Headunit Research - Recommendations Please

CaptainSlow · 07-08-2010, 01:03 PM

I got the Pioneer Z120BT installed a few weeks ago and I'm very happy. There was one issue that I had with a loud, constant hissing but that went away after the installer used a different wiring harness. Overall, I'm very impressed with the unit.

You might need to get used to the scrolling because at times rather than scrolling it selects what I touched. I'm guessing it's because of the angle that the unit is at (i.e. it's easier to scroll on an iPhone than on this unit).

I have the Bose amp and speakers and after putting the head unit in the music is like night and day. I'm guessing it's because of the EQ adjustments.

Navigation, for me at least, works as expected. It doesn't have many streets in my area but that's probably because it's fairly new (2-3 years old).

One thing I've noticed is that sometimes it doesn't recognize the iPhone when I plug it in. That might be because of the iOS4 or the fact that my 3G is very slow now. I'm probably just going to get an iPod and just leave it in there. It's also a pain to open the cubby hole and look at the phone every time I get a text message.

Bluetooth works as expected and everyone I've talked to say they can hear me fine. The microphone is mounted to the left of the rear mirror.

If you have any questions about the unit let me know!

bigaudiofanat · 07-08-2010, 03:04 PM

A firmware update should be coming out soon for the ios4 for head units.

TROOPER · 07-08-2010, 03:08 PM

So do GPS head units run maps from internal memory, or operate from a "Map DVD"?

And how do you keep up to date with maps, if they're on internal memeory?

WICKED_GRIN · 07-08-2010, 03:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TROOPER

So do GPS head units run maps from internal memory, or operate from a "Map DVD"?

And how do you keep up to date with maps, if they're on internal memeory?

From an upgradeable internal memory!

WICKED_GRIN · 07-08-2010, 03:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TROOPER

So do GPS head units run maps from internal memory, or operate from a "Map DVD"?

And how do you keep up to date with maps, if they're on internal memeory?

It’s upgradable by using a flash card, disc, etc.

TROOPER · 07-08-2010, 03:20 PM

I'm surprised there are not more "polls" or "sticky's" on the subject of audio.

Since the headunit (GPS) is almost the most expensive component in an audio setup.

It's good to hear eveyones thoughts and opinions though, before I drop $1000 on a head unit HaHa

salerno13 · 10-17-2010, 12:17 AM

when installing a new head unit can you just use one of those removal tools that just slides in all four corners of the head unit and just pull it out or does the 370z not have that and you have to take everything apart that is shown above? thanks

bigaudiofanat · 10-17-2010, 12:46 AM

You do not need that everything is screws to remove for the head unit.

bigaudiofanat · 10-17-2010, 12:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TROOPER

I'm surprised there are not more "polls" or "sticky's" on the subject of audio.

Since the headunit (GPS) is almost the most expensive component in an audio setup.

It's good to hear eveyones thoughts and opinions though, before I drop $1000 on a head unit HaHa

Can be, get some audison amps and they can be more than the head unit.

Turfgod · 10-17-2010, 12:22 PM

I have the Pioneer 120BT and love it. At first the microphone was too sensitive and people could not hear me if I was driving over 30mph. Changed the microphone and everything is great. I too had a noise over the speakers in the background while using my Iphone. I tried a couple of friends phones and the problem was not there. Went to the Apple store and warrantied my Iphone out and the sounds went away. I have found controlling Pandora from the faceplate (using the Pandora Pioneer App) very easy. I think controlling anything from this faceplate is easy. It is by far the best HU I have ever had, well worth the money $1199.00 from a dealer, and that is not counting the 100.00 I should be getting back from Pioneer.

Troy

Nismo221 · 10-30-2010, 10:07 PM

does anyone know if on the kenwoods if you can change the color of the lights on the buttons? I need a red or orange color light

bigaudiofanat · 10-30-2010, 11:04 PM

Any color you can think of you can put on the kenwoods and pioneers I think alpines as well.

butdamnbrian · 10-31-2010, 05:45 PM

on this topic.. for anyone who plans to do bypass work to the headunits in question..

alpine is by far the toughest
pioneer requires moving a pin in the harness
kenwood is the simplest.. requiring simple grounding work

i've been shopping for a head unit for awhile now, and as much as it annoys me to do so, i'm going to have to agree with BIG on this subject.

all the research, personal test time, and installer discussions i've had confirm the pioneer units are just not as high quality as they were in the past. it shows in the price, the gps quality, and the unit longevity.

alpine head units with motorized face plates tend to break, as well. faceplate motor failure is a consistent issue.

kenwood is the way to go, based on the research i've done.

bigaudiofanat · 10-31-2010, 05:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by butdamnbrian

on this topic.. for anyone who plans to do bypass work to the headunits in question..

alpine is by far the toughest
pioneer requires moving a pin in the harness
kenwood is the simplest.. requiring simple grounding work

i've been shopping for a head unit for awhile now, and as much as it annoys me to do so, i'm going to have to agree with BIG on this subject.

all the research, personal test time, and installer discussions i've had confirm the pioneer units are just not as high quality as they were in the past. it shows in the price, the gps quality, and the unit longevity.

alpine head units with motorized face plates tend to break, as well. faceplate motor failure is a consistent issue.

kenwood is the way to go, based on the research i've done.

Thank you sir, I am not thanking you to be a jerk its just nice for people to agree on things sometimes.

butdamnbrian · 11-01-2010, 01:07 AM

07-08-2010, 03:04 PM	#17 (permalink)
bigaudiofanat Car Audio Installer Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Magnolia DE Posts: 8,342 Drives: 2012 Infiniti G37x Rep Power: 853	A firmware update should be coming out soon for the ios4 for head units. __________________ Need help with car audio or electronics? Let me know!! Need Help Let Me Know Direct email address reimermatt@gmail.com Owner of: Dynamic Mobile Audio Follow me below https://www.facebook.com/Dynamicmobileaudio/

07-08-2010, 03:08 PM	#18 (permalink)
TROOPER A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Baltimore, MD Posts: 1,297 Drives: Your Tax Dollars Rep Power: 17	So do GPS head units run maps from internal memory, or operate from a "Map DVD"? And how do you keep up to date with maps, if they're on internal memeory? __________________ Darren "Guv Motors Passion Wagon"

07-08-2010, 03:20 PM	#21 (permalink)
TROOPER A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Baltimore, MD Posts: 1,297 Drives: Your Tax Dollars Rep Power: 17	I'm surprised there are not more "polls" or "sticky's" on the subject of audio. Since the headunit (GPS) is almost the most expensive component in an audio setup. It's good to hear eveyones thoughts and opinions though, before I drop $1000 on a head unit HaHa __________________ Darren "Guv Motors Passion Wagon"

10-17-2010, 12:46 AM	#23 (permalink)
bigaudiofanat Car Audio Installer Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Magnolia DE Posts: 8,342 Drives: 2012 Infiniti G37x Rep Power: 853	You do not need that everything is screws to remove for the head unit. __________________ Need help with car audio or electronics? Let me know!! Need Help Let Me Know Direct email address reimermatt@gmail.com Owner of: Dynamic Mobile Audio Follow me below https://www.facebook.com/Dynamicmobileaudio/

10-30-2010, 10:07 PM	#26 (permalink)
Nismo221 Enthusiast Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Decatur, Alabama Age: 36 Posts: 489 Drives: 2010 370z Nismo Rep Power: 15	does anyone know if on the kenwoods if you can change the color of the lights on the buttons? I need a red or orange color light __________________ Stillen Gen 3, Motordyne M370 Intake Manifold, 25 row oil cooler, Z1 test pipes, Greddy Ti-C 70mm dual exhaust, 15mm front/20mm rear spacers, RE-11's, V1 detector, LED interior lights, LED tag lights, Password JDM CF engine and radiator cooling covers.

07-08-2010, 01:03 PM	#16 (permalink)
CaptainSlow Base Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Calgary Posts: 47 Drives: 02 VW Jetta Rep Power: 15	I got the Pioneer Z120BT installed a few weeks ago and I'm very happy. There was one issue that I had with a loud, constant hissing but that went away after the installer used a different wiring harness. Overall, I'm very impressed with the unit. You might need to get used to the scrolling because at times rather than scrolling it selects what I touched. I'm guessing it's because of the angle that the unit is at (i.e. it's easier to scroll on an iPhone than on this unit). I have the Bose amp and speakers and after putting the head unit in the music is like night and day. I'm guessing it's because of the EQ adjustments. Navigation, for me at least, works as expected. It doesn't have many streets in my area but that's probably because it's fairly new (2-3 years old). One thing I've noticed is that sometimes it doesn't recognize the iPhone when I plug it in. That might be because of the iOS4 or the fact that my 3G is very slow now. I'm probably just going to get an iPod and just leave it in there. It's also a pain to open the cubby hole and look at the phone every time I get a text message. Bluetooth works as expected and everyone I've talked to say they can hear me fine. The microphone is mounted to the left of the rear mirror. If you have any questions about the unit let me know!

10-17-2010, 12:17 AM	#22 (permalink)
salerno13 Base Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: NJ Posts: 1 Drives: 370z Nismo Rep Power: 15	when installing a new head unit can you just use one of those removal tools that just slides in all four corners of the head unit and just pull it out or does the 370z not have that and you have to take everything apart that is shown above? thanks

10-17-2010, 12:22 PM	#25 (permalink)
Turfgod Base Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: California Posts: 27 Drives: 2010 Nismo Black Rep Power: 15	I have the Pioneer 120BT and love it. At first the microphone was too sensitive and people could not hear me if I was driving over 30mph. Changed the microphone and everything is great. I too had a noise over the speakers in the background while using my Iphone. I tried a couple of friends phones and the problem was not there. Went to the Apple store and warrantied my Iphone out and the sounds went away. I have found controlling Pandora from the faceplate (using the Pandora Pioneer App) very easy. I think controlling anything from this faceplate is easy. It is by far the best HU I have ever had, well worth the money $1199.00 from a dealer, and that is not counting the 100.00 I should be getting back from Pioneer. Troy

10-30-2010, 11:04 PM	#27 (permalink)
bigaudiofanat Car Audio Installer Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Magnolia DE Posts: 8,342 Drives: 2012 Infiniti G37x Rep Power: 853	Any color you can think of you can put on the kenwoods and pioneers I think alpines as well. __________________ Need help with car audio or electronics? Let me know!! Need Help Let Me Know Direct email address reimermatt@gmail.com Owner of: Dynamic Mobile Audio Follow me below https://www.facebook.com/Dynamicmobileaudio/

10-31-2010, 05:45 PM	#28 (permalink)
butdamnbrian Enthusiast Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: bay area, ca Posts: 254 Drives: the ladies wild Rep Power: 15	on this topic.. for anyone who plans to do bypass work to the headunits in question.. alpine is by far the toughest pioneer requires moving a pin in the harness kenwood is the simplest.. requiring simple grounding work i've been shopping for a head unit for awhile now, and as much as it annoys me to do so, i'm going to have to agree with BIG on this subject. all the research, personal test time, and installer discussions i've had confirm the pioneer units are just not as high quality as they were in the past. it shows in the price, the gps quality, and the unit longevity. alpine head units with motorized face plates tend to break, as well. faceplate motor failure is a consistent issue. kenwood is the way to go, based on the research i've done.

11-01-2010, 01:07 AM	#30 (permalink)
butdamnbrian Enthusiast Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: bay area, ca Posts: 254 Drives: the ladies wild Rep Power: 15

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