Well my Girlfriend is getting me a DD HU for my 04 for Christmas. So ive got plenty of time to figure out the exact best model I can get. IPOD interfaces and fancy bluetooth stuff isnt really a concern to me. I would really like a NAV setup but it doesnt look like ill get one for her pricerange.

My main concerns are fitting flush with the console. I dont like it when I see my friends and there HU's are sticking out and not flush.

Her limit is 500$. Were probably going to be getting it off Amazon cause im not paying extra to buy it from Crutchfield.

Soooo whats the best for the money HU I can get? Ive been looking at the Pioneers and the Kenwoods. The Pioneer AVH4100?? No Nav but a nice big screen. Or the Kenwood DDX514 or 712or4? I just started looking at Kenwoods and they seem better then the Pioneers.

My friend has a AVIC D3 Pioneer and I think the screen resolution really sucks. Its very Grainy.


I like the Kenwoods because I have the ability to add on NAV later.

Or whatever else you guys think is a better buy. Im taking all suggestions.

Thanks so much Guys.

 

It seems like you want a nav system. Why dont you just chip in some money and get one with nav? Btw, I think the pioneer ones are better, the newest one right now, but others will have their opinions.

 

Pioneer used to be good quality, but its garbage now. I would go for a Kenwood unit that has what your looking for.

 

I just had the Kenwood DDX514 installed. Just replaced the head unit, no extra amp, and still using stock speakers. Big improvement over the stock head unit. Will do speakers/sub later but not necessary right now. I like the unit and I use a portable Garmin GPS that I have in the cubby hole above the unit. I would recommend the DDX514.

 

+1 on Kenwood DDX514 u can add nav and bluetooth later

 

kenwood dnx5140 can be found on ebay for around $600. I just found a mint condition one for $500. Kenwood has the best navigation system with ipod integration on the market in my opinion. Do not get any of the new Pioneer Avic series. Those are garbage. I was an ex-Avic F-series user and hated that thing so much. Ipod connection always off every time you start the car.

 

Not to mention the stupid RCA ground that you must do to add an external amp on the AVIC D3.

 

i've heard good things about alpine, check them out

 

Whats the big difference between the DDX514 and the DDX714? Also I think theres a 512 and a 712? Maybe those are older series?

 

cant go wrong with alpine or kenwood.. but heard the kenwood (garmin) navis are a
better.

 

http://www.kenwoodusa.com/Car_Entert...e_Video/DDX714

http://www.kenwoodusa.com/Car_Entert...e_Video/DDX514

--Spike

 

I have a kenwood now, dnx5140, loveee it, comes with garmin nav, def worth it

 

The Clarion NX409 has built-in nav.:
http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_...+-NX-409-.html

Or you could go with a slightly older model Eclipse AVN20D (dealer model number) and come in UNDER budget:
http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_...se+AVN20D.html

 

i have pioneer pioneer avic-z110bt, in my opinions one of the Fastest responsive head units i have ever used. it does take away alot of features from original Avic series. Stuff like vehicle dynamics and stuff. but ova its the best.. u can play ur music off bluetooth too.. so that does it for me dont really need cable for iphone.

 

Clarion DUZ 385 SAT. Fits perfect with a install kit, has a USB for IPOD or a thumbdrive with MP3, fits yoru budget and easy to use.

 

haven't had a problem with my alpine w203. really nice with the i pod connection

 

Man this has got me stressed. Theres so many to choose from. I really would like to try them all out in person but im not sure of any stores that carrry all these models.

 

Well im in the same boat, but i have a larger budget and am going for purely SQ.

So i will be getting Kenwood DDX814 or DNX9140. 13 band eq FTW.

Feel free to PM me about this stuff, i have an extensive knowledge of about every unit out there that isnt an ebay brand. Also let me know what your GOALS are. are you gunna keep the stock bose speakers? Powered by amps, or the HU?

 

Do you really think so? I'm totally nub when it comes to these new HU's that the world has created. I'm trying to decide over a Kenwood DDX514 or a Pioneer AVH-P4100. You recommend the DDX instead?

 

Without question, Kenwood would be my choice. Even local audio places around me have said the same thing. They have more problems with Pioneer head units.