head unit suggestion/question

ElementalDragon · 06-24-2009, 08:35 PM

Ok.... here's my situation. I'm lookin into getting a new head unit. As some of you may know, i recently upgraded from the stock speakers to a set of Hertz HSK-165 component speakers..... and the stock head unit doesn't really seem to have remotely enough juice for 250w speakers.

There are two paths i'm kinda considering right now.

1) I'm quite interested in an in-dash nav system. Was a Best Buy earlier, eyeing up the Kenwood DNX-5140 for $899. Nice unit, and i kinda like that it uses Garmin's GPS system. Any opinions on the system? Think it might do the speakers a bit better justice than the stock head unit? Any other suggestions for in-dash nav systems that might be cheaper/work better?

2) The other thing i was considering was getting a standard CD/MP3 head unit.... maybe in the $150-200 price range.... possibly a standalone GPS system..... and if need be by the speakers, maybe a small amp.

Just lookin for input into the situation. I mean.... i have an amp lying around.... but it's a sub amp. Also.... i believe i read that the under-seat sub is connected to the wiring for the door speakers. If i WERE to connect an amp for the door speakers, i'm assuming that connecting the amp to the door speakers would also possibly get a bit better quality from the sub, or no?

John_H · 06-24-2009, 08:56 PM

You upgraded your speakers but you're keeping your factory sub?

I don't see how you'll be remotely satisfied. The 4" cone under the driver's rear end won't do much for the overall sound experience. The factory subwoofer has a built-in amplifier so all you'd be doing is overdriving the inputs once you put in enough sound level to the doors.

If you want a subwoofer, go with a separate box under the dash. I've seen 8" and 10" subwoofers installed there. Those can handle power. I doubt the factory subwoofer can keep up.

Another alternative: insulate the doors with sound/vibration damping. I used products from cascadeaudio.com while others love dynamat. The plastic doors become better acoustic cavities. You won't have the "you damn punks!" kind of kick-in-the-gut lows but your sound will be much better at the low end.

ElementalDragon · 06-24-2009, 10:51 PM

...... believe me...... even if the under-seat sub isn't the greatest (although i don't remember ever seeing anything about it being a 4" sub), the HSK-165's have quite a bit of thump by themselves. i DO kind of plan on getting a better sub for it..... but that'll have to come later, seeing as i already spent $400 on the speakers for the doors, and am now looking for a headunit. And yes.... i know.... $400 is a bit overkill, but as i've stated in other threads, with only two woofers and two tweeters, i didn't really want to skimp on quality.

Back to the discussion...... do you think the DNX-5140 would be quite the upgrade sound quality wise over the stock head unit?

John_H · 06-25-2009, 07:51 AM

I haven't listened to the DNX-5140. I don't know if the sound is different between the 5120, 5140, 6140, 7140, or 8140. Given the variety, I'm hoping someone can give you an opinion on one of the Kenwood units.

I was looking at the DNX series for my meager tastes in sound equipment, interested more in the video stuff. First suggestion if you choose the DNX - use someplace like sonicelectronix.com rather than Best Buy unless you need the local customer service. If you're sensitive to money issues and self-sufficient, mail order can work well.
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I imagine (note the conjecture) the factory subwoofer won't smoke if you give it too much power, but the response will most probably be distorted at the higher levels. Rather than use a component that's not matched to your speakers, I'd suggest selling the unit to another Smart owner that would appreciate rounding out the sound from their factory speakers. When I could get them, I provided factory subwoofers to a few other owners for $80 each. It's more "spread the joy" than anything.

ElementalDragon · 06-25-2009, 11:25 AM

Well..... when i change the head unit, i'll probably see if anyone local would be willing to buy it for maybe $200, since it's the Radio 10 after all. If someone does, i'll probably wind up using that to help pay off the new head unit. Only after that's paid off will i consider an amp. Either way, it probably won't be anytime soon that i'll have to worry about an amp ruining the stock sub. Although i must admit, the little $200 Hertz 190w dual channel sub is quite tempting.

breadman · 06-25-2009, 11:27 AM

I have a DNX7140 and am using the factory speakers so far. I have a Brabus Cabrio. I think they sound pretty good. I like bass, and the subwoofer is enough to fill in the bottom end of the music. The 7140 has some DSP functions that give some concert hall resonance that helps. The door speakers are a bit weak and "tinny" at times, but certainly better than most other OEM stereos I've worked with. The 7140 takes some reading and understanding to figure out the menu systems, (I think the manual is difficult to use) but I really like it. Joel

ElementalDragon · 06-25-2009, 06:30 PM

Yea, i was lookin at the DNX5140 because i don't need bluetooth or any of that, nor do i really have the money to splurge on something into the $1,000 range just for a head unit. Like how the 5140 uses Garmin nav software, instead of how a lot of nav systems seem to use generic/in-house nav software. The only other one that kinda tickled my interest was the one from Alpine with the removable TomTom GPS unit.

The only downside to the 5140 that i've seen so far compared to the more high end ones, or to a nice high end standard single-DIN CD player is that it only has a 3-band EQ..... unless i'm missing something there.

NCC1701 · 06-25-2009, 06:43 PM

Well, you're considering spending $899 on a 5140. I got my 8120 for $825 shipped. Shop around. Since the 8120 has been superseded by the 9140, there are some bargains out there. I don't need Bluetooth either, but who knows what the future holds and it's there if I change my mind. The feature list is wild ... I think the equalizer is 15 bands. At least research it. I'm happy with mine.

ElementalDragon · 06-25-2009, 08:17 PM

Well, the only place i can seem to find it for cheap is eBay.... which i'm not to fond of.... and it's a used unit, currently at $530.

NCC1701 · 06-25-2009, 08:54 PM

Absolutely avoid onlinestereo.com ...
I bought mine from Audio Warehouse. I just checked and I couldn't find the 8120 there. Mine was an open box. They have the 5140 for $730. I had an excellent buying experience with them. You might email them and ask about the 8120.
DNX5140, Kenwood DNX5140, Kenwood Mobile Video, Kenwood Mobile Video