[adimicra]

My Jazz is more than 5 years old but the car is still in excellent condition.
I plan to keep her for another 5 years.

The OE audio system is pretty decent but it lacks features like USB,bluetooth,navigation etc.

I was using a XCarlink adapter for USB and bluetooth but lately it is not working.

So, I thought it's time for me to get an ICE upgrade done.

My main requirements -
6 inch screen or bigger
responsive touchscreen and good display visible in sunlight.
good phonebook integration
navigation - I am using google maps from my smartphone now. Navigation is very important to me as I travel quite a bit. Now, I read about this mirrorlink technology. So, does that mean I can connect the phone to the ICE and use Google Maps or Here maps installed in my Android phone.If that's the case I don't really need the in-built AVN.
reverse camera - not a must have but good to have.
steering controls integration
Good quality for calls and music over bluetooth.


I am thinking of brands like Pioneer/JVC/Sony.
Please suggest some models for shortlist.

Also, suggest me some basic speakers. I don't plan to have an amp or sub.
I feel the rear ones are really bad. I might just buy a couple of speakers, put them in the front and put the front ones in the rear.

I have a budget of 30K.

[itzvicky201]

I am pretty sure you would have checked out CASKA. See below link:

http://www.caskaindia.com/caska-suit...ion.htm#detail

[adimicra]

Yes I have.
The Caska unit is available at 32000 with reverse camera.
It is easy to install and gives you the OEM look.

But, I heard mixed reviews about the touch screen responsiveness and overall usability of the system.
I have asked the Caska distributor to give a demo.

Meanwhile, I am considering systems from Pioneer/JVC etc which should give a much better experience than Caska though the installation will be more complex and cost will probably be higher.

I don't find any system with Android Auto in India.
Actually, AVN is something which I plan to use a lot. So, that's a key factor.

I am not an audiophile. So, a simple speaker upgrade should be enough for me.

[Wildy]

Paytm have lots of offers on head units. They have Flat 25% discount plus Cashback offer on Head Units and 50% + Cashback offer on Speakers.

https://paytm.com/shop/g/automotive/car-audio-gps

BTW, How do you install the Audio System in your old jazz? Do you have sufficient space for it? If I remember correctly, I think the stock system in the old jazz doesn't follow the standard size rules, for example, 1 din or 2 din. Does it?



Edit 1: Just found this one. Seems to be good, But, Its for left hand drive car only.
http://www.aliexpress.com/item/7-Car...2_73_74_75,0_0


Edit 2: And This one is for Right Hand Drive:
http://www.aliexpress.com/item/Quad-...352541872.html

[adimicra]

For fitting branded systems like Pioneer or JVC, you need to purchase a separate panel with the same color as the OEM one.
After that you can basically fit any system you want.

I am very skeptical of the aliexpress stuff. It's good for small items but not something so costly. What if it doesn't work? We need to send it back to get refund which is a big hassle. What about warranty and service?

I would rather buy Caska (which is Chinese as well) than those items from aliexpress. At least, they have some contact or support here.

[soumen.blore]

Even I am looking to update my head unit on duster but looking at pioneer double dins as caska is way out of budget and they have got mixed reviews as well . Saw on Paytm there is some kind of flash sale with 25% discount today thinking of ordering he pop 2790bt , roughly comes up to 14.5k after the cash back . I would need to spend another 2k for installation with the steering control interface . Any thoughts .

[IshaanIan]

Pioneer and Blaupunkt are the brands that I would suggest for a head unit. Changing the Head Unit itself will make a slightly noticeable difference in sound quality. If you want even better sound, instead of buying some basic speakers, I'd suggest adding some tweeters (if the car doesn't already have them) and amping the stock system. An amp will make a much bigger difference to your sound quality and even your regular paper cone speakers can be amped up by an experienced installer. Since you live in Hyderabad I would suggest you go to Deep he has worked for dilip chabbria before and his passion for the job ensures that his installation capabilities, knowledge, quality and attention to detail is simply unparalleled. PM me if you need any more help

Cheers!

[adimicra]

Well, I will take one step at a time.
First, the head unit and then speakers or amp if needed.

Any shortlisting for the head units?
Should I go for one with AVN?
if AVN is not there, then can I use it with my smartphone Google maps?
Things seem to be very grey here.. some say it works, some say it doesn't.
Some say it requires some special adapter.

Also, if I go for Pioneer HU, what will be the additional cost?
If the HU costs 20K, how much additional is needed for wiring and other stuff?
Also, I think we need to buy some adapter for steering controls to work. Any idea about the cost for the same?

[navin]

Originally Posted by adimicra

My Jazz is more than 5 years old but the car is still in excellent condition.

I am thinking of brands like Pioneer/JVC/Sony.
Please suggest some models for shortlist.

Originally Posted by adimicra

But, I heard mixed reviews about the touch screen responsiveness and overall usability of the system.
I have asked the Caska distributor to give a demo

Originally Posted by adimicra

For fitting branded systems like Pioneer or JVC, you need to purchase a separate panel with the same color as the OEM one.

Originally Posted by adimicra

Well, I will take one step at a time.
First, the head unit and then speakers or amp if needed

You seem to be on the right track. I would choose between Pioneer, Kenwood, JVC or Sony.

I have good things about the Pioneer 2790
http://pioneer-india.in/product/avh-x2790bt/

and the Kenwood DDX 515 BTM (see post 51 below)
http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/ask-gu...up-my-hyundai-
verna-4.html
http://www.kenwood.com/india/car/vis...tion/ddx515bt/

and my wife recently installed a Sony 612BT in her Honda City (she wanted a 1 knob control and 2 USBs one for an ipod and one for a thumb drive).
http://www.sony.co.in/product/xav-612bt
the 68BT is cheaper
http://www.sony.co.in/product/xav-68bt

Be warned that some HUs have difficulty offering support to some phones. For example the Sony 612BT does not support iPhones (go figure).

[adimicra]

Hey Navin,
Many thanks for your reply.

I am in the process of shortlisting some HU's.
I have looked at the Pioneer 2790, Sony 612BT and Blaupaunkt San Diego530.

As I said before, I would like to use Navigation from the HU instead of smartphone.
The San Diego 530 has in built navigation.

The Sony 612BT mentions something about the App remote.
Can you please provide some more information on this?
Does it allow to use the Music and navigation from smartphone? I am an Android user.

[adimicra]

I did some research on Android connectivity with the car stereo.
Unfortunately, this is in early stages and the support and compatibility is limited ot a few devices and apps. Pioneer seems to be the only one who is putting some effort into it but unfortunately, the issues are too many.

Also, stuff like Mirrorlink and all sounds good on paper but in reality the scenario is very different.

So, the bottomline is - right now, there is no system with real Android connectivity and you can't use google maps for navigation from your car head unit.

The solution to this is once the car stereos start supporting Android Auto which is the next big thing for car ICE along with Apple Carplay. Pioneer has some models - their NEX series - with Android Auto but they are not available in India and even in the US, those are pretty costly.

So, if you want navigation and Maps feature in your car stereo, buy something with inbuilt offline maps from a provider like MapmyIndia. Later, when more car stereos start supporting Android Auto and becomes more affordable, it might be good to upgrade but I don't know how long that will take.

Since maps and navigation are on of my top requirements, I will go ahead and buy a unit with in-built navigation like the Blaupunkt San Diego 530.

Now regarding where to buy - from local dealer, it costs 35K. In Amazon, i's 22K. In snapdeal it's 21K and 19K in paytm. Not sure if the sellers are providing maps along with the unit or I have to buy that separately. Also, warranty is a question mark when bought online.

Please suggest where to buy from.
Any alternatives to the San Diego 530 in similar price range?

[adimicra]

Sorry for the back to back posts but I am looking for some suggestions about upgrading the speakers when I put the new Head unit?

The stock speakers are obviously cheap ones but sound pretty decent.
So, is it recommended to upgrade the speakers ? And if yes, do I need to buy an amplifier as well to drive the speakers?
I was thinking of buying component speakers for the front. Can you please suggest some basic VFM component and coaxial speakers? Do I need an amp to drive these? I have no intentions of putting a subwoofer.

[IshaanIan]

4ch. AMP+Stock speakers = Huge Improvement at roughly 7k
Speaker Upgrade = Minor Improvement at nearly atleast twice the cost

[adimicra]

I got the SanDiego 530 from Blaunpunkt installed today which comes with navigation and also got a rear view camera with nightvision.

Initial impressions are very good. I was very impressed with the maps and navigation offered. The sound quality over bluetooth is also pretty good. Will post a detailed review a few days later.

Overall, I am happy with the system and the quality of installation/fitment. I had to struggle a bit to get the right panel for the old Jazz as it's very unique and also the car was a market flop.

For now, only changed the head unit as I do not have any budget left. I will go for an amp and better speakers few months down the line.

[IshaanIan]

Congrats! How well do the maps work? Are the lines on the reverse camera adaptive? How good are the audio settings and most importantly, how good is the touchscreen quality and visibility in sunlight?
Did you go to Deep in the end?