Kenwood DNX5120 Navigation with Bluetooth and iPod Install

[grebnasticle]

After lots of going back and forth, I just installed a Kenwood unit into my Z and am super happy with how it turned out. I read a great deal of reviews of brands and models here on the boards and I decided that Kenwood was a good option. I was able to work out a deal with someone to get the HU, Bluetooth, and iPod additions which was considerably less than what I was expecting.

Here are the items I installed – all were purchased on eBay though the HU was found on eBay but negotiated over email and the seller relisted it with the negotiated price as a new buy-it-now and sent me the link

- Scosche NN04B Nissan 2007+ Radio/Stereo Wire Harness
- Scosche Naa2b Nissan 2007+ Car Radio Antenna Adapter
- Kenwood DNX5120 Navigation; BLUETOOTH; IPOD

The only reason I didn’t use the DNX6140 was because the only differences I could find were that the 5120 did not have built-in Bluetooth or iPod and the one I bought already had those features included with the unit

I thought AK’s install looked really clean and more professional than what you’d see at audio shops…so…I contacted his installer and began asking his opinion on equipment as well as a possible install by him. Throughout the whole process, he was easy to work with and I really enjoyed talking with him. So, for those out there who would like to get a system put into the car, I’d have no reservations about recommending him to anyone for any audio need. The rain was on and off while we worked, but didn’t serve as much of a problem because 85% of what we did was done inside the house.

I figure because I basically had the same install as AK, I didn’t include quite as many pictures, however, I did want to post a few up so that you can see the consistency and care done between both installations.




Just as AK pointed out, all connections were soldered and shrunk by Matt…def not something you see most audio places do…sometimes it’s the little things that make the difference.



Quite the mess we had going on…..



It took a little time and manipulation (due to the excess wires in the dash at this point…) but the HU fit in nicely and already started to look really good….




I chose to place the iPod hookup in the glove box for a few reasons. I wasn’t crazy about cutting a hold in the dash piece and felt like I wasn’t going to need to be as active in controlling the music from the actual unit….so, by fishing the iPod wire through the dash and into the glove box, it’s hidden and out of the way but still accessible for me to change when I want to.




I’ve only tested the Bluetooth once as of yet, but it was crystal clear. I had no problems hearing my callers and they said they had no trouble hearing me. My mom has Bluetooth in her Acura and I’ve to date not been a fan of it because it can be hard to hear what she’s saying, but it seems like anyone I’ve talked with thus far has had no trouble on either side of the call.




GPS antenna was placed at the front of the dash. I was worried about it looking obvious that it’s there, both from the inside and outside, but was concerned about potentially losing reception if it were placed behind the dash. So, though I would have ideally liked it to be out of sight, I do think this was a more than fair compromise for functionality and esthetics.






Couple final pictures to check out….I thought it went great on the whole. Matt and I had a few bugaboos about getting the unit to work, but after some quick trouble shooting, we were able to get her fired up with no problems. I’ve used the nav and it was super quick about calculating/recalculating/locating/etc, the iPod and radio features work well (oh…by the by…the sound it ten times better just be exchanging the HU alone…seriously….a huge notable difference from the stock radio), and the Bluetooth works just like I had the phone to my head. I have not had time to check out the DVD features yet, but, I’ll imagine that it works just as well as everything else.



Thanks, Matt….job well done!

[kdoske]

looks good

[theDreamer]

Originally Posted by kdoske

looks good

I need to stop looking at these and just buy one so I can get iPod integration.

[bigaudiofanat]

Thanks man for the nice writeup the bug ups he is talking about were, as i am a little embarrassed to say were the wiring harness never got plugged into the back of the receiver. It was sort of funny. I hope to do more work to your car in the future when you want to upgrade.

[vReath]

looks really good. i dont have a Z yet - a month away or so - but i think i'll start saving now for something like this. nice work matt

[AK370Z]

Looks great. I like it. Almost identical setup (- backup cam). Good job Matt.

Originally Posted by grebnasticle

BTW, I'm just curious, did you lose the metal pad under the antenna?

[bigaudiofanat]

Thanks guys I always love reading the comments, makes me feel good.

[grebnasticle]

Thanks, AK...as you pointed out, it was essentially the same set up as what you have sans backup camera. I thought it looked so good that it made my decision easy (both for the equipment and installer).

Matt actually asked the same thing about the pad you used for the GPS antenna....I never, at least to my knowledge, got one or have seen one. I thought it was something you bought. Was this included with the unit?

[bigaudiofanat]

Ya it was included with his unit it was suppose to come with yours as well. That is what crutchfield is saying under "whats in the box" I am asking around to see if I can find some place to buy a lot of those pads, nothing as of right now.
Were can I buy these - Car Audio Forum - CarAudio.com

[OMGWTFBBQ]

My magnetic pad came in the same package as the user manuals. Try looking in there I guess?

[grebnasticle]

Originally Posted by OMGWTFBBQ

My magnetic pad came in the same package as the user manuals. Try looking in there I guess?

Yeah, I checked through the box about a dozen times and there was nothing in there. I may just call Kenwood up and tell them that it was missing from the package and see if they'll throw me one as a replacement. If not, I guess it's not the end of the world...but it would be nice to have.

[bigaudiofanat]

LOL sounds good. PM sent to you.

[bigaudiofanat]

Did you ever call to see if you could get a pad?

[KaienZ34]

Looks like another beautiful install.... I wish i didn't live so far away i'd love to get you to do an install on my Z.. I know i can get it done here but the level of care and precision and pride you take in your work is evident... and now you've done a good few 370 and know your way around very well. great job

[TreeSemdyZee]

I'm months beyond the original posts, but I am curious about the iPod placement. Is there a hole somewhere in the back of the glove box that I'm obviously not finding? I messed around tonight for about 5 minutes and couldn't figure out where to route the wire. It was a pretty weak attempt I admit, but I'm just looking for some insight. The weather looks to be moving spring-ward and I'm just waiting on the SWI-JACK to do the install. (wanting to get a camera too, but not willing to wait ).