Help picking a head unit

[dovienya]

So, I've had my smart a bit over a month now, and am loving it. However, I've not been satisfied with the audio. I have the radio 9 package. First thing I did after getting it home was start looking at speaker upgrades, and ended up picking up a set of the popular Polks from NCC1701. Those made a BIG difference. The mids sound great now.

I am *not* an audio snob. I dont need much. However, I would like a more full range of sound. I expect that means that at some point, I may want to look into a sub (likely under the dash), and a new head unit for a few other features I would like.

Beleive it or not, the Smart is my first car of my own. Prior to this it's been my motorcycles and Zipcar/rentals/borrowed. So, now I'm digging into the absurdly large world of car stereo for the first time, and lots of information I'm still absorbing.

As such, I'm looking for reccomendations! One thing I've learned that I can always count on the world at large for, is opinions. Everyone has one!

So here's what I'd really like, and then if I can pick what I need and swing the cost, maybe I'll even be able to make it happen in the next couple months.

As I said, I'm not an audio snob. I mostly listen to FM radio and my ipod (iphone).

I wouldnt mind if the head unit's internal amp is good enough that I could avoid screwing with trying to figure out where to stash an amp and running wires all over the place.

An in dash Nav would be cool. I've currently got a little Garmin Nuvi, but wouldnt mind something with a bigger screen, and being able to hear the little voice announce turns wouldnt hurt either. Something with a reliable way to update the map data would be good.

I may be interested in satellite radio in the future, but am somewhat neutral about it for now.

I dont really care about DVD, but suppose it could be cool. I dont really see any need for a backup camera, seeing as the rear window pretty much IS the rear of the car. I doubt I'll ever end up adding a trailer hitch.

I would like it to interface WELL with my iphone. I know some head units cant even operate a playlist, which is not ideal. Some use playlists, voice control, and even show album artwork. That would be sweet. Hands free calling would be good, but doesnt need to be bluetooth, since I'm hoping to have a cable plugged in for control and charging.

I might be fine with my polks, given a little more bass cabailities of a small added sub. I may even want to upgrade them later, I'm not sure yet. But this is how far I've figured this out so far. Did any of you have about the same list of desires and find something that was just perfect for you (and didnt break the bank)? If so, I'd love to hear about it.



dovienya

[John_H]

I needed less than you - just searched for an HD Radio unit and found a fine JVC but that's without GPS or playlist manipulation. The bluetooth was extra but a much appreciated part of the package.

What I can suggest if you want to go the subwoofer route: check with Darin at Smart Center Portland. He has some very nice looking under-dash sub boxes custom made for him to fit the smart beautifully. They're poly fill, sized for 8" subs. The automotive carpet cover gives it a factory look.

If you'd prefer to do things by mail, there are plenty of other supporting vendors in addition to Darin who can provide you with what you'd like.

[dlomshek]

Just received my Kenwood DNX9140 from Crutchfield. Haven't had time yet to install it. Fantastic features but not inexpensive. It has "EVERYTHING"!

[SubSlr88]

Take a look at the KENWOOD KDC-MP342U. It's a single DIN unit that will do what you want for about $120 or so off of eBay. It'll hook to and control your Ipod with an add-on cable, too.
You can also pickup a Scosche ST2430B Smart Car Radio Dash Kit + Harness for $22 that will mount the unit, adapt the harness and antenna, and leave you with a single DIN pocket for storing CDs and such.
Unless you just want to spend $600 - $700 for something that plays DVDs.

[The Rigger]

I have an AVH-P4100DVD in my Cabrio and a DEH-Psomething-or-other in my pickup truck, I don't remember the model number. The iPod/iPhone interface is extra, but it works flawlessly and allows you to control the iPod's functions from the head unit. Neither of my units have any nav functions, but that doesn't bother me; I have a Garmin 2610 that takes care of that. I've always liked Pioneer's audio, and the new AVH is no different; a decent amp stage, all sorts of pre-out stuff if I ever decide to expand, and a real, functional parametric EQ make my Cabrio (with Polk db675 door speakers and the OEM under-seat sub & dash tweeters) rock the house.

I've worked in autosound and professional theatre & concert sound, and to my ears, Pioneer has always made a better sounding head unit. But everyone's ears are different, so YMMV.

[ccdsmart]

For my smart i went with the AVIC 90BT they have made some great improvements to this unit, screen is a little smalle but is still great for dvd and maps, ipod interface is very fast, it also has SD card slot which is very nice i use an 8 gb card , the voice recognition is very much improved on this unit also, plus built in bluetooth, this unit rocks. If you go with the Pioneer AVIC 90BT make sure you get the 2.0 software upgrade. You can see what i did to mine if you go to my SCOA gallery. Happy Motoring

[dovienya]

Thank you all for your input thus far. I'm googling models and seeing what looks good. That first Kenwood is just *too much*. $1300ish for a head unit is far more than I'm willing to shell out anytime soon.

I'm realizing I'm a little stuck though. There seems to be a small gap in the market. Single din units without GPS features that have most the rest of what I care about are pretty easy to find in the $1xx range, such as the second kenwood. I would very much like to go with a GPS unit, and no longer need the little one suctioned to the windshield, but those units seem to jump up to $700 really fast. Somewhere right in the middle would be awesome. Otherwise, at least with the options I've seen so far, you start trading things off, and quickly end up back down with the cheap units.

Also, John, I have already spoken with Darin, although not about those speaker boxes. I ended up chatting with him when I was at the dealership a week or two ago. I hadnt realized that SCP Parts was locally run! Anyway, that particular enclosure seems like a good choice should I decide I need to add a sub.

Too many choices!

[dichrodave]

I installed the Kenwood DNX6140. It has bluetooth, Garmin GPS, DVD player, USB connection, IPOD connection and a 7" screen. I like it a lot. Today I installed a Kenwood backup camera and it works great. I sure like getting rid of all the cables I had to use with all the old stuff. I have a Verizon LG Dare phone and it connected right up. Everyone I have talked to on the phone say it sounds great. The mic is installed on the drivers door pillar.

[dovienya]

Man, this has turned into quite a few hours of research so far! It's also helping me to realize I might want to start a new thread in the PNW regional forum to see if any locals would be interested/willing to help with advice and knowledge in exchange for beer.

I think I might just go start that thread, and then edit this to add a link.

And, here's the link to my new thread:

Help wanted from car audio enthusiast (can provide beer)

[Florida]

I'm very happy with my Pioneer Avic F-90BT navigation stereo. I've also got the very similar Pioneer Avic F-900BT in another car. Either does everything you mentioned. There are helpful threads on this forum (including one from me) on how to install this unit in a smart.

Pioneer just announced a "new and improved" Avic line. As a result, many internet merchants are closing out the old line for cheap. The best buy is the F-500BT that I've seen for a couple of hundred bucks. It looks like the higher-line Avic models and pretty much does the same things. The only thing is doesn't do (compared to the higher number Fs) is play DVDs.