Navigation/DVD system (Kenwood 8120)

[ifishcat]

I have my portable XM radio (inno), and garmin nav (176c) sitting in my cup holders. Wires all nested in a heap around the cup holders I wonder where to put my cup of coffee...

The more I contemplatively drive with the open nest of wires allowing for what little abstract thinking I'm capable of (while driving), the more I shake my head at there being no real clean way to mount/install the devices (n wire nest) cleanly least not as clean as replacing the smarts head unit...

after reading a few threads (here n there) on 'all in one' head units and seeing a close up brief demo (thx rollingtones) on the Kenwood 7120, I was gonna pull the trigger and buy one.

Found what appeared to be a good deal for the 7120 on ebay $850 (shipping included). As I read the sellers description I noticed a small chart (in the description) comparing the features of the 7120 with the 8120 (and the 5120). Hmm, what is this 8120 (i ask myself), and begin to madly google for further info.

Frankly, both of these units give me a bit of sticker shock in the sense that i might have to skip a few car payments . As it is, this will be an ongoing project over the course of many months as finances might allow upgrading and adding speakers, rear view camera, and other fitting accessories (head unit related and not).

In my google searching, I came across the website 6ave.com which had the Kenwood DNX-8120 Navigation/DVD System for $1498 - coupon code AFLKEN1048 = $1048 with free shipping.

Just before I push the 'buy' button, does anyone out there know of a better deal on this unit?

Also, should I be considering something else (or in addition) when looking for the 'all in one' head unit solution out there?

[SmartDE]

I did the same as you did, searched and settled for the 7120, a few weeks ago. To me the 8120 is new has some extras if you plan to put a mega system in.
The 5120? smaller screen I think, 7120's are dropping in price since the 8120, you can find 7120 for less than $850 with free shipping, but that will be without the ipod and bluetooth option.
What I have is Nav(included), backup(if I install one later)and can play DVD's anytime(don't forget to ground the orange "park"wire) otherwise the dvd's won't play.
I also took out the jack in the glove box and mounted the usb port in it's place.
Both ipod and BT options seems very nice if you would use or have the need for them.
With the 7120 and the usb port, not sure if a Universal mp3 player would work through it, might look into it later, stead of carring alot of cd's in the car.

Very happy with my 7120

[mjeagent]

I am also interested in switching out my factory stereo for a Kenwood.
Quick question...how difficult is it to do? Would I need any additional parts other than the new Kenwood radio? Does the installation require a mounting kit? Thanks.


Mike

[ck_az]

You can always buy the Kenwood DDX-512 and then add navigation at a later date. Crutchfield has good info but of course the most expensive. Try these guys for better pricing, Kenwood DDX512, In-Dash Head Units, Receivers, In-Dash DVD Players (with monitor) - Sonic Electronix

[ck_az]

Originally Posted by mjeagent

I am also interested in switching out my factory stereo for a Kenwood.
Quick question...how difficult is it to do? Would I need any additional parts other than the new Kenwood radio? Does the installation require a mounting kit? Thanks.


Mike

Radio is REALLY easy. More info here...
Yet Another Tech Blog » Smart Radio Upgrade

- Chris

[rollingtones]

Originally Posted by ifishcat

I have my portable XM radio (inno), and garmin nav (176c) sitting in my cup holders. Wires all nested in a heap around the cup holders I wonder where to put my cup of coffee...

The more I contemplatively drive with the open nest of wires allowing for what little abstract thinking I'm capable of (while driving), the more I shake my head at there being no real clean way to mount/install the devices (n wire nest) cleanly least not as clean as replacing the smarts head unit...

after reading a few threads (here n there) on 'all in one' head units and seeing a close up brief demo (thx rollingtones) on the Kenwood 7120, I was gonna pull the trigger and buy one.

Found what appeared to be a good deal for the 7120 on ebay $850 (shipping included). As I read the sellers description I noticed a small chart (in the description) comparing the features of the 7120 with the 8120 (and the 5120). Hmm, what is this 8120 (i ask myself), and begin to madly google for further info.

Frankly, both of these units give me a bit of sticker shock in the sense that i might have to skip a few car payments . As it is, this will be an ongoing project over the course of many months as finances might allow upgrading and adding speakers, rear view camera, and other fitting accessories (head unit related and not).

In my google searching, I came across the website 6ave.com which had the Kenwood DNX-8120 Navigation/DVD System for $1498 - coupon code AFLKEN1048 = $1048 with free shipping.

Just before I push the 'buy' button, does anyone out there know of a better deal on this unit?

Also, should I be considering something else (or in addition) when looking for the 'all in one' head unit solution out there?

The 5120 has a manual, actual physical volume knob. You get a slightly smaller screen, but believe me, I have had the 5120 and the 8120 in my smart and I would rather have the 5120 any day.

[eqwalker]

I just had the Kenwood DNX8120 installed in mine and have been extremely pleased with it. I had "Auto Audio" here in LR, AR put it in (he has one in his smart as well) and will also be putting in some Focal speakers in it pretty soon. One of my requirements was the nav system along with the 13 band EQ. I have found that I really like the nav system because it has a big screen and is easy to read. I have already had some people comment that they didn't know it came with a nav system and how sharp it is. They thought that it was factory. I am really enjoying the 8120. I also ordered a protector film off of Ebay for it as well. By the way, does anyone have a background, and/or startup graphic that says "smart" for the Kenwood systems?

[Napoleon12]

i have one i use for the smarts i work on when i put d-3s in them. give me the specs for the background pic and i can see what i can do.

[ck_az]

Originally Posted by Napoleon12

i have one i use for the smarts i work on when i put d-3s in them. give me the specs for the background pic and i can see what i can do.

Ok I created a page on my blog that has the necessary images.
http://www.aznet.com/wpb/?page_id=64

You just need to click on the images to get the right size.

Enjoy,
Chris

[erothstein]

www.4smartcar.com offers two different replacement radio dash kit solutions, the necessary antenna adaptor and wire harness. This make the install very easy. I also prefer the Kenwood DNX5120.