I did an Alpine WRA restyle unit in mine- it comes with the head unit, dash brackets to fit the double-DIN radio into the wider JK dash opening, a new rear radio support, a Maestro unit (that allows use of the steering wheel controls and interfaces with CanBus), as well as a custom wiring harness that makes it plug & play. While mine is an older version (i207-WRA), they have newer current models. They aren't cheap, but I have been loving mine. I added a plug & play Alpine back up cam at the same time that is a single connection to the head unit rather than something that needs to be wired into +12V and a reverse trigger. I am an IOS guy, so while my Alpine has Android Auto, I haven't used that aspect of it.

If you want to source your own dash kit, a Maestro and use an aftermarket wire harness, you aren't limited to a kit- practically any double-DIN that is Maestro compatible will work. There are other CanBus interfaces as well, but Maestro may be the most popular. You'll probably have to modify the rear radio support when installing most aftermarket head units.

Installing in a JK is more complicated than things were from the 70's to early 2000's as they have a degree of integration with the Jeep's onboard computer, but it isn't rocket science. You have to program the Maestro via PC (or now for Mac also) to match the Jeep and your chosen new head unit, pop off some trim on the dash, header and a-piller. Run a new microphone for hands free and a new GPS antenna, connect it all and button things up.

 

Alpine and Kenwood are good choices using Maestro.
Pioneer is also great.

I had the i207-WRA and now the i407-WRA. 207 had more features but I am happy.
Plug and play and it is a great setup. Alpine speakers, alpine 4x70w amp and alpine powered sub.

 

Don’t sleep on knobs - I put a Sony XAV-AX100 in my JKU for CarPlay a number of years ago, and it’s been rock-solid. One of the best parts is an actual knob for adjusting volume, rather than buttons to press.

 

I agree about the knob for volume. I put a Sony XAV AX5000 in mine and does not have the volume knob. It has buttons and it is really annoying to have to push a button to turn down the volume when a knob is so much faster. Other than that I really like the Sony I installed. I only wish that it allowed you to have custom screensaver/background rather than the Sony preinstalled stuff. The screen is nice and very responsive to your touch and your fingers don't leave smudges or visible fingerprints on it. I also wish it had some kind of a battery back up to it. Everytime you disconnect the battery in the Jeep to do any work on it, you lose all your memory in it, Clock, presets, DSO, subwoofer settings, everything reverts back to brand new out of the box factory settings........................

 

I have the Android HU from one of the Chinese vendors, Seicane. It comes with everything you need to install it, including CANBUS interface and the replacement bezels to support the 10.1" screen. If doing it again, I would buy a Dasalita as they are the actual manufacturer and have regular updates.

I really like the versatility of the android HU and the large screen.

 

As far as volume knobs go, while my Alpine i207-WRA doesn't have a volume knob (it has up/down buttons), I don't find them too bad, plus my steering wheel controls work exactly as they did before for volume adjustment courtesy of Maestro programming...the wife turns the volume down on the radio, and I can sneak it back up via steering wheel controls . Maestro also allows you to remap what those buttons do if that is a selling point. I have been doing car audio installs since '83 and wasn't afraid to tackle an install in my Jeep, and the install would go much quicker if I had a do-over.

I know some Android users love their Chinese Android-based head units, and while I won't ruin it for anyone who has gone that way, I will say that Alpine, Kenwood and Pioneer are consistently among the better sounding and most reliable (long term) head units that I have installed. Time will tell for the Chinese units. The main selling point for those is price point and the degree of tweaking possible (likely a big plus for Android users). I used to moderate a (now-defunct) audio forum, and a good part of my distaste for Seicane was from how they mercilessly spammed their initial products on that forum and claimed they were superior to the established higher-end manufacturers.

 

It's a Jeep Wrangler that has either a fiberglass box, canvas cover or no roof on it. It's not a concert hall.

I could spend all kinds of money on trying to make it more acoustically better, upgrade all the speakers, etc, add an amp and sub, and possibly have better sound . I don't diss anyone who wants that, it's your money and your Jeep. I have better things to spend my money on. No, as you point out the Seicane or Dasalita or any of the Chinese HU's are not going to be top quality, but they are adequate and mine has been flawless for close to 5 years now. The Alpine system is too rich for my blood. I did have a Pioneer AVH unit that I really did like and it sounded pretty good, but it died an untimely death in a rainstorm.

My Seicane makes noise from several different sources and it's fine for my aging ears. Again, I would opt for a Dasalita for a replacement simply due to the reasons I mentioned but unless you are a audiophile, they are fine. If you are an audiophile, a Jeep is not your best platform.

 

I recently installed the Alpine iLX-507 along with the Maestro and am very happy with it. Previously I had the factory NAV.

 

I just put a $250 Android unit into a 2014 Sahara , It came with the canbus box so the volume and tuning buttons on the back of steering work with it. Shows speed and open doors on the display. It's pretty much plug and play and included a back-up camera . Not sure how long it will last as its pretty hit or miss with these no name androids but even with the 3 year extended warranty im under $300 all in

 

I didn't think I would miss not having the knob but I do. The mid priced Kenwood's, Sony and Pioneers where all out of stock everywhere at the time I was looking and settled on a Boss Elite. It fine for what it is but miss the volume knob.

 

I don't miss the knob. It's more convenient to hit the buttons on the steering wheel and if I am at a drive thru or something that I need the radio volume turned down, I just hit the mute button on the steering wheel.

 

Yeah, I skimped out on getting the interface to make that work. Maybe I'll put that on the Christmas wish list. It would definitely make life better.

 

I have an alpine ilx-507 and my wife has a kenwood dmc 9707s, both are great but I like the ui on the alpine more.

 

I'm also looking to replace my 430 (non-nav) with an aftermarket unit and I've read that uconnect is a module separate from the 430 itself. Do I have to keep the uconnect module or can I simply remove it? Whatever I buy I'm going to get Apple Car Play so will there be any advantage to keeping the uconnect module?

 

the Uconnect6 module is right behind the climate control knobs. i assume you could remove it but its not at all in the way of an aftermarket head unit. when i put a Pioneer AVC unit with a Maestro in a 2015 I think it gave me the choice to use the head units blutooth or keep the uconnect active.

I've done several aftermarket jk h/u's and i see no need to ever remove the uconnect. Just make sure your forget it on your phone or it might get confused when making/ receiving calls

 

Got it. Thanks.

 

I think I'll probably just remove it. Can I assume it just unplugs or unscrews from behind these AC controls? I can't imagine it's just sitting there rattling around ... I really won't need it at all once I install which ever unit I get.

 

Can I assume it just unplugs or unscrews from behind these AC controls? I can't imagine it's just sitting there rattling around ...

Yup, 2 screws and the wiring harness plug.

 

 

I have a 17 and recently put in a Boss BE9ACP. Has been pretty decent so far, and has a knob which I really wanted

 

@Jeeper416 ,
When running the USB to the center console, would you suggest a USB Y connector so one goes to the front in the OEM location and the other goes to the center console? Or would the OEM USB connections simply connect to the new head unit? The Head Unit I’m looking at only has one USB connection. I guess I could just leave the Uconnect module thingy in place so it just powers the console USB plug.
Think that’ll work?

 

I have a Kenwood 6906S and it only has 1 USB port. According to the manual a splitter or hub is not supported. If I had to choose again I'd make sure my HU either had wireless Carplay or 2 USB ports. I ran the cable down and used an adapter (I think type A to B mini?) and connected to the factory wiring that I disconnected from the uconnect module. I can connect either my phone or a usb. This is a limitation of the HU. I have not tried a Y splitter but I am fairly certain it wouldn't work.

Being able to connect a usb stick and carplay at the same time would be ideal. Definitely not worth the cost of an upgrade in my case but starting from OEM it would be first on my list of requirements.

 

The unit im looking at has one usb connector and wireless carplay so I guess I'm good. And I guess if I leave the uconnect module in place and it powers the c.onsole usb port, I'll have the best of both worlds.

 

Would anyone that's removed their uconnect module be willing to part with it?

Bought a 2018 Sahara that didn't have Bluetooth. Tried a boss radio I got from Facebook marketplace and the sound was terrible.

Found someone selling their stock radio from another wrangler and replaced the boss. The sound is MUCH better, even with the crummy stock speakers. Just don't have Bluetooth capability. Let me know if you won't be using your module, thank you!

Sent from my SM-F926U1 using Tapatalk

 

Would anyone that's removed their uconnect module be willing to part with it?

Bought a 2018 Sahara that didn't have Bluetooth. Tried a boss radio I got from Facebook marketplace and the sound was terrible.

Found someone selling their stock radio from another wrangler and replaced the boss. The sound is MUCH better, even with the crummy stock speakers. Just don't have Bluetooth capability. Let me know if you won't be using your module, thank you!

Sent from my SM-F926U1 using Tapatalk

Depending on which OEM radio you bought (and how your Jeep was originally outfitted), you may need more than just a UConnect module to end up with working Bluetooth.

Does your Jeep have a phone button on the steering wheel? Does it have a microphone installed in the top right side of the header panel trim? Does your OEM radio have a phone button on the face of the unit? If the answer is "no," then you may need an entire UConnect retrofit kit or an aftermarket solution.

 

We installed a Stinger Heigh10 head unit awhile back in a JK and it was a nice upgrade. Big touch screen, good sound and Android based, so tons of apps available for it.

Heigh10 Multimedia Center: Stinger Offroad HEIGH10, 10in Multimedia Center

JK 2011+ Install Kit: Stinger Offroad HEIGH10 Install Kit

Last week we installed one of the new Insane Audio 4001 into JL and it is awesome, big screen, excellent screen resolution, great sound and also Android based, so millions of apps available for it. Video for that one coming in a few weeks.

The JL4001 is different for the JK, though we're assuming they have the same OS, image and sound quality:

Insane Audio Multimedia Head Unit

Insane Audio s perfect fit JK4001

www.northridge4x4.com

 

We installed a Stinger Heigh10 head unit awhile back in a JK and it was a nice upgrade. Big touch screen, good sound and Android based, so tons of apps available for it.

Heigh10 Multimedia Center: Stinger Offroad HEIGH10, 10in Multimedia Center

JK 2011+ Install Kit: Stinger Offroad HEIGH10 Install Kit

Last week we installed one of the new Insane Audio 4001 into JL and it is awesome, big screen, excellent screen resolution, great sound and also Android based, so millions of apps available for it. Video for that one coming in a few weeks.

The JL4001 is different for the JK, though we're assuming they have the same OS, image and sound quality:

Insane Audio Multimedia Head Unit

Insane Audio s perfect fit JK4001

www.northridge4x4.com

I've seen the Insane audio head units for years. Are they really worth the money when compared to an Alpine or other high end brand? Are their features on them over an Alpine?

 

As it stands today I would probably go with the Kenwood DMX1057XR. It is a 10 inch floating screen, has ability for 4 camera inputs as well as hooking up to a dash cam. It has 5v amp pre-outs always a plus and it is Maestro compatible.

 

The following is from our IA sales rep:

Kenwood:

• Ours is plug and play for the JL/JT, JK, and TJ. Specifically, no dash kit, cutting, etc.. required.
• Ours is IP66 waterproof and dustproof. Not seeing this on Kenwood units.
• Open platform that supports 3.8 million apps. Kenwood’s top unit the DNR1007XR does not show that you can download apps other than SiriusXM. We both run Apple Carplay and Android Auto which support some apps (I think Apple Carplay supports 45 apps).
• Up to 1 Terabyte of storage on a SD card to store all your movies, music….
• Ours comes with an OBDII Bluetooth adaptor so you can see live engine data, engine codes, and even clear codes.
• We both have 4 camera inputs.
• Ours works with factory steering controls, climate controls, etc…. Do not see that on the Kenwood units.
• Kenwood DNR1007XR unit is priced at $1449 so comparable.

Alpine:

• Alpine’s I509-WRA-JL for the JL is $2399.95 so a huge price difference
• This unit is weatherproof, plug and play, 9-inch, has the ability to read diagnostic info
• Only two camera inputs
• Apple Carplay and Android Auto, but no other apps supported.

Any other questions, I'd be happy to pass it on to them.

 

....Any other questions, I'd be happy to pass it on to them.

The JL4001 is for the JL, the JK4001 for the JK only comes with a 7 inch screen.

 

hey y'all - looking at purchasing a 2017 JK. it has the basic radio and sound. wondering what everyone is using as an aftermarket radio head unit. eventually going to add an amp and speakers also.

anyone have a bluetooth and android auto ready head unit they use and like? I always lean towards Kenwood or Alpine, but haven't put a head unit into a vehicle in a LONG time.

We provide fully pre-wired kitted bundles which are sent out for an easy plug and play install!

Sony 4000 and 6000 Bundles-

• Wireless Connection
• Retain all factory steering wheel functions
• Compatible with back up camera add on
• Apple CarPlay/ Android Auto
• Plug and Play
• Free shipping!
• etc....

 

And just to add, we just launched our 10.1" Sony XAV-9500ES line!

Sony XAV-9500ES Plug and Play Bundle!