Reddit mentions: The best car dvd players

I've always liked and had best luck with Pioneer, you'll probably want a double DIN unit as that will fit better. You can order from Crutchfield and they include the front bezel and wire harness, but you can also find head units cheaper elsewhere and buy the install kit from Crutchfield separate.

Bonus, I believe all of the double DIN Pioneer units with touchscreens work with backup cameras, which you can find on Amazon for $15 or so. The cheapest one currently is the AVH-P1400, they go up in price to the AVH-P8400

If you want navigation you can add that on to the more expensive models, but they also have navigation units.

They also have the cool App Radio, which works great if you have an iPhone, works with Android too but not as well.

As for speakers, yeah I'd switch those out too. I'm fond of Polk Audio myself. Head to crutchfield.com, put in your car and they'll list the various speaker sets that will fit. Component speakers generally sound better than coaxial, but again it all depends on your budget and anything you put in there should give you better sound than the stock radio and speakers. If you buy from crutchfield they include any adapters to use the stock wiring making it simple plug and play.

Actually thinking about it, the base doesn't have tweeters so you'll probably be better getting coaxial speakers.

Just know you don't have to do it all at once, you can get the head unit, then add speakers on in a few months, or vice versa.

I have no experience with the newer Android based head units but I did have one of Pumpkin's old units with Android 4.4 and I loved it.

You are definitely trading features for convenience and build quality. If you don't want to spend a lot of time diagnosing or working on hacky solutions to get it to work, do not buy one. If you really want Android in your car and you're up for the challenge, go for it.

After a year of use, about every 6 months my head unit would just stop working so I would have to re-flash it. It usually took me 2 hours to flash and set it up again to what I wanted and I did not mind doing so. Some people may find that very frustrating but I honestly thought the features was worth the hassle.

People keep saying these are laggy but they're not any more laggy than your low- to mid-end Android phone. If you have used a phone like that, you know what to expect.

The 1 second boot time is not entirely true. It's an always-on low power mode so it will drain your car battery when it's in this mode. How long it will take I'm not sure as I never had it enabled on my unit.

The actual boot time is 20-30 seconds. I did not mind it personally. I don't know if the new models do this but on mine, the backup camera will switch on even when the device is booting so you don't have to wait for it to fully turn on to see what's behind you.

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I decided to switch back to a "dumb" head unit once I started streaming music. Google Play Music would not properly work when set to save music to the external storage and instead benefit the sound quality of AptX over Bluetooth.

Honestly, today I would rather recommend a head unit with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, depending on what phone you currently have and use Google/Apple Maps instead.

For not too much more than the Pumpkin you can get the JVC KW-M730BT or the Pioneer AVH-2300NEX with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

It's actually kinda funny because my dad has an Aliner, super light weight popup camper and also has a rare Saab 9-5 Griffin. He got a tow hitch installed on the Saab and the Aliner has power assisted braking, so the Saab will tow it no problem. But he wanted something more substantial with 4WD because he likes to take the camper out west, and South Dakota mud during heavy rains are no joke.

The camper is only like 1100Lbs, super light, the F150 tows that think as if it was just a Tonka truck. You would never even know it's back there unless you looked in the rearview mirror, haha.

He had this weird system of using these flags on telescoping poles to help him back into the trailer to hook it up, which is when I said screw that and installed a new head unit for him with a little screen and the backup camera. It's super easy to hook up the trailer now. Plus, now he has bluetooth without some stupid cigarette adapter FM modulator doobie.

EDIT: Stereo is this or similar, backup camera is this guy

Throwing out another option for you.

Seeing a lot of double-din and single-din suggestions. Why not both?

In my old truck I wanted a backup cam, but only had a single-din space to work with. Got a pop-up screen head unit and never looked back.

Benefits: You get the single-din storage space that appeals to some, plus you get the same 6.5-7" double-din screen size. On top of that, almost every pop-up unit will have a single-din setup, buttons and lcd display, but also the full-touch screen. Also, if you don't need/want the screen up for a moment, there's a button to reinsert the screen.

I went cheap af and got this BOSS unit, https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00IJ1KBEW/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 and it actually turned out a hell of a lot nicer than I truly expected. It ended up adding watts to each speaker, so sounded louder, and with some eq tweaking, sounded better.

All-in-all, I think this option might be your best overall winner.

Heck, you can even find pop-up CP/AA units out there, like this one; https://smile.amazon.com/Jensen-VX4014-7-Inch-CarPlay-Receiver/dp/B07FMDXZBK/ref=sr_1_fkmr1_1?keywords=pop+up+carplay&qid=1569631957&s=electronics&sr=1-1-fkmr1

Let's say, for example, I were to buy this. Am I still looking at a $700 installation fee? I assume I still have to replace the dash kit, but is it going to be the exact same installation fees even if using a trusted brand radio?

/u/remarkable53, thank you for your thorough explanation in the OP, your input here would be appreciated as well, it seems like you know what you're talking about.

I just put an android HU in my 2013 JK. I've had it in about two weeks now and I love it. I bought this (https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B0792X89SH/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1). I guess it all depends on what your comfortable doing when it comes to installing a HU. I spent a total of $365 for the HU, Steering wheel control module, mounting bracket and wiring harness. With the HU, I have 3 USB ports (1 USB 3.0/2 USB 2.0), Bluetooth, backup camera and all my favorite android apps (Google Maps, Spotify the main two) Overall, I love it. Just an option, I know its not for everyone.

Hi MSTRPC,

Hope all is well. I wanted to update you on my car audio odyssey.

First off, I tried plugging my MP3 player directly into the Coolstream Duo, after pairing the two via Bluetooth. I tried playing a track on the MP3 player, but I couldn't get it to play over the stereo, so this seems like a losing proposition.

I then went into a car audio store, and they offered two solutions. Solution A involves some auxiliary device that replaces the 30-pin connector and runs to the back of the audio head. It'd run me $300-$400 to set this up, and it seems to do basically what my jerry-rigged system was attempting to do. In other words, it seems incredibly overpriced.

Solution B involves a new stereo. The one recommended to me was a Kenwood DDX773BH (https://www.amazon.com/Kenwood-DDX773BH-Touchscreen-Receiver-Bluetooth/dp/B01BMPDJS6). It seems to have really nice features. I can purchase it from Amazon w/ a two-year warranty for ~$300, and I've only checked w/ one retailer, and they're willing to install it for ~$200. I'm going to post in one of the sub-Reddit's for car audio to check some other options, but I thought that I'd see what your thoughts are.

$500 or under will be nearly impossible for a system with a headunit with built in navigation unless you go with used gear.

This is what I'd go with on a budget of $1,000.

Headunit $650

Box $135

Sub $73

Amp $115

Total is $973. It should end up a little over $1,000 after you buy your wiring harness and wiring kit, and I'm not sure if you need an expensive dash kit for that car. The new headunit should improve the sound of your stock speakers by giving you a lot more eq options so you can shape the sound to your liking. I added the sub because bass is usually what causes distortion in stock speakers, so with a sub you can change your crossovers on your headunit so your speakers only play your mids and highs and the sub handles your lows, which should also help to clean up the sound.

If you're not set on navigation though I'd suggest you get a different headunit. You can get a unit with comparable features minus navigation for half the price. I normally listen to my music from my phone with bluetooth and google maps just plays through the speakers telling me where to turn. Works really well for me since my unit doesn't have nav.

I recently put a Kenwood Excelon DDX9905S into my 2019 Tundra and love it. I went with this model as it has an HD screen that looks beautifully bright and clear. Its last year's model so the price is a good bit lower than this year's, the 9906s, and the only real difference is the newer model gives you wireless CarPlay. I tend to always plug into my car charger anyway, so the draw of wireless wasn't worth the price increase.

Added a ~$50 wiring harness adapter from amazon and kept steering wheel controls, back up camera, and the USB input down below the radio/hvac stack.

"I strongly believe this will sound like total ass."

Well, I certainly do not want to listen to total ass. I'm more than willing to give up the aesthetic appeal of flush-mounted speakers to avoid that. I can make shelves or sliding rails or something to allow movement as needed.

On the wireless portion, yes the speakers will have wires. I was thinking of a Bluetooth setup on the receiver, to eliminate wires between the tablet and the audio setup itself.

That was before I thought of using something like this with a 12-volt converter. I could inset that into the wall and it would give me my touchscreen control and allow for later expansion to DVD watching. :)

Opinions on something like that?

It's super simple actually. I would recommend looking at a video or two and see how its done. here the stuff I used for mine if you're interested in at least looking it up. It's nice to be able to do it yourself and save on crazy install fees.

Pioneer AVH-2300NEX Multimedia DVD Receiver

Metra 70-1730 Receiver Wiring Harness

Metra 40-HD10 Antenna Adapter

iDatalink Maestro ADS-MSW Steering Wheel Control Adapter

APPS2Car Parking Brake Bypass

Duttek USB 3.0 Flush Mount Cable

Ok. I just tried to pull harder and it worked. I haven't decided on a radio yet. But I think definitely a 7" of some kind.

Can I ask. Did you have to install something similar to this, to make it look flush with the factory panel? (I've never done this before so I have no idea.):

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000UF24RC/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1

I'm a college student so that Alpine is really nice unit, but I don't really have the money for it if I'm being honest. I'm looking for something around $250- $400. Probably something more like this, Pioneer AVH-X490BS:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06WLP3SZK/ref=psdc_2230642011_t3_B07951J34N

I know it's over $400 but i have installed a couple of Parrot asteroid smart and they work great, you should go to a store and play a bit with it, you'll be surprised.

I replaced my 2011 impreza with an aftermarket CarPlay stereo. Basically stick to a name brand (boss, kenwood, sony, JVC, Pioneer) and you should be good. These are what I used to replace my stock stereo.

​

Headunit

Plastic Double Din Spacer

Wiring Harness

​

Hope that helps. :)

Can you not install a double din? What’s underneath/above your single din currently?

An alpine ILX-W650 costs slightly more (263 euros) but would be much more reliable than the off brand Chinese model you have linked.

Edit: your best bet is to just bite the bullet and spend a bit more on a pioneer.

At 377 euros, it’s definitely more expensive than the one you picked out. However, the Pioneer AVH-3300NEX would be reliable for the long term.

Satelite radio is fun, but not audiophile worthy (you can always get that as an extra option though if you wish). CD's and USB inputs are really the way to go for un-muddled audio sources. I would rather this Kenwood head unit since it is a better price and a better headunit overall. The only downside of Kenwood headunits is the UI is a little slow, but I have a cheaper model of the excelon so this one is probably faster.

Ask the guys at the audio shop what they've got in regards to 4 channel amps and component sets, and listen to their setups to see what you want. There is a link to r/CarAV approved gear in the sidebar so you can get a feel for the prices of some of these things because they vary wildly.

regarding the install: It'll be around 3-4 hours of work at a rate of $70-120 an hour depending on where you go and if you bought the parts from them (they give a discount on labor if you buy gear form them). You'll need a wire harness ($20-50) and a dash kit for your specific vehicle ($40-200 from what I saw from a google search).

Your final price for everything +install will be in the ballpark of $650-1000. This estimate is without the 4 channel, component set, and wiring kit.

I installed this a few months ago. I was a bit skeptical, given the low price, but I LOVE it. The screen is all glass like a proper tablet, I've got Google Assistant and it comes with Torque Pro. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0792X89SH/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_apa_i_5WArDbQFB8DQM

It’s a double din. Something like this would work

ATOTO Year Series in-Dash Double Din Digital Media Car Stereo - SA102 Classic CarPlay & Android Auto Receiver w/Bluetooth, AM/FM Radio Tuner,USB Video & Audio,and More https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DD7DKT9/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_yz2PDb1H483HV


Check Best Buy, for about $250 you could get one with android auto/CarPlay with a free install on most all models if you’re not a DIY. Wither option would require some adapters but be cheaper and better than an Oem replacement

Boss audio makes a head unit that is 200$ thats about as cheap as your going to get.


ALSO dont confuse an ANDROID head unit for android auto. Virtually all of the android headunits are garbage. they run SUPER old and under powered hardware to save cost.

https://www.amazon.com/Audio-Systems-BVCP9685A-CarPlay-Multimedia/dp/B07PF8LXFL/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=android+auto&qid=1564679909&s=gateway&smid=ABO907060G8YG&sr=8-3

I went through the same thing as you fairly recently. My favorite headunit was pretty dated and was starting to have compatibility issues with new phones, so I recently upgraded to this

I'm normally not a fan of buying no-name brand headunits, but so far this one has done a great job, and is one of the most subtle looking that I can find. It has a few small things about it that I don't care for (music doesn't play while in reverse for example), but nothing that really bothers me all that much.

Pioneer AVH-2300NEX Multimedia DVD Receiver with 7" WVGA Display/Apple CarPlay/Android Auto/Built-in Bluetooth/SiriusXM-Ready/AppRadio Mode + https://www.amazon.com/dp/B073BKPWNC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apap_rJx9dP7hhQnYi

This is the cheapest Android auto/apple car play deck that I know of. I have it in my 91 mr2.

It's dope. Only thing is you have to plug in your phone for it to work. You can get more expensive decks that Android auto/ACP will work over Bluetooth.

Grab a good car and wire this in. You'll be glad you did.

Pioneer AVH-210EX in-Dash 2-DIN 6.2" Touchscreen DVD Receiver with Bluetooth

I have the older version of this one in my JK, & it works great, hard to see the screen in direct sunlight when the top is off, though.

I don't have any experience with this device, but how does something like this, combined with the Hal9k custom ROM compare? It seems to meet the hardware requirements, and you'll get root with the ROM, so presumably you'll be able to customise extensively.

XTRONS® Android 8.0 Double Din Car Stereo Octa Core 4GB 32GB 2 Din Head Unit Bluetooth Car Radio 7” Touch Screen Support GPS Navigation 4G WIFI USB SD Slot OBD2 DAB+ https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0792X89SH/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_UxnvCb5297YKG

/u/masterf99 already gave you some tips for parts and install, but if possible stay away from Pyle. For that price you can get something much more reliable.

For example I would either suggest the Pioneer AVH-P1400DVD, which you can find cheaper than the pyle on Amazon, or the [Pioneer AVH-P2400BT] (http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PUSA/Car/DVD-Receivers/AVH-P2400BT) Which is still cheaper than the Pyle if you want bluetooth, you can find that on Amazon here.

It's a smaller screen but the build quality is much better.

Sorry I keep giving you the wrong unit.

https://www.amazon.com/Pioneer-AVH-2300NEX-Multimedia-Bluetooth-SiriusXM-Ready/dp/B073BKPWNC?ref_=fsclp_pl_dp_1

My friend has it and I think it is nice. Android auto/ apple car play is must feature to have.

Wifes Car before it became my DD

Wifes Car 2

My car still just started modding.

So far i put on

Wheels: Drag Wheels DR69 18x7.5

Tires: Firestone Indy 500 : 225/45/18

Radio: Pioneer AVH-2300NEX with Android Auto

Back up camera (so i don't hit any kids or small animals)

​

Next weekend I'm ordering parts for:

Debadge and matte black rebadge.

New Headlights (Black interiors)

Light smoke tail light tint.

Roof Wrap Vinyl (not sure if i'm going with Gloss black, matte black, or carbon) I want a clean look but i hear the gloss scratches easy)

Roof Racks (Maybe, still thinking about it) I have 2 car seats in my car so anything that doesn't fin in the trunk with seats up is not going in my car right now.

​

The next month or so:

2012/11 front bumper assembly swap

​

Future:

Performance, something to give me like 50 horsepower, i don't want a fast car, I want to be able to accelerate fast if i need to though.

Interesting take on this project. I decided to go the easy route and got an Asteroid Smart.

If you have any experience opening phones or notebooks I think you be fine. You'll only need to pay attention to the screen motor and mechanics and attach the wires back together.


https://www.amazon.com/Pioneer-AVH-3300NEX-Receiver-CarPlay-Bluetooth/dp/B071X596WM

is one other single din model.

Other thing you can try: there are some new android head units bigger than 7"...and they are built in a single din chassi and have a screen that swivels... Might be an easier solution

This is the most affordable and best bang for your buck option that you're going to get that meets your needs.

Their current product is up for $500 http://www.amazon.com/Parrot-Navigation-Multimedia-Hands-Free-Bluetooth/dp/B00A6UTZ32 on Amz. I'd be surprised if this was going to be any cheaper. It seems pretty cool but thats a big chunk of change and more features than I want. I'll be waiting for some competitors.

Looks like this guy has a mirror link module or some other aftermarket module installed.

something like this.
https://www.amazon.com/Mirabox-Mirrorlink-Mirroring-Universal-CVBS/dp/B00T76U3S2

I have a 1st Gen Xterra. I recently bought this head unit from Amazon. It works really well. You'll want to get a wiring harness adapter.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07PF8LXFL/ref=cm_sw_r_em_apa_i_N.l1DbCYY6PCX

I suggest a radio with Android auto / apple car play. Your phone will connect automatically to your headset when you get in the car. With voice commands your headset can do GPS navigation, phone calls, texts, etc.. Well worth the money

Pioneer AVH-2300NEX Multimedia DVD Receiver with 7" WVGA Display/Apple CarPlay/Android Auto/Built-in Bluetooth/SiriusXM-Ready/AppRadio Mode + https://www.amazon.com/dp/B073BKPWNC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_2PmDCbRJGTD51

There will be an improvement with sound from factory, but not substantial.

Later down the road you can upgrade the speakers and throw in a decent 4 channel amplifier and you'd be set (then a mono amp with a 10" sub, it never ends)

You should be able to turn off the noises when you press buttons in a menu, but I guess that's irrelevant if you have other issues with the unit.

I'd recommend this unit. It's under $300, has what he wants, and doesn't have a motorized face that is likely to break at some point down the road.

Bluetooth is pretty much standard these days. You could even get a touchscreen for $140

This one fit great for me, no bezel trimming. Its BT, no AA though. Pioneer AVH-210EX in-Dash 2-DIN... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07HCRD217?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

Thanks! I was just going crazy cause I couldn't find out why it was so low after seeing the carfax.

And its cool. I was thinking of getting android based gps for it later.

This :) http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00A6UTZ32?pc_redir=1413281005&robot_redir=1

A double din unit like this or this

A headunit like this would suit his DVD needs since he has only a single din slot and the price is within his range too.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0051GN8SY/ref=mp_s_a_1_23?qid=1369433336&sr=8-23&pi=SL75

Parrot Asteroid Smart is $430. http://www.amazon.com/Parrot-Navigation-Multimedia-Hands-Free-Bluetooth/dp/B00A6UTZ32

I've also seen cheap ones on Amazon, not sure how good those are. http://forum.xda-developers.com/android-auto/android-head-units/recommendations-line-t3265122

Okay, so if you want to go hardwired, you would get a Galaxy S5 compatible MHL adapter. This will convert to HDMI, and from there you could get an adapter to whatever you need.

If you want wireless, maybe something like this? I've never used something like that, but it seems to check the boxes. Alternatively, you may be able to plug a Chromecast into an HDMI to composite adapter and go that way.

Shit, this is a first gen Mazda3 isn't it? That's what I drive rn, and I'm looking at replacing the stock head unit with this: https://www.amazon.com/Sony-XAV-AX200-Android-Receiver-Included/dp/B075NY1N3V/

I'm probably going to have a shop do it, but on the off chance I don't, swapping the head unit isn't nearly as difficult as this looks is it?

Actually I replaced the stereo in my 04 Mazad3 a few years ago (before AA was a thing) with a Pioneer head unit that works fine but I'm not thrilled with. I was thinking of upgrading again to get an AA head unit but ended up buying a new car that already had AA from the factory.

I still have the Mazda but it's a spare/beater car at this point so not worth spending the money for an AA head unit. I was going to select this Pioneer unit because it's well rated and only $320.

There's a JVC Unit that's even cheaper ($271) but not a lot of reviews on it.

so I'm going to replace my nice looking factory unit for this $80 shitty looking piece of junk just so I can use Bluetooth audio in my car? No thanks. Don't get me wrong, I'm all for wireless stuff, but I'm not replacing my factory head unit just for Bluetooth

http://www.amazon.com/Power-Acoustik-PTID-8920-Receiver-Touchscreen/dp/B0051GN8SY/ref=sr_1_5?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1334431387&sr=1-5

My buddy has something like this, but you get the idea.

I doubt it.

http://www.parrot.com/asteroid-range/usa/

http://www.amazon.com/Parrot-Navigation-Multimedia-Hands-Free-Bluetooth/dp/B00A6UTZ32/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1420600587&sr=8-1&keywords=parrot+asteroid

List is $600, market says $500 on their current unit. I'm guessing that's the sweet spot for this type of unit.

As soon as I get my door locks installed I'll be picking up their tablet unit for my '61 Lincoln.

Nex2300


https://www.amazon.com/dp/B073BKPWNC/

With this

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00J4W10XG/

Pioneer AVH-X490BS Double Din Bluetooth In-Dash DVD/CD/Am/FM Car Stereo Receiver with 7-Inch WVGA Display/Sirius Xm-Ready https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06WLP3SZK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_ybl1AbCK0XN62

https://www.amazon.com/Parrot-Navigation-Multimedia-Hands-Free-Bluetooth/dp/B00A6UTZ32

Android Car Player, you can install Google Maps, Waze , Youtube etc
I'm using it for last two years without any issues, tethers with my phone for internet.

More details: 2000 Toyota Tundra, installing myself, and not planning on doing subs/amp so this has almost all of the features of the next one up the price ladder that I am looking at.

which is this: http://www.amazon.com/Pioneer-AVH-P1400DVD-Multimedia-DVD-Receiver/dp/B0070Z1PVQ/ref=pd_sim_auto_6

I have used this and this. It does the job. The down side is it takes a little bit to get it paired up every time and then it displays in SD. You won't need a chrome cast, it has it built in.

admitting that I know nothing about it, this $200 stereo has carplay/android auto

If you want a very low cost option the ATOTO Year currently available on Amazon may have wireless capabilities if you can wait a few months. The description says “FUTURE compatibility with wireless CarPlay/Android Auto(by adding a specific ATOTO USB dongle to connect to SA102, estimated available in June/July,2019, sold separately).”

Unrelated but I'm in need of a head unit for my car and was stuck between this one and this one, what do you guys think?