ASAP information+opinions for Android Headunit.

[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 IllusionX

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

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I read somewhere that unlicensed versions of Android OS are used in the Chinese units.

[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.