Being a complete noob I'm not sure what options/inputs I need for some specific things for selecting a head unit. Obviously bluetooth/navigation are pretty self explanatory.

How do I make sure the head unit I'm selecting will

1.) Work with a backup camera
2.) Allow me to keep my steering wheel controls?

Does "Dual Zone" mean I could at a later date add a carputer and use the headunit for a screen? Or am I misinterpreting that?

 

Make sure it has av inputs for the camera, these are found in the back of radio. No radio is a direct plug and play for the steering wheel audio controls. All radios will require you to purchase a separate module in order to keep the steering wheel controls in working order.

 

I don't mind purchasing a separate module for the controls, but do all radios have modules for that purpose? Is there like a standard plug for aftermarket head units and then just adapters for each manufacturer?

Edit-
So one of these:
http://www.crutchfield.com/p_794ADSM...W.html?tp=3405
is what you're talking about. Looks like they work with most aftermarket radios so I'll be alright. Trying to find a guide about where to splice all that stuff in.

 

Really love my Pioneer AVIC, but I don't know if you can run steering wheel controls with it. Aside from that everything else fits your description nicely.

 

Just looked at a couple of them and they all seem to be over 1k? I'm really trying to keep it below that, though I haven't looked at used ones yet. As nice as navigation would be I don't really need it with my phone, and I doubt the built in nav is as nice as my phones either. (Please correct me if I'm wrong though).

Anything wrong with this lesser model?
http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_...H-P4400BH.html
That one says it is compatible with some steering wheel control adapters, so it would probably work with the one I linked above.

 

Just search around, sometimes you'll find used ones or deals on new ones. I have an AVIC-X930BT (model before the current X940BT), and I got it for about $200 less than what it was going for on most sites. Best Buy happened to have a promo on that particular unit at the time so I went for it. In my opinion it's an excellent unit, the interface is nice and easy to use, screen is big and bright, etc.

I think you could probably find some place that has an X930BT still new in box and it will probably marked down since the X940BT replaced it.

 

Thanks for the suggestions. Looks like I'm gonna save for a bit and get a better head unit, or I might just try for a carputer...

 

You want a JVC, Pioneer, Kenwood, or Alpine double din. Personally with a $400ish budget I would go for a Pioneer P8400dvd. Or the new JVC KW70, both come with built in NAV, and come with a Bluetooth mike. All you would need is the adapter (60-80bucks) for the steering wheel, and the xm antenna for the head unit if you wanted Sirius xm.

Try to buy a head unit that has a good equalizer and one that you can tune all your lows,mids, and highs. A basic pioneer double din will bring you stock sound system to life.

 

 

Kenwood DNX seies

 

So many suggestions! Good thing I have work tomorrow I can spend time and research all of this.