| kinetik |
I'm debating between something with a screen (Avic-D2) or a standard DIN head unit (much cheaper, and I could keep my existing TomTom GPS).
Any suggestions on a good head unit that has a simple clean design? (think Apple iPod aesthetic...) Most of the aftermarket head units are too flashy for my taste... the Alpine stuff looks like it controls warp drive rather than music.
Pics/links/thoughts appreciated. :) |
|
|
| ED27 |
What are some of the features you're looking for other than aesthetics (i.e. iPod control, aux inputs, etc.)? If aesthetics are your main concern, I think the Nakamichi head units will suit your taste. Here is an example:
 |
|
|
| kinetik |
Thanks for the suggestion, the Nakamichi does have the kind of aesthetic I'm looking for... stock. I also like that some models have all-green colors (to match my 05 dash).
The features I'm looking for are: great sound, XM (my most-used feature), iPod connectivity (optional) and the ability to retain steering wheel control. Not sure if the Naka has all this, but there may be other ways to tie them in.
Thanks again! |
|
|
| ED27 |
The Nak units aren't going to have a lot of the features found in most head units. As far as I know they don't have add-on modules for SAT radio, iPod control etc. The CD-500 has an AUX input that you can use but you won't be able to integrate any of the controls.
As far as what's out there, all of the major players (Alpine, Clarion, Eclipse, Pioneer, Sony, Panasonic) don't have single DIN units with an OEM look. How do you feel about the swing-out/motorized units? I think the double DIN units are they way to go in your case. You'll get all of the features you're looking for plus with a custom trim ring, the factory look can be achieved. The price will be the biggest issue.
The steering wheel controls can be retained with units from PAC. They make brand-specific units as well as a universal model that works with most head units that have an IR sensor. |
|
|
| ED27 |
Just took a look at what Crutchfield is selling. What do you think about these:
 |
|
|
| kinetik |
Yup, double din with a screen (and custom trim ring) will probably result in the cleanest look. Cost is always a factor, though... I *could* spend 2g's on a screen system, but if I can make do with a single Din for $500 or less, then all the better. It also lets me leverage the $900 I already spent last year for the TomTom Go.
All this is really to hold me over until my next ride, in which I'll get OEM nav: RDX or MDX? :) |
|
|
| Itchy |
| check out crutchfield for a ton of head unit options including photos. |
|
|
| Luwin1026 |
| The Kenwood looks sweet - but . . . looks like it's Sirius-ready versus XM like you had requested? |
|
|
| kinetik |
| Yup, I've spent a little too much time on Crutchfield already. :) I do think, though, that a double-din w/screen is going to be the cleanest and best solution (visually and functionally), even if it is more expensive. I'll be selling my TomTom and OEM 6-disc changer, so that'll help recoup some cost. Thanks all for the suggestions! |
|
|
| Itchy |
| Only problem with DD solution is that you'll need to get a customized dash kit. There aren't any out of the box. Also with the way the headunit angles up, glare becomes a problem on those bright days. |
|
|
| kinetik |
| Yup, am aware that I'll need to have a custom-built trim. I've seen various attempts at it on this board, and some turn out really good. As for glare, the D2 has angle adjustments, whereas our TSX's nav doesn't -- and it hasn't been much of a problem. However, the biggest problem I have with my TomTom are my polarized sunglasses! Glare or not, I can barely see the screen with my shades on! :) |
|
|
| Itchy |
| Ok. Just realize the D2's angle adjust upwards only - not downwards. |
|
|
| kinetik |
| Ahh good point! Forgot about that... |
|
|
| dconder |
| While not nearly the unit the D2 is, the Kenwood DDX-6019 is the only unit I know of right now that will tilt up and down. |
|
|
| Itchy |
quote:
Originally posted by dconder
While not nearly the unit the D2 is, the Kenwood DDX-6019 is the only unit I know of right now that will tilt up and down.
D, Have you seen this work? |
|
|
| dconder |
| I have not. I almost got one to replace my DDX-7015 but, decided not to. My concern is that it is now their cheapest double din. |
|
|
| prijo |
quote:
Originally posted by kinetik
Yup, am aware that I'll need to have a custom-built trim. I've seen various attempts at it on this board, and some turn out really good. As for glare, the D2 has angle adjustments, whereas our TSX's nav doesn't -- and it hasn't been much of a problem. However, the biggest problem I have with my TomTom are my polarized sunglasses! Glare or not, I can barely see the screen with my shades on! :)
Try tilting your head (which is a sucky way to see the screen). I've had this problem with LCD's, the polarization of the crystals is perpendicular to the polarization of your glasses (which should be vertical), which blocks out the light :) |
|
|
|
