Hi all,

new to forum and have been reading the stickies. I've been trying to research a good In-Dash HU but come across mixed reviews and now am completely lost.

What I want are:
IPod compatible
Bluetooth compatible to have a hands-free (voice command feature)
DVD player
NAV system
Optional - 3.5mm stereo jack to have other devices plug in
Optional - USB connection to watch movies/listen to music from an external HD
Optional - Rear view camera compatible

I was originally looking at the Kenwood Excelon DNX9960. I'm looking at spending roughly $1k on the Head Unit alone since I need to upgrade the stock non-Bose system. I got to buy the JDM DD Kit.

I plan on buying the HU and peripherals first then upgrading the sound system itself. Or what is the better way to go, upgrading the sound system first then the HU or vice-versa?

I'm new to all this car stuff. Sorry! It looks like I need to by an enclosure (~$350 from 4080 enclosures) then buy a woofer (dunno what yet) and upgrade the speakers (dunno what to yet).

Sorry for a big post!!!

 

iPod, 3.5mm jack, USB, rear view are all pretty much standard on any DVD/nav unit.

DNX9960's definitely one of the top units out, just make sure you've checked out the Pioneer X920BT and Z120BT, their iPod interface is tons better, but the nav isn't Garmin, so it's not quite as good.

Ideally, the headunit and amp should be upgrade at the same time, since the Bose system uses balanced signal that can make things more complicated if only updating one piece. Speakers can be done last though.

 

Crutchfield has 50% off the Metra kit with $169 car stereo purchase
I don't know if you pay more than $95 more for a stereo, NAV and or CD/DVD player here or not but you will save that much on the kit you need and get all the "free" install stuff. The cheapest I have seen the black kit itself anywhere is $169 OTD.

 

Metra for an 06 is just plain ugly. Not worth fugly'ing your interior for $200.

 

lol yeah it's the jdm or no upgrade for me. Thanks for looking out!

this project is being put on hold until I can figure out the seating problem.

 

the Pioneer AVH-P4200DVD looks badass! there is a post of someone who has it installed on his G

 

Looks like any other full-screen DD unit really.
Take your pick.

Just remember, it's a flip-face, so it's going to get in the way of the AT shifter, but fine with the 6MT.

 

oh damn...i forgot about the flip-face...

any recs on a non-flip face??

 

Pioneer X920BT is the best non-flip face.
If nav ain't that important, or you want a separate garmin, Pioneer 3200BT.

 

damn...i really wanted the garmin nav.

that was the most important thing...guess i'll wait until the time comes.

in the meantime, i'll save up my money and buy the jdm double din, double din trim kit, and the wiring harness.

 

Putting a Garmin in the flip-up isn't that bad really. It puts the nav at a better viewing spot for the driver too. When mounted just right (and the right size) it's almost as slick as the pop-up navigation unit.
https://g35driver.com/forums/audio-v...t-mount-6.html

Reason I went with the Z110BT over doing something similar? I wanted a unit with flagship-headunit features and quality, which just so happens to mean that it will have nav. Nobody's best unit is single-din anymore.

 

Alpine w900

 

damn it....i think i'm going to stick with the dnx9960....when will i ever use the dvd/cd loader?

i'll just upload all my movies into the external hard-drive...will that work?

still have to find a store/place that has it in-stock so i can play around with it

 

No idea what the 9960 supports in the way of DIVX and such on a USB device. Best bet is to load up an iPod video/classic with a bunch of movies.

 

question, i'm a complete noob at this stuff. I've installed a sony xplod aftermarket in my old 86 3-series and another one in my 2001 suzuki vitara. the install was very simple; it was just rewiring. i didn't change the amp or anything.

With all these threads it makes the install pretty intimidating. How hard is it to do it yourself? Any good docs out there for me to read? Any tips for the install?