Okay, so finally this summer I'm going to get around upgrading my sound system with a new HU and eD speakers (talked to the guys there a while back, loved the customer service and the reviews). Anyway, I'd been looking at the Pioneer AVIC-D3 for a long time because (a) I like Pioneer and (b) I liked the customization ability and (c) I liked the price. However lately I've started to wonder if I really would get around to customizing all the things I want (especially after hearing about reset issues when unplugging the battery) and also reports of some buggy issues on the D series. So here's my question: The size and functionality of the D3 is great. I like the double-din size, the big screen, all the options (radio/iPod/satellite/GPS/et al), and the easy to use controls. Just to make sure I do shop around, what are some other good similar head units to the D3? I did look at the Kenwood line that was similar but they ran about $2000 a unit which is sadly out of my price range. Thanks for the input, guys.

 

Alpine has a new 407 double-din that comes with bluetooth for $800. Its made for ipod and has nav and obviously radio, the only setback is that it doesnt have a cd or dvd player

 

the D3s are old... I did some research and new pioneers that have what u need range from 600 - 900 with all the cables included

i've bought this one for 300, everything included but still havent had the chance to install it, will write my impressions after I do

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/TOUCH...fAudioQ5fVideo

if it really does what it says then it's a great buy, i could put 900 on the newest pioneer, the only concern was really having it stolen from me I'd be so ____ed, just rather pay 1/3 for something that does pretty much the same thing

we'll see

 

dont get that thing of ebay it doesnt even have a brand name, just buy a new pioneer or alpine. itll b more expensive but the quality will be worth your money

 

The pioneer p4200dvd can be had for about $400, then whenever you want nav add on the AVIC-U220 for about $350.

I can't vouch for the nav capabilities, but the ipod controls on the 4200 are the easiest I've ran across.

 

Idk how much this matters but in my experience, (ive had a kenwood, alpine, and pioneer stereos) pioneer has the best audio quality. Kenwood typically has more gadgets and what not but they lack audio precision. Id say just go with the pioneer

 

Per your recommendation of the AVH P4200DVD I looked at Pioneer's AVH line... now while it costs another $400 or so to get Nav which, in the end, costs about as much as a Nav unit would cost, I don't have the ability right now to put up $1000+ in a single payment. Building my new sound system is going to be a process of slowly accumulating parts unless something changes and I can go for the gusto as it were (and I may, I don't know yet). That said, I think the 5200BT and 3200BT are more my style because of said included Bluetooth. I like the screen size on the 5200 (7") but I prefer the double-din style of the 3200. Anyone know much about these models?

 

I was looking into getting a motorized screen but every sales rep ive talked to, electronics express, hifi buys, cartronics etc... say they are known for the machinery being faulty. One of my friends had an alpine motorized screen that broke after about 3 months of using, idk if pioneer have more reliable machinery.

 

Don't worry about it, motorization has been around in decks long enough that the old problems have been worked out.

Yes, years ago the original kenwood excelon decks would constantly chafe/destroy the ribbon cable that powered the face, but i've had 3 motorized alpines, 1 motorized eclipse and 1 motorized pioneer and none had any problems.

 

Ok, here's what I think I'm going to do. As much as I love the 7" screen on the 4200DVD (I don't want the motorized screen of the 5200, just personal preference) I can save around $150 to get the 3200DVD with a 5.8" screen and I'm okay with that. I talked to the guys at eD and they showed me a kit of 3.65i component speakers, a Nine.4 amplifier and a 11Kv.2 subwoofer for $300. I want to get one of those 10" speaker boxes that the guy on here sells for I believe $250. So for the bare bones that's $850. Bluetooth for the 3200DVD (I've heard the add-on BT is better than the built-in BT for whatever reason) is another $180. I can wait on navigation and don't need a backup camera. While I would like HD Radio and XM Radio those are things that I can purchase a little bit down the road. All in all I think it sounds like a good plan. Thanks guys.

 

id deff go for the apline ina-w900 its sick it has navi built in the only thing u really need to add on is the imprint processor and a blue tooth module.