experience w/ Rosen DVD/NAV

[corrado]

Hi guys-

I'm looking for experience w/ the Rosen NAV systems, as I am in the market to upgrade my head unit. The big appeal to me is the factory look and plug and play install. I am most concerned w/ sound quality and ipod interface as these are 2 areas i fear rosen may not be as good as mass-produced aftermarket HU's.

Or if anyone wants to recommended anything else, here is my order of importance:

- touch screen at least 6"
- factoryish look (at least customizable colors-orange)
- good ipod interface
- simple install and use of steering controls
- easy DVD bypass (play in motion)
- noticeable sound quality upgrade

i don't use NAV much and own a windshield mount garmin so if i can get something that meets my other needs, and saves some dough, i would be fine with just a DVD/ipod HU.

thanks

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

I'm in the same boat. I have a 03 with OEM nav, but also have a Garmin. I just bought a Pioneer AVH-P4300DVD for right at $300 shipped. I've got everything wired up and ready to go, just waiting on my dash kit before I do the install. I hope to have it done in a couple days. I say the Rosen, but didn't know anything about it. Good idea, not sure how well it works though.
-6.95" Touch Screen
-Customizable colors-can match dash
-Don't know much about the ipod interface, but should do pretty good
-Requires adapter for steering wheel controls, but almost every aftermarket h/u will. Adapter is fairly easy to install.
-DVD bypass is easy, 4 wires and a relay.
-Most aftermarket head units will put out more power than stock and improve sound. How the 4300dvd compares I'm not quite sure, but it'll definitely improve over stock.

Benefits to me are that it is expandable to add bluetooth, nav, and sat radio if desired. Right now, I prefer my Garmin for a GPS, so that feature isn't something I'll add, but may do the bluetooth later down the road.

I've not got experience with many head units, but that's my opinion on the one I'm going to be installing before long.

 

[corrado]

Ark, i've been eyeing those pioneer HU's as well. The ipod interface is supposed to be among the best available, actually.

I would definitely consider that unit as long as the fit in the dash looks clean and I don't need to cut any factory wires. please keep me posted on how you make out with yours. great price too btw!

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

I ordered two dash kits. One was the one the manufacturer said I need, the other is the one guys here have used. Just my luck, the one that the guys here used somehow got lost at the post office or misdelivered. The one that the manufacturer says fits doesn't, so that's got me held up. I'm gonna check with a local car audio store tomorrow and hopefully they have it in stock as this is the only thing I lack. I've got all the wiring done, just gotta plug it in.

Do you have JBL and steering wheel controls? With the steering wheel controls you have to tap into 2 wires on the factory harness. This is the only modification needed to a factory harness for the swap. Everything else plugs in, with a couple wires to join. When I do mine, I plan on a writeup to give a step by step on how to do the install. I helped another member with his a few weeks back, and it was a huge pain. We made it much harder than it was, it wasn't that the actual install is that bad. I'll let you know how it turns out, if all goes well I'll have it done this weekend, just depends on if I'm able to get the dash kit locally or if I gotta go online.

 

[alarmtek29]

dont buy the rosen

hi guys, I am a c ertified installer for fifteen years now and the company that I work for started carrying the rosen about 2 years ago and I can truly say that they are junk!!the comeback rate is so bad that I have customers that are on their fourth units. Thease rosens look nice but in all reality not worth the money, I have had some junk out the box. The manufacturer will let you return them under warranty but will not give you your money back. My boss says we will no longer carry them cause the comeback rate was 45 percent. hope this helps you out, I would recommend a pioneer

 

[norcal2]

hi guys, I am a c ertified installer for fifteen years now and the company that I work for started carrying the rosen about 2 years ago and I can truly say that they are junk!!the comeback rate is so bad that I have customers that are on their fourth units. Thease rosens look nice but in all reality not worth the money, I have had some junk out the box. The manufacturer will let you return them under warranty but will not give you your money back. My boss says we will no longer carry them cause the comeback rate was 45 percent. hope this helps you out, I would recommend a pioneer

i installed a Rosen a while back, bought from Crutchfield..im having issues with the volume controls in the AV function (i have an MP3 plugged in there) dropping off after 15 minutes..plus the back up camera has gotten so fuzzy that i cant see anything..ive got a complaint filed with Crutchfield..ill see what happens..

 

[corrado]

thanks for the input, thats exactly what i was worried about. i'm probably going with the pioneer. can't wait to see ark's install thread!

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

Still trying to run down a dash kit, looks like I'll have to order one so it'll probably be Tues/Wed of next week at the earliest. Good to have feedback on the Rosen unit, I really considered spending the money on that one but just couldn't do it. Glad I didn't now.

 

[corrado]

have you tried the factory urban runner tom tom trim piece for the dash?

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

Nope, not sure that it'll fit on mine. There's tons of confusion on this, but best I can tell there are three different dashes in our 4runner's. One is the standard non JBL, other is JBL, and other is Limited. I'm not positive on the first two, but I know the Limited dash opening is about 1/2" narrower than the Sport (both JBL equipped). I ordered the Metra dash kit listed to fit the Limited, and it's too wide. It's identical to the one we used in another member's Sport. I'm pretty sure the UR trim peice won't fit the Limited models.

 

[norcal2]

i installed a Rosen a while back, bought from Crutchfield..im having issues with the volume controls in the AV function (i have an MP3 plugged in there) dropping off after 15 minutes..plus the back up camera has gotten so fuzzy that i cant see anything..ive got a complaint filed with Crutchfield..ill see what happens..

After a bit of haggling with Crutchfield..(they dont make the Rosen model I have anymore) they are sending me out a new unit, plus $150 credit as the new unit is cheaper, ill swap it out and see how this one is...one thing about the Rosen unit, its a pretty fast swap out and replacement...

 

[krupnation]

Nice to hear Crutchfield is taking care of you. Need some pics after you install the new one!