So my 2015 Wrangler came with the basic radio package, with the one addition of SiriusXM. The radio itself has no blue tooth, connectivity, or anything...just the basic head unit. I do have steering wheels controls however. Searching around the forums, it seems many have upgraded the head unit to something better.
At this point Im unsure if I want navigation or not. Ive used google maps on my android phones for years now and never had a problem. On the flip side, it would be nice to have a built in gps, not to mention the ability to add a back up camera down the road.
At this point, Im most worried about hacking up my factory stuff. Im looking for something that's basically plug and play, with minimal hacking. Im not a car stereo guy, so an audio shop would most likely handle the install stuff. One of the head units I see talked about here is the Pioneer 6100NEX. Another factor for me is that I use and prefer the Android OS over the Apple stuff. Along with the satellite radio comes a one year free subscription, so I probably wouldn't switch anything over right now. Im just trying to think long term.
The Pioneer NEX HU's support Android Auto as well as Apple Car Play (just use USB 2 for Android Auto instead of USB 1). You'll now have Google Maps as NAV on the HU via Android Auto. I see no point in an HU with built in NAV since Google Maps is by far the best out there. It also supports off-line mode if you plan to go where you won't have cell service. The HU will require an interface adapter if you want it to work with the steering wheel buttons. Any install shop should know what they are doing in this regard.
Oh, the stock speakers are horrible. You're going to want to replace those as well. 2015's are different in many ways in regards to speakers from the prior years so be sure to pay attention when researching the forum on speaker upgrades. You can fit 3.5" co-ax's in the upper dash, 6.5" speakers in the lower dash, and 3.5" speakers as well as 6.5" speakers in the soundbar. For the soundbar I would suggest a set of components over 2 pairs of co-ax's however.
The Pioneer NEX HU's support Android Auto as well as Apple Car Play (just use USB 2 for Android Auto instead of USB 1). You'll now have Google Maps as NAV on the HU via Android Auto. I see no point in an HU with built in NAV since Google Maps is by far the best out there. It also supports off-line mode if you plan to go where you won't have cell service. The HU will require an interface adapter if you want it to work with the steering wheel buttons. Any install shop should know what they are doing in this regard. Oh, the stock speakers are horrible. You're going to want to replace those as well. 2015's are different in many ways in regards to speakers from the prior years so be sure to pay attention when researching the forum on speaker upgrades. You can fit 3.5" co-ax's in the upper dash, 6.5" speakers in the lower dash, and 3.5" speakers as well as 6.5" speakers in the soundbar. For the soundbar I would suggest a set of components over 2 pairs of co-ax's however.
Components in the front as well as in sound bar will require serious amplification. A stock HU or OEM will not push them adequately alone. Also if you put components in both front and rear of the Jeep, your sound stage will be way off. IMHO I would run components up front and coax in sound bar for just fill.
The parrot android smart radio gets rave reviews if rooted.
I just carry my tablet for gps and i have the 730n...but it's horribly out of date. I'm done with Gps units and the constant need for updates. The only 1 have left is a Garmin Oregon 400t I use for hunting with topo maps. ..and, unless something seriously goes wrong, those aren't likely to change
You should also check out the JK1001 from InsaneAudio. That runs Android and has a factory look to it. Works with steering wheel controls, has touch screen, etc.
Interesting ideas. I really wasnt up to speed on all the new stuff, such as Android Auto. I definitely dont need a NAV system as long as I can use Google Maps on the large display. Something to think about for sure.
The JK1001 looks nice as well, especially the Android capabilities.
Great info, I'm considering upgrading the stock 130 unit in my 2012 JK with a 430n. The local Jeep dealer told me that the 730n won't work. Not sure why.
The 730N has UConnect already built in. If you have UConnect with your 130, you'll need to purchase a UConnect bypass cable. You can find it here. The dealer won't have it. Do you have Sirius? If you do, you're all set because the antenna works for GPS also. If you don't, your best option is to purchase this dual antenna.
The best way to choose a deck isn't by reading these threads but to go to your local audio shop, preferably the small non big box type... and use what they have on their sound boards. If needed go to multiple shops..... You can then see how each brand works and which style you prefer. All the top brands are similiar in quality thus it's more about features and how you navigate through the deck to perform different functions.
A few years back when I was shopping Pioneer was my least favorite of everything I tried and Alpine is what I went with. I also considered Clarion, Kenwood & JVC
I just replaced my stock head unit and all speakers. Went with a Pioneer AVH-X3600 for the head unit and got the steering wheel control module and Sirius module, which I mounted behind the dash and beside the stereo. Everything works great.
Replaced the all coax and tweeter speakers with Kickers. The Kicker coaxs needed brackets from Crutchfield which were no big deal to use. In fact I liked them over the direct Kicker Jeep replacements because I could put more screws in them.
The tweeters..... I needed a custom bracket because they were smaller, so I bought four plumber pipe brackets, cut the round end off, and used the strap.... which would bend and fit perfectly to the existing holes.
I also ran a USB/Aux cable to the center armrest console.
Got everything, including adapter cables and panels, from Crutchfield. Huge improvement in looks and sound. Whole system was around $600.
I'm looking into getting the Pioneer X3700 with a back up camera installed from a local audio shop. With the steering wheel harness, it will come to $875 + tax. Thats the best price i found in my area (Central NJ) out of the 4 shops i checked.
Looks GREAT! Thinking of the same exact thing. Like?
Did you do the install or have it done? Looked at everything needed to do it and trying to figure out if it is plush and play or a bunch of wire splicing.
The Raxiom Navigation System seems like a great fit for you! It gives you bluetooth and nav with a clean, factory looking, plug and play install. There are a few people on the forum running them and they're really happy! If you have any specific questions about that unit or if you'd like a quote just let me know!
Possibly ignorant question from an audio newb here:
Foretting about wiring connections and harnesses for a moment etc, are all the headunits 130/430/730 and aftermarket units people are recommending same or similar mount size so a factory-like looking install is possible or are people hacking up their dash to make a swapped unit fit??
And if so is the process easy/moderate/difficult to physically pop one out and another in assuming you can sort out connections?
It's a big reason why I have settled on the pioneer 4100nex, for my 2016 when it gets in. Not only all the features I want, but detachable faceplate which is getting more rare.
You and me both, brother. I've had that in two vehicles now and would love to have it again. Just a heads up, the Pioneer double DINs other than the new NEX units all have similar features (though not as good of a DAC IIRC). I believe there was one that had all of the audio features of the 80PRS. I'm holding out for a double DIN unit that will run 3way active and has the apple car play.
I replaced the stock unit with a Pioneer AVIC 5100 NEX keeping the steering wheel controls and Sirlus, Alpine PDR 75 5 channel amp. 2 sets of Alpine 6.5"component speakers and a 10" kicker sub. Sounds great. I priced on line doing it myself but use a shop that I had dealt with before. Price including install was about $200 more than the best price I could get online. Now my stereo sounds as good as it feels riding with the top and doors off!!!!!!:worthy::awesome:
I went with a Clarion HU which was under 300 installed and love it. it has a detachable face plate and a really nice cubby under the unit which makes up the space left by the oem radio. I was lucky that the previous owner upgraded the speakers to Polk. This unit rocks. Also I was told that 75% of the OEM radios crap out over time in which mine did. Do your self a favor and have it professionally installed, it does not cost that much more and they have all the plug and play accessories and you have no headaches. Mine only took them a little over an hour to install.
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