Pioneer vs Kenwood vs Other...

[neumanngroup]

Hello,

First time post. Awesome forum!

I just purchased a 2007 Yukon Denali and I am very eager to replace the head unit with something that has more to offer. I have done some research already and found two devices that I think will work. The Pioneer X940BT and the Kenwood DNX6190HD.

I already have the OEM nav unit with Bose but no rear dvd entertainment system. Perhaps in the future I will add a rear DVD/monitor or headrest monitors so a head unit that can supply video and audio back to the potential overhead display or headrest monitors, would be nice. Separate zoned video and audio to those devices would also be nice. I prefer to not listen to my kids movies while driving, but sending the audio back to them if necessary would be cool.

Initially I wanted to do the lock pick from coastal tech. I was concerned that since I do not have a DVD already in my stock nav unit that the lock pick features would not be justified against the cost. Plus I would need to install an aftermarket bluetooth kit, so after you add it up, I am better off buying a new head unit and perhaps selling my OEM nav on eBay.

Back to the question at hand, which unit is better? I have read that the Kenwood uses Garmin and has great nav, but it is hard to find a detailed review of this unit since it is new. I have read plenty of good things about the Pioneer interface but I have heard that the nav is not that good. I had a chance to see the Pioneer at Best Buy (the X930BT which is not too different).

Also, I would really like to plug in my iPhone or use bluetooth streaming and these new apps for these units are very intriguing.

I would also like real-time traffic, which unit does but which is better?

I think I prefer an actual volume know but I could be swayed away from that with enough persuasion.

Am I missing another manufacturer here? Do I need to look at another brand?

Lots of questions...

Thank you sooooo much in advance!

 

[maisano]

i was in the same boat but i went with the http://www.crutchfield.com/p_130P3400BH/Pioneer-AVH-P3400BH.html?tp=20217#accessories-tab since i will be using the motion x as my gps i couldnt justify the cost of upgrading the unit with nav. i order the relay for this so i can us going down the road. i have the xl version so i will be running headrest dvd and a overhead with this unit. this also has the built in blue tooth and built in hd radio. i would go to pac's website to see what adapter you need.

i will have the radio in today and will install it maybe tonight depends on how the natives are at the house..

 

[jdpber]

Go with a Pioneer Double Din and dont look back... time proven track record.. i have had 6 different Pioneer HUs and loved every one... currently have a Pioneer DD 4300dvd.. clean sleek only the buttons you need.. large high quality screen. has mike hook up for auto tune. plenty of inputs and outputs.. hands down recommend

 

[adcmobile]

You may want to look at the Advent OGM-1 - it's a factory look navi that comes with iGo Primo software, and it doesn't give up much at all to the other units you were looking at, while keeping all of the factory stuff (OnStar, Bose, XM, steering wheel and rear console controls) without adaptors - it's plug and play...

 

[NathanJax]

I have the Pioneer 4400BH. I'm a Pioneer guy myself, so I wouldn't consider other brands...

 

[neumanngroup]

I forgot to mention. Will any of these units allow me to watch DVD in motion or do navigation changes in motion? Or see rear camera in motion?

 

[yates ™]

With bypasses set they will.

 

[Modded]

Both are quality units. The Pioneer has a lot of features in the UI but a not so great GPS system. The Kenwood has less UI features but more sound (especially the Excelon series) and GPS qualities.
I prefer the Pioneer because I don't need GPS. I currently have the Pioneer AVH-P4300DVD. Use to have the 4200 model also.

Also most of those like stock GPS systems tend to be garbage. I am not sure about the Advent though.

---------- Post added at 03:07 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:07 PM ----------

And yes my 4300 is bypassed to allow moving DVD playback.

 

[jdpber]

I did a bypass also... its a simple wiring of a relay that tricks the HU to think the E-Brake is set... and the pioneer has a ton on inputs and outputs..i have installed this HU in 5 friends cars bc they loved mine so much if that sais anything....

 

[ckl5899]

I have a near new lockpic for sale if you go that route. Its the new model I think its the 550. LEt me know if thats the route you take.

Look at the Alpine 910 that came out a few months ago.

 

[neumanngroup]

The Alpine looks cool. I guess for some crazy reason I am really digging the navigation units that show the speed limit of where you are. The Sony does that but the reviews are horrible.

 

[neumanngroup]

I have another question. If I add a new head unit, will that improve the sound in my car? I have noticed that the stock audio is not that good.

 

[NathanJax]

I have another question. If I add a new head unit, will that improve the sound in my car? I have noticed that the stock audio is not that good.

There's a bunch of things that depend on your sound quality. Radio, amp (factory or aftermarket) and speakers.

It's possible that it could be 1, 2 or all 3 of those things. I would first start at the radio. Then the speakers, and finally putting a good small amp on them.

 

[randuff]

I have a Kenwood Excelon 9980HD and it is mostly great. The Nav is awesome and the menu is easy to guide.

With that said I don't think I could recommend this HU based on the speed of the processor. Going from menu item to menu item or song to song is sometimes dreadfully slow. I really think there is a hamster (on his last legs) powering this unit.

If I were to buy another HU I would think twice about it.

I don't know if the same applies to the 6190HD but from what I heard its what I have but worse....

Just my .02

 

[mlwald79]

just put a jvc nav in mine. i love it so far.

 

[johnsoex]

Pioneer AVIC 930BT with a Metra 100 harness (google Axxess wire harnesses) to keep Onstar, turn signal chime, steering wheel controls, rear view cam, and rear entertainment system. You can bypass the parking brake sensor so you can enter addresses and dial phone numbers while in motion. Search it on you tube. Don't buy the pioneer iPhone chord. You can buy them on eBay for $15, as opposed to $65. Blue tooth is loud and clear.

Don't use the VSS wire as this was messing with the GPS location. The unit is more accurate without it hooked up. We put the GPS antenna in the stock location (under the forward most panel on the dash).

Way better than the stock Bose unit. Understand that if you have the Bose, you will need to replace all the door speakers as the Bose speakers have odd impedance's/OHM's. May as well add an amp under the rear seat. I have a JL HD 900/5 and it runs the whole system nice. Focal 6.5s components in the front and rear and a single JL 12w6v2 in a ported box to JL specs and it's plenty loud.

Hope this helps.

 

[Summit 700]

I installed a Kenwood6980. I love it, does everything I need it too and more. My only complaint is that it is sometimes slow to change from one function to the next. I chose Kenwood because it uses Garmin GPS which I really like.