Best 2-DIN head unit?
 

So who makes the best 2-DIN HU these days? My RX8 still has the stock "premium" Bose package, but back when I had a stereo installed in my old Firebird, Alpine was awesome. Are they still?

I was contemplating this one once I get my Z in November: Alpine Electronics of America, Inc.

Any thoughts? I figured that with JL speakers + stealthbox .. not sure about amp, know nothing about those...

IMO yes Alpine is still awesome, never ever had a problem with any of them and their new models are really nice. You can not go wrong with Alpine.

Kenwood Excelon 9990HD is a great unit. Great sound, more inputs than anyone will ever need. Bluetooth streaming is awesome. IMO can't go wrong.

The FH-X700B made by Pioneer looks amazing! it was Bluetooth music streaming, bluetooth calling, iPhone and iPod direct control 2 USBs! and color matching light array to match any interior light color for that OEM look.

The only problem, it's not out yet. comes out sometime in September. The price? only $150.00 dollars!!! can't beat that!

I am actually going to get it for my car. I am patiently waiting....

http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PU...vers/FH-X700BT

I got 2 kenwood 9990's. I like them but having a few issues with both. They are warranteed, so it isn't terrible but I'm not looking forward to yanking it out if the software update doesn't fix it. Check with wicked cas on the forum here, he was good to deal with for both price and advice.

Thanks for the input!

Any thoughts on the speakers/amp? I could especially use advice on amps. I know nothing about them.

Also, how many preouts do you really need for a good stereo setup? The cheaper HUs only seem to have one or maybe two.

If you're not gonna go crazy with tv's and stuff like that you really only need up to two preouts. One for your sub amp and one for your speaker amp. Or you could just get one amp that powers your speakers and the sub, like the pdx-v9 or pdx-5. For a sub, it depends on how much you want to spend and how you want it to sound. I like 12" subs, for me it's the right mix of punch and rumble. I'm a big fan of Alpine Type R subs, they're on amazon for $150 and sound great. Also check the Kicker solobaric subs, and JL Audio as well. If you're not looking for something too loud, go with maybe a pioneer champion series 12" sub for less than $100 and a small amp, maybe 200w rms.


Sent from my iPizzle using magic and new-fangled science stuff

I just installed the Clarion CX501 and I love it. Has all the bells and wistles without a DVD/screen. Best $150 I've spent.
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/12/10/06/e2ygazaq.jpg

X2 for the alpine px5 and the v9, Speakers it all depends on what you want to spend.

I just had a Kenwood DDX719 installed....it's perfect, so far.

http://www.kenwoodusa.com/Car_Entert...e_Video/DDX719

http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w...ood_DDX719.jpg

Dude that head unit does seem like the perfect fit for everything I'd need it for. I have plans to use that head unit and later modify the cubby to accommodate a removable Google Nexus 7 tablet. I just need to find a good fabricator and solution.

Take a look at alpines alternative as well, the Alpine-CDE-W235BT

Alpine CDE-W235BT CD receiver at Crutchfield.com

I like my alpine system . Though I do feel the nav could be a little better, it often tells me on a road where there are no turns to make a slight turn onto the road I am already on.

I have the same head unit and it is all that I need. Similar to stock with a large volume knob was what I wanted. Even matched the Z interior amber lights.

While I do really like and swear by Alpine gear, that particular unit doesn't appear to have adjustable color. Call it petty, but I don't want to have a blue head unit in a car with everything else amber. That's one of the reasons I like that Pioneer so much. It will match perfectly with everything else. Unless you know of another unit that has all the features + color matching + doesn't have a big dumb LCD screen on it? :D

JVC makes a good one, I just prefer to stay away from pioneer.

Most aftermarket head units can match almost any color now. "Few exceptions"

I have a Pioneer AVIC-Z140BH and it absolutely does have fully customizable and adjustable color...
I've matched the Z interior orange lights perfectly but have since switched to red since I changed over to LED map/trunk lights.

(as did the X190BT)

What are your reasons for staying away from Pioneer? I'd love to take this chance to pick your brain for your expertise and experience. Thanks :)

This is STILL NOT AVAILABLE!!! it killing me already. I've been checking everyday! sucks! must not get desperate and choose an inferior product just because it's available. Must stay patient!

Quick run down on the problems I have seen first hand, read about, or heard from other installers.

Removable face plates, display fails

Cd's start to not eject fully

Pico fuse can blow

Internal components fail.

BT mic's have a history of horrible echo

Motorized units have problems.

Their are people who hate and love pioneer, ones that do not have problems and ones that do. I prefer to stay away from them. Even a few here have started out by saying they had no problems. A year later nothing but problems and switched them out for kenwoods or other brands.

Hmm.... thanks for the input, I'm going to continue my search and see if I can find something almost the same as this Pioneer.

Just be patient like I am :) it will be worth the wait. The unit has built in Bluetooth and built in HD radio plus it has steering wheel controls. No additional accessories required as in those other "...ready" radios. There are you tube videos that show case everything that it does and it will make you fall in love with it more.

Do the Alpine HUs have any sort of color choosing option for matching with the rest of the interior lighting?

The Kenwood line is looking really sharp!

I think some of them do, I know the 910 does not.

FINALLY!!! the unit is available!! I just purchased it! I bought it from this website.

Abt.com now has the Pioneer Double-DIN Car Stereo With Bluetooth - FHX700BT in stock

Finally arrived!!!!!! can't wait to install it over the weekend.

http://i1077.photobucket.com/albums/...37FA479051.jpg

Holy crap dude you got it already?! I ordered mine from Crutchfield for the free installation gear and the thing doesn't even show up on their website right now. When I ordered it, it was on backorder. :(

Yeah man. actually everyone is shocked that I got one so fast. apparently I got extremely lucky. The shop I went to install it also old me they bought these receivers but they haven't received their order yet and they are an authorized Pioneer dealer! LMAO!

Installed! awesome receiver! I stream all my music via Bluetooth so no cords!!!

Also I programmed the lights to match the Z gauges (amber outside) to match the interior lighting and orange/red match the needles!! the wait was so worth it!


http://i1077.photobucket.com/albums/...4AECDA8FB9.jpg


http://i1077.photobucket.com/albums/...4AEA017F75.jpg

Well you know what's coming next then. It is now your duty to post LOTS AND LOTS of pics of the install process and the finished product. :D

I think you should consider getting the Scosche dash kit... It has a much tighter fit than the stock bezel.

This particular radio does not have a square shape but intead it has angles. There are no gaps between the radio and the bezel - its just the design of it.

Its sounds really superb, Guys just try this and I am sure you'll love this.

X2 again on kenwood.

alpine and kenwood over pioneer all day.

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/12/10/06/y3umu4ub.jpgDNX9990HD...ready to navigate! :D

Keep up the great info! I'm leaning towards a Kenwood currently.

You can't go wrong. Only issue with Bluetooth and phone is road noise...thinking about some serious sound deadening.

Agree!:thumbup:

http://www.the370z.com/exterior-inte...-deadener.html

That should get you started with your sound dampening :tiphat: