Just installed a 5435 into my other car, after installing a few D1s for customers.

I've been underwhelmed with the D1. It doesn't sound very good (1-bit D/A, low-voltage preouts) and the user interface isn't that smooth, especially with Sirius.

The 5435 was definitely better sounding (24 bit D/As, 5V out). It was MUCH easier to use. The HD Radio option was great sounding. The DVD drive will play DVD Video discs.

The only knock on the Eclipse that I've found is the lame sub out level control. If you have a sub amp, I recommend a sub control ****.

But other than that I have to recommend the Eclipse over the Pioneer. If you can afford the slight cost diff, it's well worth it.

 

I've been contemplating the D1, but will have the give the AVN5435 a look. Any way to hook up an iPod (like with the D1)? Also, while the D1 does not have voice activation, the N1 does. I have not seen that the AVN5435 has it either, right? Finally, I've read the post that show that it is pretty easy to mod the D1 to play dvds / program nav while in motion. How about the AVN5435?

Thanks!
sd_diver

 

Peripheral makes an Eclipse Ipod2car adapter. It does charging, audio, and controls, but does NOT allow text on screen.

But the Pioneer adapter gets horrid reviews for its lame text on screen interface for any Pioneer except the 5700 DVD, so I'd call that a push.

The 5435 seems to lack the "no reprogramming while moving" nav software lockout of the D1, and as far as showing video while moving, I believe the only thing keeping you from becoming a danger to everyone else on the road is the parking brake wire.

But please don't watch video while driving.

 

It is easy to hack the D1 to play dvds/program nav while the car is in motion, however, you'll still need an external dvd drive. the dvd-rom used for the nav disc does not play video.

 

No plans for that - it was mainly the programming while moving (or at a stop light, etc). In the D1, the mod did both (assuming a dvd source). About the only thing I'd consider viewing while moving would be a rear view camera. If I go through the hassle of doing the head unit, what kind of amp/sub/speakers would you recommend? I'd like to keep it all at a 5K limit including installation / 4080 box... The 5K comes from the Starbucks stock I just sold today!

 

Well, we are doing an installation in a G35 sedan for a forum member next Wednesday with a 4080 box and DLS amps and speakers... so not to steal his thunder, but wait a week and see waht he says and check out the pics : )

 

yeah the pioneers are horrible for ipod display. i really hope they get that fixed, i love my N1. The only decks i have see that have good ipod control are the high end Alpines. But they were the first ones to come out with it so they have an edge on everyone else, i guess.

 

Ive been selling the 5435s and even a couple 5495s 30to1 over the Pioneers. Primarily for the reasons listed above, but also they seem to have better touchscreen response and faster reroutes.

The three year warranty and theft replacement coverage are great perks as well. Provided dealer sold and installed.

 

I think everyone is also forgetting to mention that when you compare these 2 units you must also consider price. I got my Pioneer AVIC-D1 for $820 after the $300 rebate.

Not only is that a great price and excellent value over the Eclipse which I have seen for over $2000, but the screen resolution is better. The screen on the Pioneer is much clearer and nicer.

Also, I think the Navi on the Pioneer is better with more features than the Eclipse.

 

Screen rez? I don't think so. The glass is the same, VGA rez. I've seen them both and I dont see a diff.

As far as over $2K, I'm sure that some people were pricing it up there, but the 5495 is the one with a hard drive and memory stick that's up that high. The 5435 is close to the D1 in price.

And I don't have to consider price at all. I did, but you don't have to. I just said that the Eclipse is a better unit, not that it was a cheaper unit.

How is the Nav better? Please specify, thanks.

 

Thanks for the comparison between the two...ive been contemplating which for the G and this brief write-up has made this simple descision even more simple.

 

I went ahead and researched the resolution specs of these two screens.

They both are spec'd at 234 vertical pixels, which translates to 234 horizontal lines of resolution.

The Pioneer is spec'd at 480 horizontal pixels, and the Eclipse is spec'd at 400 pixels. I've found both resolutions listed under "Q-VGA" or one-quarter VGA.

I *think* the extra 80 pixels are the ones that are used in 16:9 Widescreen mode and not in Standard 4.3 mode, and that they are essentially the same LCD panel glass. For glass to have a fundamentally different resolution, the number of vertical lines have to increase.

The undisputed master in resolution in indash monitors is the Alpine single-DIN with a true VGA display. Four times the pixels. Unfortunately, you can't really tell, especially with a video signal on a yellow RCA cable : )

That's not to say that there might be differences in video performance for these two screens - brightness, contrast, and color balance have a LOT more to do with how we perceive a 6.5 or 7" LCD screen than resolution actually does... it's when you get into 9, 10.4, 12, and those screens that the extra rez would really come in handy...

 

Yeah you are right as far as resolution goes. It does seem that as long as the LCD screen sizes go as long as they are the same size the resolution should be the same. However, other characteristics of LCD screens have to do with brightness and clarity.

In my opinion the Pioneer screen is a nicer screen than the Eclipse.

Also, when you say they are close in price I must disagree. Like I said before I got the Pioneer for $820. The only thing that the Pioneer does not have compared to the Eclipse is DVD playback. However, for the additional $600-$800 that the Eclipse will cost you, you can buy:

An amp
New Speakers
Subs
Xbox/PS2 to play DVDs

It is all personal preference, I just dont like the negative tone that that the Pioneer is getting.

Both the Pioneer and the Eclipse are good HU. It is just personal preference after that.

 

Thats the only thing that you can see/touch.

The primary differences are more behind the scenes. Much better D/As, 5V/55Ohm preouts,3 year warranty,Theft coverage,Etc Quality build components is what your paying more for.

 

HITF did you get a D1 for $820?

I'm a dealer and I couldn't get one with $820 and a firearm...