Atoto S8 Gen2 Standard Android head unit! Initial thoughts and overview!
Welcome to another #modmonday! Today we will look into my initial thoughts of the @Atotostereo S8 Generation 2 standard Android head unit. It includes a plethora of options starting with a 7 inch Ips screen, usb tethering, wired apple carplay and Android auto, bluetooth, usb tethering and much more.
Being a big music lover I never want to be too far from my favorite music, while the SG Forester doesn't have an epic factory system, it certainly was good enough for my ears. But with all things age starts to take hold and I needed to find something new. I searched through all the big names and players in the stereo world and with the current state of things I found that most of the good cheaper units weren't available(chip shortage?).
After a few comments and videos I found myself looking at the Atoto S8 standard Android head unit with it's low entry price and hgh consumer ratings and reviews. My most important features were being able to play music wirelessly, as like most of us today our phone is our music player. The lower price tag and features made it very enticing and now I wanted to see if it could live up to the hype.
Nothing like a new product to test out and install to make your weekend!
Opening the box it is quite well packaged. All the items were in great shape when removed and easily labeled as to what they were. I really like the fact that they send a few screen protectors for the one you mess up installing and the next one that you end up scratching it. Multiple mounting brackets are included to help you find one way or another to install to your car.
What you will find inside.
Without opening up the instruction manual I found installation quite easy. I was able to utilize the two included brackets alongside the oem units brackets to pop it right in. The only trouble I have had is the factory Subaru has plastic bracing around the opening which needs to be shaved down to allow it to sit flush. My long term goal is to move it to the upper position, so I will probably let this be.
Much smaller than the factory unit it replaces.
Factory mounting makes it much easier get in the right location.
Ready to go in!
It mostly fits! The long term is to move it to a double din pod, so this will work for now.
My few days spent with it have been very positive with everything working as it should. Boot up is quick and with my bluetooth on it connects to my phone in about 5-6 seconds and starts playing at the volume I left it at. The touch screen is very responsive and has worked without a hitch. Sound quality seemed ok at best, then I found my way to the equalizer which is a necessity in my opinion. Very pleased with the overall sound quality once it was tuned. The buttons are a little less pleasing when pushed but they do the job. The screen and overall user interface is pretty bland, not sure if you modify it but that will be my next goal.
Doing a little tuning correction. Honestly, I don’t think I’ve ever had a head unit with good sound of out the box or at least what sounds good to my ear
Plenty of apps preloaded and ready to go. Haven’t tested any of those out yet.
So far so good but will it last? Will issues start occuring? Stay tuned to find out!