HELP WITH AFTERMARKET NAVIGATION UNIT! 2010 SE w/ JBL

[vipermaniac]

Hello

I've been researching to upgrade my JBL system to an aftermarket navigation unit and couldn't seem to find too many people who has pictures or any kind of comments/tips on it. I'm in debate of these two models - both of which have better reviews on their navigation function. Pioneers seem to have really bad reviews for that.

Alpine INA-W900BT
fast boot, dated layout, 7" screen, so-so navigation
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Alpine+-...7477&cp=1&lp=1

Kenwood DNX6160
slow boot, but good reviews, smaller screen, Garmin Built in
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Kenwood+...0715&cp=1&lp=1

Any advice on which one to get?

I see a bracket made by Metra (seems like everybody recommends them), but I don't like the look. There is just too much empty space to the left and right of the navigation where the knobs and buttons would go in an OEM radio. Are there any kind of other options?

Link for bracket:
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Metra+-+...4601&cp=1&lp=1

On a side note, how hard is it to install rear headrest lcd screens and rear camera?

Thanks!

[aznlunatic206]

I would pay a little more and get the Alpine DVD Headunit, but its pretty much personal preference. Ive always had good lucky with alpine head units. One thing you do have to consider is that since you have a JBL system, you will need a JBL harness which will cost in the neighborhood of $70. That bracket is your only option to installing an after market headunit, or just keep your stock JBL sound system and get a portable 4.3-5in Gps device.

JBL Harness.

http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_18195_PAC-TATO.html

[devind05]

Same here..I would likes to know!

[vipermaniac]

Thanks, I figured I would need that harness for the JBL sound system, I also know that I would need the steering wheel harness to make the buttons work. Too bad there isn't a better looking bracket but it will suffice.

[devind05]

Originally Posted by vipermaniac

Thanks, I figured I would need that harness for the JBL sound system, I also know that I would need the steering wheel harness to make the buttons work. Too bad there isn't a better looking bracket but it will suffice.

Did you try to search on crutchfield?

[kgmallory]

I just put the DNX6960 in my 2009 LE last weekend. Pics are in my thread, but I will post them here for simplicity's sake. I used the Metra kit on mine. I think it looks pretty good. The paint is almost a perfect match. I was initially concerned about the wasted space, and considered an ebay device, but decided to stick with a reputable brand. Now that it's in there, I think it looks pretty good. Was even able to color match the HVAC controls and found a good toyota logo to make the background image.

I can't compare to the Alpine, but I am pretty happy with the 6960 (except that I found out after I installed it that it doesn't support A2DP, but oh well, and and the ipod cable is extra most places, but can be cheap on ebay). I put the same unit in my GF's 2009 TC a few weeks ago. The boot time is slow, but the rest of it is great. Garmin GPS FTW, easy to use, and sound quality is great. Makes my stock speakers sound wonderful. I bought the AXXESS universal steering wheel control interface for both cars, and it works fine. Make sure you get the wiring instructions online.

Here are the pics. There are no cosmetic differences between the 6160 and 6960, so yours would look just like this.

[vipermaniac]

Thanks for the pics! I was looking for a large pic to get a feel of it. I like the kenwood but I realize that I would want a larger screen. One thing though, are the steering wheel buttons working for you?

Thanks!

[kgmallory]

Originally Posted by vipermaniac

Thanks for the pics! I was looking for a large pic to get a feel of it. I like the kenwood but I realize that I would want a larger screen. One thing though, are the steering wheel buttons working for you?

Thanks!

You could step up to a DNX7XXX series device that will give you a full seven inches and replace the side buttons and knob with a row of touch buttons along the bottom.

My steering wheel buttons work, but I had to buy a universal interface to make it happen. It wasn't too tricky and they work fine.

[AlfaOttoParts]

Hey guys,

If you are looking for a stock navi look with upgrade application check out our units http://www.alfaottoparts.com/index.p...roducts_id=503



You will still need to buy a JBL harness to make it work.

Originally Posted by vipermaniac

Hello

I've been researching to upgrade my JBL system to an aftermarket navigation unit and couldn't seem to find too many people who has pictures or any kind of comments/tips on it. I'm in debate of these two models - both of which have better reviews on their navigation function. Pioneers seem to have really bad reviews for that.

Alpine INA-W900BT
fast boot, dated layout, 7" screen, so-so navigation
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Alpine+-+50W+x+4+iPod%26%23174%3B-/Satellite+Radio-/HD+Radio-Ready+In-Dash+Navigation+CD+Deck/9897477.p?id=1218191355669&skuId=9897477&st=989747 7&cp=1&lp=1

Kenwood DNX6160
slow boot, but good reviews, smaller screen, Garmin Built in
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Kenwood+-+50W+x+4+MOSFET+Apple%26%23174%3B+iPod%26%23174%3B-/Satellite+Radio-Ready+In-Dash+Navigation+Deck/9760715.p?id=1218168617604&skuId=9760715&st=976071 5&cp=1&lp=1

Any advice on which one to get?

I see a bracket made by Metra (seems like everybody recommends them), but I don't like the look. There is just too much empty space to the left and right of the navigation where the knobs and buttons would go in an OEM radio. Are there any kind of other options?

Link for bracket:
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Metra+-+Radio+Dash+Kit+for+2007-2008+Toyota+Camry+Vehicles+%284-Pack%29+-+Silver/8264601.p?id=1170290213339&skuId=8264601&st=826460 1&cp=1&lp=1

On a side note, how hard is it to install rear headrest lcd screens and rear camera?

Thanks!

[devind05]

How's this unit compare to other unit such as Kenwood, Alphine, etc...?

[jkeith72]

I have, or had (thieves ruined it trying to steal last week) a DNX-7140 in my 07 SE with JBL. I was attracted to the Kenwood because o he Parrot bluetooth, and I think the Garmin nav interface is the best out there. My wife has a 2010 venza with the factory nav and I am not impressed AT ALL. If I had to muster up a complaint or 2 about the 7140, they would be about the average (at best) bluetooth (firmware updates suposedly helped), and I thought the screen resolution could have been better. Pretty sure the screen on the 7160 is upgraded, we will see about the bluetooth.
Today I take my car into the shop to have the DNX7160 installed to replace the trashed 7140. If I remember, I will post my impressions when I get the car back. It will take a few days since they are replacing the entire dash and center console. 0 deductible comprehensive is easing the sting.
The thieves were amateurs and used a screwdriver to pry everything off, including the well bolted in radio. They even tried to steal my xenon depot HID kit without tools and ruined that as well. In the end, they only made away with my Escort 9500i...ouch

[AlfaOttoParts]

Originally Posted by devind05

How's this unit compare to other unit such as Kenwood, Alphine, etc...?

If you want to compare our unit to the Kenwood and Alpine the main difference is the OEM look with out the OEM function. the Stock Navi is just plain boring and cant do much with it. While our unit got more function and it only fit for that model, this way its more likely they wont try to break in your car and steal it. While internally you have to compare apple to apple : Kenwood top of the line will cost around $1000 to install ( GPS radio unit, bracket, harness, etc) while our unit is about half the price $449.00 ( direct plug and play only for non JBL). The spec you can check for your self, its not as great as the top of the line brand name but it more then you need for most people

- Standard Double Din Mounting Size ( OEM fitment)
- UI Language: English
- Car Audio & Video System
- Screen Size: 7 Inch
- Touch Screen Function
- Resolution: 800x 480 RGB
- Control Panel Night Illumination Function
- Compatible Format: MP4/DIVX5.0/DVD/VCD/MP3/CD/CD-RW/JPEG
- DVD OSD Language: English
- Audio/ Subtitle Language: English
- Support Bluetooth
- Built-in Microphone in the control panel
- Built-In USB Port/SD Slot
- TV system: PAL/NTSC ( does not come with antenna or digital converter box)
- Built-in Radio Tuner (30 Preset Stations)
FM (3*6)87.5-108MHz Increment 0.05MHz
AM (2*6)522-1620KHz Increment: 10 KHz
- Built-In RDS Radio Receiver Function
- External GPS Box
- Steering Wheel Control Function
- Built in amplifier FR/FL/RR/RL 4-Channel Audio Output
- Two Channel Video Output / One Channel Video Input /AUX Audio R/L Input (RCA)
- Support Back sight video Input
- 4×45W Surround Stereo
- Effect Compensation: POP ROCK CLASS
- Image Brightness /Contrast/ Color /Saturation adjustable
- Auto-memory Function
- Power Supply: DC 12V
- Max Working Current: 10A

Accessories：

- 1×User's Manual
- 1×Remote Controller (Battery inside)
- 1×Power Cable
- 1×USB Cable
- 1×SD CARD with the GPS MAP for U.S.A and Canada

Other things to know:

*- Advance Picture in Picture screen. Just like your TV (PIP) you can view two screen at once. Watch you movies and have a little screen for your Navi map. Best of both world with this unit.
*- Dual Zone, Can listen to music while in GPS mode and the music will stop and the Navi will speak the direction.
*- 6 Disc Changer Memory ( 6 CD can be copy in to the unit memory for easy listen later ). This is better then a 6 disc changer because you can copy your friends CD right into the unit memory and return it. No need to copy it from the computer and waste time. No other unit have this feature on the market right now.
*- iPod ready- Just plug your iPod or iPhone to the adapter and pick you music list straight from the screen.
*- Bluetooth

[vipermaniac]

Thanks for the info, but here's another valid question: I have an 8 year Premium warranty on the camry, does modifications to the stereo void the warranty of the car itself? Also, I plan to install a viper remote start alarm, does that void the warranty at all? All these installs would be done at Bestbuy by technicians so they're not DIY's....

[vipermaniac]

Originally Posted by jkeith72

I have, or had (thieves ruined it trying to steal last week) a DNX-7140 in my 07 SE with JBL. I was attracted to the Kenwood because o he Parrot bluetooth, and I think the Garmin nav interface is the best out there. My wife has a 2010 venza with the factory nav and I am not impressed AT ALL. If I had to muster up a complaint or 2 about the 7140, they would be about the average (at best) bluetooth (firmware updates suposedly helped), and I thought the screen resolution could have been better. Pretty sure the screen on the 7160 is upgraded, we will see about the bluetooth.
Today I take my car into the shop to have the DNX7160 installed to replace the trashed 7140. If I remember, I will post my impressions when I get the car back. It will take a few days since they are replacing the entire dash and center console. 0 deductible comprehensive is easing the sting.
The thieves were amateurs and used a screwdriver to pry everything off, including the well bolted in radio. They even tried to steal my xenon depot HID kit without tools and ruined that as well. In the end, they only made away with my Escort 9500i...ouch

Sorry to hear about the deck and thanks for the insight, but all the reviews I've read complained about Kenwood's boot time, and how long it takes for the unit to turn on. Alpine had the shortest boot time, therefore making me lean towards them. By the way, do you happen to have any pics of newly installed deck?