BIGPOPPAPUMP

I was looking into the Kenwood DX 600 series that Fry's sells. The reviews are terrible. It's slow, locks up, had compatibility issues with phones. I would like to get a 2 din, DVD, Nav unit under 500. I have a Zenclosure, two new JLW3V3 being powered by a Hi-Fonic Brutis (1000watt mono block D, stable at .5 ohm).

The head unit needs to have simply have a sub pre out and be able to separately control the sound that it powers and the frequency to the subs. Yes, I'm simply going to allow the HU to power the components with the factory speakers & give all the power to the subs. I've done this a dozen times & it works fine. The stock speakers can easily blare cleanly when absolutely no bass or anything <100hz is not passing through them. Head Units have had these abilities since 1990. I want Pandora and maybe even try HD radio. The head unit is the only piece I don't have. Two JL W3's may be over kill but I ran 8 10's in a civic when I was a kid & it was fantastic! Any suggestions would be great. Thanks.

Lincoln

BipJip

Kenwood get's bad reviews because it's junk, buy a Pioneer, Clarion, or Alpine. do your research online find the right one that suits your wants and needs. Most DD touch screen head units are around 500 in price. I use stock speakers except for the sub i replaced the sub with a jl 10w3v4 sub and a old school PPI PC2300 running it. it sounds great.

e30cabrio

iTrader: (30)

You lost me at I have run Kenwood since 1977. I currently have a great system based on a DDX896 Excelon DVD Nav that blows my doors off.

General statements like X major manufacturer are all junk usually are based on opinions of people that have not used the best products from that manufacturer.



This is a 2011 unit and I love it. Bottom line: any double or single din head unit will fit. with the correct mounting kit. I agree with the above statement that you need to determine what your goals and budget are and search sites like Crutchfield (great resource not the best price)

Good luck.

BIGPOPPAPUMP

First of all I don't hate Kenwood. I've ran several of their head units. Frys is local & this is the only model they had for the Z & that particular 600 series had some glitches. I like Kenwood but would have to buy a different model other than the Dx 680 or whatever it is. Second, "PPI" is probably the only amp in the world that actually increases in value. Not sure if they make them anymore but what a beast. Hi-Fonic was almost as good & with it's modern technology is probably going to be insane. I think I bought JLW3V3's because they were trying to unload inventory of last year's subs. I paid 200 a piece new. Seemed good for a store. If anyone has a particular HU that works well in our factory location or any knowledge on how to search, that would be helpful. Do we have a specific type? I know DD, but not all fit or work. My second gen also has a convex look to it. Despite the flashy Avant Guarde M310's my black car is very clean & simple. It is a base model with an aero package. A front defuser that is almost unseen and a slight little lip on the hatch. Some might call it a wing but it is so subtle. It's not like the G's wing. It's like a little flair that comes up. The factory did this. Thanks for all the info guys. I would like the head unit to be simple to operate & link to my phone. Having it's own HD or Pandora app would be fantastic. I also would like navigation.

beezee

iTrader: (19)

You sound very informed

e30cabrio

iTrader: (30)

The stock speakers in my Z were junk. I threw them away and ask my Wife, I save anything that might possibly be useful (I have speakers from my 1990 325ic BMW that I pulled out in 1991).

ian99rt

iTrader: (12)

Throwing in my 2 cents.

I've had my pioneer single din, color animation display unit for 6 years and its still running strong. Im replacing with a pioneer avh-p4400bh simply bc I'm tired of plugging the stereo patch cable in for pandora to work.

I've had Kenwood excelon stuff and have zero complaints about them, just prefer pioneers displays.

I would highly suggest replacing the oem speakers, a cheap set of component miss still have a 3-4 inch mid bass magnet. The stockers I puller out had 1" diameter. I replaced them with some polk momo 6.5" and it was like night and day.

BIGPOPPAPUMP

Ok, so anything aftermarket is going to brighten up my music. Also with two W3's you guys are probably right. I just hate pulling door panels etc, because it's just asking for a rattle. Components are cheap I know. Done. I think I'll go with a Pioneer DD and the best sounding for the price components. Thank you.

BIGPOPPAPUMP

Looks like your cubby gauges don't work. The A/F meter is just sitting, another is pegged and temp is sitting. lol. Although you have some HUD with real time PCM stuff. That is a lot going on! & your taking a pic at 60?! Sorry, it just seems funny. I was stationed at Luke so I know not much is going on from PHX to Flagstaff on the 17.