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what head unit can i put in my '05 350z?

Old Apr 23, 2014 | 08:19 AM
  #1  
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Default what head unit can i put in my '05 350z?

Hey guys I've had my 350 for about a year now and at first I was ok with just using the radio and listening to CDs
But now I'm getting tired of it and I want to play my own music.
What touch screen HU could I get that works well and for under $1k?
I'd really appreciate the help
I also wanna see what you guys have done to your cars.
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Old Apr 23, 2014 | 11:45 AM
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<$1K for a whole new system, or <$1k for just a head unit to use with the original speakers?

A very popular HU here is the Kenwood DDX470, which has since been updated to the DDX471. Do a search for the former model # here and you'll find lots of info. Search and learn.
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Old Apr 23, 2014 | 06:46 PM
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I have just installed a AVH-x5600bhs. All in all I am really pleased with the unit.
It's good value for money (about USD$400 an amazon)

Pros:
- Good touchscreen
- Intuitive interface and responsive menus
- Awesome phone connectivity
- Sounds better than stock bose to me

Cons:
- Video functions are very backwards: only plays a handful of files (mostly AVI in
dvix3,4,5. H264 and Xvid not supported). The manual says it plays *.mp4 files but I couldn't get that to work no matter which codec is used within the mp4 file.
No Random function for video files (I would have liked to put 100's of Mvids on a drive and play them randomly)
All video seems to be fed internally through an analogue connection, which makes the picture look like when you connect a dvd player to a lcd tv through an RCA connection :S

- This unit being top of the AVH line it should have a second rear USB or a SD card reader.

- Even with the Metra Kit, it doesn't sit 100% flush and neat looking. I believe this is a common issue for double DINs in 350z's though



In everyday use, it is a very easy to live with unit and I recommend it.

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Old Apr 24, 2014 | 04:32 AM
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That Pioneer one looks nice. They gave quality products and seem to last.
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Old Apr 24, 2014 | 09:58 AM
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Just for a head unit, the speakers I'm ok with.
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Old Apr 24, 2014 | 10:00 AM
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Originally Posted by dcains
<$1K for a whole new system, or <$1k for just a head unit to use with the original speakers?

A very popular HU here is the Kenwood DDX470, which has since been updated to the DDX471. Do a search for the former model # here and you'll find lots of info. Search and learn.
I'm just looking for a unit. The speakers I'm ok with.
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Old Apr 24, 2014 | 10:02 AM
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Originally Posted by djcalle
I have just installed a AVH-x5600bhs. All in all I am really pleased with the unit.
It's good value for money (about USD$400 an amazon)

Pros:
- Good touchscreen
- Intuitive interface and responsive menus
- Awesome phone connectivity
- Sounds better than stock bose to me

Cons:
- Video functions are very backwards: only plays a handful of files (mostly AVI in
dvix3,4,5. H264 and Xvid not supported). The manual says it plays *.mp4 files but I couldn't get that to work no matter which codec is used within the mp4 file.
No Random function for video files (I would have liked to put 100's of Mvids on a drive and play them randomly)
All video seems to be fed internally through an analogue connection, which makes the picture look like when you connect a dvd player to a lcd tv through an RCA connection :S

- This unit being top of the AVH line it should have a second rear USB or a SD card reader.

- Even with the Metra Kit, it doesn't sit 100% flush and neat looking. I believe this is a common issue for double DINs in 350z's though



In everyday use, it is a very easy to live with unit and I recommend it.

do you have an iPhone? Because I really want to be able to use my iPhone in the car.
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Old Apr 24, 2014 | 02:44 PM
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I use an iPhone 5 with my Kenwood DDX470. There's an extra cable you need to buy from Kenwood (and a lightning adapter from Apple if your phone has that new connector), and the headunit and phone integrate well together. You can also buy an iPhone nav app from Garmin and it will show on the headunit screen.
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Old Apr 24, 2014 | 02:47 PM
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Originally Posted by johncan9
I'm just looking for a unit. The speakers I'm ok with.
You should really consider at least a set of quality door speakers - they'll make a world of difference, and are a simple (the rears are tough to get at). Easily available for >$100. Check crutchfield.com to see what fits.
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Old Apr 24, 2014 | 03:23 PM
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The pioneer works great with my Iphone 4s. both in bluetooth and cable, bluetooth doesn't pass on covert art

As for speakers, unfortunately I have the Bose system so went to PAC ROM-NIS2 route.

I agree with Dean, if you have the non bose speakers, it's worth the effort and $ to upgrade them.
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Old Apr 24, 2014 | 03:30 PM
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BTW, I also agree agree with what Dean said earlier. All the answers to the questions you asked can be found on this forum in past threads or using google for Head unit specific reviews. I mean there are identical threads to this one that are less than 10 days old :S

Youtube has some nice detailed reviews of 2013-2014 touchscreen HUs
Check out these guys' channels:

-Use the search feature, be a man, do the right thing.
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Old Apr 24, 2014 | 03:34 PM
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I agree with dcains
Originally Posted by dcains
You should really consider at least a set of quality door speakers - they'll make a world of difference, and are a simple (the rears are tough to get at). Easily available for >$100. Check crutchfield.com to see what fits.
… You will get MUCH better sound by installing decent speakers in the front. If your budget is $1k as stated in the original post, include better speakers in your upgrade.

Your OEM speakers are either Clarion or Bose, and it’s difficult to say which is worse. Both have paper cones and tiny magnets, and neither can take much power. You would get better sound keeping the stock H/U and replacing the speakers.

--Spike
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Old Apr 25, 2014 | 12:07 PM
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I agree with the others. I swapped out the Bose for a Kenwood DDX470 and Rockford Fosgate P-165-S components for the front doors and it made an unbelievable difference in sound quality. I have less than $500 in the whole thing and have bluetooth, iPhone connectivity (you need the Kenwood cable also) Sirius XM, DVD, etc etc.
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