2012 Yukon XL Denali - Recommendations for (close to plug and play) aftermarket stereo head unit?

[smiley91]

I have been looking for a solid aftermarket car stereo that can give me Android auto and Apple carplay. I have looked into a couple of different options, but I cannot find a good one that can still use the factory cables that come with the stock Denali head unit. I tried one of these from Amazon, since it appears to be mostly plug and play and compatible for the the Denali trim and 2012 model year (SWTNVIN Android 11 Car Radio - https://a.co/d/fx0quJA), however, when trying to hook it up, I am missing any sort of plug that fits into the one in the attached image (from a different amazon listing).

Anyone find any good head unit options that don't require a bunch of extra parts and/or modifications?

 

[Joseph Garcia]

Go to Crutchfield.com and see what is available in your price range. If you find something that you like, talk to Crutchfield folks on the phone, and they will tell you what adapter you need to maintain all steering wheel functionality without cutting/splicing any wires. Even if you end up not purchasing from them, you will know what you need to accomplish your objectives.

 

[mikez71]

[DISCONTINUED] Dynavin N7-GM2007 PRO Radio Navigation System for Chevr

Sold out - discontinued. Not expected to be restocked. Updated 9/7/24: The new D9 model for this vehicle has been delayed by the manufacturer. The new expected release date is late 2024/early 2025. The new version will not look like the previous models and will have more of an aftermarket...

dynavinnorthamerica.com

That one is discontinued, but a new version is supposed to come out this summer. Looks like they have a 44 pin version.

No idea how good/bad the unit is, but looks OEM. The one you found looks just as good for half the price though!

 

[Doubeleive]

I have been looking for a solid aftermarket car stereo that can give me Android auto and Apple carplay. I have looked into a couple of different options, but I cannot find a good one that can still use the factory cables that come with the stock Denali head unit. I tried one of these from Amazon, since it appears to be mostly plug and play and compatible for the the Denali trim and 2012 model year (SWTNVIN Android 11 Car Radio - https://a.co/d/fx0quJA), however, when trying to hook it up, I am missing any sort of plug that fits into the one in the attached image (from a different amazon listing).

Anyone find any good head unit options that don't require a bunch of extra parts and/or modifications?

in most cases if you want to retain rse & bose dsp/fade then you will need a maestro rr and a couple other adapters.
I saved money and bought all of mine off ebay and amazon, the maestro rr can be used because it is programmable to your radio & vehicle so it doesn't matter what it was previously used on, open box, etc can save you some money.
plus it gives you a obd interface with compatible head units so you can monitor the engine dynamics and if the check engine light comes on it will show you the code as well and tpms and door open alerts. 0-60 times and stuff like that.

 

[smiley91]

in most cases if you want to retain rse & bose dsp/fade then you will need a maestro rr and a couple other adapters.
I saved money and bought all of mine off ebay and amazon, the maestro rr can be used because it is programmable to your radio & vehicle so it doesn't matter what it was previously used on, open box, etc can save you some money.
plus it gives you a obd interface with compatible head units so you can monitor the engine dynamics and if the check engine light comes on it will show you the code as well and tpms and door open alerts. 0-60 times and stuff like that.

I have heard a lot of good things about the maestro adapter, but as far as the other adapters, do you remember what all you needed? Do you remember which head unit you ended up getting?

 

[Doubeleive]

I have heard a lot of good things about the maestro adapter, but as far as the other adapters, do you remember what all you needed? Do you remember which head unit you ended up getting?

I am using a pioneer avic w8400nex (wireless android/carplay) and the maestro rr, I do not remember offhand the adapters used but you can easily find out what you need by going to the idatlink website and run the configurator it will list exactly what you need. the configurator is based upon your vehicle year/make/model and specific buttons on the steering wheel, bose system type, and headunit brand and model used.
I would write down what it says you need and the go shop for the best price online.
the only think I can note is if you have the 3rd row flip-down lcd screen then you will need to patch the 2nd lcd wires to the 3rd to make it work, the adapter is supposed to make it work but it does not work for a 3rd row screen so you just have to patch the wires.
I will note that kenwood has slightly better system integration with the maestro rr the kenwoods have a port for it, the pioneers use one of the a/v input ports instead.
i do not recommend sony or any other lower brand names. I would choose either kenwood or pioneer, both have options for built in nav pioneer uses "here" and kenwood uses "garmin"
the maestro rr module is programmed online by idatalink using your pc or laptop and a usb cable and they can even do custom programming if needed to address any issue's

 

[balln2k11]

[DISCONTINUED] Dynavin N7-GM2007 PRO Radio Navigation System for Chevr

Sold out - discontinued. Not expected to be restocked. Updated 9/7/24: The new D9 model for this vehicle has been delayed by the manufacturer. The new expected release date is late 2024/early 2025. The new version will not look like the previous models and will have more of an aftermarket...

dynavinnorthamerica.com

That one is discontinued, but a new version is supposed to come out this summer. Looks like they have a 44 pin version.

No idea how good/bad the unit is, but looks OEM. The one you found looks just as good for half the price though!

Just installed a Dynavin 10" in my Mercedes. They are 100% worth the crazy cost. CarPlay/Andriod Auto, XM Radio, plug and play and done in 2 hours or less

 

[balln2k11]

I am using a pioneer avic w8400nex (wireless android/carplay) and the maestro rr, I do not remember offhand the adapters used but you can easily find out what you need by going to the idatlink website and run the configurator it will list exactly what you need. the configurator is based upon your vehicle year/make/model and specific buttons on the steering wheel, bose system type, and headunit brand and model used.
I would write down what it says you need and the go shop for the best price online.
the only think I can note is if you have the 3rd row flip-down lcd screen then you will need to patch the 2nd lcd wires to the 3rd to make it work, the adapter is supposed to make it work but it does not work for a 3rd row screen so you just have to patch the wires.
I will note that kenwood has slightly better system integration with the maestro rr the kenwoods have a port for it, the pioneers use one of the a/v input ports instead.
i do not recommend sony or any other lower brand names. I would choose either kenwood or pioneer, both have options for built in nav pioneer uses "here" and kenwood uses "garmin"
the maestro rr module is programmed online by idatalink using your pc or laptop and a usb cable and they can even do custom programming if needed to address any issue's

You will need an iDatalink Maestro RR or RR2 along with GM 5+ adapter. It's the only way to go. I also prefer Kenwood with the Maestro. Will even retain the factory flip down monitors. My new to me Escalade has a new Sony (barf) head unit, but previous owner didn't use a Maestro RR, so I will have to re-do their crap install. Fun fact, the newer high-end Sony's are now Maestro compatible.

 

[Doubeleive]

You will need an iDatalink Maestro RR or RR2 along with GM 5+ adapter. It's the only way to go. I also prefer Kenwood with the Maestro. Will even retain the factory flip down monitors. My new to me Escalade has a new Sony (barf) head unit, but previous owner didn't use a Maestro RR, so I will have to re-do their crap install. Fun fact, the newer high-end Sony's are now Maestro compatible.

the sony software leaves a lot to be desired in my book, wish panasonic would have stayed in the car audio game

 

[balln2k11]

YES!!! Panasonic was great in the early 2000's, especially when they were the first to use digital amplifiers in their units (no clue if it was legit).

Here are some photos of the newest Sony:

If you're wondering why my camera is so blurry, it's not. That's the crap screen of this new Sony. It does have wireless CarPlay though lol. I don't like the dash kit either. Looks stupid on the Escalade.

As a PSA, buy a Kenwood Excelon if it fit's your budget

 

[Jonathan]

I just installed the Sony XAV-AX4000 with the Maestro RR, GM5 I think and also moved the rear view mirror camera down to the head unit. I love it the EQ is more detailed and really made the OEM speakers sound better. The factory sub hits a little harder but it’s also picking up more tones of bass not just the heavy long bass.

I had a great local shop order everything up for me and it was legitimately plug and play. I ended up moving the rear view on my own which wasn’t that bad.

I would probably go for the AX6000 now to be able to play movies from my phone but I’ll find a work around for that or just buy the 6000.

 

[t_bergman]

Just installed a Dynavin 10" in my Mercedes. They are 100% worth the crazy cost. CarPlay/Andriod Auto, XM Radio, plug and play and done in 2 hours or less

Watching for the v8 as well. It shouldn't be too much longer as the original estimate was spring of 2023 and now it's summer 2023. They are updating the site and many v8 models are coming out.

 

[t_bergman]

Watching for the v8 as well. It shouldn't be too much longer as the original estimate was spring of 2023 and now it's summer 2023. They are updating the site and many v8 models are coming out.

So, the v8 is not going to have an OEM look. This is confirmed through their link below. They were (sold out already) selling a limited number of N7-GM2007's refurbs from the factory which I snagged one then came over to tell the forum and they're already sold out.

[REFURBISHED] Dynavin N7-GM2007 PRO Radio Navigation System for Chevrolet and GMC SUVS/TRUCKS 2007-2013 [SHIPS MID-AUGUST]

We will be receiving a limited supply of manufacturer-refurbished N7-GM2007 Pro units around mid-August 2023. The all-new Dynavin 8 version is currently in the final stages of development and expected to be released late Summer 2023. The D8 version will not look like the previous models and will...

dynavinnorthamerica.com

The v8 look will be very much like their current v8 jeep offering which is more along the lines of a floating screen. This is confirmed from an e-mail sent over to their customer support.

 

[spyderrider]

You will need an iDatalink Maestro RR or RR2 along with GM 5+ adapter. It's the only way to go. I also prefer Kenwood with the Maestro. Will even retain the factory flip down monitors. My new to me Escalade has a new Sony (barf) head unit, but previous owner didn't use a Maestro RR, so I will have to re-do their crap install. Fun fact, the newer high-end Sony's are now Maestro compatible.

came across this thread and have a question. I'm looking to run a Kenwood with a Maestro, and wondering what you did to retain the factory backup camera. I don't want to run new wires for an aftermarket one but will if I really need to. Thanks

 

[ls1frc]

You will need an iDatalink Maestro RR or RR2 along with GM 5+ adapter. It's the only way to go. I also prefer Kenwood with the Maestro. Will even retain the factory flip down monitors. My new to me Escalade has a new Sony (barf) head unit, but previous owner didn't use a Maestro RR, so I will have to re-do their crap install. Fun fact, the newer high-end Sony's are now Maestro compatible.

I am going to look into this for my truck, thanks for the reply!

 

[ls1frc]

Video tutorial I found for an escalade. The Pac RP5-GM31 has a port for the rear DVD player. Is this the equivalent part of the maestro rr 2?

 

[Doubeleive]

Video tutorial I found for an escalade. The Pac RP5-GM31 has a port for the rear DVD player. Is this the equivalent part of the maestro rr 2?

Either one requires a separate adapter for rear rse, the maestro offers extras like Bose fade, dsp, obdii integration, etc

 

[ls1frc]

I noticed there aren't many options using the vehicle fitment guide. Are you guys just using a different face plate or something for other models?

Would this work in my yukon?

Kenwood Excelon Reference DNX997XR

Navigation receiver

www.crutchfield.com

 

[Doubeleive]

I noticed there aren't many options using the vehicle fitment guide. Are you guys just using a different face plate or something for other models?

Would this work in my yukon?

Kenwood Excelon Reference DNX997XR

Navigation receiver

www.crutchfield.com

It's a 6.75" double din so yes will fit right in

 

[ls1frc]

Okay sorry I am a huge newb with this, I only do engine stuff LOL

But since I revived my truck, I want the system to be a bit more modern with stuff like carplay. So that unit plus an adapter plate will basically replace what is in the red? So I will do HVAC through the touch screen only?