Help picking new head unit and backup camera

[Jester4kicks]

I'm looking to replace my OEM head unit with one that will support a backup camera. I'm not a huge audiophile, so I'm mostly interested in convenience features.

Requirements:
-Backup camera compatible (obviously)
-Bluetooth connectivity for my iPhone (for calls and audio streaming)
-Works with steering wheel stereo controls

Desired but optional:
-Automatically display backup camera when in reverse
-Support for a second bluetooth connection to my wife's android
-GPS navigation
-Able to receive input from a CB radio (not yet purchased)
-Built-in storage (or accept a USB thumbdrive) to play my music collection

I browsed a few threads, and saw a few people like the Kenwood DDX6702S or DDX6902S (not sure what the difference is). Are there any others I should be considering?

Thanks!

 

[tigger]

I got the AVHX5700 from Pioneer
Happy with the unit. Will do pretty much everything on your list except GPS.
Will do CB input if you manually switch to Aux input. I would imagine most units would be this way.
Sound quality is excellent and the price point is good.
Probably the best interface of the top units (Kenwood, Alpine, etc)

 

[Jester4kicks]

Thanks for the extra suggestion!

When shopping for this thing, do places like Car Toys generally help? Or do they just push the crap with the highest markups? (Understanding that all car audio stuff is usually marked up.)

 

[tigger]

Thanks for the extra suggestion!

When shopping for this thing, do places like Car Toys generally help? Or do they just push the crap with the highest markups? (Understanding that all car audio stuff is usually marked up.)

Anytime you shop at a place like that, you will get the bias of the salesman. Chances are they are on a commission so will likely sell you what makes them the most money. But if you are unfamiliar with the features of the head units, it is always good to seem them in person and get a feel for them.

Then buy where you feel comfortable. I purchased a couple of amps from them about 5 years ago, but generally most of my purchases anymore are from Crutchfield or Amazon. (I would never pay full retail for audio products)

 

[gamefreakgc]

Crutchfield is the best online retailer there is for car and home audio. Their staff are very helpful, you can call or email them at any time and will answer anything you can throw at them. Try asking them the same question you posted here and you'll get an expert response from them.

They are not the cheapest but you get what you pay for. They will also send diagrams on how to install your new head unit, the rest assume you know exactly what to do.

 

[Bluesky 07]

Concur with gamefreakgc - Crutchfield is an excellent option because you end up with everything you need - detailed vehicle-specific instructions, dash trim pieces, wiring harnesses, etc., plus free install advice and lifetime tech support. I've used them before and the service is stellar.

I'm looking at doing the same thing as the OP and am 99% sure I will go with the Kenwood DDX373BT.

Just picked up this Audiovox CMOS2 multi-mount backup camera for $35.99 on clearance at Best Buy. You'll need a video cable to reach the HU because the one on the camera is only 5' long but this is still a deal. See my thread in this section for more details.

Good luck and let us know what you go with.

 

[Jester4kicks]

Good info! I like that HU, but it doesn't look like it has GPS functionality (which is somewhat of a priority for me).

I'll be following your backup camera thread too. I'm still not sure which one I'm going to go with, or how much it really matters.

 

[dquick10]

I just put the Kenwood DNX572BH in my rig and love it. I believe it has everything you listed. Best Buy has it on sale for $700.