Good head unit to upgrade a base Z with if I just want nav and camera?
 

I'm considering buying a base Z, but I really want a car with nav and a backup camera.

I'm not too concerned about upgrading the speakers themselves, since I'll mostly be listening to the sound of whatever aftermarket exhaust I get. :driving:

(Actually, I'd consider upgrading the speakers, too, if I can upgrade the quality substantially without spending too much $.)


I don't mind spending some $ (like, $1K or more) on a really good head unit if the functionality it has is substantially better than cheaper ones.

I don't have a smart phone, so I'm not too concerned about a head unit that features a lot of phone integration.

I would like one that supports Sirius/XM, though.


I'll probably have a shop do the upgrade.


Any suggestions on a head unit/camera combo?


I kind of like this Kenwood one--but that's mostly because it seems to have a physical volume knob (having to use the screen to change volume would annoy me, I think).

Kenwood Excelon DNX692 Navigation receiver at Crutchfield.com

http://www2.crutchfield.com.edgesuit...13DNX692-F.jpg

That's not a bad unit at all. Kenwood's have a wealth of audio adjustments, and no one else has Garmin Nav.

Having said that personally I would trade off the volume knob in a second for a unit with a capacitive screen. They're simply superior in every way. If you're really set on the knob by all means go for the DNX692, but keep in mind that the Z has audio controls on the steering wheel if you're worried about goofing around with the screen while driving.

I used to swear by Kenwood cameras but I'm just not so thrilled with them anymore. Cheap cameras nowadays can produce a decent (i.e. "good enough") picture for a fraction of the price. I used to use surface mount cameras but with my last install I went with a taotronics license plate camera...admittedly these things certainly aren't for everybody. The color reproduction isn't going to win any awards but it's particularly good at night and the install was easy as pie.

Crutchfield.com. many many choices

I have a Pioneer AVIC-8000nex and I like it. It has a pretty decent built in gps. As somebody mentioned above, the capacitive touch screen makes using it nice as well (pinch zoom). It has some bluetooth sync issues (nothing major) but since you don't care about that, I think it's just about perfect.

http://www2.crutchfield.com.edgesuit...NEX-o_navi.jpg