Hey everyone, before any asks, yes i did use the search button but all info seems to be from 2008 and before...Nothing really relevant to whats going on. Anyways, i am looking to get a 7" head unit for my double din and dont really know whats the best out there now. I was looking at the Z3 and saw its been out a few years and was wondering if its a unit thats considered "outdated"? So anyways, heres what i am looking for and would like your suggestion...

-7" screen
-bluetooth, nav, ipod capable, plays dvd, cd, mp3
-user friendly
-great screen resolution

price range can be anywhere up to about $1200 i would say as instead of getting new rims/tires im setting on getting this. Thanks for any help, i appreciate it!

 

look into the new pioneer units.

 

I personally like the Kenwood Excelon DNX 8120... you can find it for right around $1200. Here's the product description:


General Features:
In-dash Navigation, DVD, CD, MP3 Receiver with Remote
iPod USB direct connectivity via your standard iPod-to-USB connection cable allows you to charge, control, and playback your iPod through the receiver and stereo system
Built-in Bluetooth technology supports hands-free calling with a compatible Bluetooth phone
6.95" Wide touchscreen display
Wireless remote control included
Blue button lighting
CEA-2006 compliant amplifier
Power Output:
Peak: 50 watts x 4 channels
RMS: 22 watts x 4 channels
CD Text Display
MP3 ID3 Tag Display (Title/Artist/Album)

Playback and Audio Features:

Playback of DVD±R/RW, DivX, VCD, CD, CD-R, CD-RW, AAC, MP3, and WMA
Tuner with 18FM/6AM presets
Digital graphic equalizer with 7 EQ presets

Expandability Options:

3 Sets of 5V preamp outputs (front, rear, and subwoofer) and a center channel output
SIRIUS or XM Satellite Radio Ready with subscription and the purchase of one of the following adapters required and sold separately:
Kenwood SIRIUS Satellite Radio Package
Kenwood KCA-XM100V XM Radio Adapter
HD Radio Ready:
Kenwood KTC-HR200 required and sold separately.
Bluetooth Ready: Built-in Bluetooth technology with integrated mic
NavTraffic Ready: Subscription with either one of the following:
Kenwood GXM30 XM/NavTraffic Receiver
Kenwood GTM10 FM Traffic Receiver
iPod Audio/Video Ready: Allows you to charge and control your iPod files through the Kenwood head unit with the purchase of one of the following adapters:
Kenwood KCA-iP300V 3-wire adapter for audio and video files.
Kenwood KCA-iP200 2-wire adapter for audio files.
Kenwood KCA-iP100 1-wire adapter for audio files.
For audio playback, you can also use the standard Apple iPod-to-USB cable that is included with most iPods; however, Kenwood recommends one of their adapters as they perform better under extreme temperatures.
Rear auxiliary input: USB and RCA Audio Video Input

Key Features:

Built-in Garmin navigation with Complete US, Canada, and Puerto Rico maps
Apple iTunes AAC file format playback
16:9 Display ratio
PAL/NTSC compatible
Built-in clock
Rear-camera input capable
Radio data system

 

thanks for your help, I am thinking about the not even out get DNX9140. Have you seen it?

 

Everyone is going to have their own opinion of "the best" obviously. That being said, I installed a Kenwood DNX8120 in my Acura and I absolutely love it. Has all the features you stated. I'm currently installing a DNX7140 in my G35 Coupe which is the new model of that unit. I just turned it on to verify it works properly, still in the middle of the install, but the interface is a bit nicer than the 8120. The 9140 is the next step up from the 7140 which I believe primarily adds total voice recognition (voice commands) which I didn't need. I bought the 7140 new on Ebay for $1100.

Just an FYI if it matters. the older model 8120 plays DivX while the 7140 does not. So if you download movies or know how to compress them yourself and want to throw a bunch on a DVD, it might be worth getting the older 8120 model just for that feature. Seems to me that's the only feature they dropped in the new models.

Here's a pic mid-install -
http://slap.gotdns.org/7140install.jpg

 

I found a guy online on another forum selling the DNX9140 for $1499, so id rather the the couple hundred extra to get the newest from kenwood. Thanks for your input though, it gives me more insight i needed.

 

the 9140 isn't even listed on any of kenwoods north american sites..... you might be getting screwed and jewed... careful man

 

Yeah, for some reason it's still not on their site but it has been in press releases. I think it was originally slated for May 09 release.

But back to the original thread starter, I thought your price range was up to $1200? haha Well, more power to you if you want to go with the 9140, should be real nice also. I just couldn't justify spending an extra $400 for the voice features which I probably wouldn't even use.

 

It isnt available yet, here its listed on Crutchfield for preorder...I would post the site for the discount but its another forum and i dont know if i can do that here but just seach DNX9140 and youll find it.

http://www.crutchfield.com/S-NIhNuhF...n-DNX9140.html

As for Slizzap, here is a post comparing the two of the 8120 vs 9140 and there is more features other than voice recognition....

http://community.crutchfield.com/for...ead/54948.aspx

 

Kenwood 9140 .. coming out in June -- pre-order now...

would be CAREFUL re: early units frequently have bugs... the Kenwood 8120 has been out a year and all the bugs worked out -- would wait until those are worked out--

 

decisions decisions...

 

Kenwood does release firmware updates. So if there are bugs with the initial release you can always update it yourself, no need to send it in. So if you're that set on the 9140 I wouldn't let that be a factor.

 

no mention of the f90bt? hmm....maybe i should re-think my headunit purchase then....

 

nah dude.. no mention of the f90 LOL

 

anyone look into the latest Clarion products??

http://www.clarion.com/us/en/product...409026674.html