Aftermarked navigation?

[icec0ld]

if you're asking me about why i didn't get the 6610 and got the 5510 instead the answer is simple. the 6610 has dual dvds and traffic reports. the traffic reports would have been nice but that just meant the sirius and i didn't care for it when am stations give traffic reports every 5 minutes here in so cal. also, i didn't care for the secondary dvd player since i don't watch dvds. the z2 and 5495 have hard drives so i dont think they rip to ipod but rather to their respective hard drives.

Originally Posted by darksparkz

Uh, so, back to the thread question.

I'm wondering, is the Pioneer z-2 just as easy to bypass as the Eclipse 5510? Why didnt' you get the Eclipse 6610?

Also, I am considering either the Pioneer z-2 or the Eclipse AVN5495, but would I be able to rip music to it from an iPod? I wouldn't want to make a buncha cds just to rip music on it.

But let's say price isn't a factor, is the Pioneer z-2 better in everything else other then navi?

[darksparkz]

Originally Posted by Brandon402

Not sure what the bypass is for the eclipse, but the bypass for the z2 is kind of involved, not impossible or too hard, but a little involved. Requires removing and reinstalling a wire from one terminal in the connector to another, grounding it and the parking brake, and then (if your unit is a pre june model) installing an update .iso disc that can be dl'd from avic411.com. If your unit is a june and newer model, then the software part is not necessary.

And the answer about the ipod question is no. The avic z2 cannot rip from an ipod onto its hard drive. As a matter of fact it cannot rip any form of music other than the standard cd format. So, it cannot rip mp3s to its hd either. But, if you're using an ipod anyway, there really is no reason to rip from the ipod to the unit. Also, as a warning, the connection speed between the ipod and the z2 is ungodly slow. The menu is also not intuitive whatsoever either. You cannot fully control the ipod from the z2, you have to use the ipod to control it. There is quite a lengthy write up done on the ipod connectivity to the z2 that can be found on www.avic411.com. There is literally tons of info about the unit on that site.

Honestly, the only real advantage the z2 has over the eclipse is the hd music storage ability. You can put any store bought cd, or any cd you rip in standard cd format, into the z2 and it will rip the music directly onto its hd. The hands free voice control is also a plus as well. If im not mistaken the screen is just a touch larger as well, but dont quote me on that, as im not entirely sure. I was also not too impressed with how the navi looked on the eclipse in comparison to the z2 either.

edited:
btw, i just checked out your cardomain page, and I have got to say your car looks really good.

Oh wow, thats a pretty big hassle, considering I don't have any standard cds. It sounds like the z2 isnt that great of a navi, the eclipse ones are starting to look prominent.

Thanks for the comment =)

Originally Posted by icec0ld

if you're asking me about why i didn't get the 6610 and got the 5510 instead the answer is simple. the 6610 has dual dvds and traffic reports. the traffic reports would have been nice but that just meant the sirius and i didn't care for it when am stations give traffic reports every 5 minutes here in so cal. also, i didn't care for the secondary dvd player since i don't watch dvds. the z2 and 5495 have hard drives so i don't think they rip to ipod but rather to their respective hard drives.

Hm, I see, good answer. I think I'm much leaning towards the Eclipse models, especially ones without HDDs. I might just get the Eclipse 6610 because I think I actually might do a bypass and watch DVD and use navi at the same time.

[Brandon402]

Yeah, to be honest, I think the eclipse is probably your better bet. I love my z2, dont get me wrong, but until recently its been a love hate relationship. With the eclipse line being so plug and play for our cars, it is truly a better fit. Until a few things are upgraded or updated on the z2 (i.e. the ipod interface) I think, in your position, you'd probably be better of with the eclipse, as I've never heard of anyone saying anything bad about its ipod interface.

[SourDieseL]

Originally Posted by icec0ld

here's how an aftermarket navi should be installed....

color matching bezel around the aftermarket navi...


a shot of the entire center console... a bit dark, but you can tell by the flash that the antenna is not anywhere visible on the dash (there's no reflective line showing it)

Well not as much 'empty' bezel space as I thought there would be. It actually looks not that bad. Is this the crutchfield bezel that comes free with harness?

The left and right top corners look like they can use something to fill the space, perhaps i need to break out the dremel and figure out what I can mount flush yet appropriately fitting for the car. I'll let the ideas run while I decide if I still want to go aftermarket dd unit.

I'll keep it stock for now.

----
As per valour aftermarket unit, I agree about how it was manufactured. I don't feel comfortable with the branding, but asethetically it's pleasing since it retains the factory look. None of the choices have peaked my interest, so I'm still in limbo. I think I'll just go portable nav for now as I only want dvd playback, bt, and audio in my headunit. Perhaps video in for reverse camera and/or external video inputs (xbox, psp, etc etc)

[icec0ld]

^ it's the metra kit.

[SourDieseL]

Originally Posted by icec0ld

^ it's the metra kit.

as opposed to the scosche?

metra is what comes from crutchfield no?

[icec0ld]

i do not know which kit comes from crutchfield. when i had mine done, i specifically asked for the metra kit.

[workerant]

Originally Posted by icec0ld

i do not know which kit comes from crutchfield. when i had mine done, i specifically asked for the metra kit.

Where did yours come from? (who did you "specifically ask for the metra kit"?)

[icec0ld]

mine came from my car audio guy. i specifically asked him when i purchased the navi from him. if you're from southern california, more specifically the northern orange county area, pm me and i'll give u the name and address.

Originally Posted by TTM77

Where did yours come from? (who did you "specifically ask for the metra kit"?)

[workerant]

Originally Posted by icec0ld

mine came from my car audio guy. i specifically asked him when i purchased the navi from him. if you're from southern california, more specifically the northern orange county area, pm me and i'll give u the name and address.

This looks like it http://cgi.ebay.com/_W0QQitemZ270169...QQcmdZViewItem