eclipse AVN726e vs. Kenwood DNX9140

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Subternal

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Been watching this site for a while, but first time posting. Well first time owning a toyota and a 4runner at that. Just got a 05 sport edition V8. Like the truck so far, but I was hoping to upgrade the stock HU in the near future and was wondering if anyone had any experience with either of these new head units comming out?

People seem to be disappointed by the eclipse and like the garming nav in the kenwood, but some first had experience would be appreciated. Thanks...
 
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I have the 6620 in both the Tacoma and the 4R. Used the hell out of it this weekend with the 4R. Works great!! No input on the Kenwood. The new eclipse is at my audio guys house and should be installed today or tomorrow....I'll let you know how I like it. It's going in the Tacoma so Pics of the install wont help ya....But I'm sure I'll have to put one in the 4R for the wife....LOL
 
Would love to hear a review of the Eclipse as well. I have the AVN4430 in my Tundra and it is really nice. Nav works great, Tom Tom based.

I just love the look of the Eclipse units. I think the Kenwood has gotten good reviews and is a good unit, it just looks too "cartoony" for my tastes.
 
I'm actually also currently looking at the AVIC Z2/3, AVN726e and Alpine IVA-W505/P1. The Pioneer seems to be incredibly popular- I suspect because of the internal HD. The Eclipse uses a flash for the navigation instead of a HD and the Alpine you have to have the P1 or a Blackbird. Anyone have any input on SQ or nav efficacy?
 
I've tried doing some research, its kinda hard since both units are very new. From what I have come across, Ive read that the eclipse is not as great as everyone has been talking...and that the kenwood was pretty decent. I dunno I have no bias towards either one
 
I'm concerned about the flash nav on the Eclipse, which seems to me to be somewhat inadequate, although the DVD is slow IMO. Has anyone seen the screen on the Eclipse? It is suppose to be great...
 
Still playing with mine. The screen is great but a little cartoony like the rest. Map loads fast and is more accurate than the 6620. Blue tooth makes it real nice as it's built in....much better than the one in the 4r which is external. So many options that I'll still have to play with it for a few more days to give you guys a better review....
 
Bowtie3 said:
Still playing with mine. The screen is great but a little cartoony like the rest. Map loads fast and is more accurate than the 6620. Blue tooth makes it real nice as it's built in....much better than the one in the 4r which is external. So many options that I'll still have to play with it for a few more days to give you guys a better review....
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How about the res? Is it better than others? Do you have any experience with the Alpine or Pioneer units?
 
tomhaney1 said:
How about the res? Is it better than others? Do you have any experience with the Alpine or Pioneer units?
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Resolution is way better than the 6620. Only heard about the stories with the other stuff....But they all have their problems. So far so good.....still need a couple of days with this one......We'll see...better than the 6620 so far.
 
Bowtie3 said:
Resolution is way better than the 6620. Only heard about the stories with the other stuff....But they all have their problems. So far so good.....still need a couple of days with this one......We'll see...better than the 6620 so far.
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Yeah...Im sure all of them are not going to be perfect. I guess Im mainly looking for good resolution, How accurate or easy it is to use the navagation, Ipod/Itouch control for video and music (does the eclipse control and charge at the same time?). How good is the bluetooth interface? Does it download your cell phonebook what about the features for the bluetooth/cell interface? callerID number or name and number?

Not trying to throw a million questions your way, but this is the kinda stuff the manufacture never tells you about...

This biggest complaints I've heard about the eclipse was the the EQ settings weren't up to par, and it didn't have enough digital out's....I dunno...let me/us know when you find out more...thanks.
 
Subternal said:
Yeah...Im sure all of them are not going to be perfect. I guess Im mainly looking for good resolution, How accurate or easy it is to use the navagation, Ipod/Itouch control for video and music (does the eclipse control and charge at the same time?). How good is the bluetooth interface? Does it download your cell phonebook what about the features for the bluetooth/cell interface? callerID number or name and number?

This biggest complaints I've heard about the eclipse was the the EQ settings weren't up to par, and it didn't have enough digital out's....I dunno...let me/us know when you find out more...thanks.
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I can answer your questions above with my experience with the 4430.

The Ipod controls work very nicely, just like they do on the actual Ipod. Only thing that is slightly frustrating is that there is no "BACK" button. The cable provides a connection and a charge, although I don't think the charging is as efficient as the stand alone plug-in charger.

The bluetooth works awesome. Most folks can't tell I am on it - and it downloaded my phone book. When someone calls their name and number pops up, and I can see recent calls from the Eclipse unit. Can search through phone book and dial out using just the head unit (I still use the phone as I can navigate that quicker...)

I too have heard some complaints about the Eclipse's EQ settings, but I'm not sure I'm buying it. I guess it depends on what you're going for, but I can't see why you need the 3 million adjustments that a unit like the 8120 offers. Eclipse has generally had very nice SQ out of the box, and with some minor tweaking with the HU and the amps, it should do all I need. My $.02
 
Hmmm...yeah thats what I was thinking as well. I probably will set the EQ once and then leave it alone, so I dont need 15-20-100 settings on an EQ.

As far as Ipod controls, as long as it works well (audio and video) and it can charge (no matter how fast), is really all I am looking for.

Im going to be hooking up rear head rest displays so I would like it if the people in the back can watch a movie and I can listen to music or do something different up front.

Hows the Navigation on yours? I know that it will not be 100% acccurate, non of them are, including garmin. Not trying to rag on any product, I like garmin stuff, I just know the pinpoint accuracy is just not technologicaly feasable at this point. As long as it gets me where I need to go (within a few feet) Im cool.

The bluetooth clarity is nice to know though. how is the call clarity?
 
Had the AVN726e installed last Friday and drove to SD and up and down the coast and it worked flawlessly. My only complaint is that neither the installer or I could get it to fit all the way into the dash. The screen part sticks out from the dash. Anyone solved this issue? Also, I can't seem to move in the dvd menu, i.e. choosing the episode to watch on my Chapelle's Show cd... Maybe I have to buy the remote??
 
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So have you had a chance to play with the NAV and bluetooth and EQ settings?? What is the screen quality like? How easy is the NAV to use??
 
Screen quality is great and the nav is pretty easy to use... I just don't like the separate fields for city, street, name, etc. I haven't linked my phone to the BT but we tried a couple at the shop and it worked well, even streamed music. The EQ is super easy to use and you can set it and not worry about it.
 
Tom,

Bringing this thread back up because I'd like to hear your current report on the 726e now that you've had a few months to live and play with it.

Are you still satisfied? High and low points of the unit? Do you have any update on how well the BT works and if you solved the fitment issue?
 
tomhaney1 said:
Had the AVN726e installed last Friday and drove to SD and up and down the coast and it worked flawlessly. My only complaint is that neither the installer or I could get it to fit all the way into the dash. The screen part sticks out from the dash. Anyone solved this issue? Also, I can't seem to move in the dvd menu, i.e. choosing the episode to watch on my Chapelle's Show cd... Maybe I have to buy the remote??
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Yes, here's the solution to your problem. I had the same exact problem when I installled my Eclipse 6620...I hated the way it stuck out too far.

All you have to do is remove the unit and take off the brackets on the sides. You'll notice that there are little indentations that match perfectly with the screw holes on the bracket. Just drill out each of those matching indentations in the brackets (obviously on each side) and use your the new holes to reattach the bracket. After you finish drilling, check to see if the bracket fits flush against the headunit. If the 726e casing is the same as my 6620, you'll have to tap the "raised" section of the brackets (again, both sides) with a hammer to flatten it out. Trust me, you'll see what I mean once you have the brackets in your hands. And that's all there is to it. When you reinstall the headunit with your modified brackets, the unit should just about perfectly flush with the dash trim around it. Give it a try...you'll definitely think it's a big improvement.
 
Very cool thanks! I am frustrated by the way it looks and the screen is glared because the sun hits it as it sticks out. I will probably have the shop do it because it pisses me off they didn't do it in the first place... I was in a wreck yesterday and the audio shop is right next door to the autobody shop I use so it should work out well. Thanks again!

Also, is there a way to remove the unit without tearing the entire dash apart?
 
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