Best Head Unit for iPhone 5

[Zavenoa]

I've recently upgraded my system and the head unit I bought (Clarion CX501) has issues with controlling the iPhone 5. When I plug my iPhone in through the USB cable, things work really well EXCEPT when I hit the forward button on the head unit itself or on my steering wheel. Instead of moving forward to the next song, it will skip between 2 and 5 songs randomly. It seems to skip more songs when I hit forward on the steering wheel than when I hit it on the head unit, but either way it will move a minimum of 2 songs. I have read through the booklet and contacted support and the solution is to set the "S-CTRL" (iPod Simple Control) to "ON" which does fix the problem, but no longer allows me to control the music from the phone itself and will not allow me to use the build in controls that let me navigate the iPod menus from the head unit. Long story short, I'm not incredibly impressed with it and have decided to replace it, but before I went out and bought another one, I wanted to get other people's input.

Features I'm Looking For:

• iPhone 5 Compatibility
  
• On screen iPod menu navigation (Playlists, Artists, Albums, etc)
  
• Bluetooth Compatible (ideally, the ability to play music through Bluetooth so I don't even need to connect the phone via USB)
  
• 3x Pre-Amp outs
  
• Double DIN
  
• Ideally compatible with Metra Axxess ASWC, I'd rather not purchase another adapter for steering wheel controls
  
• Sub volume control would be a nice extra, but is not required
  

The head unit I've been looking at is the Pioneer AVH-X4500BT. I like that it's touch screen, that I can install a back-up camera with it, and that it appears to be iPhone 5 compatible (although I think I need a special cable for it to work well.

If anyone has any suggestions or recommendations I would greatly appreciate it. I'm just getting back into car audio and everything has changed since the last time I installed a system (not to mention everything I've forgotten). My full setup is below, any additional suggestions would also be welcome.

Thanks in advance!

Current System:

Head Unit: Clarion CX501

Front Component Speakers: Polk Audio DB6501

Rear Speakers: Polk Audio DB691

4 Channel Speaker Amp: Pioneer GM-6500F 760W

Subs: 2x 10" Infinity Reference 1062w

Enclosure: Atrend E10Dv Dual Vented w/ Divided Chambers

Sub Amp: AudioPipe AP15001D 1500W Mono D

Wiring: KnuKonceptz OFC

Click to read more...

 

[SounDrive Pro Seller]

Every head unit with iPod control I've used has worked fine with my iPhone 5, including my current Pioneer DEH500UB (and it's an older model) and my old Kenwood KDC252, so both of them would be safe brands to go with.

Also beware with the iPhone 5 that no sync cables will work 100% except for the Apple cord, there's a verification chip inside. Any cord will charge it, but only the Apple cord will consistently sync correctly.

 

[CaddieJapan 10+ year member]

Amazon.com: Pioneer AVH-X5500BHS Multimedia DVD Receiver with 7" Motorized Touchscreen Display: Car Electronics

Amazon.com: Pioneer AVH-P8400BH 2-DIN Multimedia DVD Receiver with 7" Widescreen Touch Panel Display, Advanced App Mode, Built-In Bluetooth, and HD Radio™: Electronics

 

[jar1zx 10+ year member]

Not sure how I posted same thing twice

 

[jar1zx 10+ year member]

Unless the update is out for the pioneers. Only three work well with the 5 app radio 2, avh-x8500bhs and flagship avic

Swing by avic411 and check out mikes's app radio extension. I installed lastest update and can now play angry birds on the screen of my 8500. Phone has to be jailbroke

Basically it lets the app that pioneer doesn't allow to play on screen. Still in beta form but its getting good

 

[jar1zx 10+ year member]

My bad 2 avic models work avic-z150bh and x950bh

App radio2 and the 8500 work

The rest you can buy a $120 adaptor but until the update comes out no vid playback off the phone to deck

Ok I just rechecked and pioneer has put out firmware update for the avic's so the avh line up should have a update coming out soon