New navigation head unit suggestions

[lekmedm]

Merry post-Christmas and a Happy pre-New Year to all!!!

So, I think the REC head unit in the ol' XK is dying a slow and painful death, and I'm researching for a new aftermarket head unit. I've been partial to Kenwoods for years now, but also had Pioneers years ago. So what might you suggest? I want something that has navigation built in. I see that some can download apps from wifi, which seems pretty neat. Kenwood uses Garmin navi. How easy (and expensive!) is it to update maps?

[Matt]

Do you have any head units in mind? Mine's been unable to play CDs for a while, and an upgraded one would also let me use different backup camera options so i'm curious what you end up with... might be in my future too

[Matt]

I'm intrigued by this one:
http://www.crutchfield.com/p_333ASTR....html?tp=20222

This one had more features, albeit a higher price tag too:
http://www.crutchfield.com/p_113DNX5....html?tp=20222

Edit:
This website, http://www.caraudiogiants.com/ has everything for the Kenwood at a total price of $735 shipped as compared to $925 @ Crutchfield.
(DNX570HD Head unit + PAC RP4-CH11 adapter + 40-CR10 antenna adapter + 99-6510 Dash Kit)

[lekmedm]

Well, until recently I didn't realize that some of these head units were running Android, which means when connected to WiFi, you can d/l and run apps. I thought that was real cool, and, in the end, I'll be looking for something that will work like that. With that kind of radio, I can just tether it to my phone's wifi, and off I go! I'm all about having options, and this opens up a world of them.

I need to take a closer look at the Parrot. I'm also not sure on how to check about map updates for the GPS - are they free d/l's or paid somehow.

I sent an email to the PAC Audio guys asking what the adapter will save. Other than steering wheel controls, it doesn't sound like it will keep much else. So along with the radio, I may need a new SiriusXM module, rear seat monitor for movies, and back up camera. We'll see when the time comes.

[lekmedm]

I am liking the new Kenwood DNN series!






I had an initial look at the Parrot but feel it's not quite right for me.

[Matt]

Wow I like that one too!

[lekmedm]

Anyone ever heard of Pioneer's AppRadio 3?

http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PUSA/Car/AppRadio

It looks interesting, and at < $400 on eBay, it looks like a contender!

EDIT:

I just realized this unit doesn't support satellite radio. It may be silly, but I've grown attached to my sat. I'd also be a bit concerned about data usage being so heavily dependent on apps.

Here's a nice review someone put together: http://www.appradioworld.com/2013/07...10-review.html