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which one would you get Avic Z2 or Kenwood DNX7100

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Old 01-25-2008 | 11:57 PM
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Default which one would you get Avic Z2 or Kenwood DNX7100

I mostly use it for nav and bluetooth. not much into dvd.

It looks like dnx has better navigation interface. i can't find bluetooth option with kenwood.

I really don't like the both of navigation interface. Is there any other products have better quality of interface? anything similar to lexus is350 nav(this is only one that i checked personally)?
Old 01-26-2008 | 12:48 AM
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i heard pioneer navi is better then kenwood but as long as you get to your destination with no problems it comes down to which you like more.
Old 01-26-2008 | 03:48 AM
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I've owned both. Had the kenwood in my truck and put the Pioneer in my Z over Christmas. IMO the pioneer is infinitely better than the Kenwood. Easier to navigate, better features, much better iPod interface and bluetooth is very easy to use.
I would highly recommend the Pioneer over the Kenwood.
Old 01-26-2008 | 04:00 AM
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They are both great units and they have a new update for the 7100 soon.They also have a bluetooth adapter for the 7100. I dcheck out prices too unless thats not a issure. And kenwood uses garmin nav which is one of the best.
Old 01-26-2008 | 06:05 AM
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I you decide to go the Kenwood way, I'd hold out for the dnx8120. It has built-in Bluetooth (no adapter needed). It looks like a much better unit than the 7100.

https://my350z.com/forum/audio-and-video/328721-new-kenwood-dnx8120-excelon-double-din-5-1-rca-5v-preouts-wicked-cas.html
Old 01-26-2008 | 12:38 PM
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how much would the dnx8120 be?
Old 01-26-2008 | 03:57 PM
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Originally Posted by enuff4life
how much would the dnx8120 be?
I heard it's gonna be around $1500
Old 01-27-2008 | 02:03 PM
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Both are great units. One difference between the two is about $1K in price. And, as someone already mentions on your thread, Kenwood is about to release a new high-end “all in one” DD device that costs more than the DNX7100 but offers more features

The Kenwood DNX7100 and the Pioneer AVIC-Z2X provide Bluetooth support that you mention, but you must add an adapter.

On the navigation side, the Pioneer AVIC-Z2X is closer to the Lexus that you liked. The AVIC-Z2X navigation (like the Lexus) is HDD-based with an enormous compartment (20 GB) dedicated to map data. That’s why you see the “Rand McNally-like” graphics. They also include over 10 million POIs. You can imagine the potential revenue considering that many are commercial locations.

Kenwood has a different system for navigation using a 2 GB flash drive. That’s a smaller compartment for the maps, but you still get 5 million POIs, the same number of addresses and locations, and the map-display is very sharp and easy to read. Garmin is one of the oldest navigation suppliers and their programmers are experienced writing software applications and fitting enormous data sets into skinny compartments. The solid state structure in Kenwood’s navigation unit provides a slight speed advantage and significantly greater reliability than a HDD-based device.

Something else you may want to consider: Using separate components. For example you could use the Kenwood DDX7019…



… and the KNA-G510 Remote Navigation Box



I mention this because the Z’s interior space with its multiple cubbies is very adaptable to installing a component system. Most vehicles don’t offer these extra compartments, and that’s one reason the “all-in-one” DD devices are so popular.

An advantage of the component approach is you can replace the components as newer and better devices become available without losing your entire investment. Navigation is a good example. There is fierce competition in the navigation industry, and you expect the devices to enjoy significant improvements over the next couple of years. Consider how quickly this technology advanced over just the last three years.

One feature you can expect is photo-realistic aerial and 3-D surface views. In fact the Internet mapping sites are already doing this (at least the aerial views). Of course 20GBs (or even much greater) isn’t large enough to store this degree of detail for a large area. The only way to implement this structure is live-broadcasting (or downloading swappable data in advance) data to the car’s GPS. Currently available GPS devices can't do this, so that means a new box if you want this feature. It would be better to replace the navigation box than the entire DD device.

--Spike
Old 01-27-2008 | 02:18 PM
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from a nav ease of use and features standpointk the z2 is my favorite among all the current units out there...its HDD also makes it easy for storing music, put a music cd in and it will be the last time you ever need to put it in...ever

b
Old 01-27-2008 | 10:35 PM
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Spike,
How does the 7019+G510 combo compare to, lets say, the DNX7100? Aside from being able to replace/upgrade the different components later?

I see the DDX going for $700+ and the G510 for $360+...
Old 01-27-2008 | 10:39 PM
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U can pick up the 7100 for 850-900 online but honestly either unit is very good.
Old 01-27-2008 | 10:41 PM
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Originally Posted by 16psibrick
from a nav ease of use and features standpointk the z2 is my favorite among all the current units out there...its HDD also makes it easy for storing music, put a music cd in and it will be the last time you ever need to put it in...ever

b
And for under $1200, I think it just moved to the top of my list:
http://www.acephotodigital.com/sc/re...date=1_25_2008
http://www.hookedontronics.com/show_...ioneer_AVIC-Z2
Old 01-27-2008 | 11:27 PM
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Eclipse AVN5495?
HDD, 30GB for NAV and music storage... But only 3Mil POI.
Can't find many sources on Froogle.com - - Or reviews. Looks okay?
Same for Panasonic NVD905U - 12Mil POI, 30GB HDD, <$700: http://www.bargainunlimited.net/serv...NVD905U/Detail

What's wrong with THAT???

Last edited by WyattH; 01-27-2008 at 11:31 PM.
Old 01-28-2008 | 07:39 AM
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IMO, the Kenwood's iPod interface is much better than the Pioneer's.
Old 01-28-2008 | 09:12 AM
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I have the DNX7100. LOVE IT!
Old 01-28-2008 | 09:24 AM
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I say the Eclipse 6610BT same interface as the IS350...because Fujitsu Ten (owns Eclipse is patially owned by Toyota and supplies all of ther navigation needs) and it comes with bluetooth and dual DVD drives
Old 01-28-2008 | 09:39 AM
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i dislike the eclipse units. Graphics and nav. interface seems outdated. Good unit just not near as much fun as the pioneer and kenwood if you ask me.
Old 01-28-2008 | 09:49 AM
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The DNX7100 uses a Garmin Navigation system. I'll be ordering my DNX7100 within the next few weeks.

The high speed USB iPod interface is amazing IMO, with ability to play video and stuff through the headunit.
Old 01-28-2008 | 12:55 PM
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Has anybody else used both to compare?

Do NAV HU's vary in power output (so I don't need an amp to power aftermarket speakers properly), or all 50x4w??

So the Z2 has a hard drive, that can rip songs from CDs? I am such a newb, I really apologize. I read that the Panasonic has a similar setup, but cannot rip songs from CDs, so no point?

I don't have an iPod, and I'll be losing the 6disc changer, so I want a NAV HU that is easy to use with CD/MP3. POI not a big concern, nor are directions, but a detailed map overview is (I use that daily but rarely search for an address).

Last edited by WyattH; 01-28-2008 at 02:26 PM.
Old 01-28-2008 | 06:19 PM
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DVD-based navigation devices are at the end of their life-cycle, and soon to disappear.

HDD-based navigation devices are at “mid-life crisis.” Reliability is the issue. Notice the great number of refurbished HDD-based devices available from resellers.

Solid state devices with “flash memory” are the “new kids on the block.” Expect to see this type of device replace DVDs and HDDs in transportable solutions (such as a car). This device offers better perfomance, costs less to manufacture, and is more reliable. It's only disadvantage is a smaller memory compartment. That's a minor obstacle since this form of memory is the industry's current focus (production and programming).

--Spike


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