I've been silently reading posts for a long time without posting. Mostly I do a bunch of research on the DD conversion that I plan on doing on my '05C (w/o navi). I have all the necessary parts.
I search all over for a simple thread that might be sticky-worthy but I couldn't find one that speaks to the one main question that I have.
Question
What are the pros and cons of getting the top DD contenders?
Or should I wait for the Avh-p6800dvd/AVIC Z1?
Assumptions
I want to use the system to have pretty much everything fun including:
As I mentioned, I searched the forums but thought it would be good to have all the important info in one place.
I search all over for a simple thread that might be sticky-worthy but I couldn't find one that speaks to the one main question that I have.
Question
What are the pros and cons of getting the top DD contenders?
- Eclipse AVN 5435
- Eclipse AVN 5495
- Pioneer AVIC N1/N2/N3
- Pioneer AVIC D1
- Pioneer AVIC D2
- Carputer Setup
- Alpine NAVI with external DVD Player
Or should I wait for the Avh-p6800dvd/AVIC Z1?
Assumptions
I want to use the system to have pretty much everything fun including:
- Navi, DVD playing while moving, MP3, Bluetooth integration with a phone, etc.
- Figure that I want to spend about $1,500-$2,000.
- I'd prefer not to use the N1 style with a pocket.
- The car is leased so the equpiment will need to be removable in a few years.
As I mentioned, I searched the forums but thought it would be good to have all the important info in one place.
Another one to consider is the upcoming Alpine IVA-W200. which is an in dash DVD, etc. It does not have built in NAV, but can support extrernal NAV units. It is supposed to be released in March. It is on the Alpine website, but the specs are spotty.
http://www.alpine-usa.com/company_in...06_ivaw200.htmm
I am keeping my eye on it - I have heard good things about the pioneers. And I have heard good things about the Eclipse. The problem that I have is that I want one that is geared first and foremost to audio quality, all the ones I have seen so far seem to be typical all-in-one solutions that do not have the best audio quality and flexibility that would be associated with a high end head unit.
I don't even care about NAV or the ability to play DVD's. I want super high quality sound in a double din package (by alpine or eclipse preferably) I want 3 sets of RCA Pre outs (preferably 4 volt), built in good crossover capabilities, good tunability, etc. It would be nice to be able to play MP3's from a DVD (don't start any sound quality/mp3 oxymoron flames please). It does not need to have any internal amplification - I would prefer if it didn't.
Oh - and it needs to be able to control an Ipod.
http://www.alpine-usa.com/company_in...06_ivaw200.htmm
I am keeping my eye on it - I have heard good things about the pioneers. And I have heard good things about the Eclipse. The problem that I have is that I want one that is geared first and foremost to audio quality, all the ones I have seen so far seem to be typical all-in-one solutions that do not have the best audio quality and flexibility that would be associated with a high end head unit.
I don't even care about NAV or the ability to play DVD's. I want super high quality sound in a double din package (by alpine or eclipse preferably) I want 3 sets of RCA Pre outs (preferably 4 volt), built in good crossover capabilities, good tunability, etc. It would be nice to be able to play MP3's from a DVD (don't start any sound quality/mp3 oxymoron flames please). It does not need to have any internal amplification - I would prefer if it didn't.
Oh - and it needs to be able to control an Ipod.
Registered User
Well, I have many opinions on these units, but playing DVDs while driving is dumb. So never mind.
I'd agree that watching DVDs while driving is dumb but if someone had a serious and sincere question about the units, I'd be happy to share my thoughts. Just like talking on the phone while driving is probably dumb, but it doesn't mean that I wouldn't provide insights about cell phones.
There's really nothing wrong with simply playing a DVD while driving. For what it's worth, if the driver has even a modicum of self control, he can avoid being glued to his screen. Just like avoiding being glued to the screen when the navigation displays a map change.
Anyway, let's get back to the information.
There's really nothing wrong with simply playing a DVD while driving. For what it's worth, if the driver has even a modicum of self control, he can avoid being glued to his screen. Just like avoiding being glued to the screen when the navigation displays a map change.
Anyway, let's get back to the information.
Registered User
Finally someone came up with this. I have been searching as well. ANYONE give thier input
Registered User
Tomorrow is finally the day for me to get my AVIC-N2 installed in the "cubby compartment" of my G35C. I didnt necessarily favor the N2 over other available systems, but I found one for sale at a steal of a price and couldn't let it go by. Anyways, most of the PRO/CON's are framed in terms of the DD vs. the Single Din benefits rather than unit performance as each unit offers many features that are a matter of personal preference and need. Some of these issues are addressed here: https://g35driver.com/forums/audio-video-electronics/73083-dd-conversion-vs-dash-digital-wheelz-conversion.html
To add:
DD (such as the D1)
- looks clean and more stock than aftermarket BUT,
- you require the DD conversion parts from Grubbs or J's Garage (although you technically can revert back to the original dash components and setup, difficulties may arise if you wish to do the dual climate control button conversion on the DD system as it requires some parts from the original unit - something to consider)
- it is in plain view at all times to ignorant theives
- the visual line of sight is comparably lower than motorized pop outs or those installed in cubby compartments
- etc, etc, etc. (many of which are raised as a matter of personal preference)
Single Din/ Motorized Pop Outs (such as the N2)
- also requires the DD conversion kit unless you make an effort to do a custom install in the "cubby" compartment (which I am undertaking as we speak).
- higher visual line of sight
- ability to conceal and maintain stock look
- etc.
I know of the security bypass procedure to allow you to retain full functionality of the Pioneer units (ability to play DVD's while moving and adjust GPS inputs while in Drive, etc), however my choice to do so obviously does not encourage its use while actively driving, which I'm sure anyone who appreciates the illegalities of doing so aswell as the dangerousness (similar to talking on a cellphone) could responsibly deal with.
Man...what else....I've been researching these issues since October...so theres so much to cover...I guess if you have specific questions...you can PM me and I'll go through my folder of documents that might have what your looking for in search of an answer...Also, try doing a search of my name and the threads and posts I have been involved with. It may lead you to some pretty informative threads that cover the topics your looking for.
JD
To add:
DD (such as the D1)
- looks clean and more stock than aftermarket BUT,
- you require the DD conversion parts from Grubbs or J's Garage (although you technically can revert back to the original dash components and setup, difficulties may arise if you wish to do the dual climate control button conversion on the DD system as it requires some parts from the original unit - something to consider)
- it is in plain view at all times to ignorant theives
- the visual line of sight is comparably lower than motorized pop outs or those installed in cubby compartments
- etc, etc, etc. (many of which are raised as a matter of personal preference)
Single Din/ Motorized Pop Outs (such as the N2)
- also requires the DD conversion kit unless you make an effort to do a custom install in the "cubby" compartment (which I am undertaking as we speak).
- higher visual line of sight
- ability to conceal and maintain stock look
- etc.
I know of the security bypass procedure to allow you to retain full functionality of the Pioneer units (ability to play DVD's while moving and adjust GPS inputs while in Drive, etc), however my choice to do so obviously does not encourage its use while actively driving, which I'm sure anyone who appreciates the illegalities of doing so aswell as the dangerousness (similar to talking on a cellphone) could responsibly deal with.
Man...what else....I've been researching these issues since October...so theres so much to cover...I guess if you have specific questions...you can PM me and I'll go through my folder of documents that might have what your looking for in search of an answer...Also, try doing a search of my name and the threads and posts I have been involved with. It may lead you to some pretty informative threads that cover the topics your looking for.
JD
I have the AVN 5495, it is awesome. The hard drive nav is quite a bit faster than the 5435. The New AVN's for 06' that use DVD based are faster than the old ones but not as fast as HD. The 20GB for music on the hard drive is cool but the iPOD interface on all the new 2006 models makes this a waste of time and $.
The Alpine would be my first choice because you can get traffic updates from XM and have them displayed on the Nav (with the external nav module). Both together are still less than the AVN 5495 retail. Plus I love Alpine stuff and their iPOD interface is very easy to use.
If I was going to get the one that is the best value for the money I would wait and get the new AVN 6600 that will be out this year. It is very nice and less expensive.
The DVD while driving is good for passengers and if you have headrest monitors. Most of the new units have an output for other monitors.
The Alpine would be my first choice because you can get traffic updates from XM and have them displayed on the Nav (with the external nav module). Both together are still less than the AVN 5495 retail. Plus I love Alpine stuff and their iPOD interface is very easy to use.
If I was going to get the one that is the best value for the money I would wait and get the new AVN 6600 that will be out this year. It is very nice and less expensive.
The DVD while driving is good for passengers and if you have headrest monitors. Most of the new units have an output for other monitors.
Yeah Prophecy, I was thinking about the cubby hole idea too. I had an N1 for a while but all the local installers said that they couldn't install it in my cubby hole. That would have been the cheapest solution and I've always been a fan of the N1. Basically, I thought the cubby hole idea was impossible so I chose between the standard location for the N1 or a DD unit.
I really dig the look of the stock interior so I decided to go with a DD unit. But which one? That's the question that started this post.
How much do these really cost and where's the best place to get 'em?
This is the info that I gathered so far:
I really dig the look of the stock interior so I decided to go with a DD unit. But which one? That's the question that started this post.
How much do these really cost and where's the best place to get 'em?
This is the info that I gathered so far:
- Eclipse AVN 5435 ($1400 new on eBay, $1700 from Amazon/Crutchfield)
- Eclipse AVN 5495 ($1950 new on eBay, $2400 from Amazon/Crutchfield)
- Pioneer AVIC N1/N2/N3 (N2=$1200 Amazon, $1900 Crutchfield)
- Pioneer AVIC D1 ($1500 from Amazon/Crutchfield)
- Pioneer AVIC D2 ($1500 from Amazon/Crutchfield)
- Carputer Setup ($2130 Streetdeck with Touchscreen monitor/DigitalWheelz housing in cubby)
- Alpine NAVI with external DVD Player
Registered User
Quote:
I really dig the look of the stock interior so I decided to go with a DD unit. But which one? That's the question that started this post.
How much do these really cost and where's the best place to get 'em?
This is the info that I gathered so far:
$1700 for streetdeck does not include the screen. You'd definately want the pull out OEM-looking touchscreen for the G35 that is also available at mp3car.comOriginally Posted by zeusthink
Yeah Prophecy, I was thinking about the cubby hole idea too. I had an N1 for a while but all the local installers said that they couldn't install it in my cubby hole. That would have been the cheapest solution and I've always been a fan of the N1. Basically, I thought the cubby hole idea was impossible so I chose between the standard location for the N1 or a DD unit.I really dig the look of the stock interior so I decided to go with a DD unit. But which one? That's the question that started this post.
How much do these really cost and where's the best place to get 'em?
This is the info that I gathered so far:
- Eclipse AVN 5435 ($1400 new on eBay, $1700 from Amazon/Crutchfield)
- Eclipse AVN 5495 ($1950 new on eBay, $2400 from Amazon/Crutchfield)
- Pioneer AVIC N1/N2/N3 (N2=$1200 Amazon, $1900 Crutchfield)
- Pioneer AVIC D1 ($1500 from Amazon/Crutchfield)
- Pioneer AVIC D2 ($1500 from Amazon/Crutchfield)
- Carputer Setup ($1700 Streetdeck)
- Alpine NAVI with external DVD Player
Registered User
Put some pics, I would like to see it in the cubby!
Quote:
To add:
DD (such as the D1)
- looks clean and more stock than aftermarket BUT,
- you require the DD conversion parts from Grubbs or J's Garage (although you technically can revert back to the original dash components and setup, difficulties may arise if you wish to do the dual climate control button conversion on the DD system as it requires some parts from the original unit - something to consider)
- it is in plain view at all times to ignorant theives
- the visual line of sight is comparably lower than motorized pop outs or those installed in cubby compartments
- etc, etc, etc. (many of which are raised as a matter of personal preference)
Single Din/ Motorized Pop Outs (such as the N2)
- also requires the DD conversion kit unless you make an effort to do a custom install in the "cubby" compartment (which I am undertaking as we speak).
- higher visual line of sight
- ability to conceal and maintain stock look
- etc.
I know of the security bypass procedure to allow you to retain full functionality of the Pioneer units (ability to play DVD's while moving and adjust GPS inputs while in Drive, etc), however my choice to do so obviously does not encourage its use while actively driving, which I'm sure anyone who appreciates the illegalities of doing so aswell as the dangerousness (similar to talking on a cellphone) could responsibly deal with.
Man...what else....I've been researching these issues since October...so theres so much to cover...I guess if you have specific questions...you can PM me and I'll go through my folder of documents that might have what your looking for in search of an answer...Also, try doing a search of my name and the threads and posts I have been involved with. It may lead you to some pretty informative threads that cover the topics your looking for.
JD
Originally Posted by Prophecy
Tomorrow is finally the day for me to get my AVIC-N2 installed in the "cubby compartment" of my G35C. I didnt necessarily favor the N2 over other available systems, but I found one for sale at a steal of a price and couldn't let it go by. Anyways, most of the PRO/CON's are framed in terms of the DD vs. the Single Din benefits rather than unit performance as each unit offers many features that are a matter of personal preference and need. Some of these issues are addressed here: https://g35driver.com/forums/showthread.php?t=73083To add:
DD (such as the D1)
- looks clean and more stock than aftermarket BUT,
- you require the DD conversion parts from Grubbs or J's Garage (although you technically can revert back to the original dash components and setup, difficulties may arise if you wish to do the dual climate control button conversion on the DD system as it requires some parts from the original unit - something to consider)
- it is in plain view at all times to ignorant theives
- the visual line of sight is comparably lower than motorized pop outs or those installed in cubby compartments
- etc, etc, etc. (many of which are raised as a matter of personal preference)
Single Din/ Motorized Pop Outs (such as the N2)
- also requires the DD conversion kit unless you make an effort to do a custom install in the "cubby" compartment (which I am undertaking as we speak).
- higher visual line of sight
- ability to conceal and maintain stock look
- etc.
I know of the security bypass procedure to allow you to retain full functionality of the Pioneer units (ability to play DVD's while moving and adjust GPS inputs while in Drive, etc), however my choice to do so obviously does not encourage its use while actively driving, which I'm sure anyone who appreciates the illegalities of doing so aswell as the dangerousness (similar to talking on a cellphone) could responsibly deal with.
Man...what else....I've been researching these issues since October...so theres so much to cover...I guess if you have specific questions...you can PM me and I'll go through my folder of documents that might have what your looking for in search of an answer...Also, try doing a search of my name and the threads and posts I have been involved with. It may lead you to some pretty informative threads that cover the topics your looking for.
JD
Quote:
Oh, right. If you delete the streetdeck monitor ($320), and replace it with a 700TSV+housing ($750), you'd be better off but the total cost would be $2130.Originally Posted by amthar
$1700 for streetdeck does not include the screen. You'd definately want the pull out OEM-looking touchscreen for the G35 that is also available at mp3car.com
Maybe you can configure another carputer and save some money. The streetdeck did look sweet and integrated though.
MP3Car Custom Car Computer (Ampie) ~$1800 ($1440 carputer/screen+$330 housing + Shipping etc.
- - Sound Creative Labs Sound Blaster Audigy2 NX [MP3CAR-0076]
- - Power Supply M1-ATX [MP3CAR-0008]
- - Wireless Linksys USB Wireless G [MP3CAR-0079]
- - Monitor Xenarc 700TSV (Silver) [MP3CAR-0028]
- - Motherboard VIA EPIA SP8000 Fanless Mini-ITX Motherboard [MP3CAR-0048]
- - Build Customer Build
- - CD/DVD /w External Enclosure Panasonic Slot Load DVD-ROM/CD-RW Combo Drive [MP3CAR-0088]
- - Hard Drive 2.5" Hard Drive 80GB Samsung 5400rpm [MP3CAR-0068]
- - Bluetooth Linksys USB Bluetooth [MP3CAR-0078]
- - Memory Ultra Low Profile 512MB DDR RAM [MP3CAR-0061]
- - Keyboard Mini PS2 Keyboard [MP3CAR-0075]
- - Operating System None
- - Hard Drive 2 None
Registered User
I've always liked the idea of a carputer....(considered doing the DW setup!!!)
Anyways...My car is in the shop and is getting gutted at this very moment. Aside from suffering from seperation anxiety and nervousness anticipating whether my installation goals will be met...I'm doing quite fine...(lie)
I intend on taking some pics of my car HU install once all is completed (Mario)...Ill keep those who are interested posted as to any tips and advice I can offer those going with motorized pop up systems that want to avoid the single din look.
Zeus...I will have e-mailed you the video clip by the time you read this...
JD
Anyways...My car is in the shop and is getting gutted at this very moment. Aside from suffering from seperation anxiety and nervousness anticipating whether my installation goals will be met...I'm doing quite fine...(lie)
I intend on taking some pics of my car HU install once all is completed (Mario)...Ill keep those who are interested posted as to any tips and advice I can offer those going with motorized pop up systems that want to avoid the single din look.
Zeus...I will have e-mailed you the video clip by the time you read this...
JD
That cubby install looks sick. 
I really hope it works out for you. I'm sure everyone can't wait to see the pics and hear the details. 
Now I have to figure whether I want a DD setup or drive from NYC to Toronto to get mine done by your experienced installer.
Mine is an 05 6MT. What's yours, Prophecy? It should be pretty much the same amount of effort (or even less) for mine, right?
Does anyone know an installer in NYC that is good enough to do this kind of custom work without charging a fortune?
These cars are so much fun!
I really hope it works out for you. I'm sure everyone can't wait to see the pics and hear the details. Now I have to figure whether I want a DD setup or drive from NYC to Toronto to get mine done by your experienced installer.
Mine is an 05 6MT. What's yours, Prophecy? It should be pretty much the same amount of effort (or even less) for mine, right?
Does anyone know an installer in NYC that is good enough to do this kind of custom work without charging a fortune?
These cars are so much fun!
Registered User
My car is a 5AT...My next ride 2007/2008 will be 6MT (in my dreams! which I am intent on making a reality!!!)...
I couldn't see any difference in effort for the install based on whether its AT or MT.
I would be happy to help others out with the questions or concerns once I can definitively know that my install has gone as planned. I will also post pics when time allows after I get my car back.
JD
I couldn't see any difference in effort for the install based on whether its AT or MT.
I would be happy to help others out with the questions or concerns once I can definitively know that my install has gone as planned. I will also post pics when time allows after I get my car back.
JD