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.

 

[Bill 1960]

Anyone know off the top of their head what the cop shops do to disable the rear door speakers? I thought I’d find them unplugged inside the door, but apparently they did something else.

I’m off to research the PPV/SSV section...

 

[Doubeleive]

Anyone know off the top of their head what the cop shops do to disable the rear door speakers? I thought I’d find them unplugged inside the door, but apparently they did something else.

I’m off to research the PPV/SSV section...

from what I have read they cut the wire, I forget where though either under the dash or right around where the harness goes thru into the rear door which will be behind the big plastic trim piece between the front and rear doors.

 

[Bill 1960]

Thanks @Doubeleive, I’ll get the wiring diagram out and start tracing the wiring I guess. Seems weird they would cut the wiring somewhere else since they’ve already been inside the rear doors to disable the locks and door handles. I want to get this sorted before I install a new HU and connect it to some compromised speaker wire.

And what’s the deal with disconnecting the speakers anyway? Didn’t these people ever hear about the fader control? And who cares if detainees hear music or not.

 

[Doubeleive]

Thanks @Doubeleive, I’ll get the wiring diagram out and start tracing the wiring I guess. Seems weird they would cut the wiring somewhere else since they’ve already been inside the rear doors to disable the locks and door handles. I want to get this sorted before I install a new HU and connect it to some compromised speaker wire.

And what’s the deal with disconnecting the speakers anyway? Didn’t these people ever hear about the fader control? And who cares if detainees hear music or not.

I've been in the back of a few police car's, it was usually "we can take a stop by the hospital if you want" instead of music being played, lol

 

[Rocket Man]

I've been in the back of a few police car's, it was usually "we can take a stop by the hospital if you want" instead of music being played, lol

Plus they want to be able to record everything you say, in case you’re drunk and admitting to stupid shit or threatening the entire police force by telling them you know where their radio systems base stations and towers are because your dads communications business services them and you’re gonna go take them off the air. That way when it’s time for a plea bargain they pull the recordings out and say “ do you remember saying this? “ Not that it’s ever happened to me or anything, just saying in case...

 

[Bill 1960]

Wow, you guys are hard core LOL.

If I ever took an unwanted ride in a cop car -speaking hypothetically- I was fortunate enough to be allowed to ride shotgun. Of course this was a kinder, gentler time. Hypothetically.

 

[Bill 1960]

Just ordered the Pioneer DMH-4660NEX. Exceeded my planned cost, but WTH. I'm dead set on having wireless CarPlay.

Visited two reputable local car audio shops who both told me the same story. They can't get anything because of the chip shortage and they recommended if I found something on line, BUY IT. They'll be happy to assist with installation or accessories. I plan to DIY, but if I run out of time or patience they'll be there.

 

[Rocket Man]

Just ordered the Pioneer DMH-4660NEX. Exceeded my planned cost, but WTH. I'm dead set on having wireless CarPlay.

Visited two reputable local car audio shops who both told me the same story. They can't get anything because of the chip shortage and they recommended if I found something on line, BUY IT. They'll be happy to assist with installation or accessories. I plan to DIY, but if I run out of time or patience they'll be there.

You’ll love it. I have the AVH-4400NEX and it’s awesome to have wireless CarPlay.

 

[Bill 1960]

Interesting find on the lack of rear sound today. I already have the LR door interior off to work on restoring the locks and door handles. There’s rear audio signal all the way to the speaker. I hooked up a headphone I had laying around to the leads and I’ve got sound. Test meter on the speaker shows it’s open circuit.
Well THAT seems clear, but what’s itching my brain now is I studied the wiring schematic and there are FOUR speakers in the rear. I hadn’t known about the ones in the D pillars which are connected in parallel with the rear doors. So what’s the chances of all four rear speakers being electrically blown open circuit? Seems a bit much to believe.

I’ll post up the end of the story when I get it sorted.

 

[Jason in DLH]

Just ordered the Pioneer DMH-4660NEX. Exceeded my planned cost, but WTH. I'm dead set on having wireless CarPlay.

Visited two reputable local car audio shops who both told me the same story. They can't get anything because of the chip shortage and they recommended if I found something on line, BUY IT. They'll be happy to assist with installation or accessories. I plan to DIY, but if I run out of time or patience they'll be there.

Nice! I bet you’re excited to get going with AirPlay.

Since you’re wiring it up yourself... mind as well connect the parking brake wire to a screw on the chassis of the Pioneer so you can access settings and mirror your phone to it, etc while on the go. This method worked on my Kenwood, but not exactly sure it will work on Pioneer. You’ll definitely want to test it before finalizing the install.

Anyone know if this works on Pioneer?