Hey Everyone,

After reading these audio threads and doing research on my own, I have kind of a good idea of the features I want, but maybe some of you more experienced people can help steer me in the right direction towards what brand/model I should get for my Z.

I want an in-dash touchscreen navigation with the largest and clearest screen that will fit in the normal, lower position in the car. I want it to have a DVD player and Ipod hookup. I would like the option of having satellite radio and GPS, but I dont want to pay any other monthly bills right now. I don't want to have to reload the Nav dvd every time I enter a new address. A reverse/back up camera, or any kind of around the car camera would be cool too.

I want it to fit well and look really nice. I don't want add ons like a lot of extra boxes/parts to buy just to get it to work.

I don't want a crappy company, and I don't want "old" technology. I want something cutting edge and bada$$, but it doesn't need to be the craziest thing, just something really nice that I won't feel like I have to replace in a year just to be in this century.

As far as price goes...what fits my needs in the $price-is-no-object range?

What about for $800-$1500? <-more likely to spend in this range unless I find something I love.

 

I'm personally a fan of the Pioneer avic-d3 and avic-z2 units. Sounds like you would be more interested in the Z2. They have a new "version" of the Z2 out now that is able to be bypassed, giving you DVD while you drive, which was a big problem with this unit in the past.. They both offer all the functions you mentioned via addon modules that can be purchased and installed at any time (requiring taking the headunit out).

Other people are into other units which offer the same capabilities. I suggest you look on youtube to find a unit that has a GUI that you would like the most.

Rob

 

Hey Rob,

Thanks. never thought to look on youtube, but I will check that out tonight.

So for the Z2, I don't need the nav CD in the drive to effectively use it?
If I want to do a really nice sound system later on, can it be adjusted through the Z2, and will it give me a noticeably better sound? thanks so much.

 

The Z2 has a built-in 30GB hard-drive. 20gb is reserved for the GPS Maps and Gracenote database. The other 10GB is open for you to fill with music, so no, the DVDs are not required.

I'm personally planning on buying a D3 and it's taking much longer to get around to it than I would have liked. I've ripped my whole CD collection onto a 500GB hard drive which I plan on syncing with a 80GB Ipod that will hook into the D3. This way I can keep the DVD Navigation disc in at all times and not have to worry about changing CDs. All of them will be in the Ipod.

The Unit(s) have the full capability to accept additional amplifiers, sat radio sources and bluetooth. They will also work with your car's OEM steering wheel controls if you have them.

Feel free to PM me if you need any more help. There's a lot of information on this topic in this very folder as well as at www.avic411.com .

Rob

 

Thanks so much Rob...PMing you now...just to get it on the board, how much do you think is reasonable for me to be charged for the unit +installl? The Z2 is better than the D3, correct? for the more expensive one I got quoted $2355 today - rip off or no or should I try installing it myself?

 

If you have any kind of technical knowhow, you can do the installs yourself. There are detailed how-to's here on this site.

Glad I was able to help- I'll take the rest to PM's.

Rob

 

Check out the Kenwood DNX7100... there is a thread in here somewhere.

 

get the alpine 205 with blackbird 2