Hey guys, I searched quite a bit but it's hard finding direct answers. Especially when I am starting at stage 1 and know nothing.

A few questions - what are some common brands? Eclipse, Pioneer, Alpine, and Kenwood are the most popular I've seen.

What's a DIN? I see Double Din as a nice spec, but no clue what that means.

I'm looking for a nice and functional NAV system that can be installed in the UPPER/FWD cubby, above the Bose sound player. Is that possible? All systems I've seen replace the audio head unit.
Do companies make such a system WITHOUT audio? I JUST want a NAV piece (hence, keep the Bose head unit and install the NAV where OEM would be).

I found the thread supporting the Kenwood model for $1060 shipped. It looks pretty nice, no doubt. Any other experience with that?

If I did go with a total replacement in the lower spot, can steering wheel audio controls remain functional?
I don't need it to play DVD movies - is that an extra feature, or pretty much standard on all multimedia NAV units?

I guess I just have no idea where to start.

Thanks for any help/input/guidance!

 

I would go with the Pioneer Avic-N3 fold out tv, I like it very sleek and easy to use, could get a good price with maybe members. Or also Kenwood have good set up also. Dont get the cheap brands you will miss out on allot of features.

 

Why the N3 over the D3? I compared the specs on Pioneer's website, and for $600 extra, I couldn't figure out what you get besides for a motorized screen that I'm afraid of breaking.

 

i have the kenwood and have no complaints at all

 

Double DIN refers to the height of the stereo. Your factory Bose would be a double DIN. A stereo half the height would be a single DIN.

This is a quote from Crutchfield's site:

"DIN is an acronym for the roughly translated "Deutsche Institut fur Normung," a German standards and measurements organization. For our purposes, DIN simply indicates that a device complies with a generally accepted standard of dimension or configuration.

A DIN receiver, for example, is one that will fit in a dash opening having a width of 7.2 inches and a height of 2.11 inches, typically mounting with a rectangular metal bracket (DIN Sleeve) provided with the receiver."

 

Ahhhhh, great. So pretty much the Z needs a Double Din to fill the OEM space. Thanks!

I just realized this was in the wrong sub forum. Apologies!

Any comparison between the Kenwood DX7100 (or new 7120) and the upcoming 8200?
The 7100 is about $850, while the 8200 will be about $1200 or so.

The Pioneer AVIC D3 is about $550, and seems fine to me.
I just want something that looks good, is reliable, no lag, maps are upgradeable, easy to navigate through/use, and has equal to or better than stock audio quality. I don't need USB/iPod/Bluetooth/etc features.

 

You can put in a single-DIN, you just have to buy the correct kit to do it. Generally the kit adds a small compartment below the stereo.

I'm getting the Kenwood DNX8120. The nav is flash-based Garmin as opposed to a lot of the others that require DVDs to run. I've currently got a separate Garmin GPS and love it.
It also has built-in Bluetooth if that is something you would want. With the DNX7100, you have to buy a Bluetooth add-on.

Here's a couple of links if you're interested.

https://my350z.com/forum/audio-and-video/328721-new-kenwood-dnx8120-excelon-double-din-5-1-rca-5v-preouts-wicked-cas.html

https://my350z.com/forum/audio-and-video/328722-sneak-peak-kenwood-dnx-5120-wicked-cas.html

 

Ah, I see. Hm, I'll stick with the double DIN.

DNX8210 sounds pretty superior, just a bit more than I want to spend.
I like the flash-based element, but don't need the other features of ipod/bluetooth, etc...

I guess I'm down to the Pioneer AVIC D3, Eclipse AVN5510, and Kenwood DNX7100 (priced at $560, 760, and 820 respectively @ Cartronixplus.com).

 

Do some serious checking on Cartronix. I have no experience with them, but I've heard some bad and some good. Good luck with your hunt!
The DNX5120 also might be a decent choice. Probably be around $750 - 800 from Nazar.

 

I can get you the Pioneer AVIC Z2, what I have in my car for $1800. Retail is $2200 on their website. This unit is sick and has everything from the hard drive that holds all the navigation information, automatic CD recording, and even voice recognition. PM me if you want more info.

Cheers!

 

/\/\/\ thats a bit of over kill for what he wants i think

 

I have a pioneer D1 which is double din and it sits and operates very nicely. The D1 allows me to listen to CDs while the Nav system is working without swapping out discs.