KhanMan13AK

iTrader: (1)

Hey guys I am looking to buy a new 2 din headunit and need some advice.

I am pretty much down to the either the Alpine IVA-W205 and Kenwood DDX7019 or 8019. Has anyone used these or have any input on which one would be best in the max? Whats the difference between the Kenwood units? I don't see the 8019 on the kenwood site.. discontinued?

edit - found it but not listed on the main page: http://www.kenwoodusa.com/Car_Entert...gation/DDX8019

Few Questions:
- Is there an adaptor to keep the Steering Wheel controls?
- Can these headunits run video off of the ipod video?
- 2v vs. 5v preouts? noticable difference?

Installation:
Will I need a Dash kit?
Which is the best Wire harness/adaptors? I would like to keep the steering controls if possible.

Thanks for any help guys.
FYI - I will be running two JL audio amps 500/1 and 300/4 in an 03 GLE.

2AZN2DMAX

iTrader: (28)

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KhanMan13AK

iTrader: (1)

Has anyone seen these units side by side?

Bollwerk

iTrader: (1)

I don't have know anything about the Kenwood, but I do have an IVA-W200 and I've read quite a bit about Alpine stuff. You can send video from an ipod to the head unit one of 2 ways. The IVA-W200 (and I assume 205) has an RCA A/V aux input and you could get a mini-jack to yellow/red/white RCA A/V for the ipod. Or you can get the Alpine KCE-415i, which will send A/V through the bottom connector AND let you control the ipod video playback to a limited degree. However, the KCE-415i is mainly designed to be connected to Alpine's rear seat entertainment units, so I'm not sure how well it would work with the head unit.

As far as 2v vs 5v, it depends on your amp I suppose. With a lower voltage output, you have the increase the gain(s) on the amp(s) to compensate. I think higher voltage outputs may also give a cleaner sound, but I'm not 100% sure.