I'm on the fence between Mr. 12-Volt and an aftermarket (Sony, Kenwood, Pioneer) unit. I want it to manage wireless carplay, support for 2-3 cameras if I add them. I will keep the original so I can put it back to stock if needed, but thinking aftermarket will give me a larger touch screen and as long as I don't lose any of the OEM functionality, I see it as a win.

Show me what you have, and the ideally the model number.

 

Do you have a 997.1 or .2? That makes a difference for the options and easiest way to achieve what you're looking for.

 

Same. On the fence as well…most interested In CarPlay for maps (hard to see my phone) and close 2nd is I can’t really hear calls over my speakers.

Will a new head unit improve sound for calls?

 

sorry, .2. Updated original post.

 

Since OP mentioned Mr12Volt, I'm going to assume he has a .2 (as it's a CarPlay add-on for the PCCM 3.0 that appeared with the 997.2).

 

I bought the car last year and had a Kenwood DMX9707S installed. I kept the ASK amp and had the install shop build a custom (I'm using that term somewhat loosely) wiring harness to interface the two. I also opted for the rear camera. It all works great with my Android phone. The receiver was new old stock that they just hadn't sold so I got a deal on the hardware. I went that route because I wanted physical controls for volume (note the buttons on the bottom of the unit). I can now swap the wiring harness and put the OEM unit back in the car should I have a stroke and decide to go back to the original.

 

the trim looks perfect. That was one of my concerns with the tapered shape of the console. Do you still have access to the “info” screen (fuel mileage, average speed, etc). I’m assuming it has everything else the original unit has.

 

997.2 here. I upgraded from the PO's (c.2016) Pioneer Avic-NEX headunit to a Sony 9000ES, specifically to get wireless carplay. The Sony ES line is marketed as audiophile gear. IDK about that, but it def. sounds better and has a much more OEM-like GUI than the Pioneers/Alpines/etc. Note: I'm also running a small Class-D amp under the passenger seat. Together it all sounds great, and I'm pretty picky about sound quality.

Enjoy the install -- it just takes patience. Be sure to identify and label everything, then test functionality before locking the HU back into place.

 

Installing an aftermarket unit when you can just install a CarPlay/Android auto module is insane lol.

- Jealous .1 owner

 

no you don’t have that access. Anything in gauge cluster remains. Anything in pcm screen is gone

 

While the carplay module retains the OEM look the quality of the screen is not the same. I used to be all for OEM but a quality screen makes a massive difference IMO.

 

When I have someone on my phone over OEM speakers, I can’t hear them. I wonder if going with a new head unit would improve the call volume?

 

Good question... I ran the OEM unit for a few months and, honestly, don't think there was a difference as far as sound quality for calls. The installer placed the mic above the driver side visor which I'm not a total fan of but it's really not a big deal for me. I have considered looking into using the OEM mic in the steering column but it looks to be more work than I am willing to go through.

 

How are you connecting your phone? Bluetooth? I paired my iPhone 12 Pro Max and when I had an incoming call I would answer, but no sound on my side. The caller said all they heard was a bunch of background noise (was driving at highway speeds) and I ended up having to put in my airpods in order to call them back. Definitely needs an upgrade in tech to make it viable for my daily driver.

 

Aliexpress special

I think the model number was 8126 by seller heregoes