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Unfortunately, while I like the INE-W960 Alpine, I cnnot see the screen at all with the roof out in my 1990, so it needs to be replaced. That along with the thought of wanting a radio with Car Play is interesting me more and more. ( mainly for Navigation when used)
So I have narrowed my search, I am n a limited budget of around $400 and I want SiriusXM functionality.. Here are the units I am considering:
Kenwood DDX9704s - I can find it for around $400 it has all the features I would like to have, I don't need a CD/DVD drive, but want the capacitive screen.
Sony XAV-AX5000 - Has SXM control but no HD radio again around $400.
Sony XAV-ax200 - around $450 but has a rotary volume control
I would love to buy an ILX-207 or ILX-107, butt hey are out of my range
I thought of the DMX7704s but it has a Resistive screen whhich I think is the issue with the W960
I have the kenwood DDX 9702s in the dash of my WRX. It's older than the 9704 but nothing much has changed really;
still has apple car play and Android auto. HDMI input for a backup camera, XM radio compatible, tilt screen, custom colors etc .. It's a pretty decent radio $800 New price, can get them used for pretty cheap now n days.
I will say one thing though, if you are looking for sound quality, any head unit just won't do. I ran the speakers off of it for a week (huge improvement over stock) but HU really lacked (any head unit) . I ended up putting a 5 channel under the passenger seat, I ran RCAs to the amp( 2 Pairs front rear and sub). Then I got a 8 way braided wire Going from the amp outs all the way back up to the stock wiring harness behind the radio to the speakers. It was easier than running dedicated speaker wires from the amp to all the speakers. Sounds 100x better and is worth it if you can budget another $150 for an amp and do all the wiring yourself, which is pretty damn easy honestly.
only thing I wouldn't buy used is speakers for obvious reasons...
I already have the rest. CDT 3 way components in front, elemental designs EU700s in the back powered by a pair of Arc Audio KS300.4 amps. Like I said the Alpine sounds good, I just cannot see anything in the sun with the top out. I also find the screen with my BU camera is washed out at night, same camera with an android HU had a great picture.
Okay, chatting with Alpine support, I found some screen settings to try.. Also might swap in my old Backup camera to verify it is the screen or the camera ( Washed out picture at night)
my old Chinese Android unit had a great picture for that, but was the higher resolution screen. I email Kenwood regarding a question and they suggested the higher resolution 9905s which is brighter, but sunlight is a challenge (no matter what)
I also inquired with Alpine if the ILX-207 is a better display and see if it would help
Fixed the back-up Camera image issue as I found settings for brightness, color and contrast
I updated the Firmware on my INE-W960. I am waiting for a new Flash drive (doe snot like my USB 3.0) and then I can update the maps.
Going to give it a try and see how well the screen is after making some changes.
Fixed the back-up Camera image issue as I found settings for brightness, color and contrast
I updated the Firmware on my INE-W960. I am waiting for a new Flash drive (doe snot like my USB 3.0) and then I can update the maps.
Going to give it a try and see how well the screen is after making some changes.
Anxious for your update if that made an improvement. With a FRC and deep tint on all windows I have no problems with the screen brightness unless sun hits it just right. It would be great if that could be improved upon as I love how good it sounds.
Found a new ILX-207 for $525.. looks like I am upgrading..
I like everything about that head unit just asking myself whether to give up on having CD/DVD capability and going mechless. I am about to that point but still like to throw one of my old CD's in to feel old school every now and then.
Wiring is almost done. I am using the GPS antenna from the W960, as well as the external mic since it is smaller and works well. I need to reroute the use to the center console.
I have a new bezel and I will use the 960 to fit it as I am waiting for paint for it and will use my current bezel (with a crack) but it unit will fit nice. Hoping to finish it tomorrow. Looking forward to this radio.
Last edited by -=Jeff=-; Jul 24, 2018 at 10:51 PM.
Installed, no trim yet. I need to uplate the GUI. I a, disappointed that the power antenna control just turns the antenna on at power on. It does not turn on only when radio is selected.
i also need to see if I can load a custom background. It does not look like it, but I can do a custom boot screen
Installed, no trim yet. I need to uplate the GUI. I a, disappointed that the power antenna control just turns the antenna on at power on. It does not turn on only when radio is selected.
i also need to see if I can load a custom background. It does not look like it, but I can do a custom boot screen
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Looking at a New Headunit
