I've been searching for a double din navi unit for quite sometime, and everytime I get my heart set on something, there's always bigger and better out. This will continue forever I know, but for the current moment I need personal opinions on a few models.

I first started out as a Kenwood Diehard, but by reading what you guys have said in the past, that's not necessarily the best thing out. Good systems, but there are better.

I would like to see which one of these units you would choose, and I need "Why's" to go along with it. Cool factors make a minimal count, and if anyone (Don) is very knowledgable about both, please feel free to share.

Here are the units:

Eclipse AVN6600
Eclipse AVN5495
Pioneer Z1

 

Between the two Eclipse's is a personal preference. The 6600 is Dual DVD whereas the 5495 is DVD/Hard Drive.

 

The AVN6600 would get my vote. Superior quality product in all aspect, no more need for the speed sense wire, extremely responsive touchscreen,dual DVD drives, updates when traveling off route are quicker than most. ESN coverage is a big plus.

The AVN5495 is nice with the HDD and of course would be quicker, but lacking in preouts. Also the price tag is a bit high. Sat radio can be used, but a software upgrade will be needed.

The Z1...Although Pioneer has always built a semi solid product, the past few years have been in question. Spending that much dough would make me think twice about this. Although on the flipside it has the flexibility of Bluetooth and all kinds of pretty things to look at.

With the Z1 and 6600 being similiar in price my choice would of course stay with the 6600.

 

Another way to look at it...Pioneer has continued to change their DVD/Navi units every year, while Eclipse basically stuck with the same platform throughout. Simply put...if it aint broke, dont fix it.

 

Not sure if Satellite Radio integration is important to you, but you're looking at XM vs. Sirius. Also, not sure if you were interested in the Nav Traffic, but it doesn't look like NC is covered.

 

Eclipse will do both XM as well as Sirius, of course same with Pioneer.

 

Very constructive info, Don. That's something to think about. I do like the harddrive feature of the Z1 and the 2 disc of the 6600. 5495 seems to be a little more $ wise. Does the 7" vs 6.5" screen make that big of a difference? It seems as if Pioneer went all out with this Z1 unit.

 

XM/Sirius is not really a big concern of mine. I have no future plans to subscribe to either one, but the Nav Traffic does interest me a little. Since it's not NC covered, that makes my choice of not having it a little easier.

 

I guess my main goal is functionality. I travel quite a bit, and I need the most user friendly system, and the most convienence I can get out of it. The voice command and best reroute rate are all of importance to me. Minimal results error is a concern as well. Meaning, if I give the unit one command/destination, I don't want it throwing back 50 million other things that I'm not looking for. Both the Z1 and 6600 so far seems pretty headsup. The HD, 7" screen, and Voice Command is pulling me towards the Z1. I need more opinions to ponder on.....

 

If Eclipse is XM compatible, they sure don't advertise it. Everywhere I've looked, they only mention Sirius. I was considering an Eclipse, but lack of XM pushed me to look elsewhere. =(

 

XM is planned for eclipse..not quite ready yet.

 

I just got the Z1 installed and let me tell you, it is sickkkk. The bluetooth is really flawless. You never need to take your phone out, and it quiets the music down when you have a phone call. This was really important to me because a lot of times I miss calls when I listen to music. Also I like the navi part on the Z1. There are a bunch of different views to select from and the 3d view is awesome. I do not believe the eclipse has this...

Also the iPod integration is amazing. It take about 1.5 seconds though to search through songs but it is really cool and the quality is superb. Also the screen is huge!

 

Thats because Terk makes it for them. Referred to as the Terk XMDirect. Which is also available for most aftermarket HUs as well as OEMs.

 

is it out yet??? if so please order one for me. =)
also PM'ed yuo about a question when you get a chance

 

You could buy my AVN

I've worked with the z1. Although the features are cool, such as voice commands, I have to admit that install is not the most user friendly, nor is fitment, although fitment issues may be resolved shortly.

 

sure...

 

hehe fitment issues are being resolved as we speak lol.

 

I can't seem to make a decision on this. Reviews on the Z1 are kind of disappointing regards to minor flaws here and there. Spent all night reading up on avic411.com, and there are some good points and not so good. I really don't like the rigging of the headlights or using a circuit board tied to a switch and flipping it a few times during startup to get all of the functions to work while car is in motion. The Eclipse is starting to look better, but then again I can't find reviews on it. (6600) I'm just talking out loud here hoping that it will help me decide. Carry on.....

 

Eclipse FTW...use the gxe kit.

 

You can send me one of those too, Rich....

 

No need to rig to the headlight. You need a module called a headlight flasher, which is just this little inline circuit board. Rod (zgrm100) picked one up and install was a cinch.

 

haha I wish I had either the Eclipse OR the GXE kit.

 

6600 is still too new to have reviews.

 

Hey, one of you guys pick one up so I can get a review from you.

 

Ya, I read that there was a Ducati guy on that board that was making them. Even though that's minor details with flicking that switch everytime, I read that the boot up was kind of long. I'd rather get in and go......at least under 30-45 secs or so.

 

No need to flip any switch, but yes boot up was long.

 

Boot is a bia on that z1. U could be at ur destination before its even ready!!

 

I wouldnt worry too much about the boot unless you need the naxi right away. The sounds comes on in like 3 seconds (whatever your previous source was) and you can change tracks and adjust the volume right away. And yea I got the Ducati flasher and it is awesome. Its not too hard to install and works like a charm. No switch or anything.