hi everyone. im finally getting into replacing some audio components with aftermarket units. im starting off with the head unit. what is a really sharp looking but easy to use unit or units out there today that alot of people are installing for their reliability, looks, performance and what not?

im looking for something with a touch screen preferably to eventually set the rest of what i will be doing off and to compliment it all nicely. i have seen a jensen unit already with a large screen for just over 400 dollars which seemed to be priced pretty fairly.

oh and id also like something that i can link my ipod to with a cable of some sort as well. any good suggestions out there people? any input will help. thanks.

 

a lot of people use the pioneer avic d3. i had the jvc avx710, but sent it back and will probably go with the avx800.

 

^^^ Agree also a cheaper alternative is the DNX8120 Kenwood.

 

Just put in the Pioneer AVH-4000DVD. Basically the AVIC without the nav function (and half the price -$500) and it is awwwwesome! Fully ipod compatible, with the best interface in existence. Touchescreen, everything. Cant go wrong.

 

hmmm well so far im liking the pioneer avic d3. its not a ton of money and i get all that stuff along with a navi right along with it. lookin like a good pick to me so far at least. that kenwoods pretty pricey. im gettin prices of like 1500 dolalrs online. yikes.if i blow my wad on that i wont have anything left to do anythign else with. and i just replaced my stock rollers with some ruff racing wheels and hankook tires. im not about to dump another 1500+ on just a head unit. as sweet as it looked the pioneer so far looks like it will do just fine.

 

<----avic d3

 

Although I personally wouldn't mess with it, like everyone else said, the AVIC-D3 is pretty popular, and a lot of people seem to be satisfied with it.

 

i would have bought the d3 if the nav was hd but the disk thing would suck.

 

Bang for a buck = AVIC D3!!

Can't go wrong with Pioneer and if you're seriously about getting an aftermarket HU - you better jump on the wagon now!

 

kenwood 7100

 

Couldnt be more right! It is BY FAR the most bang for your buck. The AVH-4000 is ok, but features are very limited, interface is not near as nice (its a base pioneer unit) and its like $500 and for only $100-200 more you get it all...the AVIC-D3(X) package that includes D3, ipod cable, remote, and bluetooth adaptor. And ya the Nav is DVD based, but in my opinion its better than paying $1200 or having no Nav at all. This is by far the best deal out there right now bro. Just make sure you get the D3X package and not just the D3, its a better deal and u need ipod anyway.

And besides, if you dont get it we burn you at the stake for treason

 

Alpine 9887 No frills here, just quality.

 

Alpine IVA-W205 ... simply the best HU I have ever owned and the blackbird navigation is awesome.

 

I am currently running a Panasonic (yes I know) CQ-VD6505u - It's decent for what it does, but I will be upgrading soon.


Looking to get one of the following:

Nakamichi CD500


McIntosh MX046


Denon DCT-Z1

 

+1 for the 850$ its GREAT and no disck for nav

 

so for the avic d3 or the dex the navi is disc based? so in order to use it i would need some sort of cd with the most current updated gps type data available? just pop it in and blammo!.....a gps that will get you anywhere? am i on the right path here?

 

I take it your new to the whole "technology" thing, huh?

The D3 is dvd-based...the unit comes with 2 DVDs (east-west). Dex is hard-disk based meaning its like a computer hard drive that stores the map info instead of on a DVD.

Yes it will get you anywhere, no it will not drive the car for you.

Google -- "in-car navigation systems"

 

The majority of the people in this forum choose whats the new "hotness" at the time of choosing a head unit as with most car forums/enthusiasts. Those of us who have been around here long enough have seen all the transitions. I remember when every other thread was about the Kenwood DDX series head units, then at one time is was the Alpine W200 and then the Eclipse AVN and so on and so forth (I realize I'm missing out on some others) but as technology develops so due the taste and the wants of consumers. Ok rant over.

I say screw whats popular get what you want and like. You don't sound to concerned with sound quality or the technical advantages over one unit to the next so I would tell you to drop by a couple of local audio shops fiddle around with their display units, verify that it will fit in your car and purchase what you like.

 

I just pre ordered a DNX8120. Check out youtube for a vid.