Hey, new to the forums, I'm installing a new head unit and I'm not sure which to go with. I know I want a flip up touchscreen, I'm just not sure what brand/model. I've always been a big Alpine fan, but the Fry's and Best Buy near me only have Kenwood and Pioneer to play with. Both of the have great user interfaces, I really like how they're set up, easy to use. The Alpine IVA-D106 looks great too, but like I said, I can't toy with one to see if I like how it's set up. I'm not sure about the big differences between the models within those brands, the specs look mostly the same. Can anyone point out differences within the Pioneer and Kenwood models, and also the Alpine? Any random info I should know about any of these? Thanks!!

 

If you have a car toys near you they have alpine units on display.

 

Go on youtube they'll show you a review and a close up of the ui in action

 

screw the flip up screens, get a double din touch screen. Shouldnt be too much more without a nav program but in my opinion it is worth it.

Pioneer has a new lineup now that is much improved over thier last gen stuff.

 

Thanks for the input guys.

quakerroatmeal- we don't have a car toys nearby

duro78-thanks, I feel like a dumbass for not thinking of that


Also, why do you recommend the double din over the flip up? To me it's just a cosmetic thing, and I like the look of the flip-up, plus I can still have the extra din as a small storage slot.

 

No one else has any input?

 

It is being suggested because the 350z has a double DIN opening, so why not take advantage of that? Perhaps they are suggesting it in case you haven't thought of nor realized the potential?

Logically speaking, you can fit more better quality components inside a double DIN chassis with a fixed screen than you can into a single DIN chassis with a flip out screen. This is of course does not mean that every double DIN will have better components/features than a single DIN. Also, with a flip out, you are bound to block something else in your center stack, namely in the Z you will be blocking the cubby door to some extent.

BUT if the single DIN flip out suits your needs as far as features/quality/look, then don't let anyone here sway you.

Choosing a headunit is a very personal decision. What else can anyone say that hasn't been said already? The Kenwood and Pioneer models are great units. They both have strengths and weaknesses. Look over the specs for each and decide which one fits YOUR needs better.

If you still want a flip out screen, I would highly recommend a look at the Eclipse AVN7000.
http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_...e+AVN7000.html

 

go with the double din, looks a lot better i just installed the alpine iva-w203, i love it, and haven't had any problems with it, i had a flip out screen in my truck, and they kinda just get in the way. i wouldn't buy from a frys or bestbuy, there head-units are way over priced. there has to be a local audio shop by you.

 

I wasn't planning on getting one from a chain store, or even a local audio shop. I live in southern california, everything is way overpriced. I was just planning on going through ebay stores or another online source, wherever I can find the best price. I just go to the stores to try out the models.