Which is better? What are the pros and cons of each or what makes one better than the other? I was sold on the Avic but a friend has a brand new Kenwood DDX6019 and KNA-G510 that I can get for a great price.
I'm looking for a system that has the following features and both units seem to have all of them:
NAV
Bluetooth
Xm Traffic
Ipod adaptor
Back up Camera

I see that the kenwood bluetooth adaptor is not yet available so that is a minus.
We're talking about an $800 or so difference in price so I'd like to know if the AVIC z1 is worth the extra money

 

The AVIC-Z1 is a better unit overall because it has better interface graphics (Kenwood has ugly wallpapers and you can't use your own), built-in 30gb hard drive, and better nav system (more accurate with the built in gyrosensor and better map displays), and lastly more real buttons. However, the Kenwood is quite a bit cheaper, has a nav which does text-to-speech, and is easier to bypass if you want to watch dvd or input nav info on the go. I opted for the Kenwood because I have a music keg (Kenwood's old hard drive-based mp3 player) which I wanted to keep. Lastly, I am always worried that if the AVIC breaks after the warranty expires, you are s**t out luck whereas the Kenwood is at least made up of separate components that you can replace. Hope this helps you decide.

 

I think the AVIC-Z1 has better graphics then all the kenwoods as well

 

Right now I'm deciding between a couple also but I think I'm gonna go with the KENWOOD P-NAV6019. The price is awsome and read that its easy to bypass. ( Does anyone know what else I need if I have Bose? )

 

If price is no object get the Z1 if it is get the P-Nav6019 Package. You will love the Nav interface on the Kenwood it is very easy to use and easy to read. It is made by Garmin and they really nailed it on this one. You do not need any bypasses for video and you do not need to hook up VSS wire any longer on the Kenwood.

If you decide on the kenwood or the Z1 let me know if I can help you with pricing.

 

what do u guys mean by "easy to bypass"? thanks..

 

they mean that it is easy to "trick" the DVD and Nav units into thinking that you are stopped. The DVD and Nav are only supposed to be used while the emergency brake is on but with the Kenwood you only have to ground the units and they will work while driving. Some of the other units like the Pioneer Avic Z1 are more difficult to bypass.

 

Nazar, I've been thinking about going with the DDX6019 but I don't want to down grade in audio quality. Right now I'm running an Eclipse headunit with 5V preouts. Running a 4 channel JL E4300 amp for the front components and rear coaxils and a JL 500/1 pushing my 10w6v2. will I notice any downgrade in sound quality going from my current headunit to the ddx6019? sorry about the semi-hijack.

 

Yes You will, What we have been using is the Audio Control Matrix piece with the DDX6019 It is relatively inexpensive and we get great results with it. Total adjustment control over front rear and sub channels. Let me know I will be happy to quote you for whatever your needs would be.

 

Get an Alpine IVA-W200 and call it a day

 

Alpine is a nice unit and certailny a viable option. A lot of people complain about how far it sticks out of the dash though.

 

that sux, oh well, i should do this anyways, guess ill shell out a bit more for the avn6600, it'll be nice to keep the audio quality, get nav and dvd at the same time.

 

You can barely hear any of the Nav directions on the Kenwood. Not sure how that stacks up to the Z1. Maybe someone else can chime in

 

Did you turn up the volume for the voice? I have mine at 70% and can hear her say "traffic ahead" with the windows down going 80

 

Yup voice is all the way up....unless there is another way to do it besides going into the menu

 

Yes the kenwood. Do you have the voice coming out of the drivers door speaker? You may have done this but in the settings field of the nav there is a volume adjustment. I can't believe that you have it all the way at 100% and still can't hear it, maybe mine is louder for some reason. At 70% if the windows are up it's VERY loud and 100% is unbearable for me

 

i've been debating this as well for the past few days, i'm leaning towards the DDX6019

 

XM's Nav Traffic service FTW. Although one of the biggest disappointments for me is not being able to reocrd XM content to the HDD like I can with my MyFi.

 

Just an FYI, I have the Kenwood package for $1249.95 Shipped to your door.

 

Yup its coming out of the drivers door and I've tried everything. I don't know what went wrong