LexusK

iTrader: (14)

I have been looking at reviews for both brands and cannot figure out which is better overall. I want to get one installed in my 2GS and was looking for one with an integrated navi at first, but realized that I don't need it. I prefer using my phone's GPS, so any non-nav unit is fine with me. I just need the bluetooth, which all of them seem to have anyways, customizable color buttons (since I find it annoying to have red buttons when the rest of my dash/console is green), as well as a 7in screen.

I have some questions that I was hoping you guys could answer.

1. Which brand has a more modern look?
2. Which has a less glitch and user-friendly interface?
3. What is the diffference between the numbers? (i.e. kenwoods ddx370/470/719/etc)

If you have one of these brands, please post what brand/model you have and what you like or dislike about it. Any other input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!

rome58

I know the pioneers have fully customizable colors and backgrounds you can even put your own background picture. The Kenwoods and pioneers are pretty much equal specwise so what it will comedown to is which you feel you would like better in your car looks wise I would say, but really can't go wrong wit either though

1sWt2GS

iTrader: (6)

i have a 7inch avic z130bt. top of the line when i got it a couple of months ago, with the mod hack (watch movies, use it while driving)

competitors at the time with z130bt is Kenwood's DNX9980HD

before i picked them up i did a bunch of research

1. both look very similiar

dnx9980

z130bt

1. both look very similiar
2. pioneer definitely has the easier user interface
3. just model numbers, look it up on their website to compare differences


kenwood has a better navigation system (uses garmin) however my pioneer navigation works fine
pioneer boots up faster, kenwood is more for audiophiles.

heres a pic of the HU in my 2GS



As regards to the bluetooth, it sounds crystal clear, and syncs to the phone relatively easy / fast. Most 7 inch screens are the top of the line (being the biggest) so if you are searching for a 7 inch, navigation will probably be incorporated in.


My thought for HU was go all in or go home, I didn't want a cheap older HU in the car. Be prepared to fork out about ~800+

lo0nY

PIoneer - over all good unit, professional looking maps, good bluetooth, good ipod controls

Kenwood - good unit, Garmin Base Nav (works the best), bluetooth phone calls sucks!, ipod decent

LexusK

iTrader: (14)

1swt2gs - I hate that you just said "Go all in or go home" lol. I checked the local craigslist listings and found the z130bt for $580 from a private seller. The newew z140bh is going for $700 at a shop. I'm leaning more towards the z130 just cause of the price lol. However, it seems that the 130 doesnt support android... which is a big problem... I might just wait it out and see if pioneer will release some kind of update that will let me sync my android to the pandora app.

Also, it seems that more people prefer the 130 over the 140 since it was not much of an upgrade in terms of the voice command feature which pioneer got rid of in the 140.

twistedman

I can easily say Pioneer! Cause that's what I have installed in my lex. But this has to be your choice based on going to the car audio stores and checking out these HUs, seeing for your self what features you feel you have to have in your ride! You can't go wrong with either! Both have minor issues and both have exclusive features.. It's all going to come down to you

Real671

iTrader: (2)

Pioneer is the one very user friendly with just enough features! I have an avh-p4300 7inch good enough for me

Robert_J

I've used Pioneer car head units since 1987 and home audio systems since 1989. I'm listening to a VSX-4800 right now (1992 model) in my office.