Sony DSXS310BTX Single DIN Head Unit, Prius II base model

I know most people here are after double DIN video screen, backup camera, multimedia type stuff. So I thought I'd post my Single DIN install to help out the rare person who just wants a simpler system.

JUSTIFICATION:
I bought a base model, 2011 Blizzard Pearl Prius II. I wanted Bluetooth hands free phone, and a USB connection to the stereo so I could charge, and play music from my iPhone and iPod Nano. Also, this particular Sony head unit supports "tune tray" which allows an internal USB device to be kept INSIDE the head unit. I will be putting a 128GB Kingston USB stick inside the Sony, and have my entire music collection in the unit at all times No CDs, no CD player in this unit. It also has a removable faceplate, which is important to me since I sometimes park the car for long periods in "dodgy" places like airport parking or basically anywhere in downtown LA.

PARTS:
Sony DSXS310BTX Digital Media Receiver with Pandora Stream and dual USB.
Metra Stock No. 99-8226B, Toyota Prius 2010-UP DIN head unit provision with pocket
Metra Stock No. 70-1761 TOYOTA 87-UP PWR 4 SPKR
Metra Stock No. ASWC STEERING WHEEL CONTROL INTERFACE
Metra Stock No. 70-8114 Swc add-on Harness W/Rca For Toyota
5 pc. No-Scratch Tools for Removing Fastener & Molding (Amazon.com: 5 pc. No-Scratch Tools for Removing Fastener & Molding: Automotive)

DISCUSSION:
I'm too lazy to take a lot of photos of what I did, so I'll just discuss.
(1) The Sony connected to the main Metra wiring harness wire for wire! There were ZERO differences. Thank you wiring standards!
(2) The ASWC Steering Wheel control would normally be a hassle, but the star of the show for this install was the additional 70-8114 "add on harness", which plugged directly into the ASWC and is made for Prius II that I own. All I had to deal with on the ASWC was plug in the 3.5mm male connector into the Sony and splice only the BLACK and RED wires from the "add on" harness into the "main" harness. So two wires and one plug were all that I had to deal with from the ASWC.
(3) The collar that came with the Sony fit directly into the Metra "head unit provision with pocket". Tabs had to be bend all around the collar to hold it permanently. The black color of this unit fits well with the rest of the dash.
(4) The Sony comes with a Mic for the Bluetooth hands free. I was not interested in running it to the roof, so instead, I ran it to the unused square switch between the steering wheel and center console. This worked very well, since the mic is on a tiny adjustable stand that can be pointed directly at the driver.
(5) The no-scratch tools weren't SUPER necessary, since the prius center console comes out fairly easily. But, this tool set did help, and now I have it forever.
(6) I was concerned for a bit when the old unit had 4 wiring harnesses, but the new unit with ASWC gave only 3 harnesses to plug in. The 4th connection made no difference, and I'm not sure what it was for (anyone?). When I was finished... everything worked on the first try.

POSITIVES:
This stereo sounds A LOT better than the factory model. Much nicer, fuller sound. Very satisfied. The ASWC needed ZERO work on my part. I plugged in the 3 harnesses, and it all just worked on the first try. Didn't do anything... as soon as it got power, all of the steering wheel controls worked within seconds. The Mic works very well where I placed it, and it looks /sounds great. Test calls while driving worked well. the Metra harnesses are GOLD. No surprises!

NEGATIVES:
Since the Metra Single DIN trim kit was all plastic, It needed a few slight bends to get it to line up perfectly. This model of Sony head unit does NOT have an AUX in on the back. So sadly the built in AUX port found between the driver and passenger in the arm rest is now disconnected. I don't really need it any more anyway with the two USB connections, but a small bummer in an otherwise perfect install.

OVERALL:
I'm totally happy with this unit. It does what I need it to do, and had all of the iPhone/iPod features I wanted. I'm so happy that a company like Metra exists and does such a great job with these harnesses. I was on the fence for a while with buying this unit instead of a double DIN DVD, video, backup camera, etc unit... but the theft target was just too big for me. I'd rather not worry about it. The only thing I really miss would be the backup camera.

PHOTOS (below):
(1) Two shots of the unit showing "pocket" below the unit. Nice blue color auto adjusts to changing light. External USB port can be seen on the far right of the flash shot. Second USB port is internal, and the faceplate opens downward to reveal the "tune tray" and USB connection #2. Faceplate can be removed easily for security.
(2) Shots showing the mic placement between the steering wheel and AC controls, just below the power button. Yes, it is high enough not to be hit by my knees. Not even close, and I'm 6'4" with shoes on.

That's about it. If you are thinking about getting a Single DIN Sony, it works well with the Metra harnesses and trim kit. Just wire color to color on the main harness, splice in the RED and BLACK from the ASWC add on harness into the main harness, plug the ASWC into the Sony, and you are done.

Dan

 

Thanks!

It was a 3.5mm male. Maybe I could have figured out a way to connect it to the "Bus Audio In" RCAs that the Sony has on the back (currently unused on my setup), but it wasn't a focus for me. The wiring diagram suggests that this is for XM/Sirius, so I don't know if it would work??

 

By the way, my night time photos didn't do justice to the really nice fit of everything. Here's one shot during the day in better light, and from a better distance. The fit is right on.

 

1) Sony XA-300
2) PAC AUXON Sony

First one is too expensive, and not worth the effort for something I won't normally use.
Second option is interesting. I will look into this further.