Hey guys, I'm a novice when it comes to aftermarket head unit selection and was wondering if I could get some input as far as model selection. The 4 units that are in question are a Jensen VM 9312 DVD/CD, Jensen 9412 DVD/CD, Dual XDVD 8182 DVD/CD, and Dual XDVD 8183 DVD/CD Player. If anyone owns, or owned at any point in time, any of these particular models, please let me know what your personal opinions were and if you have any other suggestions.

I am trying to stay below $500 and would like to retain the steering wheel controls if at all possible. Thanks in advance!

 

There are many companies that make great headunits around or below $500. I am not keen on Jensen nor Dual. Also, depends if you want a single din or double din headunit and what options? By the looks of "said" units,,looks like you want a single din, flip out screen with DVD? For that money, I would look at one of the online companies or Ebay and see if you could get into a Alpine, Pioneer or Eclipse headunit. JMHO. Nothing against Jensen or Dual,,,but never been inpressed with their quality or longevity. JMHO

 

Yeah, my main priorities would be to have an iPod connection, flip out DVD touch screen, and something that will last for a while....and the steering wheel controls would be nice to maintain (as stated previously). If I have to break the $500 mark to get a nicer/more durable unit, then I will do that, but I am kind of pricing around and seeing what deals are out there now. Thanks for your input, I'll definitely be lookin' around eBay to see if I can catch a deal somewhere.

 

Not meaning to offend but Dual is garbage so is Jensen. You didnt buy a POS car, dont put a POS radio in it. Save your cash and get Pioneer D3 ($999) or a Kenwood 6019 ($899) or a JVC for around $799. I garantee you that you will be happier if you.
Why a flip out screen? If you have a double din opening in the dash, Use it. The flip out screens only add an additional point of failure.

Also stay away from ebay for purchasing Car audio, there are a lot of shady vendors selling refurbs that wont help you if said unit has problems. You get what you pay for

Anytime you have questions, come here and post, there are a lot of knowledgable people here willing to help you

 

+1...i have the kenwood 7100 and i absolutly love it...save ur money bro and get something better

 

Very good points, thank you. As far as the double DIN goes, and I apologize for the lack of knowledge on my part about this, what would happen with the stock stereo if I were to get a double DIN unit? (storage space right now) I'm assuming that it would become useless at that point...so what is the recommendation as far as removing the stock unit? Or would it be in my best interest to just put it where the stock stereo is? Again, my apologies for the numerous questions, but I really appreciate your input!

If I were to go with the Pioneer AVIC-D3, which seems to be popular on these forums, what extras would I have to buy along with the unit itself?

 

I/we have no problems answering questions, keep them coming until your 100% sure of what you want! as long as you keep posting questions, I will post replies.

A Double Din head unit will completely replace the factory radio. If you wanted to use the cubby aboive the radio, it would require major modification as there isnt enough depth to house a radio. A screen will fit up there but not a whole double din unit

If you want an Avic -D3 (nice choice BTW) You will need:

1. A Metra mounting kit (99-7402 if you have a 03-05 or a 99-7602 if you have an 06+)
2. A Metra wiring harness 70-7550
3. an antenna adapter 40-NI11
4. To retain the steering wheel controls PAC SWI-PS, other models are available for different brands of head units.

These additional items will work with any unit (the PAC SWI-PS is specific to Pioneer and Sony headunits). I would also recomend you go to a local car audio shop. This is a fairly complicated install, I wouldnt trust it to a Best Buy or Circuit City. Of course if you are brave, do it yourself posting questions to us along the way we'll get you rocking

 

Okay, here's my last question...maybe, until I think of something else to ask. I have narrowed it down to the D3 and the Alpine IVA-W205 after reading multiple posts on here and reviews elsewhere, so if I were to go with the Alpine, what are my extra costs? You did such a good job of spelling it out for me with the Pioneer I figure I'd let you do the same with the Alpine

 

Go to www.pricegrabber.com and search for the Alpine IWA200 or Clarion unit, both are around $600-750 and are much better units than the one you were considering. Or save for the new Pioneer all in one, I personally don't care for it, but alot of people like it.

 

What would you say are the better aspects of the 200 or Clarion in comparison to the two that I'm considering, if you don't mind me asking?

 

The mounting kits and wiring harness would be the same, the only thing you would need to change to do an Alpine head unit would be the PAC SWI-ALP for steering wheel controls. Alpine is a really great brand, I just have little experience with installing or using them.