I will be installing a double din navi on my buddies 2010 4runner.

I will be using Metra Dash kit

First thing I want to narrow down is the headunit. Searching only lead to me to bias opinions(i still expect um, but no threads i saw compared all these and more)

So here is the list I can think of so far:

Pioneer AVIC-Z120BT
Pioneer USA - AVIC-Z120BT - Flagship In-Dash Navigation AV Receiver with DVD Playback, Built-In Bluetooth and 7" Widescreen Display

Kenwood DNX9960
Kenwood - DNX9960

Alpine IVA-W505P1
Alpine Electronics of America, Inc.

Clarion NX700
Clarion U.S.A. | NX700

JVC KW-NT3HDT
JVC Mobile Entertainment \ Navigation/Multimedia Receiver - KW-NT3HDT \ Introduction



Any others? Main thing we need is XM control with the factory XM antenna, lots of presets for the XM interface. I would like it so it will be easy to update the navi maps. Def need it to sound good(I run an eclipse AVN, but since they no longer are made, no point to get one IMO)

The car has 8 speakers(2 in the hatch, 2 in the rear doors, 4 in the front: speakers/tweets)

I plan to use a 4 channel or 6channel amp on it but first I would like to get the head unit down.


So, what's the best

 

I would go for either the Pioneer or the Alpine, as I have seen the same Kenwood and the screen was not that great when it was light out.

My personal preference would be to go for the Pioneer, but then I have had 3 different Pioneer single din units that I have loved. So I am a little partial to them.

 

I have the 9960, my wife has the Pioneer, I like the 9960 for audio far better, the Pioneer has a better touch screen. 9960 is leaps and bounds better in terms of audio adjustments and sound quality.

 

Hows the resolution on both?

 

Both are good, haven't really played much video on the kenwood but it looks great with it, the pioneer looks awesome as well with it.

 

Kenwood, hands down. The WVGA screen is very clean and bright, the garmin based nav is simple to use, and the sound processing is very nice too. The Pioneer is ok but they have burnt too many bridges with me since their AVIC line has been out. The JVC and Clarion units are cheap feeling in operation. Alpine hasn't made any good equipment in many years IMHO, looks>SQ since about 2002.

 

The simplicity of the Kenwood (Garmin based) NAV is the way to go. The Pioneer will eventually drive you insane... When it's directing you to your destination, it's favorite thing to say is "prepare to continue going strait" AT EVERY INTERSECTION!!!

 

pioneer or alpine,had them both. the alpine is a bit easier to use,the pioneer has a lil more bells and whistles