Ordered a Pioneer AVIC-7100NEX

[Junglejack]

Well after over 2 years of rocking a tape adapter (multiples as they keep breaking!) in my LX, I have finally gone down the rabbit hole of gutting the OEM system.

As I use AirPlay in my Home Theater, I did want to continue that with Apple's CarPlay. This narrowed my choices to the Alpine ILX-007, the Pioneer 4100/5100/6100/7100/8100NEX, and I believe Kenwood is now doing CarPlay now as well.

While I love the industrial design of the Alpine, it does frustrate me that the unit is practically useless should you not have an iPhone in the vehicle. (only AM/FM work without an iPhone).

This made the Pioneer NEX H/U's the choice for me. I was going to get the 6100, but the 6.2 inch screen somehow seems much smaller than the 7 inch in the 7100/8100. While I almost went ahead and ordered the 8100, the 7100 is all but identical sans the capacitive touch screen.

I have now also procured a JL Audio 500/1 which I am going to tandem with most likely a JL 12W7 ProWedge and either Focal 6.5 component sets (front and rear) or JL Audio components with most likely a JL Audio 300/4.

I am open to any suggestions for both speakers and amplification (for the components). Given the sound deadening in the LX, I have high hopes that it is going to sound absolutely amazing.

 

[Cruzin00]

Congrats on the upgrade! I've been trying to decide on the right unit for a month now. I'm really considering the 8000-NEX. It's last years model, but I can't find any big differences. Someone else was going to post a photo of theirs last week... Keep us updated with pics of your new command center!

 

[smug01]

I bought the AppRadio 4 for my 80 and thought the CarPlay part was great. The Pioneer Apps were not super, but I was happy with it. Much cheaper than the NEX stuff

 

[SmoothLC]

Happy with my Focal 6.5s and am going a similar route on the sub (JL Audio 500/1). Just have to find the time and save a little $$.

 

[Junglejack]

I think I am going to order two sets of these:http://www.amazon.com/JL-Audio-C2-650-6-5-Inch-Component/dp/B0036D1DQI/?tag=ihco-20

While I would love to get Focal Polykevlar's like I had in my Acura, they have gotten silly expensive. Not that they were cheap 10 years ago.

 

[Landsharkman]

I have a 7000 in my LC, very happy

 

[sl3807]

I just put the 8100 in my 01 a few weeks ago prior to a 9 day road trip. I have been super happy with it, you will not be disappointed. The Android Auto function works great with Android phones, google play music and maps work really well.

 

[Junglejack]

I am beyond stoked about this.. It is amazing just how much more modern the interior looks when replacing the 98-02 (some 2002's) tape deck/CD changer.

Kinda wished I went ahead and got the 8100, but they look identical. That said, the capacitive screen is definitely a plus.

 

[Traskew3]

What year is your LX? I was tols there isn't a wire harness for my radio? How did they hook it up and were there any problems?

 

[tabraha]

App Radio 4 here. Car Play is on the simple side but man does it work smoothly. Very pleased. A little freaky how it knows in the morning to suggest work and in the evening to suggest home based on if I'm at one or the other...

If Pioneer continued to develop their apps it would be even better but CarPlay is getting the attention so I can understand why they wouldn't devote much to it resource wise.

I'm also impressed with Pioneer's hands-free mic and quick bluetooth switching when you turn off the vehicle and get out. Very smooth. OK audio considering 35" mud tires churning down the road also.

 

[Junglejack]

What year is your LX? I was tols there isn't a wire harness for my radio? How did they hook it up and were there any problems?

Not sure this was directed at me, but mine is a 1999. That said, I am going to get a 4 channel amplifier and last night ordered JL Audio Components front and rear.

 

[Warde]

How did you guys mount the rearview camera?

 

[SmoothLC]

Mine is just under the lip - centered - of the top rear hatch. The wires were run internally up to the top of the hatch and through the grommet that holds the other electrical wires.

 

[Traskew3]

Hey Jungle jack, please tell me how they wired it up? I'm looking for a wire harness but told one isn't avail for our 98-00

 

[Junglejack]

Hey Jungle jack, please tell me how they wired it up? I'm looking for a wire harness but told one isn't avail for our 98-00

Still waiting on the speakers to arrive on Wednesday. I am really blessed to have a friend who once was a premier car stereo installer and has since moved on to bigger and better things that I am having do this install.

Somewhere I have the Nakamichi system wiring guide and believe it is available on RobRed's excellent site and perhaps even here. This is where having an installer you trust really becomes paramount as this is not an exactly straightforward install. However, there are many folks here who have done similar installations on 99-2000's on their own replete with pictures here as well.

Down to ordering a 4 channel amplifier and trying to track down a JL 12W7 ProWedge. Beyond excited about having quality sound again whilst driving.

 

[Junglejack]

I cannot overstate just how much better the sound truly is now. Ended up using a single Kicker 12 inch subwoofer in the back that can be easily removed so that no utility is lost in this project. Truly awesome having Apple CarPlay and a million other functions. Also, it rocks to no longer be using a bloody tape adapter.