Just replaced the archaic stereo in my '19 XLE with a Pioneer floating unit (DMH-WT7600NEX), the 9 inch model's fit and finish looks better than stock and has exponentially more functionality with Wireless Android Auto, Carplay, and an idatalink maestro tying in live data from the ECM. Best purchase thus far and likely the best stereo on the market right now. Ordered from Crutchfield and it came with everything needed to install. Hardest pard is zip tying and tucking all the wiring, finding a place to mount the idatalink and gps antenna. Took about two days, 3 hours each day. Frustrating at times but totally worth it in the end, highly recommend this head unit. Old Stereo New stereo in Up and running!
In USA, you at least get one with knobs - which the rest of the world would love. And you've now got one without knobs or buttons.
Yup, put me in the "got to have a volume knob" camp. That was my #1 criteria in an aftermarket unit. I'm eyeing an even larger version of a "floating display" than the OP's and that's a 10 inch size. Mainly want that over my current 7 inch to get an even bigger and better rear camera picture and larger Carplay interface.
Same here re: rotary knob. I've been looking into wiring up a rotary encoder so that it outputs the same signals as the steering wheel buttons. That way it won't matter when the last aftermarket stereo loses its knob, I'd just add my own standalone controller. The axxess box (or equivalent) would never know that the signals weren't coming from the real steering wheel buttons.
I tried to get the coders @ hondahack to add a USB volume controller function to the Clarity. The OEM headunit is android so the knob actually gets recognized and the volume display pops up on the screen when the knob is rotated (YAY!) but it doesn't change it (booh!).
Yeah, but the one with knobs was equivalent to the OEM radio in my mom's 2001 Camry with severely reduced entune 2.0 functionality and basic Alexa functionality requiring multiple steps to view the results of any query, both of which I rarely use and my phone can accomplish far more efficiently with a simple "hey google" and a larger display than the dinky 6.1" display. I love my knobs but that stereo was sub-par at best for 2019. Thought about an aftermarket unit with knobs but It displays gauges and tire pressure information, far more than the OEM stereo could, No hybrid system indicator and mileage but that was a redundant display of what can be displayed on the dash so I'm not missing it. I used to be in that camp but you get used to it after a few months, and frankly the functionality, smooth interface, and convenience of android auto and Apple Carplay are well worth it. Guessing you're eyeing the DMH-WT8600NEX which is the 10" unit. If you're looking for resolution, stick with Pioneer as I've heard and read numerous complaints about their floating unit displays. I was looking at a 10" (Pioneer) as well but went with the 9" on a hunch, turned out beautifully and compliments the interior lines.
(bump) Following up to see whether you still like the DMH-WT7600NEX. Why didn't you go with the 10-inch version (WT8600NEX)? There are some poor reviews on Crutchfield for the Pioneers, particularly with lag and bugginess of the firmware. Have you experienced these? Finally, how professional does the unit look between the display and the car? That is, I'm assuming that there's some sort of filler plate behind the display (since the radio itself is single-DIN, and the Prius OEM unit you're replacing is larger than that of course). Does it match the glossy black of the Prius, and does it have good fit? (i.e., does it look stock to any degree?)
Looks great. I got a 2021 Prime and I love the CarPlay. However, having a 9" screen would be much better. I just went to Crutchfield and the site says the DMH-WT7600NEX doesn't fit my car. Anybody know the difference between the 2019 Prius and 2021 Prime's for stereo space?
starting on 2020, Prius added carplay which introduced different harness to the new hearunit. Last I know, Crutchfield didn't know how to handle this new configuration, and many people had to hack their way to bringing in aftermarket head units. Space was probably not the concern. I'm not sure if aftermarket suppliers like Metra created connectors so you can create your own adapter.
looking at the metra website, seems like they have connectors out, which you can make your own adapter. Metra Online you may need a bit of knowledge in wiring though.
Curious about the screen quality on this unit. Would you say it's equal or better than the stock unit in terms of brightness and glare? I ask this as my previous car had an aftermarket Pioneer. A great unit, except the display was laughably bad. Looked good in the dark, but any stray light would make it unreadable. Even a friend's cheap Android unit was superior. I was actually pleased when we bought this car used a year or so ago as to how bright and sharp the display on the factory unit was as compared to the Pioneer. Sadly, it's failing and a replacement is sought.
Most pioneers on the market are resistive screens whereas the factory was capacitative. I have a pioneer resistive screen and most likely will get a capacitative screen whenever I want to upgrade. Hard to justify at the moment.
Yea, I think you're right about this being a key distinction. I did notice a couple of Alpines have capacitive. May look at going that direction.
