Kenwood DNX-5140 vs Pioneer AVIC F90BT

rackley · 06-04-2009, 04:23 PM

Agreed, but there are quirks with the Pioneer unit. The multifunction knob in FM mode SCANS for new channels instead of changing preset channels. So to change presets you need to go to the FM screen and press the on-screen buttons.

Also, your steering wheel controls will be marginal at best, and no FM preset tuning from the steering wheel controls either. This is a limitation of the AVIC unit firmware.

The maps on the Pioneer unit are simply awesome. Street names are very well labeled, zooming in and out is good, auto scrolling is good and manual drag scrolling is very smooth as well.

The routing is marginal however.

POI location is marginal as well, but if you have any kind of iPhone/Blackberry/Whatever with Google Maps, that's going to be a much more accurate and updated business finder anyhow.

The much touted voice recognition is marginal at best for voice dialing - I tried dialing several friends and my wife and it couldn't figure out what I was saying. Voice commands for music ONLY works with iPods, not with USB or SD sources. Personally I despite iPods (I've owned several and hated the lack of tactile feedback, especially when running) and have a Zune so this voice feature is basically useless to me other than dialing phone numbers.

Graphics on the Pioneer are much prettier than the Kenwood IMHO. Better color shading.

Bluetooth audio works great, but while you're on the phone you can't do anything with the unit - you can't change your audio source, can't go to the map screen if you're not already there, navi directions aren't spoken, etc. Basically the unit stops EVERYTHING to do the call. Annoying if you're using the map to get somewhere and someone calls...

Overall I'd say the unit is a mixed bag. The mapping is wonderful, but the overall music implementation (FM preset tuning roadblocks, no voice commands for USB/SD sources) is okay at best.

View Poll Results: Kenwood DNX-5140 vs Pioneer AVIC F90BT
Go with Kenwood DNX5140. I use(d) it and I love(d) it!	2	18.18%
Go with Pioneer AVIC-F90BT. I am totally satisfied by it.	4	36.36%
I haven't used any of them. Sorry I can't put my input.	4	36.36%
Navigation units are for girls! Just ask strangers where to go!	1	9.09%
Voters: 11. You may not vote on this poll

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06-04-2009, 04:23 PM	#4 (permalink)
rackley Base Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Charlotte NC Posts: 77 Drives: 09 370Z Sport-Yellow Rep Power: 17	Agreed, but there are quirks with the Pioneer unit. The multifunction knob in FM mode SCANS for new channels instead of changing preset channels. So to change presets you need to go to the FM screen and press the on-screen buttons. Also, your steering wheel controls will be marginal at best, and no FM preset tuning from the steering wheel controls either. This is a limitation of the AVIC unit firmware. The maps on the Pioneer unit are simply awesome. Street names are very well labeled, zooming in and out is good, auto scrolling is good and manual drag scrolling is very smooth as well. The routing is marginal however. POI location is marginal as well, but if you have any kind of iPhone/Blackberry/Whatever with Google Maps, that's going to be a much more accurate and updated business finder anyhow. The much touted voice recognition is marginal at best for voice dialing - I tried dialing several friends and my wife and it couldn't figure out what I was saying. Voice commands for music ONLY works with iPods, not with USB or SD sources. Personally I despite iPods (I've owned several and hated the lack of tactile feedback, especially when running) and have a Zune so this voice feature is basically useless to me other than dialing phone numbers. Graphics on the Pioneer are much prettier than the Kenwood IMHO. Better color shading. Bluetooth audio works great, but while you're on the phone you can't do anything with the unit - you can't change your audio source, can't go to the map screen if you're not already there, navi directions aren't spoken, etc. Basically the unit stops EVERYTHING to do the call. Annoying if you're using the map to get somewhere and someone calls... Overall I'd say the unit is a mixed bag. The mapping is wonderful, but the overall music implementation (FM preset tuning roadblocks, no voice commands for USB/SD sources) is okay at best.