What’s the best head unit available?

[monty999]

Also 2018 t6 here. Just done the Gladen speakers and they are pretty easy install ( specifically for T6) . Sound is big improvement especially if sound deaden at the same time.
Also just installed the Halo 9 which I’m dead chuffed with. Easy to install too as long as you use the correct fitting kit ( Alpine kit).

 

[SouthieDave]

Hi Absolut5, Sams-vans, thanks the advice and sorry for the delay replying, nothing like like a couple of ill kids to put a handbrake on your life!
I don't particularly want a tablet style headunit but here's where my thinking's going: if I was to get the 8021dabs wouldn't I better off getting the Apine 705 for a little more because it's got built in amp, but then for just a little bit more... I could eliminate glare with the 905d.

Good to know the glare isn't too bad.
Absolut5, when you say you have a focal kit that gives huge improvements, do you mean over oem speakers or over the Alpine / Gladen

Thanks again

 

[Absolut5]

Hi Absolut5, Sams-vans, thanks the advice and sorry for the delay replying, nothing like like a couple of ill kids to put a handbrake on your life!
I don't particularly want a tablet style headunit but here's where my thinking's going: if I was to get the 8021dabs wouldn't I better off getting the Apine 705 for a little more because it's got built in amp, but then for just a little bit more... I could eliminate glare with the 905d.

Good to know the glare isn't too bad.
Absolut5, when you say you have a focal kit that gives huge improvements, do you mean over oem speakers or over the Alpine / Gladen

Thanks again

Hiya

To overcome glare then a tablet is the better choice.

Kenwood 8021dab intuitive to use, fast , and has wireless android auto
Alpine ILX705d better sound, more powerful , no so easy to use, and only has wired Android auto

We do a focal 8” speaker kit with a small digital amp, for same money as the Gladens on their own, but offer far better low end , volume , quality over stock, Aloine and Gladen , all plug and play .

 

[SouthieDave]

Also 2018 t6 here. Just done the Gladen speakers and they are pretty easy install ( specifically for T6) . Sound is big improvement especially if sound deaden at the same time.
Also just installed the Halo 9 which I’m dead chuffed with. Easy to install too as long as you use the correct fitting kit ( Alpine kit).

Thanks, that seems like the winner,

 

[david173]

Hi Absolut5, Sams-vans, thanks the advice and sorry for the delay replying, nothing like like a couple of ill kids to put a handbrake on your life!
I don't particularly want a tablet style headunit but here's where my thinking's going: if I was to get the 8021dabs wouldn't I better off getting the Apine 705 for a little more because it's got built in amp, but then for just a little bit more... I could eliminate glare with the 905d.

Good to know the glare isn't too bad.
Absolut5, when you say you have a focal kit that gives huge improvements, do you mean over oem speakers or over the Alpine / Gladen

Thanks again

I was in the exact same scenario as you, bit the bullet and gone for a Kenwood 8021 and Focal amp + speaker upgrade from @Absolut5 just waiting for it to be delivered. Jason was really helpful on the phone to answer the millions of questions I had As soon as I have it up and running I will post back with a review.

In the end I went the Kenwood for 2 reasons:
1) it does wireless android auto (both my wife and I have android), whereas I would then need to spend more money to get a wireless dongle to work with the alpine. Yes you could use it wired but wanted to have the convenience on shorter trips to keep my phone in my pocket.
2) price, I could get the Kenwood headunit and the speaker upgrade with amp for not much more than the alpine on its own. it may suffer some glare (TBC in wales) but I will take that for an audio upgrade any day. I spend much more time listening to music than looking at the head unit screen!

If money was no object id would have gone the alpine halo 9 + dongle + audio upgrade, but that was stretching it a bit!

good luck

 

[Goldy]

Hi guys, I have a couple of audio questions if someone wouldn't minding offering their knowledge. I have a 2018 t6 and want to upgrade the sound system, preferably without taking out a mortgage.

The kenwood 8021 or Alpine 705d were standing out for me but I'm worried about the glare on the screen. How bad is it? Is it bad enough to make the halo 9 worth the extra?

My other question was regarding the Alpine door speakers and tweeters, are they really good or are you paying for the little silver tweeter grill? Would anyone recommend something else?
Thanks

I fitted the 705D, the glare can be a bit of a pain at times, my biggest issue with Alpine is the interface with Android phones it's absolutely shocking virtually impossible to receive and make calls. Other minor niggles for me is the led button lights are blue and the radio doesn't display the station logos.

 

[racT6bus]

I got the Alpine 705D fitted by @Absolut5 - I couldn't quite stretch to the Halo and I wanted to keep it subtle looking - sound quality and integration with MSFW and reverse camera were the most important for me. Paired with their signature kit (Audison amp and Hertz sub), Alpine T6 20cm component speaker kit (I already fitted, otherwise would have had the Gladens!) and some Focal 20cm rear speakers, the sound quality is superb - despite a bit of tinkering to get the brightness down on those Alpine tweeters... fortunately the head unit has an impressive array of EQ options for fine tuning! I can use wireless Apple CarPlay but I find wired is much better for sound quality and can use the existing USB fine. My only niggles are the same as @Goldy with the glare (although it's far better than the Pioneer I had before - the HD screen resolution of the Alpine is amazing) and blue LEDs (they should be old school Alpine green IMO!). I think the unit is superb, it's basically a 7in version of the Halo.

 

[david173]

I was in the exact same scenario as you, bit the bullet and gone for a Kenwood 8021 and Focal amp + speaker upgrade from @Absolut5 just waiting for it to be delivered. Jason was really helpful on the phone to answer the millions of questions I had As soon as I have it up and running I will post back with a review.

In the end I went the Kenwood for 2 reasons:
1) it does wireless android auto (both my wife and I have android), whereas I would then need to spend more money to get a wireless dongle to work with the alpine. Yes you could use it wired but wanted to have the convenience on shorter trips to keep my phone in my pocket.
2) price, I could get the Kenwood headunit and the speaker upgrade with amp for not much more than the alpine on its own. it may suffer some glare (TBC in wales) but I will take that for an audio upgrade any day. I spend much more time listening to music than looking at the head unit screen!

If money was no object id would have gone the alpine halo 9 + dongle + audio upgrade, but that was stretching it a bit!

good luck

Just to give an update on this for completeness.

I have now fitted the Kenwood 8021DAB supplied by @Absolut5 and have used it over the last few weeks.

Was super impressed with the service from Absolut5, Jason was on hand to answer the couple of queries I had and the loom was all pre made and cloth taped to make fitting really simple.
Worst thing about fitting was running the cable for the reverse camera, I have a factory kombi with rear wiper + washer so the tailgate rubber sleeve is pretty full, used a guitar string in the end to help feed it through and got there in the end.

I'm really pleased with the head unit. I was initially concerned about the glare issue of the 'in dash' options rather than the halo but having now had it fitted for few weeks and tested in lots of conditions (yes we have some sunshine in Wales occasionally) the glare isn't such a big deal for me. Yes there is some if you have direct sunlight but its not that bad. The functionality of the unit is excellent and intuitive and is feels OEM rather than aftermarket. I also fitted the Kenwood CMOS rear view camera for which the picture quality and field of view is much better than my old 'over mirror' type camera.
My wife and I have android and the android auto works really well. I use it plugged in as my phone is old ( my phone doesn't support wireless Android auto) but wireless works great on my wife's newer phone.
The sound quality (pared with a kenwood amp+ focal 8" speakers and tweeters) far surpassed my expectations. There are loads of options and ability to change EQ on the headunit etc to get it setup to your taste.

I used the kenwood supplied microphone, really discreet and the sound quality when using it handsfree for the recipients has greatly increased (so i'm told) the OEM one was crap and would convey a lot more of the road noise etc.

Yes the Alpine Halo 9 would have been nice with the bigger screen, but its a lot more ££, for me I'm glad I went with the Kenwood + speaker upgrade.

 

[Absolut5]

Thanks guys we really appreciate using our services , and again thanks to this great Forum

 

[mike_read99]

I am considering a head unit upgrade to my T6.1 but would look for a professional installer. I've found a few but they're all Midlands / South. I'm near Hexham (NE46). Are there any installers nearer to me in the North East of England?
Thanks

 

[Absolut5]

I am considering a head unit upgrade to my T6.1 but would look for a professional installer. I've found a few but they're all Midlands / South. I'm near Hexham (NE46). Are there any installers nearer to me in the North East of England?
Thanks

We supply James @ North Vag solutions with audio equipment who can undertake this for you . Do you what us to go through it all with you ?

 

[SKUndef]

Hello, new member here! I'm about to buy my first camper van, being it a VW T6.1. About the glare with integrated units, is it the same level on T6.1 compared to T6?

 

[Absolut5]

Hello, new member here! I'm about to buy my first camper van, being it a VW T6.1. About the glare with integrated units, is it the same level on T6.1 compared to T6?

Glare does not affect the t6.1 anywhere near much as the screen is less angled than eariler models

 

[SKUndef]

Glare does not affect the t6.1 anywhere near much as the screen is less angled than eariler models

That's an awesome news, thanks @Absolut5 ! I just bought a Pioneer SPH-DA77DAB, for what I've searched in this forum and my needings (Android Auto, media streaming from phone, navigation) it should fit well.
I've also tried to search the name of the official Pioneer interface kit, but I couldn't find it. Does someone have a list of additional components I have to buy to fit it into a T6.1 2021 short? I should have also some rear parking sensors mounted, but I don't know yet the brand.

 

[SKUndef]

Is it this one: Pioneer CD-SVW-UAR.006AE - CAN Bus Adapter for SPH-EVO64/93/950DAB - InCarTec

 

[Absolut5]

Is it this one: Pioneer CD-SVW-UAR.006AE - CAN Bus Adapter for SPH-EVO64/93/950DAB - InCarTec

You could use that one but you need so many more parts , I have replied to your pm

 

[SKUndef]

You could use that one but you need so many more parts , I have replied to your pm

Thanks a lot!