Kenwood DNX5120 or Pioneer AVIC-D3
#21
Senior Member
Ok, I copied the following from a post I made on another forum. This is just based on my experience so no flames.
I know a lot of people will find this hard to believe but I had a D3 and overall it is a decent HU but it had a few annoyances that really bothered me. If you use an iPod and select a playlist, then shut off the radio and try to go back to the previous playlist menu it takes you all the way back to the beginning instead of just letting you select a different playlist. It seems like a stupid oversight to me. Also, I have a stilleto 2 and when you use an AV input as an audio input (the only way you can use an audio input) it displays a black screen but is still backlit. I wasn't impressed with the bluetooth module either. It is very tempermental when pairing certain phones and requires you to push data to it anytime you update your contacts. The NAV is pretty good but it's biggest shortcoming is that you cant sort POIs by distance.
I replaced the D3 with a Jensen (Yes, Jensen) VM9022 and I couldn't be happier. The Jensen displays a standard screen for AV input until it detects video. The iPod menu works better and I like the spectrum analyzer. The Jensen provides separate EQs for each source, is multi-zone capable and even has an addon touchscreen option for the second zone. It fades in and out between sources and when muting and unmuting. The bluetooth works like OEM where it pulls from the phone each time it connects. The only external box is my XM tuner. There is a new version out this month called the VM9022HD and VM9022HDN. The first one adds HD radio and the second one adds HD radio an NAV. There is an add-on NAV101 that uses an SD based map database. There are just all kinds of little touches that really make using the Jensen much more enjoyable. Audiovox bought out the parent company of Jensen in 2003. Since then they have really worked to make Jensen a competitive brand. I used to laugh at the Jensen name but I'm convinced they provide the most bang for the buck. There is also a hidden menu that allows you to override the parking brake lockout.
I forgot to mention that the Jensen also includes RDS and the D3 does not.
I know a lot of people will find this hard to believe but I had a D3 and overall it is a decent HU but it had a few annoyances that really bothered me. If you use an iPod and select a playlist, then shut off the radio and try to go back to the previous playlist menu it takes you all the way back to the beginning instead of just letting you select a different playlist. It seems like a stupid oversight to me. Also, I have a stilleto 2 and when you use an AV input as an audio input (the only way you can use an audio input) it displays a black screen but is still backlit. I wasn't impressed with the bluetooth module either. It is very tempermental when pairing certain phones and requires you to push data to it anytime you update your contacts. The NAV is pretty good but it's biggest shortcoming is that you cant sort POIs by distance.
I replaced the D3 with a Jensen (Yes, Jensen) VM9022 and I couldn't be happier. The Jensen displays a standard screen for AV input until it detects video. The iPod menu works better and I like the spectrum analyzer. The Jensen provides separate EQs for each source, is multi-zone capable and even has an addon touchscreen option for the second zone. It fades in and out between sources and when muting and unmuting. The bluetooth works like OEM where it pulls from the phone each time it connects. The only external box is my XM tuner. There is a new version out this month called the VM9022HD and VM9022HDN. The first one adds HD radio and the second one adds HD radio an NAV. There is an add-on NAV101 that uses an SD based map database. There are just all kinds of little touches that really make using the Jensen much more enjoyable. Audiovox bought out the parent company of Jensen in 2003. Since then they have really worked to make Jensen a competitive brand. I used to laugh at the Jensen name but I'm convinced they provide the most bang for the buck. There is also a hidden menu that allows you to override the parking brake lockout.
I forgot to mention that the Jensen also includes RDS and the D3 does not.
#22
I would be all over the Jensen model (brother has one) it is a good unit for the $. My one problem with it is the lack of sirius support, so its a no go. I think I am going with the D3. Does anyone have any recommendations for a place to purchase for the best price?
#24
Senior Member
Truthfully, I have a Stilleto 2 that I use with it and I prefer the portable Sirius units because they have a lot more features. The Sirius support on the D3 is VERY lacking as well. The unit is really designed for XM and the Sirius support only displays a single line of text and you have to hit a button to change it every time you want more info.
#25
Inaugural TOTM
That's where I ordered my D3 and bluetooth module from. Paid $495 shippped to my door for the D3 brand new (here's the ebay auction I won)
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...MEWN:IT&ih=011
He doesn't have anymore listed, but you can probably email him to see if he's getting anymore in. I ordered the bluetooth module separate and paid $100 for it shipped. Bought the ipod adapter from crutchfield. Just can't wait to get my truck back form the shop to get this thing installed.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...MEWN:IT&ih=011
He doesn't have anymore listed, but you can probably email him to see if he's getting anymore in. I ordered the bluetooth module separate and paid $100 for it shipped. Bought the ipod adapter from crutchfield. Just can't wait to get my truck back form the shop to get this thing installed.
#26
I has a Truck
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That's where I ordered my D3 and bluetooth module from. Paid $495 shippped to my door for the D3 brand new (here's the ebay auction I won)
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...MEWN:IT&ih=011
He doesn't have anymore listed, but you can probably email him to see if he's getting anymore in. I ordered the bluetooth module separate and paid $100 for it shipped. Bought the ipod adapter from crutchfield. Just can't wait to get my truck back form the shop to get this thing installed.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...MEWN:IT&ih=011
He doesn't have anymore listed, but you can probably email him to see if he's getting anymore in. I ordered the bluetooth module separate and paid $100 for it shipped. Bought the ipod adapter from crutchfield. Just can't wait to get my truck back form the shop to get this thing installed.
You got a hell of a deal on that D3, I went for the Kenwood and got it for $675 shipped, here's the auction I won:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...MEWA:IT&ih=020
I didn't get the bluetooth module nor the Ipod cable yet. I wanna fit it in my truck and first before doing anything else...
#27
Inaugural TOTM
Yeah I had been looking for one for awhile and was considering going with the package deal off crutchfield for $700 when I decided to do one last search of ebay. I absolutely could not believe my eyes when I saw the price and free shipping with only an additional $5.50 for insurance. All I can do though now is sit here and look at it waiting for the day I can get it installed.
#28
I has a Truck
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^^^ same here, but in my case, I'm waiting for the unit to get to me
------------------EDIT---------------------
Just received my unit 2 days ago and got it installed by my car sound tech. he did a pretty good job, as there was way more to do than I thought. The clamp wasn't the only thing in the way, I had to get the plastic in the back cut off only to find the receiver I think from the old radio. Everything is working great though, I'm really happy I got the kenwood. I will post up picture of it probably tomorrow.
------------------EDIT---------------------
------------------EDIT---------------------
Just received my unit 2 days ago and got it installed by my car sound tech. he did a pretty good job, as there was way more to do than I thought. The clamp wasn't the only thing in the way, I had to get the plastic in the back cut off only to find the receiver I think from the old radio. Everything is working great though, I'm really happy I got the kenwood. I will post up picture of it probably tomorrow.
------------------EDIT---------------------
Last edited by Frenchy; 03-28-2008 at 09:09 PM.
#30
I has a Truck
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Hey guys, I just order a back up camera, tell what you think of it:
http://www.audiosavings.com/product_...2-9337830c592d
http://www.audiosavings.com/product_...2-9337830c592d