I posted a similar question over on a FB group, but thought it might be worth asking over here. I've read through all of the spec sheets and watched all of the YouTube videos for pretty much every entry level CarPlay head unit available. What I haven't had opportunity to do, especially with COVID-19 restrictions, is get hands on with any of them. So... I'm looking for feedback and recommendations from people who have actually installed and/or used any of the entry level CarPlay head units.
This will be for my wife's 2015 Mazda 6 GT with Bose and I am trying to keep the cost of the head unit around $400 or less. A fast responsive UI is probably the most important factor. Reliability and clean output follow closely behind. DSP/tuning capabilities (crossover, levels, time alignment) aren't all that important but I may use some EQ to tweak the OE Bose curve. Ultimately the car will get a full system with DSP.
I am open to all suggestions, but my top contenders in each brand look to be the following:
Kenwood eXcelon DMX706S
Pioneer DMH-2660NEX
Alpine ILX-W650
Sony XAV-AX5000