Is it worth upgrading? I wouldn't consider any other head unit only cause of steering wheel controls and ipod capability. Aside from the outputs to a sub and amp, is this even worth upgrading to say used for $100-150? Why is it premium? New price is absurd. I have a bazooka sub on my 09 RS 5.0 and I am satisfied with its bass. Any information is appreciated and no smarty pants remarks. Thanks in advance.

the steering wheel controls can still work with an upgraded head unit. ipod capability as well~

you just need to look for the right head unit.

i highly recommend Crutchfield.com
just put in the type of car you have etc, and you can click on the units that are compatible with the steering wheel controls and ipod capability.

their customer service is flawless, an operator will even walk you through the installation as you do it yourself!

i hear that an upgraded head unit definitely increases sound quality for our cars, but if you're satisfied with your stock, then i guess it's worth just saving for a different mod :)

hope this helps~

after market head unit, gives you more options and more sound clarity and quality. after market head unit pushes out more wattage's to each speaker. do you plan on only upgrading the head unit. No speaker amp? no sub? no new speakers? because that all comes into play when you get an after market head unit. but even thoguh you get only a head unit you will notice a difference in your system

definately aftermarket; sonicelectronix.com or hookedontronics.com is where i have bought all 4 that i've owned since i was 16

Would it be safe to assume that the premium unit makes the system sound better if im on stock speakers and a bazooka sub?

it will definitely sound better.

but if you're lookin for smooth heavy hittin bass you should def get a 12 inch sub, maybe speakers, amp, wires and deck for sure~

music sounds 12391321x better ever since i got a sound system. new appreciation for music you might say, lol

I wanna keep my speakers and sub as is.

Are you talking about this? http://scionpartspeople.com/searchproduct.asp?model=tC&catid=3466484719936684&year=09&productdesc=Premium+Grade+Audio+CD+Deck

If so, its not much of an upgrade and not worth it. The biggest difference with going aftermarket is no Scion Sound Processing which comes with the stock head unit. Its very important because in order to get the best imaging in a car (to sound realistic like a stage), you must process the signal to the unique interior of each car. Keep that setting on tC.

Only go after market if you will be changing the speakers or want other features like bluetooth, dvd screen, better ipod interface, etc.

from my little experience, i'd say go aftermarket so taht you can have the most options available at a later date when you decide You want to upgrade a little more. if you were set on the premium hu maybe you can find it cheaper on ebay?

To Makaveli, yea that's the right head unit.

eclipse AVN (navigation units) will connect right into your factory steering wheel controls, nothing to buy or splice.

i speak from experiance. AVN 5510/AVN6620

the power and a/v cables you have to splie but its like $15 for the harness.

even the "premium" head unit is not as good as a entry $200 head unit.