I’m planning to upgrade my 2012 Silverado sound system. Already decided on JL c1650 components, but I need a solid head unit to go with it. I was looking at Pioneer but wanted to hear what others think before I make the purchase.
Pioneer used to be top-notch, but nowadays, I’d say Sony 9000ES or Kenwood Excelon 1057XR are better choices. Any Sony or Kenwood in their higher ranges will perform well. Check out Crutchfield—they’ll even help you figure out the right harness for your setup.
Honestly, Pioneer, Kenwood, Sony, or Alpine all have good options. The key is to go for their premium models to get decent quality. I’ve stuck with Kenwood Excelon series because they’ve been super reliable for me. Had a mid-range Sony 4000 in a car I bought, but it kept disconnecting from wireless CarPlay even with firmware updates.
Spend $600 to $1k for something that’ll last and perform well. If you’re going for a clean install, get a Maestro Rr hub with the GM5+ harness, and make sure the head unit you pick supports Maestro.
I don’t know about the absolute best, but my Kenwood eXcelon 958XR has been awesome. Definitely worth it.
I’ve been using the Sony XAV-AX4000 and AX6000 in my cars, and they’re fantastic. No complaints at all.