Recommendations on mobile (in-dash) video

[kienneM3]

First post... I am looking at a few different models of in-dash monitor/dvd/video/navi/etc. I'm talking about the motorized all-in-ones and would like to know if anybody has gone thru this process already and has any advice to share and/or can make recommendations on the models below. I am leaning towards the Pioneer AVIC-N1 due to its all around versatility but hear the navi is not very good. Navi isn't a deciding factor for me tho.. just a bonus. I like the rear view cam and vehicle dynamics the most and the audio functions seem pretty good. The other models dont have navi (no biggie) or vehicle dynamics (I dont think..) and I dunno about rear view cam. But they are a lot less expensive!!! Also just general opinions on the Brands here would be helpful too! Please help! Thanks.
Looking at:
- Pioneer AVIC-N1
- Pioneer PVH6600DVD
- Pioneer PVH7500DVD
- Alpine IVA-D300
- Clarion VRX935VD
- Clarion VRX755VD
- Kenwood???

Any others I might include?

Currently in a 2004 E46 ///M3 Coupe I have:
- stock Business headunit
- harmon kardon upgraded speakers and amp (amp is coming out)
- harmon kardon "subwoofers" in trunk got ripped out of there (junk)
- in trunk I have a JL Audio 500/1 amp running a JL Audio 10W6-v2 sub in custom fiberglass enclosure molded into right rear corner (sound is amazing!!!)
- just got a JL Audio 300/4 amp to be mounted next to the 500/1 and will run all the hk's in the cabin
- iceLink connected to CD Changer harness in trunk and lead ran up to front of car to use the iPod 20GB (works great with stock headunit, even scrolls artist n song title in radio display)

Thanks for any input

[cop]

My next hu will be the Alpine IVA-D300 now I've the CVA-1005r.

[carstereopro]

Originally Posted by kienneM3

- Pioneer AVIC-N1
- Pioneer PVH6600DVD
- Pioneer PVH7500DVD
- Alpine IVA-D300
- Clarion VRX935VD
- Clarion VRX755VD[/b]
- Kenwood???

First of all, Welcome to the forum!

Maybe I can help you with your decision.

I am the Manufacturer's Representitive for Sony Elecetronics in New England, And have owned/managed a retail store in New England for 10 years prior to being a Rep.

I have been a dealer for Kenwood Excelon, Pioneer Premier, Alpine, Sony, and Clarion at one time or another over those 10 years.

Assuming you are buying from an authorized dealer, (which is the only way to get the warranty) Here's my feelins on your choices:
- Pioneer AVIC-N1 (#1 selling piece in the US, discontinued for AVIC-N2, N2 cannot operate video on the screen above 10mph due to internal gyroscope that shuts down in dash screen, and it cannot be bypassed, good sound quality, only one year warranty)
- Pioneer PVH6600DVD (well priced, good sound quality, but only one year warranty)
- Pioneer PVH7500DVD (overpriced, Excellent sound quality, nice unit, but only one year warranty)
- Alpine IVA-D300 (Nice piece, good sound quality, only one year warranty)
- Clarion VRX935VD (stay away from this, poor build quality, moderate performance, poor sound quality)
- Clarion VRX755VD (stay away from this, poor build quality, moderate performance, poor sound quality)
- Kenwood Excelon KVT-915DVD (overpriced, good sound quality, nice unit, lots of moving parts, poor off axis veiwing of screen, two year warranty)
- Kenwood Excelon KVT-815DVD (overpriced, good sound quality, nice unit, lots of moving parts, poor off axis veiwing of screen, two year warranty)
- Kenwood KVT-715DVD (overpriced, good sound quality, nice unit, lots of moving parts, poor off axis veiwing of screen, only one year warranty)

All of these units require mounting a seperate hide-away box that makes installation more complicated, and therefore I would reccomend you have a professional do it for you, that way you will get the full warranty as well.

Of the above I recommend the Pioneer Avic-N1 if you can still find one, the Kenwood Excelon KVT-815DVD, or the Alpine IVA-D300.

Another suggestion, that you would have not seen or heard of yet is the New SONY Specialty Series model that will be available in High end specialty stores by the end of March or beginning of April. (this unit will not be at Circuit City or Best Buy!)

It will be called the XAV-A1 media center. It has all the features of the Avic-N1 (except the Navigation and vehicle dynamics) with a 2 year warranty when installed by an authorized dealer. It also have a few other features the others do not have:
- QVGA ultra-high resolution screen with 80+degree off axis veiwing angle
- classic black finish that matches every vehicle's dash
- Light touch user interface touch screen panel (no need to push the screen, just lightly touch it)
- anti-theft detatchable front panel
- 1/8" Aux AV input on front of unit (for Digital camera, camcorder, laptop, I-pod, etc...)
- 24 bit Burr Brown D/A converters and 120dB s/n ratio for the cleanest and most realistic sound quality available
- best of all, everything fits into a single din chassis, no external hide-away box to screw around with, so installation/removal is easy!

Best of all, The new Sony XAV-A1 will have a retail price of $1399.00!

here's a pic:

[Jay Arno]

I'd personally go with the Pioneer AVIC-N1, due to all the features.

[kienneM3]

I want to go Alpine. I feel they are the best overall fit for the ///M as far as looks, style, prestige, quality. But, aside from slightly better audio reproduction, they have hardly any functionality. The IVA-300 has no display at all when its closed! You have to have the monitor out all the time in order to see any display. Then there is no navi, no vehicle dynamics, no pers backgrounds..So compared to the AVIC-N1, Alpine has a lot of catching up to do.

Anyone have an AVIC-N1 and can share your opinions on the vehicle dynamics?? This is a major reason I want an N1 and if its mediocre or even boring then that might help out.

CSP: Thanks for the info on all units. I went to look at a few and couldn't find a working AVIC-N1 on demo at any of the stores. Does the N1 have issues with poor quality/reliability? I also looked at a AVH-7500DVD and the Kenwood 815 and 915. I liked the Pioneer 7500DVD and the Kenwood 815DVD a lot. The Kenwood had great overall graphics (transitions between screens/setup menu) and user interface but, like you said, lots of moving parts. The 7500DVD looked like a great unit though the graphics were pretty boring. I'm sure this one is known more for its superior sound quality.
Do you have any experience with the Blaupunkt models?
Thanks again!

[carstereopro]

the Blau of today is not the same Blau of the past.

They also have a lot of catching up to do. Poor build and sound quality has plagued them this past year.

I know I'm biased, (being the rep and all) but wait until the Sony unit hits the market, it's gonna be HOT!

The Avic-N1 had its share of minor issues, like:
*Slightly higher than normal failure rate (about 2%)
*Inability to see display when screen was closed
*Issues with operation of Audio/video functions while using Nav
*inability to use CD/DVD player while using Nav Disc.

It's still a great unit, but impossible to find.

[nadir]

I would recommend AVIC-N1.

Check out the AVIC-N2 as well.