On the Topic of Double Din, In dash Touch screen Head Units

[LVMarauder]

Does anyone have any recommendations on a Double Din type, In dash Navigation, XM, DVD capable head unit they would like to offer? My CDX -800 shot craps and its time to upgrade. I dont mind off name brands as long as you suggest they are reliable. Thanks!

[ADE 1000]

I'm considering an upgrade myself, and I am probably going to go with the Pioneer AVIC-D3. It was just introduced, and it looks like the price is right.

[Pops]

The pioneer d3 or the Avic Z1 or Z2 if you can wait are good machines. I am now a vendor on this site so Pm me when you are ready. The store is Johns Stereo and we will be glad to help.

[ggt4]

I have the Eclipe avn5435 dvd/nav. Its a good unit. There are a few other people on the site who have it as well.

Check the pics in my sig

[dwasson]

MM.NET member Lowell owns a stereo shop that specializes in Pioneer. Contact him for info.

[BirchMarauder]

I've got an Alpine IVA-W200 in dash touch screen in my marauder. Took some serious installing but it's in. I love every feature it has, especially the black out mode.

[ggt4]

the eclipse has the blackout mode as well

[Eric91Z]

I was originally looking at the IVA-W200, but if you like Alpine, wait about 45 days or so and go with the new IVA-W205. It has a built in docking station for the Alpine Blackbird (goes right in the headunit itself instead of a separate docking station) and the new BlueTooth interface is light years ahead of what they had last year (if you like to have that, too). Some other little upgrades over the W200.

For me, the internal Blackbird docking and upgraded BlueTooth are the big selling points for me. I am planning on that with Alpine X-Type components in the front doors, co-axials in the rear deck, and Alpine X-Type 10" sub in the back with a couple of their PDX amplifiers.

Good luck with your decision for a new head unit.

[shawn744]

i just installed my Kenwood DDX-6019 its a combo head unit and it comes packaged with a full navigation system....got it for a grand. Fit PERFECT. Absolutley perfect. Well i had to shave the top little lip where the stock radio sits...not a big deal at all. Looks very stock, and doesn't have big bright blue lights on the buttons that draws unnecessary attention to it. Looks very tasteful.

[Marauder]

Can you use the steering wheel controls with these units?

How difficult would it be for the weekend warrior to install something like the Eclipse-5435?

I've done installed before and hard wired my Sirius radio into the factory radio.

[BirchMarauder]

all I have to say is if you love your car like I do and want it to be factory looking, take your time on the install.

[Eric91Z]

Can you use the steering wheel controls with these units?

How difficult would it be for the weekend warrior to install something like the Eclipse-5435?

I've done installed before and hard wired my Sirius radio into the factory radio.


I know that the Alpine can be setup to work with the factory steering wheel controls. Another plus for me.

[Sully008]

Just about all aftermarket head units can use the wheel controls with the PAC swi-x interface.

[dparker83]

Well, I will personally vouch for the Pioneer AVIC Z1 unit. Sure, it's a bit on the pricy side (~2grand retail), but it does everything you are talking about: DVD video, navigation, HDD storage for maps and music, aux inputs, etc... (bluetooth, xm, sirius, tv tuner a la carte). You can also "wire" it up to the steering wheel controls with the PAC-SW interface unit. Buttons are a smidge laggy but it's better than those that use the ir remote...

good luck!