Pioneer vs Kenwood

[graphix1998]

I am ready to install... what is the advantages/disadvantages of the Pioneer unit over the Kenwood or vice versa. Thanks!

[Dunerunner]

I originally purchased the AVIC-Z3 Pioneer. The sales people at Fry's didn't have the double DIN Facia, Antenna or i-pod interface. They sent me to a specialty install shop to order those accessories.

Facia - $50
Antenna - $50
i-pod - Back ordered indefinately, none in stock

I bought a Kenwood DNX-7120. The DNX-8120 has bluetooth incorporated. The Kenwood is Garmin based. Map upgrades are on SD cards and $99, vs the Pioneer which I think are DVD based and ~$200. Took the Pioneer back!

[tbone28]

I've been reading about slow boot-up times with the Pioneer. How are the times with your Kenwood?

[Dunerunner]

I had to go out and try it. The last function accessed was the i-pod and it came up with the user interface in 35 seconds and I was listening to my music. I have noticed that it takes longer when the last function accessed was the NAV, perhaps a minute longer.

[nemo1]

My experience - go with a Kenwood. Better GPS, larger screen, just all around better. I also tried the Pioneer and sent it back.

[SmartTech]

I have the Pioneer f-7 series in my truck and have sold a ton of kenwood dnx5 series at work. they both have up and down sides. If you want simple and easy to use go with the kenwood. the nav is garmin based and the unit just works well, plays dvd and has an easy to bypass ground for video at all time.
the pioneer is actually windows ce based and you can change just about everything in it if you need. It all takes work and time to mess with and you have to have the version 2.0 or it takes for ever to boot up. The pioneer comes with bluetooth but doesnt have dvd. the pioneers does have much better screen resolution 800x480
Both have a good ipod control and ipod video capabilties. The loss of dvd for me was fine because i rip my dvds to ipod and then i can scratch or lose them.
in the end if you like to tinker and have the know how the pioneer will be fun to play with. if you want good right out of the box go with the kenwood.

[dennyrex]

eew! windows ce? not in my car ;)

[geosynch]

I went with the Pioneer F-700 for two reasons. First, I didn't want to pay extra for bluetooth. Thought that was a bit of a rip-off. I also relish the idea of hacking it, although if it was Linux based, that would have been better.

Although I've had the unit for months I just finally finished my install. (I just don't have as much leisure time as I did when I was single...) At one day and counting, I'm quite pleased with the end result. Haven't had to reboot the car to make a left turn, or anything like that yet.

geosynch

[rawlus®]

i like kenwood's hardware features - but their menus and graphics look very 1988.
at least the pioneer avic series have a contemporary look to the icons.
i'm really surprised in this day and age at the rather lackluster menus and icons and overall design seen on these $1000+ systems.
makes you wonder what exactly you're getting for that price. almost the price of two laptops!

[Dunerunner]

Most of the slick looking graphics and menus are proprietary and offered only in upscale brands, like Lexus. The general market is seeing Gen 3 software while Gen 6 is in the newer cars. Just the way it is.