Kenwood DNX-5140 vs Pioneer AVIC F90BT

[AK370Z]

VS

okay... I think I'm torn between these two. They both seem like a good unit and seem to offer great bang for the buck.

Just by looking at it, you can see Kenwood offer slightly bigger screen and buttons are more sophisticated ( I saw this at Bestbuy and I wasn't' too impressed on the Pioneer button quality)

Now lets look at the specs:


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As you can see they both look good but Kenwood has a little more power. But Pioneer CEA compliant so I'm not sure how accurate is Kenwood's power output. Also, I'm not really looking for any sub outputs (sorry my subwoofer bumping days are over. I had my fun while I was at it but I'm simply grown out of them). So, even though Kenwood doesn't have sub output, that's okay with me.

Also, Pioneer INCLUDES the bluetooth where with Kenwood, you have to buy is separately. I really don't care about it too much since I don't talk while driving anyway but still something to keep in mind.

My BIGGEST reason for a unit is NAVIGATION! I need to know which one is the best?(from the two units mentioned above). You can see Kenwood is Garmin based which I hear nothing but good reviews. I am not 100% sure what company makes the nav for Pioneer (Navtech??). Please let me hear your input on nav.

Those of you that installed Kenwood 5140, please let me know how is the install. I know that the Pioneer unit literally slides itself into the place and people think it was made for the 370Z! When installing Kenwood, did you run into any problem? Does it fit perfectly into the open space?(any gap(s)?

Please keep the topic between these two units. Where I'm getting mine, both of them are equally priced so lets keep the pricing out of this thread as well.

I think I am leaning a bit more toward Kenwood but I would like to hear your input before putting my order in.

THanks.

[vater]

bump

[tbss370z]

I have the Pioneer unit in one of my vehicles. I had it put on when it came out probably a year ago. I really like the Nav functions. It'a accurate, easy to read, comes in 2D or 3D options. It automatically adjusts the time based on your time zone. Combine this with bluetooth capability and it's great unit. I'm looking to install a Nav in my Z eventally and may install another Pioneer unit or try out the Kenwood and compare the two units!

[Forrest]

i have not used any of them. I come here to find out cool stuff about them becuase i am going to put some in my car too.

[rackley]

Agreed, but there are quirks with the Pioneer unit. The multifunction knob in FM mode SCANS for new channels instead of changing preset channels. So to change presets you need to go to the FM screen and press the on-screen buttons.

Also, your steering wheel controls will be marginal at best, and no FM preset tuning from the steering wheel controls either. This is a limitation of the AVIC unit firmware.

The maps on the Pioneer unit are simply awesome. Street names are very well labeled, zooming in and out is good, auto scrolling is good and manual drag scrolling is very smooth as well.

The routing is marginal however.

POI location is marginal as well, but if you have any kind of iPhone/Blackberry/Whatever with Google Maps, that's going to be a much more accurate and updated business finder anyhow.

The much touted voice recognition is marginal at best for voice dialing - I tried dialing several friends and my wife and it couldn't figure out what I was saying. Voice commands for music ONLY works with iPods, not with USB or SD sources. Personally I despite iPods (I've owned several and hated the lack of tactile feedback, especially when running) and have a Zune so this voice feature is basically useless to me other than dialing phone numbers.

Graphics on the Pioneer are much prettier than the Kenwood IMHO. Better color shading.

Bluetooth audio works great, but while you're on the phone you can't do anything with the unit - you can't change your audio source, can't go to the map screen if you're not already there, navi directions aren't spoken, etc. Basically the unit stops EVERYTHING to do the call. Annoying if you're using the map to get somewhere and someone calls...

Overall I'd say the unit is a mixed bag. The mapping is wonderful, but the overall music implementation (FM preset tuning roadblocks, no voice commands for USB/SD sources) is okay at best.

[jbbrann]

I was in the same boat as you. I've owned portable Garmin units and their navigation is second to none IMO, so I was leaning toward the Kenwood, but it wasn't worth the extra money to me (I didn't have a need for DVD playback or the better preamps so I went with the Avic-F700BT).

The Pioneer navigation is still good, and another plus is that the are several hacks/modifications you can do - see avic411.com for more info. I've customized the layout/user interface of mine and it has addressed a lot of the gripes I had.

[AK370Z]

Originally Posted by rackley

Agreed, but there are quirks with the Pioneer unit. The multifunction knob in FM mode SCANS for new channels instead of changing preset channels. So to change presets you need to go to the FM screen and press the on-screen buttons.

Also, your steering wheel controls will be marginal at best, and no FM preset tuning from the steering wheel controls either. This is a limitation of the AVIC unit firmware.

The maps on the Pioneer unit are simply awesome. Street names are very well labeled, zooming in and out is good, auto scrolling is good and manual drag scrolling is very smooth as well.

The routing is marginal however.

POI location is marginal as well, but if you have any kind of iPhone/Blackberry/Whatever with Google Maps, that's going to be a much more accurate and updated business finder anyhow.

The much touted voice recognition is marginal at best for voice dialing - I tried dialing several friends and my wife and it couldn't figure out what I was saying. Voice commands for music ONLY works with iPods, not with USB or SD sources. Personally I despite iPods (I've owned several and hated the lack of tactile feedback, especially when running) and have a Zune so this voice feature is basically useless to me other than dialing phone numbers.

Graphics on the Pioneer are much prettier than the Kenwood IMHO. Better color shading.

Bluetooth audio works great, but while you're on the phone you can't do anything with the unit - you can't change your audio source, can't go to the map screen if you're not already there, navi directions aren't spoken, etc. Basically the unit stops EVERYTHING to do the call. Annoying if you're using the map to get somewhere and someone calls...

Overall I'd say the unit is a mixed bag. The mapping is wonderful, but the overall music implementation (FM preset tuning roadblocks, no voice commands for USB/SD sources) is okay at best.

Thank you for you review. I really appreciate your honest input. Basically I am buying this for Nav and Pioneer is NOT the best one out there (as you can see in bold)

Originally Posted by jbbrann

I was in the same boat as you. I've owned portable Garmin units and their navigation is second to none IMO, so I was leaning toward the Kenwood, but it wasn't worth the extra money to me (I didn't have a need for DVD playback or the better preamps so I went with the Avic-F700BT).

Exactly. I have used Garmin before and loved their interface. We actually used it to drive more than 800 miles in oneday and it never failed.

Well, after a lot thinking, I went with the DNX6140 (upgraded model from the OP). My need was a GOOD GPS in a headunit and this Garmin integrated unit seems to be doing it's job (looked at some reviews as well). Also, my biggest turn off with the Pioneer units were that both units were discontinued (which means they may have older GPS technology where the Kenwoods has just been released to the market)

The difference between 5140 and 6140 is built in Bluetooth by "Parrot"(suppose to be NO. 1 in Bluetooth technology). As I was pulled over by a cop yesterday, 2nd time in my Z within 3 months, I think I am not going to take ANY chance talking on the phone even if it's for just few seconds (most of my calls are very quick).

Here's the new unit: Kenwood DNX6140 Navigation receiver at Crutchfield.com

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9TCO_jzgsK4


What I like the most about this unit is that Kenwood has teamed with one of the best GPS and bluetooth companies. Kenwood has been in the music industry for a while as well which means the sound quality shouldn't be bad. So, this should be the best unit for it's price range. I will def write a review on it once I get the unit installed. BTW, I can't wait to try the rear view camera . Not that I have any problem with the visibility now, but in some awkward parking lots, this will come handy!!!

Kenwood's DNX6140 DVD/navigation receiver gives you turn-by-turn directions from its built-in Garmin navigation system, plus the convenience of built-in Bluetooth® for safer hands-free calling. Watch movies on its vibrant 6.1" screen while you're parked, and breeze through menus and navigation functions with its intuitive touchscreen controls when you're on the road.

Built-in Garmin navigation
As you approach your next turn, the built-in Garmin navigation system announces the street name, letting you keep your eyes on the road. You can find nearby attractions and services from the millions of points of interest. Whether you're taking a trip to a new area or just driving around town, you'll have a wealth of information right at your fingertips.

Bluetooth from Parrot
Parrot is a leader in Bluetooth technology, and they've teamed up with Kenwood to bring you hands-free calling and music streaming in the DNX6140. When a call comes in to your compatible phone, your music mutes and caller ID info shows up on the screen. With a tap of your finger, you'll hear your caller over your vehicle's speakers. You'll talk through the included visor-mount microphone, as you keep your eyes on the road and both hands on the wheel. And as an added bonus, you can stream music from any compatible Bluetooth device.

Great-sounding music
The powerful internal amplifier delivers great sound from all your music sources. Load your MP3, WMA, and AAC files on a CD or DVD, and you'll have a nearly endless supply of fresh driving music. A handy USB slot lets you hook up a thumb drive or a USB-equipped MP3 player. If you add an optional cable, you can connect your iPod® or iPhone™ and control it right on the touchscreen.

No matter what your source, Kenwood's 24-bit digital-to-analog converter sends a crisp, clear audio signal to your speakers. And you can fine-tune your sound using the 3-band EQ and its six preset tone settings.

Build a system
Add a Kenwood satellite radio tuner to tap into the huge variety of entertainment, sports, news, and commercial-free music it provides. With Kenwood's optional HD Radio™ tuner, you'll get the enhanced digital sound quality and additional programming choices HD Radio has to offer.

If you're looking to add amps and subs, you'll love the two sets of preamp outputs. You can switch the rear output to non-fading mode, which activates a low-pass crossover and a sub level control.

[AK370Z]

*videos* kenwood dnx6140 installed with pioneer rear view cam

YouTube - My New Head Unit


Looking at this video from one our member, it seems like if you press and hold the top left button, you can activate the rear camera! This should fun while driving in the highway or just checking who's tailgating me! I'm

[AK370Z]

Where should I mount my GPS and sirius antennas. They both seem pretty small. One of the member here installed behind the steering wheel.
That's a possibility. Suggest me some good places (as stealth as possible without losing signal). For the microphone, I think I am going with the cpiller top.

thanks.


Everything is here except back up cam. da*n the long overseas shipping!

[CBRich]

Good choice on the Kenwood. I've just heard too many problems with the AVIC F series. And Kenwood uses the always impressive Parrot bluetooth system. Should be great.

[kosmo09]

I would go for Eclipse AVN726E. The unit is amazing. Fits nicely to 370Z base model with sport package w/o Bose system. Just got installed by myself.

[jbbrann]

Originally Posted by AK370Z

Where should I mount my GPS and sirius antennas. They both seem pretty small. One of the member here installed behind the steering wheel.

Mine is mounted behind the IP like this and I don't have any problems with signals. If you truly want to go stealth you can also try mounting it on top of the cubby hole (it looked like there would be clearance when I had the dash apart) which I think would probably work pretty well.

[AK370Z]

Originally Posted by CBRich

Good choice on the Kenwood. I've just heard too many problems with the AVIC F series. And Kenwood uses the always impressive Parrot bluetooth system. Should be great.

Thanks. I heard only good thing about Parrot Bluetooth system. Can't wait to try it.

Originally Posted by kosmo09

I would go for Eclipse AVN726E. The unit is amazing. Fits nicely to 370Z base model with sport package w/o Bose system. Just got installed by myself.

Eclipse is good as well. I'm going to give kenwood a try first.

Originally Posted by jbbrann

Mine is mounted behind the IP like this and I don't have any problems with signals. If you truly want to go stealth you can also try mounting it on top of the cubby hole (it looked like there would be clearance when I had the dash apart) which I think would probably work pretty well.

Thanks. If I were to put both (sirius and GPS) antennas side by side behind instrument panel, would that cause any interference?

[510z]

i have the f90bt in my Z. works great.

[AK370Z]

Originally Posted by 510z

i have the f90bt in my Z. works great.

Where did you mount your GPS antenna?