Recommend a head unit?

[Bill 1960]

Looking to pick some brains here:

Vehicle is the 2008 SSV, so basically the LS. Has what I assume is the cheapest radio GM offered. And the fugliest thing I’ve ever seen, the finish is worn off some of the controls and exposed bright green plastic.

What I’m looking for is nothing fancy by today’s standards, or so I believe:
Touch screen.
Wireless CarPlay.
Hands free phone operation.
Decent sound.
That’s it!

No steering wheel controls, no sub, no big amp, Nav, SXM.... maybe a camera someday, but probably not until after I back over a Prius or two. AFAIK there are no factory components to connect to the new head other than the speakers. This vehicle doesn’t have Onstar.

Are any of these running an open Android OS where I can install apps like Torque Pro for monitoring the OBD2 and Canbus data?

Thanks in advance for sharing your knowledge.

 

[Bill 1960]

@Fubar0715 , I saw your mention of adding a JVC to your SSV. If you don’t mind, post up the model number?

 

[Joseph Garcia]

Lots of folks here use Kenwood or Pioneer head units, but there are also other good head units like Sony and Alpine. I suggest that you visit Crutchfield.com and enter your truck's specifics. You will find a host of head units that meet your requirements at various price points. Even if you don't eventually purchase from Crutchfield, it will give you a benchmark price for the head units that interest you, to compare with other retailers for the best deal.

 

[Rocket Man]

None of the androids will do wireless CarPlay. Most of the new units by the major aftermarket companies tie into the obd and show DTC’s etc and some show most vehicle functions. I have a Pioneer that has wireless CarPlay and I’ll never go back. My phone can stay in my pocket and CarPlay starts up automatically.

 

[Bill 1960]

I hadn’t thought about the issue of androids not supporting IPhones but that makes sense. My brother has a Pioneer that he really likes. I appreciate the info!

 

[Fubar0715]

@Fubar0715 , I saw your mention of adding a JVC to your SSV. If you don’t mind, post up the model number?

here is the goodies I used-not high end but satisfactory replacements for PPV - JVC M560BT HU, Rockford Fosgate 165x3 door speakers, Rockford Fosgate Prime R2D4 12" sub, PowerAcoustic RZ-5 2500-d Amp, Sirius XM tuner, Backup Cam in OE location.

 

[Jason in DLH]

@Bill 1960 : I installed a Kenwood Unit with great results. Has everything you’re looking for.

https://www.crutchfield.com/p_113DDX376B/Kenwood-DDX376BT.html

 

[Bill 1960]

Time to get busy shopping. Here’s the old one in all it’s monstrous glory.

 

[Rocket Man]

Time to get busy shopping. Here’s the old one in all it’s monstrous glory.

View attachment 274074

It’s a beaut.

 

[Bill 1960]

So I’m thinking a Pioneer DMH-W4660NEX. More than I want to spend on this vehicle, but apparently wireless CarPlay has not migrated to the lower cost units yet. I’m still considering before I pull the trigger because one thing I dislike in this particular HU is no hardware buttons. It’s all virtual buttons on the glass.

Kenwood has some units with buttons, but their fit info is contradictory and confusing. Crutchfield says no, Sonic says yes.

The other thing that surprises me is apparently there’s not a plug and play interface harness to connect aftermarket HU from the major brands to the Chevy connector? Apparently I buy a Chevy socket and splice it to the Pioneer plug??? Not that I can’t, I just figured in the many years since I last did an installation the method would have improved.

Edit: reading my way through the sticky in this forum it appears I need a LAN adapter, even on a vehicle with no Onstar etc. Presumably those interfaces are plug in... more reading to do. Maybe I’ll do the Maestro thing for gauges although that’s superfluous gimmickry for my purpose. More research.... Crutchfield doesn’t list a LAN adapter in their required parts list got installation.