Head Unit Suggestions

So I am new to all the audio stuff have spent most of my money on suspension and such but now am looking to upgrade my head unit. I currently have the JBL setup that comes with the off road package. Does anyone have any suggestions on good head units that wont break the bank that also possibly have navi on them? Also do most people prefer their navigation and head unit seperate or navigation in the head unit. Any recommendations are much appreciated. Thanks ahead of time for your help

 

I don't pretend to know what you consider breaking the bank, but a navi unit is going to run you in the 800-1500 range.

What other features do you want? I personally like Pioneer and Kenwood, but Alpine, JVC and eclipse are also good choices.

 

All those brands mentioned are good. JVC has detachable monitors on several models with 6" to 7" screens which is a very nice feature. All have models with bluetooth included or easily added.

I think the price is right these days to get an in dash navi unit but it surely depends on your situation. I lived with a portable (still have it for travel) when OEM in dash navi was 2-3k and aftermarket not much less. But these days you can get a decent in-dash in the $600-700 range, less install cost. So for me it is worth it to have an in-dash in my primary vehicle to avoid the hassle of always having to bring (and remember to bring!) along a portable... and not having it sometimes when I need one unexpectedly.

And the audio in these is much better than the stock radios... at least the non-JBL variety.

 

I heard kenwood and pioneer have some good ones. I know it'll cost money either way I'm just looking to buy smart. I obviously prefer the in dash navi and I heard that kenwood navi uses garmin so I was lookinh in that direction. I just want a good in dash navi that puts out some good sound. Obviously down the road I will get some speaker upgrades as well

 

I've been a Pioneer buyer for many, many years and have NEVER been dissapointed.

 

I too have had very good luck with Pioneer HU's. However, I think when it comes to indash Navi systems, Kenwood may have a lead being based on Garmin Navigation.

 

I have had Pioneer, Kenwood, JVC over the years. All have been excellent. As far as nav goes, Garmin may be the most familiar but many of the other guys are as good.

 

I have a kenwood DDX512 no navigation but i could get it later on paid 299.00 at best buy

 

By far the best nav unit for the money is the Kenwood DNX5120. Seach the web and on here for it. Uses Garmin Nav and can be updated via cd download instead of having to leave a CD in the unit. I've done a lot of research over the past month on this subject. You can find that unit on Ebay between $400-$500 from time to time but you have to be willing to wait for the deal. It has a ton of options. Be sure to check it out.

 

That's aweome! What do you mean you could get it later?? Add too this unit or replace it??

 

It has a place in the back to plug in the reciver for the gps

 

Went to 6 shops getting an idea which i would get. Decided to stick with the stock deck in the end ..... however:
4 dealers (and 2 sold Pioneer) , that Pioneer navi sucks as compared to what they were promoting. One dealer switched his lines to carry only Kenwood, due to excellent warranty support from kenwood.
Kenwood and Eclipse were neck & neck, as for recommended lines.
Size of installed map database and POI's were larger with these units.

Best to shop around and see what the graphics look like, and how easy the menus are to use. Personally I was close to getting the Eclipse.

 

How does the upgraded JBL/sub system sound? I know nothing really beats aftermarket, but does it at least sound solid? Can you still hear everything while driving with the windows down? What abou the BlueTooth qualility? Basically, is it worth shelling out the extra $$?

 

The jbl actually isnt too bad at all, with the windows down too. I just decided i wanted to go w a little more bang ya know. thanks for all teh input everyone. the more the better. I was thinking kenwood and pioneer but everyone says the gps on kenwood is better. What about no gps? would you still recommend kenwood or somethin else? also, if i wanted to start out by just replacing my speakers would that make much of a difference and if so what brand do most peoplke recommend. Thank you everyone

 

Replace your head unit first it
made my stock speakers sound way beter

 

Outside of kenwood, what others would you recommend?

 

We need to know your budget for speakers and as far as other DIN units I wouldn't get anything other than Kenwood, Pioneer, or Alpine but that's just me.

 

As for speakers I'd like to stay under $150 if at all possible. I will also have to get some to replace the back of course as well. DINs i know are expensive of course so i know I'll b waiting to get a deal. I hope to try and stay under $600 if possible. Recommendations for any specific units. I will prob look some more tonight online

 

If you are NOT going to amplify the speakers, then buy a speaker that does not require alot of power to sound good. You need to listen to as many as you can since every speaker will sound different for different people. How it sounds to you, obviously, is the most important part of buying them. You can buy speakers for well under 150 if you are going to play them on HU power.

Any HU you buy will pretty much be the same, just different features. The only thing the price dictates is how many features the HU has, not how well it is made, as long as you buy a name brand HU. Clarion, Pioneer, Kenwood, JVC, Panasonic (Panasonic quit making mobile though, so I wouldnt buy it any more, although you can find them cheap, and they are very reliable) Eclipse......etc...are going to give you pretty much the same results. Some are more user friendly, some take getting used too. GPS has come along way since it's conception, and they are pretty much spot on, but some have less POI's and better GUI's. You really need to get some hands on experience, and ears on experience with speakers, if you know what I mean.

 

Another vote for Kenwood, I got the DNX-5120 which I picked up for $600 brand new last year including the KCA-BT200 kit. Some people said they have bought theirs refurbished for $400-450 so look around, it's a great HU, highly customizable & easy to use. Good luck.