Help me choose a head unit please!

SP33DKILLS · 07-06-2012, 08:16 PM

Hello,

TIA to all who respond

I just purchased a component set of Focal 165VB & I'm stuck on which headunit to use. Here's my dilemma:

1) I wanted to use Kenwood, since I heard you did not have to use an aftermarket dash kit, but the installer is insisting you do need the dash it for a flush install, otherwise I will have a gap. Is that true?

2) Which would you pick?
DDX719 - I loved it and I'm getting a good price on it.
DNX5160 - A bit older model, but I get NAV.

Can I use a backup camera with the 5160? I know I can with the 719. Is one a slightly better fit over the other?

Lastly, any good installers in the Los Angeles area? I wish Big was coming soon, I'd prefer him to do the install

SP33DKILLS · 07-06-2012, 09:07 PM

The more research I do, the more the 719 stands out. Seems like an overall better unit.

TreeSemdyZee · 07-07-2012, 08:00 AM

You do need a dash kit to fill the gap on ANY double-din unit.

Here is a used DNX9960 if you're looking for a VERY good deal. I have one and paid $1300 new (which was a great deal at the time. They listed at $1800+)

Kenwood DNX9960 navigation headunit

This is my link showing a lot of the screens on the 9960.

Dnx9960 kenwood excelon wicked cas sneak peak preview pre-order $500 gift certificate

bigaudiofanat · 07-07-2012, 11:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SP33DKILLS

Lastly, any good installers in the Los Angeles area? I wish Big was coming soon, I'd prefer him to do the install

Lately I have been contacted by 3 separate people asking when I am coming back to Cali. I would recommend starting another signup thread and see who is interested.

To the question about kenwoods and needing a dash kit, Most of my installes have been kenwoods and I would say you do not need one. Here are some pictures.

With dash kit

SP33DKILLS · 07-09-2012, 12:55 PM

Thanks Big. I ended up going with the DDX719. I have both, the 719 and Focals sitting in my place waiting on install. I wanted to see if you perhaps where coming out, but if no date is set, then I might as well proceed. Not happy with the install spots I've visited in my area, but I may have little choice at this point.

Let me know if you start up a thread.

Wicked CAS · 07-17-2012, 02:24 PM

I know it is too late but, I have a special on the DNX5190 $649.95 with free delivery.

07-06-2012, 08:16 PM	#1 (permalink)
SP33DKILLS Base Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: California Posts: 47 Drives: 2012 370z Nismo Rep Power: 13	Help me choose a head unit please! Hello, TIA to all who respond I just purchased a component set of Focal 165VB & I'm stuck on which headunit to use. Here's my dilemma: 1) I wanted to use Kenwood, since I heard you did not have to use an aftermarket dash kit, but the installer is insisting you do need the dash it for a flush install, otherwise I will have a gap. Is that true? 2) Which would you pick? DDX719 - I loved it and I'm getting a good price on it. DNX5160 - A bit older model, but I get NAV. Can I use a backup camera with the 5160? I know I can with the 719. Is one a slightly better fit over the other? Lastly, any good installers in the Los Angeles area? I wish Big was coming soon, I'd prefer him to do the install Last edited by SP33DKILLS; 07-06-2012 at 08:23 PM.

07-17-2012, 02:24 PM	#6 (permalink)
Wicked CAS The370Z.com Sponsor Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Kingston, NH. Posts: 469 Drives: 98 Supra 1036 RWHP Rep Power: 15	I know it is too late but, I have a special on the DNX5190 $649.95 with free delivery. __________________ www.wickedcas.com Call: 603-642-4222 E-mail: Wickedcas@aol.com *DIRECT AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR:* AUDISON, HERTZ, JL AUDIO, JL AUDIO MARINE, KENWOOD EXCELON, COMPUSTAR, DIAMOND AUDIO, CACHE, ARC AUDIO, K40, PASSPORT ESCORT.

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07-06-2012, 09:07 PM	#2 (permalink)
SP33DKILLS Base Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: California Posts: 47 Drives: 2012 370z Nismo Rep Power: 13	The more research I do, the more the 719 stands out. Seems like an overall better unit.

07-07-2012, 08:00 AM	#3 (permalink)
TreeSemdyZee Premium Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Kentuck-IANA Age: 60 Posts: 4,880 Drives: '09 370 & ‘14 Juke Rep Power: 27408	You do need a dash kit to fill the gap on ANY double-din unit. Here is a used DNX9960 if you're looking for a VERY good deal. I have one and paid $1300 new (which was a great deal at the time. They listed at $1800+) Kenwood DNX9960 navigation headunit This is my link showing a lot of the screens on the 9960. Dnx9960 kenwood excelon wicked cas sneak peak preview pre-order $500 gift certificate

07-09-2012, 12:55 PM	#5 (permalink)
SP33DKILLS Base Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: California Posts: 47 Drives: 2012 370z Nismo Rep Power: 13	Thanks Big. I ended up going with the DDX719. I have both, the 719 and Focals sitting in my place waiting on install. I wanted to see if you perhaps where coming out, but if no date is set, then I might as well proceed. Not happy with the install spots I've visited in my area, but I may have little choice at this point. Let me know if you start up a thread.