What’s the best head unit available?

I was going to start another thread but I'll see if I can get what I need from here!

There has been a few model updates since a lot of the recommendations on here - can I get views on the current best headunit for a T6?

My new T6 has a Audison amp/speaker setup - the amp is digital so I think bypasses the processing from the headunit?

Options:

1 - Kenwood DMX-8019DABS (or the newer 8020DABS) - I currently have one of these in my old T5 I could move to my new T6 but I've always had a problem with glare and dont like how aftermarket it looks - IMHO its too small for the hole with the big bezel (as there are no buttons surrounding it) . 7 inch 1280 x 720 pixel

2 - OEM Discover Media - currently in my T6, I like how it looks but the screen is small and I would need to buy the wireless carplay adapter (CPlay2Air?) - I'm wondering if I would get better sound, bells and whistles with a newer unit. 6.5" high resolution display (800 x 480) I think?

3 - New iLX-F905D Alpine Halo9 - just recently updated with wireless carplay - seems like a good size? 1280 x 720 pixel (the old one was lower resolution and not wireless carplay)

4 - KENWOOD DMX9720XDS - Bigger floating 10 inch screen - is it too big? 1280 x 720 pixel

5 - New Pioneer sph-evo950dab - They have just released a new floating 9 inch screen that I saw at the Camping a Caravan show - looked nice? 1280 x 720 pixel

https://www.pioneer-car.eu/uk/products/sph-evo950dab
 
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1-all aftermarket fixed in dash headunits suffer from glare except the HD screen Kenwood dnx9190dab

2-all factory headunits will not sound as good as aftermarket , lower grade electronics etc

3- 905 picture below in dash, fits quite snug

4-Kenwood 9720 is a superb unit with its HD screen, super clear but they also have the DNR 992RVS, built in nav, also has rotary volume, which is a lot easier to use

5- To new to market, so no feedback

​

 
Thanks @Absolut5 - great answers.

1 - The dnx9190dab looks good but does not solve the 'looking aftermarket' and plastic besal thing for me. I will take a look though.

2 - Is that true even if using with a digital amp? I thought basically all sound processing was done by the amp now not the headunit?

3 - I'm wondering if this updated unit is the best for me - new version seems to match what the Kenwood's do, size is good etc. Anyone got any opinions on this vs the Kenwood versions?

4 - DNR 992RVS is just too expensive for me - I would never use the sat nav (prefer waze). Completely agree the volume knob would be nice but I'm not paying £500 for one knob!

5 - I'm not sure I rate pioneer head units from previous experience, not sure what it would give me over the more established Halo 9?
 
My multimedia that I bought on aliexpress. The seller assured me that it would not fit my car. If you watch the video, turn on the subtitles and automatic translation. Further plans to connect 360 video panoramas.
 
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some of the connectors are not right, fm is a single instead of a double fakra, usb will not work with the factory one and the wiring harness is for a older t5 not t6
 
Everything works. FM single yes but radio works. The factory USB works only as a charger. Yes, the wiring harness is for an older car, but I showed how it can be made for the T6.
 
I've been having an intermittent problem for a while now with my Kenwood 8020 DABS failing to recognise a USB stick into plugged into the dashboard mounted socket (it's connected with a 'proper' USB retention cable). At first I thought it, might be the USB stick itself but I've tried a couple of others and the same issue eventually pops up. I've also taken the unit out of the dash and made sure that there were no loose connections between it and the socket. I then thought that it might need an software / firmware (or whatever) update but I think it's already got the latest version. By coincidence I even got an error message on the screen as I was scrolling through the software information screen. If I pull the USB stick out and put it back, it registers but it's a pain as it then got back to the very first track on the disk (and eventually disappears again).IMG_0122.JPGIMG_0123.JPG
 
Ayjay said:
I've been having an intermittent problem for a while now with my Kenwood 8020 DABS failing to recognise a USB stick into plugged into the dashboard mounted socket (it's connected with a 'proper' USB retention cable). At first I thought it, might be the USB stick itself but I've tried a couple of others and the same issue eventually pops up. I've also taken the unit out of the dash and made sure that there were no loose connections between it and the socket. I then thought that it might need an software / firmware (or whatever) update but I think it's already got the latest version. By coincidence I even got an error message on the screen as I was scrolling through the software information screen. If I pull the USB stick out and put it back, it registers but it's a pain as it then got back to the very first track on the disk (and eventually disappears again).View attachment 196278View attachment 196279
Click to expand...
Drop fullers radio repairs a quick call, they are Kenwood authorised repair centre, always answer their calls and helpful
 
So anyone tried the new Pioneer floating screen unit?

www.pioneer-car.eu

SPH-EVO950DAB - Car Multimedia Receivers

Discover the Pioneer SPH-EVO950DAB Car Multimedia Receivers. Providing Thanks to its modular structure, the 9-inch SPH-EVO950DAB can be fitted to cars where this was previously impossible.. Click Here for More Info!
www.pioneer-car.eu www.pioneer-car.eu

I saw it at the camping and caravanning show but it still hadn't been released. The updated halo 9 is its direct competition I assume?
 
da_murphster said:
So anyone tried the new Pioneer floating screen unit?

www.pioneer-car.eu

SPH-EVO950DAB - Car Multimedia Receivers

Discover the Pioneer SPH-EVO950DAB Car Multimedia Receivers. Providing Thanks to its modular structure, the 9-inch SPH-EVO950DAB can be fitted to cars where this was previously impossible.. Click Here for More Info!
www.pioneer-car.eu www.pioneer-car.eu

I saw it at the camping and caravanning show but it still hadn't been released. The updated halo 9 is its direct competition I assume?
Click to expand...
We have stock of them, but haven’t fitted one yet, the alpine 905 is a good unit, the 9720 Kenwood is superb , however the pioneer is going to work out the cheapest

image.jpg
 
@Absolut5. Thanks for the suggestion - I called and they were very helpful by suggesting that I popped the unit out of the dash to check all the connections. However, I've already done that and couldn't find anything loose BUT I can't get my pork sausage fingers behind the dash USB socket. Can you advise on how I might get it out please before I just attack it with trim tools and break something. The other thing that I think I need to try is disconnecting the cable which goes from the dash USB socket to the cable which goes into the unit and trying a USB in the latter (ie. bypassing the dash socket).
 
Ayjay said:
@Absolut5. Thanks for the suggestion - I called and they were very helpful by suggesting that I popped the unit out of the dash to check all the connections. However, I've already done that and couldn't find anything loose BUT I can't get my pork sausage fingers behind the dash USB socket. Can you advise on how I might get it out please before I just attack it with trim tools and break something. The other thing that I think I need to try is disconnecting the cable which goes from the dash USB socket to the cable which goes into the unit and trying a USB in the latter (ie. bypassing the dash socket).
Click to expand...
drop the glovebox out, 7 screws and push from behind . Or a slim plastic trim tool and pop it along the side of the usb holder
 
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