Kenwood DNX-5140 vs Pioneer AVIC F90BT

AK370Z · 06-02-2009, 09:42 PM

VS

okay... I think I'm torn between these two. They both seem like a good unit and seem to offer great bang for the buck.

Just by looking at it, you can see Kenwood offer slightly bigger screen and buttons are more sophisticated ( I saw this at Bestbuy and I wasn't' too impressed on the Pioneer button quality)

Now lets look at the specs:

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As you can see they both look good but Kenwood has a little more power. But Pioneer CEA compliant so I'm not sure how accurate is Kenwood's power output. Also, I'm not really looking for any sub outputs (sorry my subwoofer bumping days are over. I had my fun while I was at it but I'm simply grown out of them). So, even though Kenwood doesn't have sub output, that's okay with me.

Also, Pioneer INCLUDES the bluetooth where with Kenwood, you have to buy is separately. I really don't care about it too much since I don't talk while driving anyway but still something to keep in mind.

My BIGGEST reason for a unit is NAVIGATION! I need to know which one is the best?(from the two units mentioned above). You can see Kenwood is Garmin based which I hear nothing but good reviews. I am not 100% sure what company makes the nav for Pioneer (Navtech??). Please let me hear your input on nav.

Those of you that installed Kenwood 5140, please let me know how is the install. I know that the Pioneer unit literally slides itself into the place and people think it was made for the 370Z! When installing Kenwood, did you run into any problem? Does it fit perfectly into the open space?(any gap(s)?

Please keep the topic between these two units. Where I'm getting mine, both of them are equally priced so lets keep the pricing out of this thread as well.

I think I am leaning a bit more toward Kenwood but I would like to hear your input before putting my order in.

THanks.

vater · 06-04-2009, 03:17 PM

bump

tbss370z · 06-04-2009, 03:40 PM

I have the Pioneer unit in one of my vehicles. I had it put on when it came out probably a year ago. I really like the Nav functions. It'a accurate, easy to read, comes in 2D or 3D options. It automatically adjusts the time based on your time zone. Combine this with bluetooth capability and it's great unit. I'm looking to install a Nav in my Z eventally and may install another Pioneer unit or try out the Kenwood and compare the two units!

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.

AK370Z · 06-04-2009, 07:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rackley

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.

Thank you for you review. I really appreciate your honest input. Basically I am buying this for Nav and Pioneer is NOT the best one out there (as you can see in bold)

Quote:

Originally Posted by jbbrann

I was in the same boat as you. I've owned portable Garmin units and their navigation is second to none IMO, so I was leaning toward the Kenwood, but it wasn't worth the extra money to me (I didn't have a need for DVD playback or the better preamps so I went with the Avic-F700BT).

Exactly. I have used Garmin before and loved their interface. We actually used it to drive more than 800 miles in oneday and it never failed.

Well, after a lot thinking, I went with the DNX6140 (upgraded model from the OP). My need was a GOOD GPS in a headunit and this Garmin integrated unit seems to be doing it's job (looked at some reviews as well). Also, my biggest turn off with the Pioneer units were that both units were discontinued (which means they may have older GPS technology where the Kenwoods has just been released to the market)

The difference between 5140 and 6140 is built in Bluetooth by "Parrot"(suppose to be NO. 1 in Bluetooth technology). As I was pulled over by a cop yesterday, 2nd time in my Z within 3 months, I think I am not going to take ANY chance talking on the phone even if it's for just few seconds (most of my calls are very quick).

Here's the new unit: Kenwood DNX6140 Navigation receiver at Crutchfield.com

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9TCO_jzgsK4

What I like the most about this unit is that Kenwood has teamed with one of the best GPS and bluetooth companies. Kenwood has been in the music industry for a while as well which means the sound quality shouldn't be bad. So, this should be the best unit for it's price range. I will def write a review on it once I get the unit installed. BTW, I can't wait to try the rear view camera

. Not that I have any problem with the visibility now, but in some awkward parking lots, this will come handy!!!

Quote:

Kenwood's DNX6140 DVD/navigation receiver gives you turn-by-turn directions from its built-in Garmin navigation system, plus the convenience of built-in Bluetooth® for safer hands-free calling. Watch movies on its vibrant 6.1" screen while you're parked, and breeze through menus and navigation functions with its intuitive touchscreen controls when you're on the road.

Built-in Garmin navigation
As you approach your next turn, the built-in Garmin navigation system announces the street name, letting you keep your eyes on the road. You can find nearby attractions and services from the millions of points of interest. Whether you're taking a trip to a new area or just driving around town, you'll have a wealth of information right at your fingertips.

Bluetooth from Parrot
Parrot is a leader in Bluetooth technology, and they've teamed up with Kenwood to bring you hands-free calling and music streaming in the DNX6140. When a call comes in to your compatible phone, your music mutes and caller ID info shows up on the screen. With a tap of your finger, you'll hear your caller over your vehicle's speakers. You'll talk through the included visor-mount microphone, as you keep your eyes on the road and both hands on the wheel. And as an added bonus, you can stream music from any compatible Bluetooth device.

Great-sounding music
The powerful internal amplifier delivers great sound from all your music sources. Load your MP3, WMA, and AAC files on a CD or DVD, and you'll have a nearly endless supply of fresh driving music. A handy USB slot lets you hook up a thumb drive or a USB-equipped MP3 player. If you add an optional cable, you can connect your iPod® or iPhone™ and control it right on the touchscreen.

No matter what your source, Kenwood's 24-bit digital-to-analog converter sends a crisp, clear audio signal to your speakers. And you can fine-tune your sound using the 3-band EQ and its six preset tone settings.

Build a system
Add a Kenwood satellite radio tuner to tap into the huge variety of entertainment, sports, news, and commercial-free music it provides. With Kenwood's optional HD Radio™ tuner, you'll get the enhanced digital sound quality and additional programming choices HD Radio has to offer.

If you're looking to add amps and subs, you'll love the two sets of preamp outputs. You can switch the rear output to non-fading mode, which activates a low-pass crossover and a sub level control.

AK370Z · 06-04-2009, 07:47 PM

*videos* kenwood dnx6140 installed with pioneer rear view cam

YouTube - My New Head Unit

Looking at this video from one our member, it seems like if you press and hold the top left button, you can activate the rear camera! This should fun while driving in the highway or just checking who's tailgating me!

I'm

Forrest · 06-04-2009, 04:09 PM

i have not used any of them. I come here to find out cool stuff about them becuase i am going to put some in my car too.

jbbrann · 06-04-2009, 05:40 PM

I was in the same boat as you. I've owned portable Garmin units and their navigation is second to none IMO, so I was leaning toward the Kenwood, but it wasn't worth the extra money to me (I didn't have a need for DVD playback or the better preamps so I went with the Avic-F700BT).

The Pioneer navigation is still good, and another plus is that the are several hacks/modifications you can do - see avic411.com for more info. I've customized the layout/user interface of mine and it has addressed a lot of the gripes I had.

CBRich · 06-10-2009, 08:15 PM

Good choice on the Kenwood. I've just heard too many problems with the AVIC F series. And Kenwood uses the always impressive Parrot bluetooth system. Should be great.

kosmo09 · 06-10-2009, 08:52 PM

I would go for Eclipse AVN726E. The unit is amazing. Fits nicely to 370Z base model with sport package w/o Bose system. Just got installed by myself.

510z · 06-11-2009, 02:15 AM

i have the f90bt in my Z. works great.

AK370Z · 06-11-2009, 02:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 510z

i have the f90bt in my Z. works great.

Where did you mount your GPS antenna?

need4speed · 06-17-2009, 06:36 PM

All I can say is I haven't heard of anyone with an accurate nav yet.
Me personally. I'm str8 with a compass n my good sense of direction.
But if I had to choose? Id probably go with kenwood or alpine when it comes
To head units with nav or not. They both have a very good rep for quality.
Pioneer is more hit or miss. So if u go pioneer. Do your research b4 makin it final.

need4speed · 06-17-2009, 06:38 PM

All I can say is I haven't heard of anyone with an accurate nav yet.
Me personally. I'm str8 with a compass n my good sense of direction.
But if I had to choose? Id probably go with kenwood or alpine when it comes
To head units with nav or not. They both have a very good rep for quality.
Pioneer is more hit or miss. So if u go pioneer. Do your research b4 makin it final.

bigaudiofanat · 06-23-2009, 10:03 AM

I have installed both head units that are being discussed the kenwood in a 370Z and the pioneer in a subaru wrx sti. The bluetooth and mic on the pioneer were not top quality the people could not even hear use during the tests. ALSO pioneer wants you to take your dash apart to install another wire to get better accuracy for your speed. Not that you need to just something that rely dose not need to be done. The kenwood gets my vote for having everything you could need or want and also having very good GPS and bluetooth.

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

06-02-2009, 09:42 PM	#1 (permalink)
AK370Z Administrator Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: NJ Posts: 9,930 Drives: 09 370Z MB Sports M6 Rep Power: 10	Kenwood DNX-5140 vs Pioneer AVIC F90BT VS okay... I think I'm torn between these two. They both seem like a good unit and seem to offer great bang for the buck. Just by looking at it, you can see Kenwood offer slightly bigger screen and buttons are more sophisticated ( I saw this at Bestbuy and I wasn't' too impressed on the Pioneer button quality) Now lets look at the specs: ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- As you can see they both look good but Kenwood has a little more power. But Pioneer CEA compliant so I'm not sure how accurate is Kenwood's power output. Also, I'm not really looking for any sub outputs (sorry my subwoofer bumping days are over. I had my fun while I was at it but I'm simply grown out of them). So, even though Kenwood doesn't have sub output, that's okay with me. Also, Pioneer INCLUDES the bluetooth where with Kenwood, you have to buy is separately. I really don't care about it too much since I don't talk while driving anyway but still something to keep in mind. My BIGGEST reason for a unit is NAVIGATION! I need to know which one is the best?(from the two units mentioned above). You can see Kenwood is Garmin based which I hear nothing but good reviews. I am not 100% sure what company makes the nav for Pioneer (Navtech??). Please let me hear your input on nav. Those of you that installed Kenwood 5140, please let me know how is the install. I know that the Pioneer unit literally slides itself into the place and people think it was made for the 370Z! When installing Kenwood, did you run into any problem? Does it fit perfectly into the open space?(any gap(s)? Please keep the topic between these two units. Where I'm getting mine, both of them are equally priced so lets keep the pricing out of this thread as well. I think I am leaning a bit more toward Kenwood but I would like to hear your input before putting my order in. THanks. __________________ The370Z Signature Pictures ll Want to rock our forum decals on your car? Then click here! ll How to Embed YouTube Videos In a Post STOP! (Hammertime) ll Become a Premium Member Click HERE ll F.A.Q. Are You a Nissan Dealer? Click Here to Become A "Supporting Dealer" and Start Listing Your 370Zs In Our Inventory Section My Monterey Blue Z ll My Exhaust --> My Intake --> G3 Nissan's Official Response Regarding Oil Temp Issue: CLICK HERE Need a Set of Cheap Winter wheels /Tires? Then Visit The Banner Link Below and Place Your Order. You'll Help Keep The370Z Alive.

06-04-2009, 03:40 PM	#3 (permalink)
tbss370z Base Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: King of Prussia, PA Posts: 40 Drives: 09 Nissan GP 370Z M6 Rep Power: 16	I have the Pioneer unit in one of my vehicles. I had it put on when it came out probably a year ago. I really like the Nav functions. It'a accurate, easy to read, comes in 2D or 3D options. It automatically adjusts the time based on your time zone. Combine this with bluetooth capability and it's great unit. I'm looking to install a Nav in my Z eventally and may install another Pioneer unit or try out the Kenwood and compare the two units! __________________ 09 Nissan 370Z Base + Sport/Ichiban spacers/Takeda Intake with heat shields/HKS Exhaust/ 88 Porsche 944T, 06 Trailblazer SS/

06-04-2009, 07:47 PM	#6 (permalink)
AK370Z Administrator Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: NJ Posts: 9,930 Drives: 09 370Z MB Sports M6 Rep Power: 10	videos kenwood dnx6140 installed with pioneer rear view cam YouTube - My New Head Unit Looking at this video from one our member, it seems like if you press and hold the top left button, you can activate the rear camera! This should fun while driving in the highway or just checking who's tailgating me! I'm __________________ The370Z Signature Pictures ll Want to rock our forum decals on your car? Then click here! ll How to Embed YouTube Videos In a Post STOP! (Hammertime) ll Become a Premium Member Click HERE ll F.A.Q. Are You a Nissan Dealer? Click Here to Become A "Supporting Dealer" and Start Listing Your 370Zs In Our Inventory Section My Monterey Blue Z ll My Exhaust --> My Intake --> G3 Nissan's Official Response Regarding Oil Temp Issue: CLICK HERE Need a Set of Cheap Winter wheels /Tires? Then Visit The Banner Link Below and Place Your Order. You'll Help Keep The370Z Alive.

06-10-2009, 08:52 PM	#10 (permalink)
kosmo09 Base Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: NM Posts: 14 Drives: 09 Nissan 370Z, M/T Rep Power: 17	Eclipse AVN I would go for Eclipse AVN726E. The unit is amazing. Fits nicely to 370Z base model with sport package w/o Bose system. Just got installed by myself.

06-04-2009, 03:17 PM	#2 (permalink)
vater Base Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: San Antonio, TX Age: 40 Posts: 67 Drives: 05 RSX-S Rep Power: 206	bump

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.

06-04-2009, 04:09 PM	#7 (permalink)
Forrest Track Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: california 707! Posts: 677 Drives: 09 370z Blk 6mt sprt Rep Power: 259	i have not used any of them. I come here to find out cool stuff about them becuase i am going to put some in my car too.

06-04-2009, 05:40 PM	#8 (permalink)
jbbrann Base Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Arkansas Posts: 68 Drives: 09 370Z Sport Rep Power: 281	I was in the same boat as you. I've owned portable Garmin units and their navigation is second to none IMO, so I was leaning toward the Kenwood, but it wasn't worth the extra money to me (I didn't have a need for DVD playback or the better preamps so I went with the Avic-F700BT). The Pioneer navigation is still good, and another plus is that the are several hacks/modifications you can do - see avic411.com for more info. I've customized the layout/user interface of mine and it has addressed a lot of the gripes I had.

06-10-2009, 08:15 PM	#9 (permalink)
CBRich A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: SC Posts: 2,464 Drives: 370Z Rep Power: 544	Good choice on the Kenwood. I've just heard too many problems with the AVIC F series. And Kenwood uses the always impressive Parrot bluetooth system. Should be great.

06-11-2009, 02:15 AM	#11 (permalink)
510z Enthusiast Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Phoenix Posts: 328 Drives: 09 370z Blue M6 Rep Power: 17	i have the f90bt in my Z. works great.

06-17-2009, 06:36 PM	#13 (permalink)
need4speed Base Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: tx Posts: 199 Drives: 08 altima 3.5se Rep Power: 16	All I can say is I haven't heard of anyone with an accurate nav yet. Me personally. I'm str8 with a compass n my good sense of direction. But if I had to choose? Id probably go with kenwood or alpine when it comes To head units with nav or not. They both have a very good rep for quality. Pioneer is more hit or miss. So if u go pioneer. Do your research b4 makin it final.

06-17-2009, 06:38 PM	#14 (permalink)
need4speed Base Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: tx Posts: 199 Drives: 08 altima 3.5se Rep Power: 16	All I can say is I haven't heard of anyone with an accurate nav yet. Me personally. I'm str8 with a compass n my good sense of direction. But if I had to choose? Id probably go with kenwood or alpine when it comes To head units with nav or not. They both have a very good rep for quality. Pioneer is more hit or miss. So if u go pioneer. Do your research b4 makin it final.

06-23-2009, 10:03 AM	#15 (permalink)
bigaudiofanat Car Audio Installer Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Magnolia DE Posts: 8,342 Drives: 2012 Infiniti G37x Rep Power: 853	I have installed both head units that are being discussed the kenwood in a 370Z and the pioneer in a subaru wrx sti. The bluetooth and mic on the pioneer were not top quality the people could not even hear use during the tests. ALSO pioneer wants you to take your dash apart to install another wire to get better accuracy for your speed. Not that you need to just something that rely dose not need to be done. The kenwood gets my vote for having everything you could need or want and also having very good GPS and bluetooth.

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