Hey guys, I am in the market for a dvd/mp3/cd/tv (touch screen) and i have been considering the kenwood 915kvt-dvd, the pioneer avic-n1, and whatever unit alpine has (i forget). Anyways, if you have experience with these units or previous HU's from these companies, you feedback would be greatly appreciated.

As of last week, I had my heart set on a kenwood 915kvt-dvd. Its capabilities and looks are so sexy, but many have told me the quality of that unit is horrible. Is this true? I always regarded Kenwood as a company with good quality, but im having my doubts now...Soooo i dunno!

I would get the pioneer, but it looks so ugly. The cheap looking black frame around it just wouldnt mesh with my titanium trim console. Could a custom shop paint the frame and unit to match my console color without damaging the HU?

 

Alpine IVA D901 :-)

 

Out of the ones mentioned, Alpine would be your top choice. The build quality won't be matched by Kenwood or Alpine. I would put Kenwood Excelon second though, but I think it's a toss-up. If you were to go by looks, I would get the Kenwood over the Pioneer.

1. Alpine
2. Kenwood Excelon
3. Pioneer

That's my order!

 

The Alpine IVA-D901 is bar none the best on the market. Kenwood has issue with ribbon cables going bad. The D901 also has the best picture resolution 1.153 millin pixels vs. everyone elses 256k pixels. But the 901 isnt a touch screen. If your looking for a touchscreen then the IVA d300 is the all in one unit with pulse touch screen and all- but it doesnt have the 1.153 million pixels. they all have the xm/sirius/dvd/mp3 etc that your looking for. However the Pioneer also has the Nav built in. But I personally wouldn't touch a pioneer with a ten foot pole. Alpine for me. Ive got the IVA-D900.

 

one word, eclipse

 

I always thought pioneer was an elite brand, undoubtedly ranked above kenwood but i guess i was wrong. hmmmmmmmmmmmmm ill check more into the alpine becuase it was actually last on my list. thx for the info guys

 

Your are right, Pioneer its a elite brand then Kenwood. The top 2 brand in Japan for automotive stereo are Alpine and Pioneer. Just check into any Japanese car stereo magazine you soon to know why. Kenwood its not bad as well and certainly follows right behind them.

 

I don't think Pioneer is an elite brand. I think you may be confused as Pioneer has a line called the Elite.

 

i meant elite meaning a "top" brand of car audio. i think i am throwing the pioneer avic-n1 out of the choices. its just ugly

 

WHAT IT COMES DOWN TO:

ALPINE IVA-D300
OR
KENWOOD KVT-915DVD

Click link for comparison:
http://www.crutchfield.com/S-7KzgB7B...VD=on&x=22&y=5

I am still torn. The KVT's capabilities and features far exceed those of the Alpine or Pioneer and it looks better too. I am just worried about the quality that is in the KVT compared to Alpine. If i bought the Alpine, it would only be because of quality. Im leaning towards the Kenwood......

 

I don't get confused when it comes to my stereos . The most thought after brand in Japan is carrozzeria, which is the best car stereo Pioneer has to offer and its usually not available in US until recently that certain model has been release as pioneer brand in the US.

http://www.pioneer.co.jp/carrozzeria/

Like I said, Kenwood its very good as well but when it comes to as good as in competitiion level then Alpine and Pioneer will always be on top of Kenwood.

 

Alpine, Eclispse, MB Quart.

 

On that vein of comaprative thinking, which brand is better for car speakers, Infinity or JBL? They're both made by Harman International.

Thanks,
Jason
2005 ivory G35 sedan