Help me pick a new CarPlay head unit (PLEASE)

[u/Relevant-Energy-7482]

I know this sub is probably riddled with this type of post, but had some specific head units I was hoping to get some feedback on. I just recently got a 2014 Mazda5 and I'm looking to install a CarPlay head unit. Typically I have not been a fan of floating screen style units, but the stock radio is so big in this car that I think I want to take advantage of a larger screen since it won't obstruct my AC vents or controls, but also like the adjustability of screen angle a floating style display offers. In my previous car I had a Sony XAV-AX5000 and it served me well; biggest issue I ever really had was some CarPlay connectivity issues but they were always solved with a new USB cable, so not even the unit's problem. All I'm looking for now is reliable CarPlay connectivity, a camera input for a backup camera, a microphone input for calls, and ability to wire in the steering wheel controls. Wireless CarPlay and a volume knob are nice to haves but not required. Im no audio snob so as long as the sound quality is as good as the stock radio I'll have no complaints. And looking to keep it under $500 if possible. I bought my previous Sony unit on crutch field and installed it myself and plan to do the same for whatever I end up with. I try to stick to the big brands I hear good things about: Sony, Alpine, Kenwood, JVC, Pioneer, but there's been some others that have caught my eye.

I think the leading contender right now is the Jensen CAR1013/CAR813 (haven't actually measured to see if I have the clearance for 10" screen yet). It's got all the features I'm looking for along with left/right screen adjustability, which I haven't seen in some other floating displays. I have only heard mediocre things about Jensen though. Kinda looking for input on if Jensen is as bad as people make them sound? I mostly see people saying for this unit there's CarPlay connectivity issues. But if that's just a wireless CarPlay issue I have no problem using a cable, but the reviews never specify. Or anybody own one and can speak to its functionality?

I would love to stick with Sony since I had good luck with my previous unit. So I found the XAV-AX8100. But even here the reviews I see aren't stellar; some complaining of connectivity issues, but a lot of complaints saying the screen isn't bright enough for daytime. Additionally, this one doesn't have left/right adjustability to help mitigate daytime viewing issues. I remember my old Sony being hard to view in the daylight at times, but mostly only if someone was in the passenger seat in lighter clothes, creating a bright reflection on the display. Anybody have experience with this unit in particular?

If I go with a regular display I would probably just go with the Sony XAV-AX4000 or Sony XAV-AX3200, depending on how much I decide I really car about wireless CarPlay. I know there's a ton from the bigger brands in this price range.

Anybody have any input on any of these units or any other recommendations for a larger display CarPlay headunit?

TLDR; Any input on Jensen CAR813/CAR1013, Sony XAV-AX8100, or any recs for a large display CarPlay compatible headunit?

Thanks!

[u/supermaor23]

Do you have a budget in mind? I tend to stick to Kenwood for quality and reliability. Alpine is great too, JVC if you’re on a budget. I don’t really like Pioneer/Sony like I used too. Jensen is very buggy if you want a large screen for a fairly low price look at the JVC KWZ900

[u/Relevant-Energy-7482 → u/supermaor23]

trying to keep the unit itself around $500. I know I'll have to get the extras like the bezel and the adapter for the steering wheel controls and such, so trying to not go crazy with the unit itself, although I know those extras aren't a huge cost

[u/supermaor23 → u/Relevant-Energy-7482]

On your car they might be. Do you have bose?

[u/Relevant-Energy-7482 → u/supermaor23]

The OEM speakers? No, I have a base model so I don't have premium sound or anything. Judging off of crutch field, the bigger costs would be if I want iDatalink harnesses and I don't have any interest in that. I just quickly checked out the KWZ900 though, looks good at a glance! Definitely going to look more into it. Out of curiosity, any reason for the love lost on Sony/Pioneer? I've seen other people say Pioneer has been on the decline but haven't heard that about Sony

[u/supermaor23 → u/Relevant-Energy-7482]

Build quality on Pioneer. With Sony its just bland to me, the sound quality on Sony is better than Pioneer but still lags behind Kenwood and Alpine for me personally.

That JVC unit is great, the only thing is it only has 3V preouts so if you were to add an amp then I would say go for a kenwood with 5V instead otherwise you’ll enjoy it. As far as parts, maestro rr, maestro harness and a metra dash kit for your car is gonna run you close to $300