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Has anyone installed a CarPlay compatible head unit?

JohnnieMo

SM 2017
PM 2014
SM 2013
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Calgary, Alberta
I was looking to add an aftermarket bluetooth to my 2006 Duramax to match the one I installed on my Avalanche.  It was a Parrot 9100.  However between the price of the unit and the price of the adapter, I am over $400 CAD.  So I started looking around and discovered you can get double DIN full screen head units in your vehicle that perform the bluetooth function.  One of which is the Pioneer MVH-AV290BT for $299 CAD.

g130290BT-F.jpg


So this is already cheaper than an aftermarket bluetooth system (I also have a Costar Bluestar that I like).

I kept digging and found this Sony XAV-AX100 for $529 CAD.  

g158XAV100-F.jpg


It does all the same stuff as the Pioneer but also does Apple Car Play.  Basically it allows you to push your iPhone interface and apps to the head unit screen.  You talk to Siri and it controls the head unit.  

So I started thinking it would be stupid to pay for a bluetooth system at $400 when I can pay a touch more and basically get an iPad in the dash.  If this works out in the Duramax I might even consider something for the Avalanche.  (Or I could move the Parrot to the Duramax and put this in the Avy).

Here is an image of one in a GMT-800.

16790204_405453216476243_7255977741965590528_n.jpg


I have been out of the car audio game for a while and am amazed how easy these upgrades have become.  Also supports rear cameras etc.

So does anyone have experience with these?
 
I have a kenwood unit in my AV. It supports car play but I use android auto. Same thing basicly. they are awesome and worth it in my opinion. Maps display on the screen, pandora work wonderfully.

But I will tel you now, It will seem like u have an ipad installed but it is limited. You cannot browse fb or yt on it.
 
dcn427 said:
I have a kenwood unit in my AV. It supports car play but I use android auto. Same thing basicly. they are awesome and worth it in my opinion. Maps display on the screen, pandora work wonderfully.

But I will tel you now, It will seem like u have an ipad installed but it is limited. You cannot browse fb or yt on it.

Good point. Pioneer has their App Radio and it is designed to support more apps   I'm not sure which apps that includes though. For me I just want Bluetooth phone, music and maps.
 
If you are referring to me...you have to get an aftermarket interface to keep the steering wheel controls.
 
@old skool yes, do you have a link to the aftermarket interface and what head unit did you go with?

Thanks,
Just joined the Avalanche team!!
 
welcome cscjm1010,
Easiest thing to do is contact customer service at www.crutchfield.com and tell them what year and model AV you have. They can set you up with all parts needed to get the system you want including the adapters needed.
 
You can put in this huge one like I did, now I can see everything...and all the steering wheel controls still work.

TFUYxjml.jpg
 
That setup looks ideal! What does it take to get that in there? I have seen a couple of oversize headunits that fit in the factory slot, but not for 03-06 models...
 
We have a Kenwood DNX693 in the Suburban. I'm a fan of it, could have been one of the lesser units, but wife refuses to use her phone for nav so we had to buy the one with Garmin nav built in.
 
I installed an Alpine iLX-207. In addition I get three cameras, front, side, and rear, as well as a touch screen Truck Accessory Controller which you can control other devices like lighting, winch, etc. All factory operations work except for the rear seat audio headphones (don't need them anyway). The resolution isn't as good as I'd like but having all the other features is an acceptable compromise. I prefer the USB iPhone connection as it is more reliable than wifi (and it keeps the phone charged).
 

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