ASAP information+opinions for Android Headunit.

[06YarisRS]

I've put these Chinese android units in my last 4 vehicles - ranging from Android 4.41 - Android 6.xx. I put a Chinese WinCE factory fit in my 4th gen. Dodge Grand Caravan. I have had only 1 failure and it was a touchscreen. The replacement screen is around $40.00. All of these units have exceeded my expectations. Western offerings are more expensive and are not factory fit - important to me.

Are the quality of the electronics up to par with a high end Kenwood? Likely not, but uness you're an audiophile, I bet it would be hard to tell the difference. As far as long-term relaibility, I sold my Kia Rondo locally and the head unit is still fully functional. It is at least 3 years old and has survived extremes of temperature.

Something else I've found is that these units do work significantly better with a dedicated amp using the low level outputs. OEM radios are tuned for a frequency response that works 'well' with the crappy speakers. You may find your sound a little thinner (less bass). But, using the app mentioned below (PowerAmp) you can use the EQ to tailor your sound. Minimally, I'd replace the door speakers and anything but the cheapest junk will be a significant improvement. Keep in mind that the usually stated 45w x 4 peak power of these headunits is overblown and is probably similar output to your stock radio - maybe 14 - 17 watts RMS/channel.

The good:
Android OS
factory fit
plug and play (unless you're installing other gear - amp, speakers, sub etc)
incredible versatility (endless apps)
Wifi
internet
excellent customizable audio* (with PowerAmp digital processing App - about $6.00) In my experience, this transforms the sound quality.
large external storage (I have around 2000 songs on a 16Gig microSD card - no wires, adapters, plugs to contend with)


The Bad:
If it breaks - throw away, unless it's something like a touchscreen as above.
Slow boot - on the order of 15+ seconds
Generally poor radio reception
no Sat/HD radio
Nothing else comes to mind.

At that price, I'd go for it. I considered a unit like that with the side panels and the price you're mentiong is probably the lowest I've seen - especially with 2G of Ram. But you have to be willing to accept that you're out your money as shipping back for repair is prohibitive. Though, if you know a good electronics repair person, you could likely source the parts from the Chinese.

I bought all my units on aliexpress with free shipping. Shipping is usually really quick and to your door.

Here is a link to my latest install:

http://www.yarisworld.com/forums/showthread.php?t=59495

[miiser]

Originally Posted by 06YarisRS

I've put these Chinese android units in my last 4 vehicles - ranging from Android 4.41 - Android 6.xx. I put a Chinese WinCE factory fit in my 4th gen. Dodge Grand Caravan. I have had only 1 failure and it was a touchscreen. The replacement screen is around $40.00. All of these units have exceeded my expectations. Western offerings are more expensive and are not factory fit - important to me.

Are the quality of the electronics up to par with a high end Kenwood? Likely not, but uness you're an audiophile, I bet it would be hard to tell the difference. As far as long-term relaibility, I sold my Kia Rondo locally and the head unit is still fully functional. It is at least 3 years old and has survived extremes of temperature.

Something else I've found is that these units do work significantly better with a dedicated amp using the low level outputs. OEM radios are tuned for a frequency response that works 'well' with the crappy speakers. You may find your sound a little thinner (less bass). But, using the app mentioned below (PowerAmp) you can use the EQ to tailor your sound. Minimally, I'd replace the door speakers and anything but the cheapest junk will be a significant improvement. Keep in mind that the usually stated 45w x 4 peak power of these headunits is overblown and is probably similar output to your stock radio - maybe 14 - 17 watts RMS/channel.

The good:
Android OS
factory fit
plug and play (unless you're installing other gear - amp, speakers, sub etc)
incredible versatility (endless apps)
Wifi
internet
excellent customizable audio* (with PowerAmp digital processing App - about $6.00) In my experience, this transforms the sound quality.
large external storage (I have around 2000 songs on a 16Gig microSD card - no wires, adapters, plugs to contend with)


The Bad:
If it breaks - throw away, unless it's something like a touchscreen as above.
Slow boot - on the order of 15+ seconds
Generally poor radio reception
no Sat/HD radio
Nothing else comes to mind.

At that price, I'd go for it. I considered a unit like that with the side panels and the price you're mentiong is probably the lowest I've seen - especially with 2G of Ram. But you have to be willing to accept that you're out your money as shipping back for repair is prohibitive. Though, if you know a good electronics repair person, you could likely source the parts from the Chinese.

I bought all my units on aliexpress with free shipping. Shipping is usually really quick and to your door.

Here is a link to my latest install:

http://www.yarisworld.com/forums/showthread.php?t=59495

Can you tell me more about the poor radio reception? Cause this is important to me. Is it really bad?

Also, I will buy this locally, not from eBay so I can trust more the local seller than sources like eBay or aliexpress etc. plus I will get 2 years warranty

Ps: I have already swapped my speakers


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[06YarisRS]

Originally Posted by miiser

Can you tell me more about the poor radio reception? Cause this is important to me. Is it really bad?

Also, I will buy this locally, not from eBay so I can trust more the local seller than sources like eBay or aliexpress etc. plus I will get 2 years warranty

Ps: I have already swapped my speakers


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In my experience, the reception is not as strong, drops off more and can be 'staticy'. The radio also doesn't catch as many stations as it scans. Maybe yours will be different, but all mine did not have as good/strong reception as the stock radio. This was something I could overlook as I listen to music more. My wife found it bothersome at times. It's not horrible, just not as good as stock. Maybe a qualified auto sound tech could do something to improve it.

I guess you have a local importer of these radios. I'd love a link if you have one. A two year warranty is bonus. Mine are all one year, and really moot because I'd never pay the high shipping rates to return it.

[miiser]

Originally Posted by 06YarisRS

In my experience, the reception is not as strong, drops off more and can be 'staticy'. The radio also doesn't catch as many stations as it scans. Maybe yours will be different, but all mine did not have as good/strong reception as the stock radio. This was something I could overlook as I listen to music more. My wife found it bothersome at times. It's not horrible, just not as good as stock. Maybe a qualified auto sound tech could do something to improve it.

I guess you have a local importer of these radios. I'd love a link if you have one. A two year warranty is bonus. Mine are all one year, and really moot because I'd never pay the high shipping rates to return it.

This signal reception problem occurs on AM? Of FM too? Cause here we use only FM and as I understand, there in states you use both of them.


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[06YarisRS]

Originally Posted by miiser

This signal reception problem occurs on AM? Of FM too? Cause here we use only FM and as I understand, there in states you use both of them.


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FM as we don't listen to AM - way too muddy even for a voice. LOL

[ern-diz]

Originally Posted by miiser

I am not a music freak. But I want to have a descent sound in my car.

Originally Posted by 06YarisRS

...Keep in mind that the usually stated 45w x 4 peak power of these headunits is overblown and is probably similar output to your stock radio - maybe 14 - 17 watts RMS/channel.

And ^that^ is the problem I would assume with these units.

Some stock radios are closer to 5 watts RMS so if the Chinese units get 14-17, it's an improvement, but marginally.

For my money, if I'm going for sound quality, I'm spending a bit more and going with something that pushes more RMS power per channel to get the most out of my speakers.

I went with a Pioneer and sometimes I think I should switch it out for a higher level Kenwood model.

[06YarisRS]

Originally Posted by ern-diz

And ^that^ is the problem I would assume with these units.

Some stock radios are closer to 5 watts RMS so if the Chinese units get 14-17, it's an improvement, but marginally.

For my money, if I'm going for sound quality, I'm spending a bit more and going with something that pushes more RMS power per channel to get the most out of my speakers.

I went with a Pioneer and sometimes I think I should switch it out for a higher level Kenwood model.

I think you are right. I meant to say that the stock would have 14 - 17ish watts peak.

Although these units sound 'acceptable' (subjective, I know) out of the box, it really is amazing what a digital processing app such as PowerAmp can do. My systems are exceptionally clear, balanced but I do quite a bit of tweaking and I have a 4-channel amp, sub and extra tweeters. Neither a stock unit or one of these head units is going to have enough juice, as you say, to power an aftermarket speaker to the point that it produces a well-rounded, clean sound.

[miiser]

Originally Posted by 06YarisRS

I think you are right. I meant to say that the stock would have 14 - 17ish watts peak.



Although these units sound 'acceptable' (subjective, I know) out of the box, it really is amazing what a digital processing app such as PowerAmp can do. My systems are exceptionally clear, balanced but I do quite a bit of tweaking and I have a 4-channel amp, sub and extra tweeters. Neither a stock unit or one of these head units is going to have enough juice, as you say, to power an aftermarket speaker to the point that it produces a well-rounded, clean sound.

Well sure, for an all around clear sound you need more things than just a HU. But is it the difference between the Chinese and brands, big? Or just marginal?

Ps: I will try the poweramp app you mentioned for sure, if I end up buying it


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[IllusionX]

Originally Posted by ern-diz

And ^that^ is the problem I would assume with these units.

Some stock radios are closer to 5 watts RMS so if the Chinese units get 14-17, it's an improvement, but marginally.

For my money, if I'm going for sound quality, I'm spending a bit more and going with something that pushes more RMS power per channel to get the most out of my speakers.

I went with a Pioneer and sometimes I think I should switch it out for a higher level Kenwood model.

If I recall correctly, the stock fujitsuten HU is something like 13wRMS. I could dig up the manual someday to look that up again.
Sound quality is great on it paired with the right pair of speakers, but it does filter out bass once you crank up the volume.


I've ran an Alpine CDA9855 with the stock speakers and that didn't help much.

I'm not sure how much the Android HU has improved since I last bought a non-android touch screen Chinese HU. But something with the DAC that makes the sound horrible compared to a cheap Sony or Pioneer HU.

I would love, someday, try one of the Joying Android HU available on AliExpress.

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[miiser]

Originally Posted by IllusionX

If I recall correctly, the stock fujitsuten HU is something like 13wRMS. I could dig up the manual someday to look that up again.
Sound quality is great on it paired with the right pair of speakers, but it does filter out bass once you crank up the volume.


I've ran an Alpine CDA9855 with the stock speakers and that didn't help much.

I'm not sure how much the Android HU has improved since I last bought a non-android touch screen Chinese HU. But something with the DAC that makes the sound horrible compared to a cheap Sony or Pioneer HU.

I would love, someday, try one of the Joying Android HU available on AliExpress.

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I bet there must be a huge difference between Android and nonandroid Chinese HUs.


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[IllusionX]

Originally Posted by miiser

I bet there must be a huge difference between Android and nonandroid Chinese HUs.


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It all comes down to the DAC and amp they are using. Android has nothing to do in the equation

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[miiser]

Originally Posted by IllusionX

It all comes down to the DAC and amp they are using. Android has nothing to do in the equation

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I mean that, generally in Android headunits, Chinese manufactures tent to use better parts to build them. Just like they do with their smartphones.
Comparing an android smartphone from China, and a non one, the difference is day-night. I think that’s the case with the HU too.


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[IllusionX]

Originally Posted by miiser

I mean that, generally in Android headunits, Chinese manufactures tent to use better parts to build them. Just like they do with their smartphones.
Comparing an android smartphone from China, and a non one, the difference is day-night. I think that’s the case with the HU too.


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I don't think your point is valid. Chinese brand Android phones also has its quirks compared to US brands.

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[06YarisRS]

Originally Posted by miiser

I bet there must be a huge difference between Android and nonandroid Chinese HUs.


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I think there is probably a bit of variation just within the android units themselves. IllusionX mentions the Joying brand. I also read online that that company was aiming to improve the sound quality in their units.

Here is a link that makes reference to Joying's move to improve sound quality. There is also reference to Intel-based units.

https://forum.xda-developers.com/and...fixed-t3647498

I'm not an audiophile, but I know what sounds good to me (again obviously subjective). The acoustical enviroment in my vehicles is far from perfect, so I don't know that cost of high end gear would be justified. Once in a while I will play the song "Long After You're Gone" by Chris Jones in the car to get a nice 'audio' experience. The depth and clarity of the instrumentation is very pleasing, despite a slight bit of age-related hearing loss.

[06YarisRS]

Originally Posted by IllusionX

I But something with the DAC that makes the sound horrible compared to a cheap Sony or Pioneer HU.

If I can dig up the manual on my latest headunit, I'll see what audio chipset is in it. I seem to recall that it was a Philips TDA something or other. At the time I looked it up online and recall it was regarded as a respectable audio chip.