftermarket radio installation kit available that I am aware of and it is a tight fit. For that reason, we recommend sticking with a non motorized touch screen or mechless style head unit for the best fit and cleanest look.
Alpine iLX-107 Apple CarPlay for Porsche 991
In this particular Porsche 991 we installed the Alpine iLX-107 which is a wireless CarPlay receiver. Unlike many other Alpine receivers, this model is made in Japan. When compared to other Alpine receivers, you can see and feel the difference in quality – both in the design and in the physical weight and construction. The Alpine iLX-107 has a very clean minimalist look and does exactly what it’s designed to do – aftermarket wireless Apple CarPlay.
Apple CarPlay for Porsche 991 ilx-107 USB in OEM location
We routed the aftermarket Alpine USB input directly to the OEM USB location in the glove box for a clean factory appearance. In addition to adding Apple CarPlay to this Porsche 991, we added a discreet front camera.
Front Camera with Alpine iLX-107 Apple CarPlay for Porsche 991
A front camera can help you avoid those annoying under bumper scrapes that occur too easily in vehicles with such minimal ground clearance. Although the iLX-107 does not have a dedicated front camera input, it does have an A/V input. This feature is viewed by simply selecting the A/V input on the home screen.
Front camera view on AV input with Alpine iLX-107 Apple CarPlay for Porsche 991
The Alpine iLX-107 isn’t for everyone – it lacks a few features such as:
CD/DVD player
SiriusXM compatibility
HDMI input
On board GPS navigation
However, if you’re an Apple fan, you’ll love the convenience of wireless Apple CarPlay and the clean, yet functional, minimalist appearance.
Add Apple CarPlay to Your Porsche 991, 911 or Cayenne
If you’re near Brookfield, CT and want Apple CarPlay for your Porsche 991, 911 or Cayenne, contact Sounds Incredible Mobile today for more details. Live outside of the CT or NY area? Contact NAV-TV to find a dealer near you and enjoy the benefits of an aftermarket Apple CarPlay receiver in your Porsche.
Alpine i209-WRA installed with brake light reverse camera at Sounds Incredible Mobile
At Sounds Incredible Mobile, in Brookfield, CT, we recently had a client bring in his Jeep Wrangler to have an Alpine i209-WRA installed. We do a lot of audio upgrades in Jeep Wranglers at our shop. As some of you may know, my husband John and I both own Wranglers – he’s got a 2013 and I’ve got a 2014, both 2-door JK Sport. And although we’ve installed Alpine’s two previous Jeep Wrangler Restyle models in clients vehicles (the X009-WRA and X109-WRA), due to cost and lack of desirable features, we never wanted to put them in our Jeeps. To put it bluntly, the previous models had big beautiful screens and did a lot, but they didn’t have the KEY features consumers want these days such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
It appears Alpine listened to our complaints and answered with the Alpine i209-WRA. As the saying goes, the third time’s the charm. Alpine really hit it out of the park with this model. The Alpine i209-WRA is something we’d gladly put in our own Jeeps – if there were enough to go around! These babies have been selling like hotcakes and until we’ve got a steady supply from Alpine, we’ll go without – fulfilling our clients orders first and foremost.
Alpine i209-WRA features a premium finish with OEM touches and details
The devil really is in the details and Alpine really thought this out. Not only is this big beautiful 9-inch screen water resistant and dustproof, it has a high visibility WVGA capacitive touch screen designed to be bright even in sunlight. Additionally the gun metal trim nicely compliments the Jeep Wrangler interior and includes very subtle, but attractive side lighting. I’m totally a sucker for details like that.
Alpine i209-WRA installed at Sounds Incredible Mobile, Brookfield, CT – Side View Picture
The other really cool thing about installing the Alpine i209-WRA is Alpine pretty much includes everything you need for the install. Unlike any other aftermarket head unit, you won’t have an elaborate and costly list of parts tacked onto the bill in order to have it installed.
The i209-WRA includes:
All necessary mounting hardware and trim
iDatalink Maestro steering wheel control interface and wire harness
FM/AM antenna adapter
OEM USB port retention adapter (which we only use for Apple CarPlay – Android Auto users need a higher speed USB port)
Alpine i209-WRA installed with a couple additional accessories
There are a handful of popular accessories for the i209-WRA that are not included. One of those is the SXV300 SiriusXM tuner. They don’t include this piece of hardware because not everyone wants SiriusXM. However, in case you do want to add SiriusXM, it does come with the iDatalink SAT1 adapter. This allows you to retain the OEM satellite radio antenna with the aftermarket SiriusXM tuner. Additionally, Alpine’s third brake light Jeep Wrangler reverse camera is also a very popular option.
Alpine brake light camera and i209-WRA installed at Sounds Incredible Mobile
The Alpine HCE-TCAM1-WRA third brake light reverse camera is compatible with 2007-Up Jeep Wranglers and it works well with the big beautiful 9-inch i209-WRA screen. It features an optimal viewing angle along with water resistant and dustproof housing. The built in brake and reverse lights allow Jeep Wrangler owners to remove their factory third brake light for increased visibility. Alpine also includes 3 different mounting accessories to insure a perfect fit whether you have factory wheels or aftermarket wheels.
Alpine i209-WRA and Alpine third brake light camera view – installed at Sounds Incredible Mobile, Brookfield, CT.
Aside from satellite radio and the brake light Jeep Wrangler reverse camera, you may also want to consider Alpine’s KAC-001 external accessory control module. This electronic switching interface allows users to control external accessories such as a winch, lighting, suspension etc. directly from the head unit. Additionally, I will mention the included iDatalink Maestro allows users to check out battery voltage, read and reset check engine codes, see tire pressure monitoring and vehicle performance gauges on screen.
Alpine i209-WRA installed displaying vehicle info screen at Sounds Incredible Mobile, Brookfield, CT
The Alpine i209-WRA installed is a great overall value
For most consumers, the Alpine i209-WRA proves to be a great value. At $1999.95, this head unit pretty much has it all:
Apple CarPlay
Android Auto
iDatalink Maestro steering wheel and vehicle data integration (module and harness included)
SiriusXM capability (requires SXV300 tuner, but SAT1 adapter incuded)
9-inch high visibility WVGA capacitive touch screen that is dustproof and water resistant
Bluetooth for handsfree calling and audio streaming
HD Radio
HDMI input (requires HDMI cable or flush mount accessory)
The only common features missing here are a CD/DVD player and on board GPS Navigation. However, if you’re using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, that probably won’t be anything you’ll really need. If you prefer on board GPS for traveling through dead zones and like having a built in CD/DVD player, consider the x209-WRA. This model contains those additional features, albeit at a substantially higher cost.
Get your Alpine i209-WRA installed with Annie and John at Sounds Incredible Mobile
If you’re in Litchfield or Fairfield county of Connecticut or of Dutchess or Putnam County, New York and you’re interested in having the i209-WRA installed in your Jeep Wrangler, contact us today to learn more. Have you installed the i209-WRA or X209-WRA in your Jeep? If so, comment below and let me know what you think of it!
Shopping for an Apple CarPlay compatible head unit can be super confusing since there are so many models out there to choose from. If you’re not sure where to start, I’ll simplify and explain all of the current CarPlay compatible models from 4 major brands – Kenwood, Pioneer, Sony and Alpine. They all have their own unique pro’s and con’s and the best one will vary depending on your unique needs. This CarPlay head unit review will help you break down the features and find the best one for your particular application.
It’s all about the features:
Are you interested in SiriusXM, HD Radio, CD player, HDMI input, iDatalink Maestro? No? Then consider the Sony XAV-AX100. The Sony XAV-AX100 is a great little Apple CarPlay compatible head unit and it’s one of the most reasonably priced out there. That’s largely because it lacks all those other features that some of us refer to as bells and whistles.
Sony CarPlay XAV-AX100 – Best CarPlay Head Unit Review
I plan on putting this in my own Jeep once we get some free time at the shop. Why would I choose this model since I work in this industry and could put any in my car? Well, I hate SiriusXM, I have no desire to listen to regular radio or CD for that matter and I have no need for an HDMI input. I can also live without iDatalink Maestro Car Portal features such as resetting a check engine light or checking vehicle battery voltage on screen. I’m also a little, um, frugal to put it nicely and if you are too, you might want to consider this model as well. Aside from Apple CarPlay, the Sony XAV-AX100 features:
6.4″ touch screen
Volume knob (I point this out because the models with a slightly smaller screen have this feature and that is something some people like to have vs one of those little tiny volume rocker bars we see on 7″ models)
AM/FM Radio (no HD radio)
Bluetooth
Reverse camera input
Front, Rear and Subwoofer preouts (they say rated at 2 volt, but I swear sounds more like 4 volt)
The Sony is simple – what you see is what you get. Because it lacks so many features, it’s really pretty easy to use. The home screen has a few simple icons and the settings menu is easy to navigate. This model has a few options for background display screens or you can upload your own.
Sony XAV-AX100 Home Screen – Best CarPlay Head Unit Review
So what’s the catch with the Sony XAV-AX100?
I have two complaints about this model. Number one – you cannot connect an iPod through the USB. The USB port on this stereo is specifically for either Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, however – you can have your iPhone connected for CarPlay and also have an iPod connected to Bluetooth at the same time so if you want the option to play an iPod through this stereo, that’s really the only way to do it. Kenwood on the other hand will allow you to connect an iPod to the USB port, however, you cannot have an iPhone and iPod connected at the same time because they use the same USB port (even on models that feature dual USB ports!). Pioneer by the way, does let you use an iPod on the secondary USB port while having CarPlay connected via USB 1.
Complaint number two – Sony’s steering wheel control mapping is bizarre, it’s just a bit redundant and seems odd how they’ve doubled up functions on buttons. Source doesn’t just change source, it will also allow you to hang up or reject a phone call. My guess is they mapped it this way for the older Japanese vehicles that only have 5 basic functions on the existing steering wheel controls. However, if you have a newer vehicle with dedicated answer/hang up and voice button, it will seem a little odd. So for example, in my 2014 Wrangler, here is how my steering wheel controls will be mapped out using an iDatalink Maestro RR:
Sony XAV-AX100 Jeep Wrangler SWC
However, if you can get over these quirks and don’t need all the bells and whistles, the Sony XAV-AX100 may be the best CarPlay head unit for you.
So you want SiriusXM? Not ready to give up CD’s?
Consider the Kenwood DDX6703s or DDX6903s. These two models are so similar I’ve lumped them together. The DDX6703s is part of Kenwood’s regular line and the DDX6903s is part of their premier eXcelon line up. The DDX6903s has two USB ports, DDX6703s has one USB port. The DDX6903s has a 5 volt pre-amp output, the DDX6703s has a 4 volt pre-amp output. When purchased from an authorized eXcelon dealer, the DDX6903s comes with a 2 year warranty and the DDX6703s has a 1 year warranty.
Kenwood DDX6703s – Best CarPlay Head Unit Review
So when you step up to either the DDX6703s or DDX6903s you gain a few key features over the Sony XAV-AX100 such as:
SiriusXM compatibility (requires SXV300 tuner and I recommend a higher quality satellite radio antenna than the garbage SiriusXM includes with this tuner such as the Mobile Spec MSUNIVSAT)
HD Radio on FM/AM
CD/DVD player
Dual camera input (and it’s real easy to switch to the front camera, when in reverse just tap the screen)
iDatalink Maestro compatibility with Car Portal features
GPS antenna
The iDatalink Maestro Car Portal features are pretty cool and an absolute must for certain vehicles. For example, let’s say you have a brand new Ram pick up with the Uconnect 5.0 radio and you want to upgrade to a CarPlay head unit.
iDatalink CH3 Screen Ram – Image courtesy of iDatalink
The stock head unit has a vehicle settings menu where you can change settings for the door locks, horn, lights, dimmer, etc. Once you change the radio, you can no longer access those options. Unless of course you go with an iDatalink Maestro compatible head unit with what’s called a serial data port connection. To see what features you would be able to retain and check compatibility, try out this iDatalink Maestro RR weblink demo.
Want a bigger screen too?
Well, why not, we’re already around $550 in price range, what’s a few bucks more? The next step up from the DDX6703s and DDX6903s is the brand new DMX7704s which features a 7″ touch screen (vs 6.2″), BUT you lose the CD/DVD player. And although this model has two USB ports, only one will work for iPhone or an iPod. The secondary USB port is for flash memory and all Kenwood’s that have the dual USB feature are like this.
Let’s think about this – do you really need a CD/DVD player? If not, but you want Apple CarPlay, iDatalink Maestro support and SiriusXM then this may be the best CarPlay head unit for you. What else do you get when you step up again within the Kenwood line up? The DDX9703s and the eXcelon DDX9903s.
Kenwood DDX9703s Home Screen – Best CarPlay Head Unit Review
The DDX9703s and DDX9903s feature an HDMI input
To truly mirror the iPhone, you need a head unit with an HDMI input and you also need an HDMI cable and an Apple Lightning Digital A/V adapter. When I say mirror I mean it mirrors the audio and video of the phone on the screen, you still have to control everything from the phone itself.
HDMI mirroring – Best CarPlay Head Unit Review
The only thing I can see safely using this for is if you wanted to have the GPS app Waze on screen, you could launch it from your phone and mirror it into the stereo screen.
The DDX9703s and DDX9903s also feature Dual Zone
What Dual Zone allows you to do is load a DVD into the in dash CarPlay head unit and feed the audio/video out into a rear monitor (ideally one that supports wireless IR headphones) while you can listen to your iPhone, SiriusXM or HD radio on the front two speakers. This is a cool feature if you’re looking to upgrade the family vehicle.
Like the previous eXcelon models, the DDX9903s has a 5 volt pre amp output (vs 4 volt on DDX9703s) and has a 2 year warranty when purchased from an authorized dealer (vs 1 year on the DDX9703s). Additionally, the DDX9903s has dual USB ports, but again, only supports an iPod or iPhone on the main USB port, the secondary USB will read flash memory. The DDX9903s also features a glass capacitive touch screen vs a regular resistive touch screen.
Page one of sources Kenwood DDX9703s
From an operational standpoint, the navigation menu’s on the Kenwood models are pretty easy to use. Icons are large and easy to see. There are 3 easy to swipe through pages that allow you access to all the various sources available.
Page two of sources Kenwood DDX9703s
You can easily drag and drop the icons in the order you prefer putting the ones you use most often on the home page and secondary page. Additionally, there is a clear menu button on every Kenwood radio and to access the settings you simply tap menu, then settings.
Page 3 of sources Kenwood DDX9703s
One unique feature Kenwood has that no one else seems to offer is “Memory Recall”
Let’s say you or your installer spent a good amount of time setting up the audio features, perfecting the 13 band EQ settings and digital time alignment and then bam, without warning your battery goes dead and you lose all those settings. Well, if you memorized them in the head unit, all you have to do is recall them. I LOVE this feature and I seriously don’t get why Sony, Alpine and Pioneer don’t copy it (please engineers – take a hint!).
So what are the drawbacks on Kenwood?
Well, there’s a couple. For one, what’s the point of dual USB if you can only play an iPod on the same port that supports CarPlay? Number two – I’ve heard of a few people out there hearing a background hiss sound as soon as they connect their iPhone to the USB port. I’ve talked to Kenwood about it and as long as you purchased it from an authorized dealer, they’ll swap it out no questions asked. That’s in theory, in practice I had a customer buy a refurbished Kenwood model from an authorized online dealer (please stay away from refurbs!) and he experienced this issue. Unfortunately he still had the same issue after installing the replacement unit. It’s kind of like the hiss you hear on a record player and it’s only audible at near zero volume, but still, I can see how annoying it would be. Luckily, I haven’t had any issues with units we’ve sold. And lastly I’m not too keen on the blue splash screen for the Album art section. If you don’t have your iPhone or iPod connected you will see a blue splash screen and there is no way to change that.
If you can get over the Blue album art splash screen and the fact that you can only play an iPod over the main USB port, Kenwood may still be the best option for you. Especially if you want SiriusXM capability, iDatalink Maestro RR capability, HDMI input and Dual Zone. In that case, the DDX9703s or DDX9903s may be the best CarPlay head unit for you.
Want to be able to have CarPlay connected and an iPod at the same time?
This might sound like a silly feature to get hung up on, but here’s why you might want to consider having this option. Let’s say you have your iPhone connected for CarPlay and you’re listening to Pandora or Spotify and you end up driving into an area with spotty cell service. All of a sudden your music starts pausing or cutting in and out. I personally can’t stand when data streaming services get interrupted like that – really who likes listening to music cutting in and out? With the Pioneer AVH-4201NEX you could simply switch your source on the radio to USB 2 to your already connected 80 gig iPod loaded up with tunes for interruption free listening. It saves the hassle of trying to disconnect one device and connect another while you’re driving and if you want a safe and enjoyable listening experience, this is one feature to consider.
Home Screen on Pioneer AVH-4201NEX – Best CarPlay Head Unit Review
The AVH-4201NEX is essentially the same head unit as the last year’s AVH-4200NEX (and the 2015 model AVH-4100NEX), but they added a free reverse camera to the package. There are quite a few things to like about this model, it seems to have everything you could possibly need as far as features are concerned:
AM/FM – HD Radio
Bluetooth
Dual Zone
Dual camera inputs
SiriusXM ready
Dual USB ports and both support iPod’s and iPhone’s – CarPlay only functions on USB 1
HDMI input
CD/DVD player
iDatalink Maestro compatible
Detachable Face for security purposes
The menu and user interface is also quite intuitive. From the home screen you have access to your 5 most commonly used sources, telephone shortcut, settings shortcut and CarPlay shortcut. A quick tap of the A/V icon on the bottom right brings up all available sources. Some people prefer this layout over Kenwood’s larger source icons and several pages of sources to swipe through.
Pioneer AVH-4201NEX Home Screen – Best CarPlay Head Unit Review
Drawbacks on the Pioneer CarPlay models
One feature Pioneer lacks is a GPS antenna, so if you plan on using the Apple Maps often in your vehicle, that is one feature to keep in mind that both Kenwood and Alpine include, but Pioneer and Sony do not.
Speaking about Pioneer – Pioneer has three new CarPlay head units being released this summer including the first ever single din CarPlay head unit.
They’re not out yet, as of this writing, but coming soon and they will be more value oriented. There are two double dins and the first ever single din flip out CarPlay receiver. The two double dins are going to be the 6.2″ touch screen AVH-1300NEX and the 7″ touch screen AVH-2300NEX. Both will feature:
AM/FM Radio (No HD Radio)
Bluetooth
SiriusXM capability
CD/DVD
4 Volt preouts, 13 band EQ, built in crossovers
iDatalink Maestro capabaility
Single USB port
These models are similar to the Sony, less bells and whistles cuts the price way down. The 6.2″ AVH-1300NEX is expected to sell for $399.95 and the 7″ AVH-2300NEX is expected to sell for $499.95 (the AVH-2300NEX will also be Android Auto compatible).
Single Din CarPlay Head Unit Pioneer AVH-3300NEX – Best CarPlay Head Unit Review
For those of you wanting CarPlay, but lack the double din opening, the AVH-3300NEX is the perfect solution. This model will have pretty much everything you could possibly need for a single din CarPlay receiver:
7″ Touch screen
SiriusXM Capable
Detachable panel
Single USB
Bluetooth
4 Volt preouts, 13 band EQ, digital time alignment
Single Reverse Camera Input
What about Alpine?
Alpine will eventually be shipping the first ever wireless CarPlay receiver which is pretty cool, but you definitely pay for that coolness factor. The iLX-107 will basically be replacing the iLX-007 which was essentially an Apple designed product. The iLX-107 will retain the clean design and user interface that we saw in the iLX-007, but it will add wireless CarPlay control and iDatalink Maestro capability. This model is expected to sell for $699.95 and it simply features:
AM/FM Radio
USB (strictly for CarPlay compatible devices)
GPS antenna
Rear AUX input
Reverse Camera input
Front, Rear and Subwoofer preouts 2 volt
As I said, coolness comes at a price.
Alpine iLX-107 – Best CarPlay Head Unit Review
The Alpine iLX-107 is not to be confused with the Alpine iLX-207 – but it’s easy to get them confused because they will be sold at the same price and have very different features.
Alpine iLX-207 – Best CarPlay Head Unit Review
When you move over to the Alpine iLX-207 you lose the wireless CarPlay feature and rear aux input, but you gain quite a bit such as:
HD Radio
USB that is not strictly for CarPlay (also plays iPods and Android Auto)
SiriusXM Ready
HDMI Input
Still, at this price point, you’re really not getting a fantastic value with Alpine. With Pioneer or Kenwood, you’re getting a lot more features for your money. And there’s one more thing to keep in mind with Alpine – none of their CarPlay models include a CD or DVD player. So if that’s important to you, forget Alpine. If however, wireless CarPlay is a feature that’s important to you, then the Alpine iLX-107 may be the best CarPlay head unit for you.
Confused yet? Let’s recap.
Sony XAV-AX100 – Good for a nice easy to use basic CarPlay stereo. No frills. Features:
However it lacks just about everything else: CD/DVD, USB is strictly for CarPlay, no SiriusXM, no HD Radio, no HDMI input, has just one camera input.
The new Alpine iLX-207 doesn’t really fit well in the middle of the progression of these models because it has a mix of features that is not exactly priced competitively compared to Kenwood and Pioneer models (which is why I don’t plan on carrying this model). For reference, the key features on this mechless CarPlay head unit are:
HD Radio
USB that is not strictly for CarPlay (also plays iPods and Android Auto)
SiriusXM capability
HDMI Input
iDatalink Maestro Support
So which model is the best CarPlay head unit for you? Simply focus on the features that are most important to you and you’ll find it a lot easier to select the best CarPlay head unit for your unique application. Enjoy!
Meet the Alpine i209-WRA – combining the perfect mix of features and value
Although I couldn’t make it to CES 2017, I was excited to see that Alpine finally appears to have the right combination of features and price point with at least one of their two brand new 2011 and up Jeep Wrangler dedicated head units. The Alpine i209-WRA and X209-WRA are both scheduled for release April 2017.
I think the bigger seller here, by far, will be the Alpine i209-WRA which is their new mechless 9″ stereo featuring Apple Carplay and Android Auto. Aside from being water resistant and dustproof*, this model adds a ton of features that were lacking in last year’s model i109-WRA such as:
iDatalink Maestro integration
SiriusXM capability (requires SXV300 tuner and possibly an iDatalink SAT1)
New high visibility WVGA capacitive touch screen
Bluetooth for handsfree calling and audio streaming
HD Radio
HDMI input**
*A note about the IP54 rating which is defined in two parts according to Wikipedia: Ingress of dust is not entirely prevented, but it must not enter in sufficient quantity to interfere with the satisfactory operation of the equipment; Water splashing against the enclosure from any direction shall have no harmful effect. Having said that, it’s kind of like dropping your iPhone in the snow – pick it up, dry it off and it will survive, but you probably wouldn’t have the same luck if you submerged it in water for an extended period of time. It’s not entirely infallible to the elements, but can withstand a decent bout of dust and rain which is inevitable for Jeep Wrangler owners.
**Correction 2/8/17 – a previous publication of this article stated this model lacked an HDMI input. After receiving some conflicting information, Alpine has clarified and confirmed HDMI input is a feature of the i209-WRA.
So what’s the Alpine i209-WRA going to cost you?
All this can be yours at a retail price of $1999.95**. Keep in mind, Alpine wants that price to be a fully installed price. So let’s compare that to a fully installed price on something like Pioneer’s AVH-4200NEX or Kenwood’s DDX9703s.
Both models feature a 7″ touch screen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM capability, HD radio, Bluetooth plus an on board DVD/CD Player (which the Alpine i209-WRA lacks). Both models come with a 1 year warranty when purchased from an authorized retailer.
When you add the iDatalink Maestro module, the Maestro harness, the FM/AM antenna adapter, the dash kit, the USB flush mount/retention adapter and installation you’re looking close to $1150 installed for either one.
Alpine i209-WRA Jeep Wrangler Head Unit 2017
Spend an extra $850 on the Alpine i209-WRA you’ll get:
A much larger 9″ screen
A water resistant and dust proof WGVA high visibility capacitive touch screen that is designed to be visible even in bright sun (a screen designed for the Jeep Wrangler environment)
3 year warranty (I’m assuming on this one – that was a feature of previous models, I don’t see why they wouldn’t carry that forward)
Bragging rights
Want an on board GPS navigation and a DVD player too? That’ll cost you.
Alpine takes it one step further with the next model up, the Alpine X209-WRA. With a suggested retail price of $3499.95***, the Alpine X209-WRA adds:
On board GPS navigation
CD/DVD Player
Dual Zone – (DVD output from in dash unit to rear seat entertainment option like headrest screens with wireless headphones for example)
Alpine Connect infotainment service and companion smartphone app featuring in-dash content from iHeartRadio, Yelp, Glympse, and Spotify
How well these models sell will certainly depend on the market. I can tell you in our area, I can see Jeep Wrangler owners making the $850 leap from a 7″ Kenwood or Pioneer Apple CarPlay and Android Auto head unit to the Alpine i209-WRA. I’m not so sure about the X209-WRA, but time will tell.
What do the Jeep Wrangler owner’s out there think? Which model would you be more inclined to install in your Jeep Wrangler? The i209-WRA or X209-WRA?
***I corrected this article 2/3/17 to reflect the minimum advertised price. The original article stated the price of the i209-WRA was $2200 and the price for the X209-WRA was $4000. Despite obtaining those prices from Alpine’s CES press release, the minimum advertised price for the i209-WRA is actually only $1999.95 and the minimum advertised price for the X209-WRA is $3499.95.
I’m so happy Sony finally made an Apple CarPlay and Android Compatible head unit. For at least the last couple of years, Sony has definitely had an edge over its competitors in terms of sound quality and value and this model is no different in that regard. Retailing at only $499*, this is the lowest priced Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible head unit that I’ve carried and based on the features and ease of use, I think it’s a phenomenal value.
*Update 10-8-17 – Sony has lowered the retail price on the XAV-AX100 to $399.95 in anticipation of the XAV-AX200.
Sony XAV-AX100 Review – Home screen.
So what do you get for the money?
Ease of use – One thing I love about this unit is how simplistic it is. Because this unit lacks a lot of bells and whistles, the Sony XAV-AX100 is relatively easy to use and has an easy to understand layout. What you see is what you get. Other than Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, this unit features:
AM/FM Radio
Bluetooth audio streaming and handsfree functionality
Reverse camera input
Front, rear and subwoofer preamp outputs (Sony says rated at 2 volt, but it sounds slightly higher, I have not measured it)
10 Band EQ, built in crossovers, sub level control
5 wallpaper options, plus option for custom display (uploaded via USB drive)
Remote steering wheel control input*
Sony XAV-AX100 Review – backside of the head unit has a single din chassis
*Sony typically does not support phone functionality through their steering wheel control inputs, however when test flashing either the iDatalink Maestro RR or Maestro SW module I found that this model will support some phone functionality although it’s kind of weird because it gets all lumped in under one button. Phone related flashing options (listed as function per button) look like:
Start Voice (Android Auto & Apple CarPlay) & Answer/Hang up call
Source & Hang up or Reject Call & Power On
Source off & Hang up & Power Off
Perhaps they configure it this way in case you don’t have voice control or phone buttons on your steering wheel.
Sometimes it’s the little things that matter
I’ve had quite a few customers comment on the volume knob. They like it, they find it easy to use. If you appreciate volume knobs you will appreciate the nice rotary volume knob on this head unit. It has a stiffer and more rigid feel to it compared to the volume knobs on other head units and it’s backlit.
Sony XAV-AX100 Review – Display panel options.
Sony XAV-AX100 review – sound quality counts
Aside from the basic features of this model, the sound quality of Sony receivers is something I need to talk about in this Sony XAV-AX100 review. Sony head units, in general just sound great. My customers are always surprised when I play a basic Sony receiver like the MEX-GS610BT or MEX-XB100BT and let them hear that compared to an Alpine CDE-164BT or Pioneer DEH-X6900BT. It is a noticeable difference even for a car audio novice.
Sony XAV-AX100 Review – EQ screen.
Right off the bat, the Sony units just sound smoother, richer and more natural in tone. Once you hear it, it’s hard to buy anything else. Except maybe Kenwood, they’re pretty close. And even though this unit is only rated at 2 volts on the preamp output, I have a feeling if I measured it, I’d find it was slightly higher. It’s definitely punchier than the other 2 volt preamp output models I have on display.
Sony also provides plenty of audio control tools such as a 10 band EQ, built in crossovers and sub level control. Internal amplification on this bad boy is rated at 20 watts x 4 RMS which is slightly higher than your average head unit (most are 18 watts x 4 RMS).
Sony XAV-AX100 review – radio reception
Radio reception in general is a tricky thing because it’s so susceptible to interference coming from every angle – power lines on the road and even power lines in the car itself can cause static and interference. With evolving technology and many consumers turning to streaming services from their mobile devices, most car stereo manufacturers are not dumping a ton of money into their tuners.
Despite that, I have been impressed with the reception of Sony head units, this model included. We recently installed this in an older Subaru with one of those terrible amplified windshield antennas and this thing was definitely pulling in more stations than the customer’s previous Pioneer double din head unit (which was equipped with the Pioneer supertuner).
Sony XAV-AX100 Review – FM radio screen.
What’s missing from the Sony XAV-AX100?
Although Sony packs a lot of popular features into the XAV-AX100, it is missing a few items some consumers may still be interested in.
Buyer beware, the Sony XAV-AX100 lacks the following popular features:
CD/DVD Player**
HDMI input
AUX input
SiriusXM Capability**
HD Radio
Mounting sleeve and trim ring*
*For most vehicles you will not need a mounting sleeve and trim ring as most installation kits these days support iso mount, however, if you have happened to have a vehicle that does not support iso mount and requires a mounting sleeve and trim ring you can use Pioneer’s ADT-VA133 – that is what I used to mount this in my display board.
**Check out the Sony XAV-AX200 if these features are important to you.
Remember the old saying you get what you pay for? Well, if these features are truly important to you, you’ll have to fork over a bit more money and go for something like either the Kenwood DDX9703s or the Pioneer AVH-4200NEX (soon to be replaced by the 2017 model AVH-4201NEX which I believe is the same as AVH-4200NEX, but is bundled with a reverse camera).
Sony XAV-AX100 review conclusion
Although the Sony XAV-AX100 lacks a couple features, I find for most customers it ticks off all the key boxes. If you are looking for an easy to use, great sounding Apple CarPlay or Android Auto compatible head unit, you should seriously consider the Sony XAV-AX100. This model has that whole less is more approach and won’t overwhelm you with bells and whistles -aka features you don’t need or won’t use.
Sony XAV-AX100 Review – CarPlay display
In conclusion, Sony did a great job with the XAV-AX100 focusing on the key features consumers are interested in:
Looking for the Best Double Din Navigation for 2016?
Car Stereo Chick reviews and compares the Kenwood DNX893s, Alpine INE-W967HD and Pioneer AVIC-8200NEX
Double din touch screen navigation stereos are one of the most popular selling products in our showroom. Who wouldn’t want:
On board GPS Navigation (that doesn’t use your data)
Better sound quality
Bluetooth
USB input
Reverse camera capability?
There are a lot of reasons to upgrade your factory radio to a brand name aftermarket double din navigation, but who really makes the best double din navigation for 2016? Well, as I explain to my customers in my showroom, that answer all really depends on what features are most important to you and how you plan to use your new stereo. Each brand has its own strengths and weaknesses as you will see. Get ready for an in depth review on all the Kenwood DNX893s, Alpine INE-W967HD and Pioneer AVIC-8200NEX!
Attention – Please note this is first draft – revisions and additional details to come shortly. Forgive me for any grammar or spelling errors, I usually proofread and revise my posts 30 times before publishing, but I know a lot of you have been waiting a long time for this.
Pioneer AVIC-8200NEX – I’m popular
Like the Nada Surf song, the AVIC-8200NEX is a bit of a catch and when it comes to the choosing the best double din navigation, it is never last picked. The nice thing about the AVIC-8200NEX is the operating platform has been around for a couple years so it is a proven, reliable system. Alpine and Kenwood on the other hand just unveiled brand new operating systems for their units so I’m sure we will see a quirk or two reveal itself over the next coming months. I find the user interface of the Pioneer one of the easiest ones to use and personally one of the most pleasing to the eye, but hey, beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
Best Double Din Navigation 2016 – Pioneer AVIC-8200NEX features a user friendly and intuitive interface.
From the home screen you have several easy shortcuts to:
Apple CarPlay or Android Auto
GPS navigation by Here Maps
Bluetooth Telephone
Your 3 favorite sources
What’s currently playing
Settings
The theme colors and button colors can all be personalized to match your vehicle interior and preference. You can make it as colorful or as dull in appearance as you like.
Best Double Din Navigation 2016 – Pioneer AVIC-8200NEX navigation map screen
Pioneer uses Here Maps for their on board GPS navigation system. Compared to Kenwood’s Garmin navigation, you might find the roads to be skinny and the icons rather small. However, you could just as easily say the icons on the Garmin are too large and take up vital real estate on the 7″ screen. I’ve had 97% positive feedback from customers regarding the navigation, however I do have two complaints I think are worth noting.
I had one customer find it maddening during a long trip from Maine to Connecticut that the system would not automatically re-route to the new route he had decided to take. He had taken the trip numerous times and knew of a couple routes/highways he could use. Although he allowed the system to pick the fastest route, he continued on another route that he knew. However, at every exit the Pioneer navigation (Here Maps) wanted him to get off the highway and get back onto the original route that had previously been calculated and selected. FYI, there is a way around this – you can select an alternative route from the navigation screen, but the navigation couldn’t figure it out on its own. I guess we’re so used to Google reading our minds all the time that we find it annoying when our electronics don’t, you know, just KNOW what we’re thinking.
I had another customer tell me how it wanted them to go the wrong way down a one way street and additionally, it also seemed to think she lived on a one way street because it always wanted her to loop around the block to get to her home address (which was not on a one way street).
One thing worth mentioning is the Pioneer features a latest maps guarantee which is a feature of Here Maps. You will notice these units come shipped with 2014 Maps, but it’s pretty easy to download the latest maps.
Overall the Pioneer AVIC-8200NEX is a full featured and well rounded GPS navigation stereo that ticks off a lot of boxes for users. Aside from on board GPS, the AVIC-8200NEX also features Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
Best Double Din Navigation 2016 – Pioneer AVIC-8200NEX features a responsive glass capacitive touch screen.
The Pioneer AVIC-8200NEX features a glass capacitive touch screen which is very bright and responsive. I get asked a lot what that means and basically, a glass capacitive touch screen is like the screen on your smart phone. They are brighter, more saturated in color and more responsive than a traditional TFT resistive touch screen (found on the other Pioneer models AVIC-5200NEX, AVIC-6200NEX and AVIC-7200NEX). The Pioneer AVIC-8200NEX also has all the standard audio features for a sweet aftermarket sound system including:
Three 4 volt pre-amp outputs
13 band EQ
Digital time alignment
Best Double Din Navigation 2016 – Pioneer AVIC-8200NEX features digital time alignment, three 4 volt preouts and 13 band EQ
Overall, the Pioneer AVIC-8200NEX packs in most of the features consumers are looking for these days in a nice easy to use product at what I think is a fair price. I would say my customers think so too because they tend to gravitate towards Pioneer over Alpine or Kenwood (after seeing them in our showroom and checking them out in person).
There are only a few things that annoy me about this model. When it comes to Bluetooth, you cannot have more than one device connected at a time. You can have multiple devices paired, but only one connected at a time. Not ideal if you have a work phone and personal phone, but I would say this probably only effects a small percentage of people.
The only other drawback is sound quality. When it comes to building a high fidelity car audio system, for the true audiophile, the sound quality could be better. It’s by no means, bad, but where Pioneer lacks, Kenwood prevails.
Kenwood DNX893s – The overachiever
Traditionally, Kenwood’s Excelon series head units have always been known for their superior sound quality and thankfully the DNX893s remains true to the Kenwood Excelon sound quality legacy.
Best Double Din Navigation 2016 – Kenwood DNX893s features superior sound quality and sound control
Featuring a 5 volt pre-amp output, the Kenwood DNX893s sounds smoother, more detailed and slightly more natural in tone when compared to Pioneer and Alpine (with everything set flat). Certain tones and frequencies are simply less harsh and more pleasing to the ears. I also have to give some serious bonus points to Kenwood for this additional feature:
Best Double Din Navigation 2016 – Kenwood DNX893s settings memory recall!
Memory Recall – I LOVE this feature of the Kenwood DNX893s
This might seem like such a minor detail, but it can save you time, hassle and a headache. Imagine spending an hour sitting in your car and setting the equalizer for each individual audio source, painstakingly taking the time to measure and set the time correction settings only to find all your hard work has been lost after bringing your car in for routine mechanical service.
If the battery is disconnected, even for a short period of time, both Alpine and Pioneer will lose all audio settings. Kenwood has always had this recall feature for as long as I can remember. You can memorize all your hard work and save it and if you ever need to recall it, you simply hit the recall button. I absolutely LOVE this feature. If you go with Alpine or Pioneer, do yourself a favor and take a couple pictures of your audio settings so you can redo them if you ever lose them. Or just buy the Kenwood DNX893s and hit the recall button.
Bigger Must be Better
The user interface of Kenwood is all about big icons. I think the engineers at Kenwood got tired of hearing me and other dealers complain about the small icons, small clock and difficult user interface. They decided to shut us all up with huge icons, huge text and an intuitive user interface. Cool.
Best Double Din Navigation 2016 – Kenwood DNX893s home screen features big easy to see icons and text
As you can see from the home screen on the Kenwood you have easy shortcuts to:
Navigation
What’s now playing
Two favorite sources (easily selectable)
Telephone
Settings (quick tap of the menu button brings up settings)
The icon on the top right is selectable as well – you could either display GPS directional info, bouncy EQ or the clock.
What’s not cool about this screen? Well, if you don’t have anything playing with album art information, the top left icon will show a silly blue splash screen and I don’t think there’s a way to change it. Not that I’ve figured out anyways.
Garmin GPS Navigation – I think it’s better than Here Maps
Best Double Din Navigation 2016 – Kenwood DNX893S features Garmin GPS Navigation
Everyone has heard of Garmin. They debuted their first automotive GPS system, the Street Pilot, back in 1998 and they have become a household name in the years since. Some find the map layout to be a bit cartoonish, but for those of us that are past that age of, let’s call it having youthful eyesight, the larger icons are well received.
Remember the client I mentioned with the Pioneer navigation that was telling her to loop around her block every time she wanted to go home? I eventually installed this unit instead and she has told the me the GPS has worked flawlessly for her. She found the maps a lot easier to see (she has a Jeep Wrangler by the way, so a convertible) and she found the actual navigation was more accurate. I will mention the unit comes shipped with 2015 maps and I did check to see if there was a free map update, but there isn’t.
Speaking of convertibles and glare – have you ever heard of reverse tilt?
Best Double Din Navigation 2016 – Reverse Tilt Kenwood DNX893s
Most 7″ touch screen navigation stereos have a motorized face that will allow you to tilt or angle the screen back. Kenwood is the only one I am aware of that offers reverse tilt. This is such an awesome feature. So many vehicle dashes these days have an angle to them that really places the vehicle stereo screen in just the worst angle for sun glare. The reverse tilt feature really helps to cut down on that tremendously. I think because of that feature alone, this would be the navigation radio I would encourage all my Jeep Wrangler customers to purchase.
DNX893s – Bonus Features and Pet Peeves
There are a few other really stand out features of this unit worth mentioning. All of these units are iDatalink Maestro compatible, however the DNX893s features some advanced integration such as the soon to be released K40 radar detector integration on screen.
Kenwood DNX893S K40 Radar Integration – Feature coming soon from K40 and iDatalink
Additionally, I was blown away by how good the FM/AM reception is on this head unit. When installing it on my sound board I noticed a ferrite bead on the antenna connection cable. I don’t know if they did anything other than that to improve it, but seriously, I have been blown away by the stations this thing pulls in in cars that don’t usually have great reception to begin with (Jeep Wrangler for one and Mercury Mountaineer for another example).
Okay, now for the surprising and the irritating – no remote control included. Oh and no paper owner’s manual. I was pretty shocked, I really thought the units I got shipped were missing parts. I mean for a $1300 stereo, you would think it would include a remote control or at least a paper manual.
And as for the dual USB inputs, I think the second one is kind of worthless.
Best Double Din Navigation 2016 – Kenwood DNX893S Dual USB inputs
Notice one is labeled iPod/iPhone? That’s your main USB input. Aside from an iPod or iPhone, you would also connect Android Auto to that USB port. So what can you do with USB 2? Well, you can’t connect an iPod to it, that’s for sure. You’ll get an error on the screen. When I think back on the Kenwood training, I’m pretty sure they said that second USB input would be for like a memory stick with music on it. So that’s kind of annoying if you’re the kind of person that likes to be able to use their cell phone (either Apple CarPlay or Android Auto) and also have an iPod connected to a secondary USB as a back up music source. My husband John and I do this in our Jeep because we often go into areas of Connecticut without cell service on our Sunday drives and it’s just nice to be able to switch your source on the stereo rather than having to try and disconnect your phone while you’re driving and connect your iPod instead. Just sayin, they could have made it play an iPod.
Alpine INE-W967HD – The underperformer
Best Double DIn Navigation 2016 – Alpine INE-W967HD featuring Here Maps
Oh, Alpine – why do we have such a love hate relationship? I love Alpine’s ease of use and their sleek OEM appearance. I love that you can eliminate redundant or unused sources from your source screen. Sometimes all you want to see is all that is available!
Best Double Din Navigation 2016 – Alpine INE-W967HD customized uncluttered source screen
I even love the easy to use swiping menus which you can view in this quick video I made for a customer of an X109-WRA in a Jeep Wrangler.
Alpine, where’s the value?
I hate that it feels like you’re really not getting a lot for your money. For a $1500 navigation Bluetooth radio, you would think it would at least come with a CD/DVD player or maybe Apple CarPlay or Android Auto (no, it doesn’t). But wait, there’s more.
Check out this craziness – I sold and installed one of these in a 2008 Porsche Boxster and it looked beautiful. And I meant to take pictures on the install, but after seeing this model came equipped with 2014 maps, I did what I always do for my customers I started to work on downloading the latest maps – thanks to the Here Maps latest maps guarantee. However, 3 hours later, after 3 different attempts, using 3 different computers and 3 different USB drives, I started to lose it. Half way through each attempted download I kept getting the error “There is not enough memory on your device”. I thought maybe that was not enough memory on my computer or not enough memory on my USB drive. Finally I called Alpine tech support to see what was up (yeah, I’m stubborn, I prefer to try and figure things out on my own before calling someone for help). So get this – it wasn’t me or my computer or my USB drives – Alpine didn’t put enough memory in the stereo! Alpine’s solution? Uncheck the update box for Canada. Really, who goes there anyways? Just joking Canada 🙂
If you can get past the high price, the lack of Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, CD/DVD Player and updated Canadian Maps you might really enjoy some of the cooler aspects of the Alpine INE-W967HD.
One thing I found pretty neat is the built in microphone for the Bluetooth. It actually works quite well and that’s one less thing you have to worry about wiring and mounting. Another feature, pointed out to me by one of my well informed customers (Thanks Ryan!), is the parametric EQ. While Kenwood and Pioneer feature a graphic equalizer, Alpine has a parametric EQ which allows you to adjust the center point of the frequency you’re adjusting and the width of the frequency (also known as Q factor).
Best Double Din Navigation 2016 – Alpine INE-W967HD Parametric EQ
Additionally, you still have basic audio adjustments like bass and treble under Tone Adjustment which is accessible with a quick swipe down on the top of the screen.
Best Double Din Navigation 2016 – Alpine INE-W967HD easy bass and treble adjustment.
The screen itself is very responsive and intuitive. Kudos to Alpine on that. They call it a capacitive touch screen, but it does not have a glass finish like Pioneer or Kenwood does. In fact, that may be better in high glare situations. I haven’t installed enough to really see the difference in bright sunlight, but I imagine there would be less reflection.
Best Double Din Navigation 2016 – Alpine INE-W967HD preset EQ options
I find the overall appearance and graphics to be less flashy than Pioneer and Kenwood and more OEM which really makes it look like it belongs in a vehicle, rather than appearing like an aftermarket product.
Alpine INE-W967HD Sound Quality
When it comes to sound quality, we have found that the built in Alpine amplifiers tend to sound bright and harsh when compared to Pioneer or Kenwood. However, when using an external amplifier, most of that tininess and harshness disappears. Interestingly enough, Alpine also happens to make what we think are some of the best sounding amps out there – their PDX series is our favorite. Yet even with an external amp, it is worth noting the Kenwood DNX893s has a more natural, smoother tone to it.
So who wins Best Double Din Navigation 2016?
I would have to declare Kenwood’s DNX893s the winner based on sound quality, GPS performance and bonus features like reverse tilt, memory recall and improved FM/AM reception. It’s a great balance of features at what I think is a fair price. However, determining which navigation system is right for you depends on what features are most important to you and what kind of user interface is most attractive to you. For a minimalistic, OEM appearance, you may have to cough up a few bucks and give up a few features and go with the Alpine INE-W967HD. If you prefer a less cartoonish navigation than Garmin, but you still want Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, then you should consider the Pioneer AVIC-8200NEX. They all have their pros and cons and I hope this in depth review has helped you select the right one for your particular tastes and needs. Thanks for reading!
Kenwood DNX893S – Looks awesome on paper and in person
I recently had the chance to go to a Kenwood product training where I got to check out a prototype of the new Kenwood DNX893S.
Kenwood DNX893S
Just on paper alone, this model has my hopes up and has got me excited about Kenwood again. It definitely looks like it has the potential to be the best double din navigation system of 2016. The DNX893S is part of Kenwood’s eXcelon line and has some pretty desireable features:
Glass capacitive touch screen (like what is on your smartphone – so it is vibrant and responsive).
High Res Audio (supports up to 192kHz/24bit resolution in FLAC or WAV)
New user friendly graphic interface and menu system
User Friendly
“Simplicity” and “Ease of use” were two catch phrases strongly emphasized during the training. It appears the designers at Kenwood finally realized these are legitimate and desirable features and they really made an effort this year to make their products more user friendly. Thank you Kenwood!
Kenwood DNX893S GPS Widget
Kenwood has incorporated customizable widgets into their screen making it easy to personalize the home screen and easily access the most used sources/features of the stereo. Easily swipe the top right corner of the screen to change the widget displayed. Maybe you prefer to display basic GPS instruction while you listen to your tunes and have a few easy short cuts to radio, nav map or your phone menu.
Kenwood DNX893S Clock Widget
Or maybe you want a big fat fancy clock on your widget screen. It seems like such a miniscule feature to some, but for someone like me with ADHD (constantly a victim of time warps!) that clock is the easiest and safest way for me to see how late I actually am as I race against the clock to get to my shop before it officially opens for business. Sure, I have a clock on my iPhone, but I don’t want to be fumbling for my phone while I’m speeding to work. It’s the small details that can make a big difference.
Kenwood DNX893S K40 Radar Integration
Speaking of speeding to work – finally! I have had countless customers ask for some type of integration of their radar detector to their stereo system. Most built in radar detectors do have an analog mute wire so you could potentially wire up your radar detector to the mute output of your aftermarket head unit, but this feature goes way beyond the basic mute function. The Kenwood DNX893S will be the first aftermarket touch screen head unit I’ve seen that can give you on screen alerts and information about the radar detector threat.
Kenwood DNX893S K40 Radar Integration
Not only does the Kenwood DNX893S interrupt and mute the audio (kind of like Bluetooth when you get a call coming in), but it will also show you the speed you were at when the initial threat was detected along with the posted speed limit. Depending on what vehicle you have, you can even use the steering wheel controls to mute the radar detector.
This very cool integration feature is not available just yet. At this point I’m not sure if this will be an add-on K40 accessory that will be able to be integrated with older models OR if this will only be a feature of new K40 systems moving forward. K40 was pretty mum about the exact details of their iDatalink partnership, but did say we can expect to see this integration available in the second half of the year.
More iDatalink Maestro Perks of the Kenwood DNX893S
Aside from K40 integration, iDatalink Maestro has added a few more perks to the Kenwood DNX893s over what was available in last year’s models. There are a few updates in particular that I’m really happy about. In previous Kenwood iDatalink Maestro installations, there was nothing we could do to eliminate unsupported sources on screen.
So for example, let’s say you had a 2012 F-150 without factory SiriusXM. In older Kenwood models with the iDatalink Maestro RR, under OEM features/sources, you might see the SiriusXM icon listed even though it might not be a compatible or available feature – just like what you see with this older DDX9902S in an F-150 below:
DDX9902s Ford iDatalink Integration Features
That was because in some vehicles it was an available integration feature, but not all (more so compatible in GM vehicles than Ford in my experience). So with this minor update, you don’t have any extra and sometimes confusing unused icons under this OEM features menu – it makes a lot more sense to only show the available/compatible features for the particular vehicle the radio is installed in.
Kenwood DNX893s iDatalink Maestro – Less clutter on the OEM screen as only available features are shown.
The Kenwood DNX893S is faster and more reliable than previous Kenwood models
This is probably one of the MOST exciting aspects about this stereo to me. Start-up and boot up time has always been a sore spot for customers with previous feature packed bogged down Kenwood models. Thankfully, the Kenwood DNX893s has a faster processor and more memory than previous models. Additionally, this new Kenwood model is linux based which is generally faster and more reliable.
Users can expect to see speedier boot up times and far fewer quirks/hang ups than seen in previous Kenwood models. With a new dual core processor and automatic cache clearing on start up/turn off, Kenwood has decided to eliminate the old red triangular reset button. What does all this really mean? No more waiting for your Kenwood to boot up in order to back out of the driveway! Kenwood claims their unit will power up and display the reverse camera screen in under 2 seconds.
Kenwood DNX893S uses internal solid state device for Garmin GPS
To keep the Garmin GPS more stable and reliable, this portion of the unit is no longer SD card based and has been switched to a solid state device which has been deemed more reliable. I know I’ve had my share of Kenwood units where the radio itself was okay but the Garmin GPS failed. It’s nice to know Kenwood has addressed this issue.
Additional Cool Features of the Kenwood DNX893S
Additional cool features are the ability to have TWO Bluetooth telephone devices paired and functional at the same time. How many of you have a work cell phone and personal cell phone? Quite a few of my customers do. This feature has been added with you folks in mind. You can still only connect to one Bluetooth audio device at a time and I can see why – it wouldn’t really make sense to try and stream audio from two different Bluetooth audio devices at the same time. Adding to the Bluetooth updates, the Kenwood DNX893s is using HFP 1.6 (previous models were 1.5) which Kenwood says has twice the bandwidth as previous versions. Bottom line? Kenwood claims this is the best handsfree profile chipset they’ve ever used.
The EQ is source dependent – so if you’re still subscribing to SiriusXM you can EQ and boost the snot out of it independently of your cleaner audio sources so you’re not reminded of how crappy it sounds when you switch sources from your iPod to SiriusXM.
Kenwood DNX893S Tire Temp Feature
And for those of you that really like to be in tune with what’s happening inside your ride, you will enjoy the newly added tire temperature feature under the vehicle info section available with the iDatalink Maestro integration.
Overall the Kenwood DNX893S looks like it could be the best double din navigation system of 2016. Only time will tell. This model is scheduled to ship this month (fingers crossed).
Kenwood DDX9902s – What you buy when your factory 2012 F-150 navigation radio craps out
A couple months ago, a long time customer of mine came into the shop with his 2012 F-150 in need of a new stereo. I asked him why he was considering upgrading and he sheepishly explained to me the stock “POS” navigation screen had stopped functioning properly and shortly thereafter it had an unfortunate encounter with his fist and it now definitely needed to be replaced.
Kenwood DDX9902s installed in a 2012 F-150 that came equipped with stock navigation, Sync and reverse camera.
Aside from needing a working radio, the customer was interested in Apple CarPlay and didn’t necessarily need on board navigation since he would have access to Apple Maps. His 2012 Ford F-150 was equipped with the following features that would need to be integrated with or retained:
Sync
USB and Line Input (Aux)
SiriusXM
Reverse Camera
Steering Wheel Controls
Additionally, his factory navigation screen had been the display for all climate control information. Luckily, there is a very cool company out there that specializes in this type of integration and feature retention called iDatalink.
DDX9902s Ford iDatalink Integration Features
Kenwood was the first to partner with iDatalink. iDatalink is a pretty cool company that specializes aftermarket automotive electronics integration. As a result of this early partnership, Kenwood stereos tend to have more advanced integration features compared to other brands out there like Alpine and Pioneer. Although I had not sold a Kenwood DDX9902s yet, I knew this was really the best solution for this 2012 Ford F-150 and for the customer’s needs. At the time, the Kenwood DDX9702S and DDX9902s were the only two head units on the market that offered the advanced iDatalink integration capability (including climate control ability) and Apple CarPlay (Kenwood has since also introduced the DDX6702s and DDX6902s).
Although there is technically no installation dash kit for this vehicle (2012 F-150 with the OEM navigation), we were able to mount the aftermarket double din DDX9902S in the factory navigation radio opening. After we installed this stereo, I was pleasantly surprised to find the OEM volume knob controlled the new Kenwood radio. This install was accomplished using the iDatalink Maestro RR and FO1 harness. For anyone considering doing this work themselves, please keep in mind you need to set up an account with iDatalink and you will also need an iDatalink weblink programmer and access to a PC with Internet Explorer.
DDX9902s with OEM reverse camera retained 2012 F-150
The factory reverse camera was retained by identifying factory Video +/- and shield and hard wiring these connections to the Kenwood’s reverse camera input. Combining the Kenwood DDX9902s along with the iDatalink Maestro RR and FO1 harness, we were able to retain the factory amplifier, factory Sync USB and line input, factory steering wheel controls and climate control information.
DDX9902S with Ford F-150 climate controls integrated using iDatalink Maestro
Additionally this interface allowed us to display vehicle gauge information and access additional helpful vehicle information. Although the iDatalink Maestro RR did not retain the factory SiriusXM in this particular vehicle (if memory serves me correctly, there was actually an issue with the OEM sat tuner, otherwise I think it would have actually been retained), we were able to simply install the SXV300 tuner and retain the OEM SiriusXM antenna using the iDatalink SAT1 adapter.
DDX9902s Gauge Display 2012 F-150
After getting an estimate from the dealership to replace the stock navigation, I probably would have punched my dash too. Thankfully, in the end the customer was able to upgrade his seemingly proprietary stock stereo to an aftermarket stereo that will essentially never be outdated (assuming you always have an up to date iPhone or Android phone). Although this customer had an iPhone, the Kenwood DDX9902s is also Android Auto compatible.
DDX9902S – Replaces defective OEM navigation in a 2012 F-150
What if you don’t have the factory Ford navigation radio? No problem, you can still enjoy this kind of seamless integration using the iDatalink Maestro interface. Visit Maestro.iDatalink.com to see what kind of integration features are available for your vehicle.
Alpine introduces 9″ Jeep Wrangler Apple CarPlay Head Unit – Alpine i109-WRA
Although I did not get a chance to attend CES this year, I did hear about a couple cool new car audio products coming out in 2016 including a new 9″ Jeep Wrangler Apple CarPlay deck from Alpine. After installing one of the X009-WRA units last summer, and seeing how nice the unit looked, felt and functioned, I really couldn’t get over how Alpine could leave out such a popular feature in a $3000 head unit. Thankfully they sort of came to the same conclusion and created the 9″ Jeep Wrangler CarPlay head unit, the i109-WRA.
Alpine i109-WRA – 9″ Jeep Wrangler Apple CarPlay Head Unit
This over-sized Jeep Wrangler touch screen stereo features a 9″ glass capacitive touch screen, just like what they use with the iLX-007. In fact, it is essentially a 9″ version of the iLX-007 but with additional hard buttons that function as short cut keys for Maps, Music and Phone functions. Although this unit is both attractive and surely a very functional option for a vast number of Jeep Wrangler driving iPhone users, it still leaves some key features off the table. Unlike the X009-WRA, this unit lacks:
Bluetooth (must be connected using USB to lightning cable)
iDatalink Maestro Integration (but does have standard steering wheel integration option)
SiriusXM Capability (not that I care for SiriusXM, but I know lots of consumers do)
CD/DVD (probably not such a big deal these days, but FYI)
On board navigation (eh, you can use Apple Maps right?)
I find it somewhat frustrating that Alpine doesn’t make an all inclusive unit such as an X009-WRA with Apple CarPlay, but apparently their market research indicates consumers either want a full featured audio video navigation bluetooth stereo lacking Apple CarPlay OR they want a very minimalistic, but cool and functional Apple CarPlay radio. I think most of my customers would disagree with that. In my experience, they are looking for ALL the features in an easy to use platform at a great value (which is why Pioneer has totally domineered this category at our shop).
Speaking of value, the price tag on the Alpine i109-WRA is yet to be determined, but rumored to be at or around $1999.95. The Alpine i109-WRA is compatible with 2011 and up Jeep Wranglers and will be bundled together with a a vehicle specific wiring harness. Aside from the obvious Apple CarPlay integration, the Alpine i109-WRA features:
9″ Anti-glare capacitive touch screen
Three 2-volt preouts for front, rear and subwoofer
Rear aux A/V input
Reverse camera input
Compatibility with Alpine TuneIt App (which allows access to advanced audio control options including 9 band EQ, time alignment, crossover points, etc.)
Current estimated release date on the Alpine i109-WRA is April 2016.
Parrot RNB6 Cancelled – Photo from CES 2015 Car Stereo Chick
Parrot RNB6 Cancelled – Technology Nabbed by Automotive Manufacturers
After months of anticipation and waiting, many consumers will be disappointed to learn that the Parrot RNB6 has been cancelled. Parrot recently announced the company no longer has plans to develop and sell the RNB6 in the aftermarket electronics arena.
The original CES 2015 post on Parrot’s blog has been quietly updated to reflect the Parrot RNB6 cancellation with the following short and simple notice.
“[July 2015 update] RNB6 project was showcased at CES Las Vegas in January 2015. This infotainment system was selected by several automakers who envision to integrate it in their next-generation car models next year and beyond. As of today there is no plan to sell RNB6 in Aftermarket channels as RNB6 embedded technologies require deep integration with car series and manufacturers. www.parrotautomotive.com“
If we click on that Parrot Automotive link above we see some of their more recent press release articles confirming these automotive partnerships including a recent announcement stating they’ve partnered with Chrysler. Don’t get too excited though, the article goes on to explain this partnership will be focused on developing Jeep head units in the Japan market only.
Android Apps from Parrot Cloud such as internet browser, mails, weather, news, etc.
Video Call : video chat and instant messaging for Rear Seat Entertainment.
Wide range of Games is provided to the passengers
Internet music and video streaming, radioand TV Apps aggregating stations from all over the world
Internet connectivity on each RSE Display is enabled by connecting a phone (Wi-Fi® tethering) or using an in-vehicle Wi-Fi® hotspot
Clearly Parrot is focused on the OEM division and I can’t say I blame them for canceling the RNB6. Supplying car manufacturers with infotainment systems could represent a substantially larger revenue stream for Parrot vs revenue obtained from the aftermarket sector. In terms of market share, I’m sure the car manufacturers represent a much larger chunk of the market than aftermarket consumer electronics. I wonder what kind of investment and undertaking Parrot will have to do to develop and implement these systems with the car manufacturers.
Parrot RNB6 Cancelled – The Parrot RNB6 will NOT be available at a store near you – ever, sorry.
As a business owner, I feel a little bit nervous for Parrot going this route. Knowing what I know now, I would take a different approach than Parrot. If I had to choose between selling my products and services to 100 qualified customers who are specifically seeking me out and desire my assistance for a specific solution vs selling my products and services to a large middle man who happens to be serving 10,000 of his own customers – I’m gonna go ahead and keep it simple stupid. Keep in mind, that middle man (aka car manufacturer) needs a solution that will satisfy a WIDE variety of customers. Oh, and you know he’s going to beat you down on price because he needs to keep his overhead cost as low as possible.
Sometimes it’s better to just do what you’re good at for the people who appreciate it vs trying to grow your business and make everyone happy. I’ve already made that mistake in my life and I learned my lesson the hard way – both financially and emotionally. You can’t make every customer happy, but you can certainly lose a lot of time and money trying to do so – especially if they’re big customers like Chrysler or some premium German car maker (BMW? VW? Audi? Mercedes?).
Consumers may not understand this decision on face value, but if we look at Parrot’s annual financial reports, it starts to make more sense. As of 2008, a large majority of Parrot’s earnings came from the aftermarket sector, roughly 71% of all revenue. At the time, Parrot owned roughly 85% of the automotive bluetooth market share, but only 16% of their business came from the OEM division. They’ve been growing that division ever since.
In 2008 the company had revenues of 206.6 million euros with a net income of 14 million euros. Fast forward to 2014 and we can see that although sales were up, with revenues of 243.8 million euros, the company actually had a net loss of 2.59 million euros.
At the end of the day, every company needs to be in the black and I’m sure this decision has everything to do with their bottom line. For Parrot’s sake, I hope they can make this a profitable venture.
