Double din HeadUnits on C5
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 523
Likes: 6
From: Nazareth PA
Double din HeadUnits on C5
Guys/Gals
I did some googling / research but its hard to make up ones mind just by looking at pictures (cost$$ is a factor too). I wanted to ask the C5 owners with the below Double Dins.
1. Pioneer Premier AVIC-F90BT
2. Pioneer AVIC-F900BT
3. Kenwood DNX6140
The reason I chose the above 3 only coz they are below $1000 had to put a budget otherwise sky is the limit. Also I didnt want the detachable face the one that slides down to be able to use the CD/DVD feature. Also I want to keep my Bose Speakers, I have a Kenwood amplifier too I want to use and the below are required.
Bluetooth (for phone);
XM Radio
FM/AM Radio
CD/DVD Playing (if needed depends on traffic
)
GPS Nav
Touch Screen
Voice Recognition (optional)
I could not see what the differences are between Pioneer Premier AVIC-F90BT and Pioneer AVIC-F900BT hope some one can shed some light on that.
Also is the GPS data built in I mean the MAPS etc or is it read from a CD/DVD hence using the DVD/CD slot at all times when NAV is being used. I want to be able to play CD's while using the GPS NAV system.
From what I read so far a Bezel modification is required. The bluetooth option is ready for use I dont need any extras to buy just sync the phone and use the built in mic and the speakers of the car (Please correct me if I miss intrepreted something).
To use XM I will need GEX-P920XM (is that only for 90BT or can it be used with 900BT) I already have subscription.
I will need an antenna harness, mounting brackets, Harness adapter. Also at one place i read i need BOSE integration adapter.
So are there any other cables/wiring adapters needed that I might have missed.
Also any recommendations from anyone who owns anyone of the above 3 headunits (pros and cons).
Thank you in advance
RB
I did some googling / research but its hard to make up ones mind just by looking at pictures (cost$$ is a factor too). I wanted to ask the C5 owners with the below Double Dins.
1. Pioneer Premier AVIC-F90BT
2. Pioneer AVIC-F900BT
3. Kenwood DNX6140
The reason I chose the above 3 only coz they are below $1000 had to put a budget otherwise sky is the limit. Also I didnt want the detachable face the one that slides down to be able to use the CD/DVD feature. Also I want to keep my Bose Speakers, I have a Kenwood amplifier too I want to use and the below are required.
Bluetooth (for phone);
XM Radio
FM/AM Radio
CD/DVD Playing (if needed depends on traffic
)GPS Nav
Touch Screen
Voice Recognition (optional)
I could not see what the differences are between Pioneer Premier AVIC-F90BT and Pioneer AVIC-F900BT hope some one can shed some light on that.
Also is the GPS data built in I mean the MAPS etc or is it read from a CD/DVD hence using the DVD/CD slot at all times when NAV is being used. I want to be able to play CD's while using the GPS NAV system.
From what I read so far a Bezel modification is required. The bluetooth option is ready for use I dont need any extras to buy just sync the phone and use the built in mic and the speakers of the car (Please correct me if I miss intrepreted something).
To use XM I will need GEX-P920XM (is that only for 90BT or can it be used with 900BT) I already have subscription.
I will need an antenna harness, mounting brackets, Harness adapter. Also at one place i read i need BOSE integration adapter.
So are there any other cables/wiring adapters needed that I might have missed.
Also any recommendations from anyone who owns anyone of the above 3 headunits (pros and cons).
Thank you in advance
RB
Last edited by ramez75; Jul 13, 2009 at 07:36 AM. Reason: words
Former Vendor
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 18,293
Likes: 137
From: Hazel Green, Wi www.doubledmods.com
St. Jude Donor '12-'13
guys/gals
i did some googling / research but its hard to make up ones mind just by looking at pictures (cost$$ is a factor too). I wanted to ask the c5 owners with the below double dins.
1. Pioneer premier avic-f90bt
2. Pioneer avic-f900bt
3. Kenwood dnx6140
the 90 and 910 are last years pioneer models and only available from ebay or a dealer who might ave some left. The new x910bt is the replacement.
i personally like the 6140 better but you will need to purchase the blutooth and xm as additional peices.
the reason i chose the above 3 only coz they are below $1000 had to put a budget otherwise sky is the limit. Also i didnt want the detachable face the one that slides down to be able to use the cd/dvd feature. Also i want to keep my bose speakers, i have a kenwood amplifier too i want to use and the below are required.
Bluetooth (for phone);
xm radio
fm/am radio
cd/dvd playing (if needed depends on traffic)
gps nav
touch screen
voice recognition (optional)
i could not see what the differences are between pioneer premier avic-f90bt and pioneer avic-f900bt hope some one can shed some light on that.
the 90bt has the ipod cable
also is the gps data built in i mean the maps etc or is it read from a cd/dvd hence using the dvd/cd slot at all times when nav is being used. I want to be able to play cd's while using the gps nav system.
All the ones listed you do not need a cd running for the nav. Kenwood has garmin based nav and if this is your main goal then you want kenwood. The nav is great. I have not seen what the new series of pioneer is like for nav but i sell more kenwood than pioneer for what its worth.
Clarion also has a new dd with built in nav as well i have heard is decent its below 1000.00 as well
from what i read so far a bezel modification is required.
you will need bezel modified yes. This is something i do as well
www.doubledmods.com
the bluetooth option is ready for use i dont need any extras to buy just sync the phone and use the built in mic and the speakers of the car (please correct me if i miss intrepreted something).
To use xm i will need gex-p920xm (is that only for 90bt or can it be used with 900bt)
both
i already have subscription.
I will need an antenna harness, mounting brackets, harness adapter. Also at one place i read i need bose integration adapter.
You will need mounting brackets or make some. I have them too. If not changing out the rest of the system you will need an adapter for the bose to work properly. I have the soundgate gmcrv2 peices in i use in my packages
so are there any other cables/wiring adapters needed that i might have missed.
Also any recommendations from anyone who owns anyone of the above 3 headunits (pros and cons).
Thank you in advance
rb
i did some googling / research but its hard to make up ones mind just by looking at pictures (cost$$ is a factor too). I wanted to ask the c5 owners with the below double dins.
1. Pioneer premier avic-f90bt
2. Pioneer avic-f900bt
3. Kenwood dnx6140
the 90 and 910 are last years pioneer models and only available from ebay or a dealer who might ave some left. The new x910bt is the replacement.
i personally like the 6140 better but you will need to purchase the blutooth and xm as additional peices.
the reason i chose the above 3 only coz they are below $1000 had to put a budget otherwise sky is the limit. Also i didnt want the detachable face the one that slides down to be able to use the cd/dvd feature. Also i want to keep my bose speakers, i have a kenwood amplifier too i want to use and the below are required.
Bluetooth (for phone);
xm radio
fm/am radio
cd/dvd playing (if needed depends on traffic
)gps nav
touch screen
voice recognition (optional)
i could not see what the differences are between pioneer premier avic-f90bt and pioneer avic-f900bt hope some one can shed some light on that.
the 90bt has the ipod cable
also is the gps data built in i mean the maps etc or is it read from a cd/dvd hence using the dvd/cd slot at all times when nav is being used. I want to be able to play cd's while using the gps nav system.
All the ones listed you do not need a cd running for the nav. Kenwood has garmin based nav and if this is your main goal then you want kenwood. The nav is great. I have not seen what the new series of pioneer is like for nav but i sell more kenwood than pioneer for what its worth.
Clarion also has a new dd with built in nav as well i have heard is decent its below 1000.00 as well
from what i read so far a bezel modification is required.
you will need bezel modified yes. This is something i do as well
www.doubledmods.com
the bluetooth option is ready for use i dont need any extras to buy just sync the phone and use the built in mic and the speakers of the car (please correct me if i miss intrepreted something).
To use xm i will need gex-p920xm (is that only for 90bt or can it be used with 900bt)
both
i already have subscription.
I will need an antenna harness, mounting brackets, harness adapter. Also at one place i read i need bose integration adapter.
You will need mounting brackets or make some. I have them too. If not changing out the rest of the system you will need an adapter for the bose to work properly. I have the soundgate gmcrv2 peices in i use in my packages
so are there any other cables/wiring adapters needed that i might have missed.
Also any recommendations from anyone who owns anyone of the above 3 headunits (pros and cons).
Thank you in advance
rb
let me know if i can help you more with this. It is also a good idea to check out the audio section and do a search as there is a ton of info on installs.
Dennis
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 3,526
Likes: 20
From: Santa Fe TX
You know, both Chrysler and GM use 1.5 DIN openings. Ford is usually double DIN.
So why aren't there more 1.5 (none) and double Din (Few) radios manufactured?
IMO the plate that you have to put to make the single din radios fit is ugly.
So why aren't there more 1.5 (none) and double Din (Few) radios manufactured?
IMO the plate that you have to put to make the single din radios fit is ugly.
Former Vendor
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 18,293
Likes: 137
From: Hazel Green, Wi www.doubledmods.com
St. Jude Donor '12-'13
There are alot of them, just not all of them have the option of NAV. Kenwood makes these for around 199.99 with no dvd or nav. Pioneer Clarion, Dual, JVC to name a few more options.
The thing is if your going to do this mod most people want to do it correct the first time and get something of quality and the features they want. If there is a need for people who do not want NAV or DVD in then i get get something in the 200.00 range for great sound quality.
Its all what the person wants. It just seems most of us on here have expensive taste
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 523
Likes: 6
From: Nazareth PA
I will google Kenwood 7140. It seems from all the reviews I read. Everyone praise Pioneer for the resolution and built in systems whereas Kenwood for Speed and Garmen Nav.
Last edited by ramez75; Jul 13, 2009 at 10:11 AM. Reason: words
3rd Gear
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
THe kenwood is a better unit hands down the NAV is hard drive based it is much faster then the Pioneer you can listen to cds/dvds while Nav is running.The interface is extremely easy to use as well. Also the Ebrake bypass (watch movies while vehicle is moving) is much easier to do on the kenwood then Pioneer.
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Drifting
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,773
Likes: 2
From: San Diego CA
The 6140 comes with built-in bluetooth, but you will need the XM radio extra add on.
I have the 5120 (bluetooth is an add on) and I just ordered the 6140 from Dennis. I like the Kenwoods so much, I'm moving the 5120 to my truck and putting the 6140 in the vette.
I like the 5120/6140 because I prefer a volume ****, which they both have.
The Garmin GPS in the Kenwood unit is excellent. It doesn't require a CD to work. You can download an updater from the Kenwwod website to a CD, as an annual gps system upgrade, but it doesn't stay in the unit. It cost about $50.00. The Dodge NAV update CD for my truck cost $199.00, and their NAV unit is nowhere near as good as the Kenwood.
I vote go Kenwood........ Go with Dennis........
Good Luck,
I have the 5120 (bluetooth is an add on) and I just ordered the 6140 from Dennis. I like the Kenwoods so much, I'm moving the 5120 to my truck and putting the 6140 in the vette.
I like the 5120/6140 because I prefer a volume ****, which they both have.
The Garmin GPS in the Kenwood unit is excellent. It doesn't require a CD to work. You can download an updater from the Kenwwod website to a CD, as an annual gps system upgrade, but it doesn't stay in the unit. It cost about $50.00. The Dodge NAV update CD for my truck cost $199.00, and their NAV unit is nowhere near as good as the Kenwood.
I vote go Kenwood........ Go with Dennis........
Good Luck,
Pro
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 554
Likes: 4
From: Kitty Hawk NC
I don't know about Kenwood, bu Pioneer uses Windows Mobile. It's unbelievable that it does not work on cell phones neither a car radio.
Some people like it because it's easy to customise but the system is soo slow, has so many glitches that I don't think it worths.
One of my GPSs was a very nice Navman, huge screen, internal HD. I had it replaced/fixed twice. Interface was beautiful but I got over it freezing once in a while and sold it as soon as they sent me a new unit.
My Garmin Zumo simply works, it's on the third map update (2010) and had no problems in almost 3 years.
My brand new Pioneer F700BT doesn't even have my road that it's here for years.
Some people like it because it's easy to customise but the system is soo slow, has so many glitches that I don't think it worths.
One of my GPSs was a very nice Navman, huge screen, internal HD. I had it replaced/fixed twice. Interface was beautiful but I got over it freezing once in a while and sold it as soon as they sent me a new unit.
My Garmin Zumo simply works, it's on the third map update (2010) and had no problems in almost 3 years.
My brand new Pioneer F700BT doesn't even have my road that it's here for years.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 523
Likes: 6
From: Nazareth PA
Ok so if I go with something like Kenwood 6140
I will need of course to buy a modified bezel, I believe Dennis sell those.
And will need the Ken 6140 along with Kenwood KCA-XM100V XM Radio Adapter since I want XM Radio. The unit comes built in Bluetooth so I dont need anything extra there right?. For playing DVD/CD its all setup and all I need is maybe a bypass. Do I need anything to hook up my MP3 player I dont see any USB or SD Card Reader on the unit. Usually on the Laptop I hook it up through USB and it syncs how does it work with such unit.
What else is needed. The other thing is POWERING it up is there any modification I will need to do. What about the FM/AM radio part do I use the antenna that already exist part of the stock radio unit. Any adapters needed to hook it to the existing BOSE speakers. Also I have a Kenwood Amp I would like to use that too
I will need of course to buy a modified bezel, I believe Dennis sell those.
And will need the Ken 6140 along with Kenwood KCA-XM100V XM Radio Adapter since I want XM Radio. The unit comes built in Bluetooth so I dont need anything extra there right?. For playing DVD/CD its all setup and all I need is maybe a bypass
. Do I need anything to hook up my MP3 player I dont see any USB or SD Card Reader on the unit. Usually on the Laptop I hook it up through USB and it syncs how does it work with such unit. What else is needed. The other thing is POWERING it up is there any modification I will need to do. What about the FM/AM radio part do I use the antenna that already exist part of the stock radio unit. Any adapters needed to hook it to the existing BOSE speakers. Also I have a Kenwood Amp I would like to use that too
Former Vendor
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 18,293
Likes: 137
From: Hazel Green, Wi www.doubledmods.com
St. Jude Donor '12-'13
The 6140 comes with built-in bluetooth, but you will need the XM radio extra add on.
I have the 5120 (bluetooth is an add on) and I just ordered the 6140 from Dennis. I like the Kenwoods so much, I'm moving the 5120 to my truck and putting the 6140 in the vette.
I like the 5120/6140 because I prefer a volume ****, which they both have.
The Garmin GPS in the Kenwood unit is excellent. It doesn't require a CD to work. You can download an updater from the Kenwwod website to a CD, as an annual gps system upgrade, but it doesn't stay in the unit. It cost about $50.00. The Dodge NAV update CD for my truck cost $199.00, and their NAV unit is nowhere near as good as the Kenwood.
I vote go Kenwood........ Go with Dennis........
Good Luck,
I have the 5120 (bluetooth is an add on) and I just ordered the 6140 from Dennis. I like the Kenwoods so much, I'm moving the 5120 to my truck and putting the 6140 in the vette.
I like the 5120/6140 because I prefer a volume ****, which they both have.
The Garmin GPS in the Kenwood unit is excellent. It doesn't require a CD to work. You can download an updater from the Kenwwod website to a CD, as an annual gps system upgrade, but it doesn't stay in the unit. It cost about $50.00. The Dodge NAV update CD for my truck cost $199.00, and their NAV unit is nowhere near as good as the Kenwood.
I vote go Kenwood........ Go with Dennis........
Good Luck,
Thanks Bernie
Your second unit is on the way should be at my house tomorrow. It will then be out and on its way
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 178
Likes: 9
From: Tempe Arizona
Go to http://www.avic411.com for answers to your Pioneer questions, those guys have it going on. You want the "F" series.
However Pioneer has a new one out this month , the "X" series. I have had the F900BT for over a year, and it did have quite a few glitches in it, Pioneer has a new update coming out this month that should already be installed on the new units, like if you are in 2-d map mode now, the car icon will not orient up, so you have to think in reverse, that is fixed in the new update. The unit was slow to boot, but that is pretty much resolved, it uses Windows CE version 5.0 as the O/S, so there are a lot of hacks available to load onto the system.
Personally, I do not know if I would go this route again, the portable Garmins that are out now seem better than even the factory stuff I have seen.
One advantage is playing DVD's, that is a matter of choice as what you want out of the unit.
However Pioneer has a new one out this month , the "X" series. I have had the F900BT for over a year, and it did have quite a few glitches in it, Pioneer has a new update coming out this month that should already be installed on the new units, like if you are in 2-d map mode now, the car icon will not orient up, so you have to think in reverse, that is fixed in the new update. The unit was slow to boot, but that is pretty much resolved, it uses Windows CE version 5.0 as the O/S, so there are a lot of hacks available to load onto the system.
Personally, I do not know if I would go this route again, the portable Garmins that are out now seem better than even the factory stuff I have seen.
One advantage is playing DVD's, that is a matter of choice as what you want out of the unit.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 2,123
Likes: 2
From: Humble TX
St. Jude Donor '09-'10-'11-'12
Ok so if I go with something like Kenwood 6140
I will need of course to buy a modified bezel, I believe Dennis sell those.
And will need the Ken 6140 along with Kenwood KCA-XM100V XM Radio Adapter since I want XM Radio. The unit comes built in Bluetooth so I dont need anything extra there right?. For playing DVD/CD its all setup and all I need is maybe a bypass. Do I need anything to hook up my MP3 player I dont see any USB or SD Card Reader on the unit. Usually on the Laptop I hook it up through USB and it syncs how does it work with such unit.
What else is needed. The other thing is POWERING it up is there any modification I will need to do. What about the FM/AM radio part do I use the antenna that already exist part of the stock radio unit. Any adapters needed to hook it to the existing BOSE speakers. Also I have a Kenwood Amp I would like to use that too
I will need of course to buy a modified bezel, I believe Dennis sell those.
And will need the Ken 6140 along with Kenwood KCA-XM100V XM Radio Adapter since I want XM Radio. The unit comes built in Bluetooth so I dont need anything extra there right?. For playing DVD/CD its all setup and all I need is maybe a bypass
. Do I need anything to hook up my MP3 player I dont see any USB or SD Card Reader on the unit. Usually on the Laptop I hook it up through USB and it syncs how does it work with such unit. What else is needed. The other thing is POWERING it up is there any modification I will need to do. What about the FM/AM radio part do I use the antenna that already exist part of the stock radio unit. Any adapters needed to hook it to the existing BOSE speakers. Also I have a Kenwood Amp I would like to use that too
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 523
Likes: 6
From: Nazareth PA
I love my 6140. It is an awesome headunit. In addition to the KCA-XM100V you also need a Minituner that actually plugs into the XM Adapter. Seems to me it rarely gets mentioned. The mini tuner can be had for $25 or there about. I prefer the physical **** on the 6140, it comes in handy when you want to raise or lower the volume quickly and it's still a very large screen. Dennis is absolutely great to work with when it comes to getting a modified bezel
Racer
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 407
Likes: 0
From: Jax Fl
I have the F90BT. nav and ipod takes roughly 30-45 seconds to boot up. Radio comes on in about 5-8 seconds. I got it from Amazon.com for $600 brand new. The kenwood might be a little nicer, but could not justify the $. The nav is built in and seems to work great. Bluetooth operation is very good. i don't use the voice command very much, so can't elaborate on that.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,773
Likes: 2
From: San Diego CA
Ok so if I go with something like Kenwood 6140 I will need of course to buy a modified bezel, I believe Dennis sell those.
1) And will need the Ken 6140 along with Kenwood KCA-XM100V XM Radio Adapter since I want XM Radio.
2) The unit comes built in Bluetooth so I dont need anything extra there right?.
3) For playing DVD/CD its all setup and all I need is maybe a bypass.
4) Do I need anything to hook up my MP3 player I dont see any USB or SD Card Reader on the unit. Usually on the Laptop I hook it up through USB and it syncs how does it work with such unit.
5) What else is needed. The other thing is POWERING it up is there any modification I will need to do.
6) What about the FM/AM radio part do I use the antenna that already exist part of the stock radio unit.
7) Any adapters needed to hook it to the existing BOSE speakers.
8)Also I have a Kenwood Amp I would like to use that too
1) And will need the Ken 6140 along with Kenwood KCA-XM100V XM Radio Adapter since I want XM Radio.
2) The unit comes built in Bluetooth so I dont need anything extra there right?.
3) For playing DVD/CD its all setup and all I need is maybe a bypass
. 4) Do I need anything to hook up my MP3 player I dont see any USB or SD Card Reader on the unit. Usually on the Laptop I hook it up through USB and it syncs how does it work with such unit.
5) What else is needed. The other thing is POWERING it up is there any modification I will need to do.
6) What about the FM/AM radio part do I use the antenna that already exist part of the stock radio unit.
7) Any adapters needed to hook it to the existing BOSE speakers.
8)Also I have a Kenwood Amp I would like to use that too
Based on my install experience......
1) I don't know about the XM radio as I don't use it.
2) The bluetooth is built-in on the 6140, the 5120 had a separate module
3) CD/DVD's just drop in the slot and play. If your co-pilot wants to play DVD's while you are driving, just ground the emergency brake wire.
4) It has a USB input, that's where I hook up the IPod adapter. You can also use the USB input to add custom pics to the display
5) You will need to run a power wire (easy) for the unit to power up
6) You will need an adapter for the antenna to hook up to the stock AM/FM antenna
7) You need an adapter to have the head unit work with the stock Bose system.
8) I am unsure about connecting to an aftermarket amp as I have not done this.
Dennis sells both HU & antenna adapters with his bezel install kit, along with the custom mounting brackets.
Good Luck...
Last edited by hattitude; Jul 14, 2009 at 10:35 PM.
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From: The Sunshine State
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Former Vendor
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 18,293
Likes: 137
From: Hazel Green, Wi www.doubledmods.com
St. Jude Donor '12-'13