What double din head unit should I buy?

WICKED_GRIN · 05-20-2010, 08:44 AM

After I sifted thru all the responses of forum members who have owned and installed Kenwood and Pioneer double din Head Units in their 370Z …….I have decided to go with Pioneer Avic series and placed my order with Amazon. My dealership stated my Roadster is scheduled for delivery next week! It really feels like I’ve been waiting 6 instead of ~ 4 months. Only one (non Z owner) person had issues with Pioneer. Too many 370Z owners have an overwhelming positive first hand experiences with Pioneer…….maybe it was poor installation that caused his problems! I will keep everyone posted (with photos) with my first hand experiences and opinion! For all the Kenwood owners……it was really difficult to decide between Kenwood and Pioneer…….but it was because Pioneer has the SD card slot……free Wi-Fi anyone!!

2fast4thelaw · 05-20-2010, 01:43 PM

Just a followup, Alpine fixed all the issues with my IVA-505 and gave me the version 2 nav module which is dramatically better. I still on occasion have the issue where I have to unplug and re-plug my ipod in but its only a minor gripe. Its no secret on here that I am not a big Pioneer fan but thier high end head units are pretty sweet and I am sure they are well made. They hands down have the best navigation. I personally feel the Alpine is bit more refined and has better DAC converters but thats my opinion. The low 2 volt output was not an issue for me since I am feeding my signal into an Audio Control EQX.

WICKED_GRIN · 05-20-2010, 02:45 PM

^^ I hear you 2 fast4thelaw..….great navigation and iPod functions are probably the most important features I’m looking for….having better DAC converters, especially in my situation (Roadster/wind noise), wasn’t even an issue under consideration and the fact of having (free) Wi-Fi capabilities (SD card) won me over the Kenwood DD head unit……Alpine (single din) is a very good unit, owned them in the past and never had any problems and would recommend them. As for recommending the single Din Pioneer DEX-P99RS which has 32-bit binary floating-bit digital signal processor ……..I suppose $1200.00 is expensive for most people!

WICKED_GRIN · 05-20-2010, 03:04 PM

^^ Single Din doesn’t get any better than this…….

Pioneer DEX-P99RS CD receiver/preamp at Crutchfield Signature

speedfreak28 · 05-20-2010, 03:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WICKED_GRIN

^^ Single Din doesn’t get any better than this…….

Pioneer DEX-P99RS CD receiver/preamp at Crutchfield Signature

It can be had for around a grand If you know where to look, It is the nicest, most feature filled audiophile unit to date. Ive owned alpine 9887, clarion DRZ9255 and they cant even come close. This is the first Unit That has used a DAC for every single channel left and right. It eliminates the need for any external EQ's and crossovers. It can end up paying for itself.

WICKED_GRIN · 05-21-2010, 12:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by speedfreak28

It can be had for around a grand If you know where to look, It is the nicest, most feature filled audiophile unit to date. Ive owned alpine 9887, clarion DRZ9255 and they cant even come close. This is the first Unit That has used a DAC for every single channel left and right. It eliminates the need for any external EQ's and crossovers. It can end up paying for itself.

I wonder what Mr. Alpine thinks about this single din unit??

WICKED_GRIN · 05-21-2010, 09:47 PM

^^ No response! What’s up with that? Mr. Installer has no response? Pioneer has so many problems according to him and now he has no response?? Could Mr. Alpine have a change of heart towards Pioneer? Has the Pioneer bashing finally ended??

lbcary 370Z · 04-15-2013, 09:59 AM

I was an audio installer for about 7 years in my hometown, Omaha, NE, & now days most hi-end audio head units are all pretty comparable in specs, options, etc... So your better off choosing a dbl din head unit that has all the features you want from any respectable manufacturer;JVC, Pioneer, Kenwood, Clarion, Eclipse, Alpine, & etc, all are generally speaking good, reliable, head units. Now we all know certain manufacturers, models, etc, sometimes have certain issues pertaining to that specific brand or head unit. So i think its better to choose your head unit by which one has all the features & options you want, regardless of the manufacturer. I too am in the process of looking for a dbl din cd/dvd/bluetooth/usb port/etc... for my 2012 370Z base coupe with the Sport package & 6sp mt. Thats why this thread interested me. Has anyone had any fitment issues with any dbl din head units. Or is it as simple to install as just buying the correct wiring harness, mounting the bluetooth microphone, & my last question involves the stock back-up camera. Can the stock back up camera be used in conjunction with an aftermarket dbl din head unit? Ive asked several car audio shops in my city & ive gotten mixed answers. Some installers say sure, other installers say that it will work tho it will cost $100-$200 more to use an adapter or create a custom adapter. Some installers say that its absolutely impossible to use the stock Nissan backup cam with an aftermarket head unit. Id prefer if the backup cam had a working screen on the rear view mirror & on the aftermarket dbl din head unit. But if i had to choose id prefer it on the head unit display. Just mu opinion, but the screen is probably more useful on the rear view mirror. Just because u look at it during backup anyway.

rossk7961 · 06-02-2013, 12:14 AM

I have a 2012 Sport. The stock radio really didn't have that great of FM reception, and now that I have put an aftermarket system in, the reception hasn't gotten any better. Everything is grounded, unless I'm 100% locked in a station, it's a static or buzzing.
Head unit is a Pioneer AVH-X3500BHS. Any ideas...please email me
rossk7@myactv.net....I have Sirius in there, but it would be nice to be able to listen to FM....thanks

bigaudiofanat · 06-02-2013, 09:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rossk7961

I have a 2012 Sport. The stock radio really didn't have that great of FM reception, and now that I have put an aftermarket system in, the reception hasn't gotten any better. Everything is grounded, unless I'm 100% locked in a station, it's a static or buzzing.
Head unit is a Pioneer AVH-X3500BHS. Any ideas...please email me
rossk7@myactv.net....I have Sirius in there, but it would be nice to be able to listen to FM....thanks

Replied to your PM. Sense you had this problem before your new head unit went in, it has to be your factory power antenna.

blackcherry20 · 06-02-2013, 10:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigaudiofanat

Replied to your PM. Sense you had this problem before your new head unit went in, it has to be your factory power antenna.

hubby had similar issue w my HU install.
Blue wire on hu harness is NOT a ground

it needs to go to b/w on the car side harness. Ugh. Lol.

That was OUR issue anyways...

bigaudiofanat · 06-02-2013, 12:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blackcherry20

hubby had similar issue w my HU install.
Blue wire on hu harness is NOT a ground

it needs to go to b/w on the car side harness. Ugh. Lol.

That was OUR issue anyways...

I did make sure to ask him where that blue wire is going.

blackcherry20 · 06-02-2013, 12:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigaudiofanat

I did make sure to ask him where that blue wire is going.

05-20-2010, 08:44 AM	#91 (permalink)
WICKED_GRIN Enthusiast Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: New England Posts: 466 Drives: 370Z Roadster Black Rep Power: 16	After I sifted thru all the responses of forum members who have owned and installed Kenwood and Pioneer double din Head Units in their 370Z …….I have decided to go with Pioneer Avic series and placed my order with Amazon. My dealership stated my Roadster is scheduled for delivery next week! It really feels like I’ve been waiting 6 instead of ~ 4 months. Only one (non Z owner) person had issues with Pioneer. Too many 370Z owners have an overwhelming positive first hand experiences with Pioneer…….maybe it was poor installation that caused his problems! I will keep everyone posted (with photos) with my first hand experiences and opinion! For all the Kenwood owners……it was really difficult to decide between Kenwood and Pioneer…….but it was because Pioneer has the SD card slot……free Wi-Fi anyone!! Last edited by WICKED_GRIN; 05-20-2010 at 10:15 AM.

05-20-2010, 01:43 PM	#92 (permalink)
2fast4thelaw Enthusiast Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Denver Co Age: 50 Posts: 403 Drives: 09 370Z Sport/MT6 Rep Power: 16	Just a followup, Alpine fixed all the issues with my IVA-505 and gave me the version 2 nav module which is dramatically better. I still on occasion have the issue where I have to unplug and re-plug my ipod in but its only a minor gripe. Its no secret on here that I am not a big Pioneer fan but thier high end head units are pretty sweet and I am sure they are well made. They hands down have the best navigation. I personally feel the Alpine is bit more refined and has better DAC converters but thats my opinion. The low 2 volt output was not an issue for me since I am feeding my signal into an Audio Control EQX. __________________ To the optimist, the glass is half full. To the pessimist, the glass is half empty. To the engineer, the glass is twice as big as it needs to be.

05-20-2010, 02:45 PM	#93 (permalink)
WICKED_GRIN Enthusiast Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: New England Posts: 466 Drives: 370Z Roadster Black Rep Power: 16	^^ I hear you 2 fast4thelaw..….great navigation and iPod functions are probably the most important features I’m looking for….having better DAC converters, especially in my situation (Roadster/wind noise), wasn’t even an issue under consideration and the fact of having (free) Wi-Fi capabilities (SD card) won me over the Kenwood DD head unit……Alpine (single din) is a very good unit, owned them in the past and never had any problems and would recommend them. As for recommending the single Din Pioneer DEX-P99RS which has 32-bit binary floating-bit digital signal processor ……..I suppose $1200.00 is expensive for most people! Last edited by WICKED_GRIN; 05-20-2010 at 02:57 PM.

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05-20-2010, 03:04 PM	#94 (permalink)
WICKED_GRIN Enthusiast Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: New England Posts: 466 Drives: 370Z Roadster Black Rep Power: 16	^^ Single Din doesn’t get any better than this……. Pioneer DEX-P99RS CD receiver/preamp at Crutchfield Signature

05-21-2010, 09:47 PM	#97 (permalink)
WICKED_GRIN Enthusiast Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: New England Posts: 466 Drives: 370Z Roadster Black Rep Power: 16	^^ No response! What’s up with that? Mr. Installer has no response? Pioneer has so many problems according to him and now he has no response?? Could Mr. Alpine have a change of heart towards Pioneer? Has the Pioneer bashing finally ended??

04-15-2013, 09:59 AM	#98 (permalink)
lbcary 370Z Base Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Omaha, NE Posts: 7 Drives: 2012 370Z Sport pkg Rep Power: 12	I was an audio installer for about 7 years in my hometown, Omaha, NE, & now days most hi-end audio head units are all pretty comparable in specs, options, etc... So your better off choosing a dbl din head unit that has all the features you want from any respectable manufacturer;JVC, Pioneer, Kenwood, Clarion, Eclipse, Alpine, & etc, all are generally speaking good, reliable, head units. Now we all know certain manufacturers, models, etc, sometimes have certain issues pertaining to that specific brand or head unit. So i think its better to choose your head unit by which one has all the features & options you want, regardless of the manufacturer. I too am in the process of looking for a dbl din cd/dvd/bluetooth/usb port/etc... for my 2012 370Z base coupe with the Sport package & 6sp mt. Thats why this thread interested me. Has anyone had any fitment issues with any dbl din head units. Or is it as simple to install as just buying the correct wiring harness, mounting the bluetooth microphone, & my last question involves the stock back-up camera. Can the stock back up camera be used in conjunction with an aftermarket dbl din head unit? Ive asked several car audio shops in my city & ive gotten mixed answers. Some installers say sure, other installers say that it will work tho it will cost $100-$200 more to use an adapter or create a custom adapter. Some installers say that its absolutely impossible to use the stock Nissan backup cam with an aftermarket head unit. Id prefer if the backup cam had a working screen on the rear view mirror & on the aftermarket dbl din head unit. But if i had to choose id prefer it on the head unit display. Just mu opinion, but the screen is probably more useful on the rear view mirror. Just because u look at it during backup anyway.

06-02-2013, 12:14 AM	#99 (permalink)
rossk7961 Base Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: MD Posts: 8 Drives: Black Cherry Sport Rep Power: 13	I have a 2012 Sport. The stock radio really didn't have that great of FM reception, and now that I have put an aftermarket system in, the reception hasn't gotten any better. Everything is grounded, unless I'm 100% locked in a station, it's a static or buzzing. Head unit is a Pioneer AVH-X3500BHS. Any ideas...please email me rossk7@myactv.net....I have Sirius in there, but it would be nice to be able to listen to FM....thanks