How up to date is the Audio Directory?

[impakt]

I bought my FR-S used and it had the pioneer base (base as in no touch screen) unit in it. I want to upgrade, but I'm looking for something I can run things like spotify on. I chatted with a guy from Crutchfield and he pointed me to the Pioneer AVH-4100NEX because it supports Android Auto (I have an S5).

The problem is that the units about 700 bucks which is a little pricier than what I'm wanting to pay.

So, can I browse this list with some peace of mind that the info isn't completely outdated? Do you have any recommendations?

Any information is greatly appreciated.

[ravisraval]

To tag along: I'm also interested in a HU upgrade. I have the OEM+ reference and would like a HU that outputs great sound, and I'd also like something I can use with a backup camera.

[ajcarson11]

Originally Posted by ravisraval

To tag along: I'm also interested in a HU upgrade. I have the OEM+ reference and would like a HU that outputs great sound, and I'd also like something I can use with a backup camera.

I also have OEM+ reference system, and use a backup camera with the stock head unit.

I've yet to find an aftermarket head unit that puts out better audio quality. Things like the CAFI unit aren't any higher fidelity than the stock (sometimes even worse)

The best option would be Nexus 7 install with a USB dac... only issue is that you will lose your physical touch buttons and volume knob.

[Mr.ac]

Sorry to say this but all the stuff you want in the head unit is not going to cost under $300
From what I seen on Crutchfield and Best Buy, your looking at $600 starting.

[Calum]

Originally Posted by ajcarson11

I also have OEM+ reference system, and use a backup camera with the stock head unit.

I've yet to find an aftermarket head unit that puts out better audio quality. Things like the CAFI unit aren't any higher fidelity than the stock (sometimes even worse)

The best option would be Nexus 7 install with a USB dac... only issue is that you will lose your physical touch buttons and volume knob.

The after market HU's don't have better SQ because they don't have the processing programed in. I haven't scoped the output of the stock HU, but I'd bet a small amount of money that there's some pretty heavy EQing going on. I cut at the crossover frequency between the mid and tweeter, smoothing of a few peaks and valleys, some roll off below ~50Hz... If you're staying with the OEM speakers, the stick HU is actually an OK sounding solution. But if you're going to upgrade, you need to take a holistic approach and smooth the responce of the system with a decent EQ and possibly an RTA.

[ajcarson11]

Originally Posted by Calum

The after market HU's don't have better SQ because they don't have the processing programed in. I haven't scoped the output of the stock HU, but I'd bet a small amount of money that there's some pretty heavy EQing going on. I cut at the crossover frequency between the mid and tweeter, smoothing of a few peaks and valleys, some roll off below ~50Hz... If you're staying with the OEM speakers, the stick HU is actually an OK sounding solution. But if you're going to upgrade, you need to take a holistic approach and smooth the responce of the system with a decent EQ and possibly an RTA.

You are correct in that the stock headunit has hardcoded processing meant to compliment the stock speakers. The OEM+ ref system includes a DSP which flattens out the signal and introduces new crossovers. So theoretically, the headunit should not affect the OEM+ system, assuming that a high quality signal is fed into, and out of the headunit. OEM+ DSP should take care of rest.

With that being said, it would be nice if we had more control over the EQ on the stock headunit. It is an upgrade over some vehicles (like the scion headunit), but the stock EQ doesn't carry relevant bands for aftermarket sound solutions. We desperately need a way to EQ out 4k and <80hz.

[Calum]

Originally Posted by ajcarson11

You are correct in that the stock headunit has hardcoded processing meant to compliment the stock speakers. The OEM+ ref system includes a DSP which flattens out the signal and introduces new crossovers. So theoretically, the headunit should not affect the OEM+ system, assuming that a high quality signal is fed into, and out of the headunit. OEM+ DSP should take care of rest.

With that being said, it would be nice if we had more control over the EQ on the stock headunit. It is an upgrade over some vehicles (like the scion headunit), but the stock EQ doesn't carry relevant bands for aftermarket sound solutions. We desperately need a way to EQ out 4k and <80hz.

Agreed. The 15 band eq on the cafi does an ok job, but without Q adjustment its still lacking.

I'm hoping a minidsp will do the trick when I upgrade my drivers finally. But now I'm thinking a full treatment of sound damping should be first.

[ajcarson11]

Originally Posted by Calum

Agreed. The 15 band eq on the cafi does an ok job, but without Q adjustment its still lacking.

I'm hoping a minidsp will do the trick when I upgrade my drivers finally. But now I'm thinking a full treatment of sound damping should be first.

I'd like a minidsp as well, but any modification to the wiring harness in the OEM+ system voids the 10 year 100,000 mile warranty.

I've sound-deadened my entire trunk, all rear quarter panels, doors, and rear seats and the effect is pretty obvious. I ordered 50sqft of deadener and only used 36.

[impakt]

Originally Posted by Mr.ac

Sorry to say this but all the stuff you want in the head unit is not going to cost under $300
From what I seen on Crutchfield and Best Buy, your looking at $600 starting.

I'm also open to suggestions as to what people are using/happy with. My initial attraction toward units that have support for native apps was because it's just one less step in streaming music. It's not a make or break requirement by any means, but I'd like to have it if I could find something.