Kenwood or Pioneer Double Din

[T4RAddict]

All,

I would like to purchase a new head unit for my truck. I cant make my mind up so I figured Id ask here, posted a question in audio and just got stares...

I'm looking at the Kenwood DDX418 and the Pioneer AVH-P3300BT. I've read most every review on line and am leaning towards the Pioneer because the iPhone/iPod compatibility.

The screen on the Kenwood is a bit bigger and most say its also easier to navigate then the Pioneer. Although I've heard the Pioneer reacts and loads quicker? The price difference is about $50 bucks. I found the Kenwood for $300 shipped and the Pioneer $350 shipped. The Kenwood might not work well with iPhone/iPod is what I'm gathering. Do you know if it does not bluetooth well with the iPhone?

Anyone that has one of these units and has a minute to help me make my mind up I would sure appreciate it. Thanks for your time friends!

Matt

 

[Paulie6909]

check out my pics of my Clarion NX501...i went with that bc everything was clearer on that screen than the kenwood or pioneer

 

[T4RAddict]

That is a nice looking set up no doubt. It's about 3 bills out of my price range as well. The two that I mentioned don't have GPS but you can add on later..

 

[T4RAddict]

70 views and only one reply, which I'm grateful for, thanks Paulie6909

Anyone willing to throw there 2 cents in I would sure appreciate it Dropping 4 bills is hard to do..

 

[knightsfs4]

I myself was in the same exact position you were. I had the choice between the two and I chose the pioneer. Yes, the kenwood looks nice and has a nice home screen, but the functionality of the kenwood is far worse than the pioneer. The bluetooth of the pioneer is better. The ipod function is way better with the pioneer. If I could pick one I'd go with the pioneer. It may have a smaller screen, but trust me man! Don't forget to follow up with pics when you can!

Jack

 

[T4RAddict]

Jack, you the man thanks for the info!! It's a tough decision no doubt. The screen on the Kenwood is a little bigger that's why I like it. I thought the two use the same "Parrot" bluetooth maybe I'm wrong though I'll check it out.. I hear the Pioneer loads things and reacts faster then the Kenwood I guess when a iPhone/iPod is connected. I guess I will just trust you on this and go ahead and pull the trigger on the Pioneer. Thanks for taking the time to post a reply I appreciate it friend

 

[4Runners]

Ok here's my suggestion, go with the pioneer 3300bt. I used it as the core to set up a nice factory looking entertainment system in my car (there's just so much you can add to the unit, i added headrest screens) Some other things i liked about the pioneer unit is that it was easy to install, very factory looking (can also change color of lights to match interior), easy to use, affordable, and the audio is 10x better than the stock stereo. You'll see what i mean when you get it! Just make sure you get the right wiring harness and dash kit and you should be good to go. Here i attached some pics of the setup i did using the pioneer unit.

If you want more information about the installation and details check out these threads of mine:
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/91414-urgent-need-help-installing-pionner-p3300bt-headunit.html
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/91473-headrests-screens-them.html
Hope this helps!

 

[RunnerJeff]

I have the PH3300BT and I love it! It is perfect for everything I want and the Pandora application is flawless, it's just like using it right on your iPhone. The illumination on the buttons is sweet as well. I am currently trying to find more motion backgrounds for the screen because i've used all of the stock ones up and theyre getting old hah. But i would go with the PH3300BT. If you need any help PM me.

 

[IOP25]

Had a Pioneer double din in my old 4Runner and loved it. The iPod and bluetooth were flawless. Forgot the model, it was in 08.

 

[T4RAddict]

4Runners: I read your thread several times you have a sweet set up man! That is a theater on wheels.. I appreciate you leaving the link when I get it I will def look the install thread over Guess you guys helped me make my mind up Pioneer it is then

4RunnerJeff: If I hit a hang up I'll Pm you for sure, thanks brother.

IOP25: Thanks for the info. I have a couple buddies that are Pioneer deck only guys..

Again thanks for helping me out Gents, off to order my new deck

 

[4Runners]

thanks! yeah pretty much all the installation steps are in that thread. If you still need help let us know. Just dont forget to get the right wiring harness and dash kit (Standard or JBL) Happy shopping!

 

[krupnation]

I just couldn't help but notice that you're watching Super Troopers in the runner there. One of my all time favorites...

"yeah ah, I'll take a dippis burger and a liter of cola.....liter is French for give me some f***ing cola!!!!"

LOL

 

[4Runners]

I just couldn't help but notice that you're watching Super Troopers in the runner there. One of my all time favorites...

"yeah ah, I'll take a dippis burger and a liter of cola.....liter is French for give me some f***ing cola!!!!"

LOL

lol yeah comedies are fun to watch on road trips! i just put a whole selection of dvds in the center console, it was only recently that i realized i could play the videos straight from the ipod with the pioneer cord so now i have a large selection of tv shows/movies (south park, due date, hangover...you name it!)

 

[Seatown]

I might be able to add some input towards your decision if you haven't decided on the Pioneer already. I've done 5 in dash navigation installs in the past 5 years (yes, I cannot stick to one car longer than a year) and I just went thru the shopping process for my '07. What I learned is that the new Kenwoods have serious delays, but provide the best navigation experience; I should know I've owned 3 different models. The Pioneers react instantaneous and get you where you want to go quick!! Resolution wise I love my Pioneed 930BT, ipod controls are quick and colorful, flawless bluetooth, has Pandora abilities and fit perfectly in the dash.

If I were you with a budget of around $400 I'd try to see if I could get the Kenwood 5120/5140 on ebay for Sonicelectronix for a decent price. Then you'd have reliable navigation, ipod controls, DVD player, and add some power to your speakes. Whichever route you go, there are plenty of reviews online...read them all and see what trends you read between them.

Good luck!!

 

[Veritas]

Pioneer all the way, when it comes down to it, I have found them to be the most reliable and best quality around overall. I love my pioneer!!:guitar3:

 

[4Runners]

I might be able to add some input towards your decision if you haven't decided on the Pioneer already. I've done 5 in dash navigation installs in the past 5 years (yes, I cannot stick to one car longer than a year) and I just went thru the shopping process for my '07. What I learned is that the new Kenwoods have serious delays, but provide the best navigation experience; I should know I've owned 3 different models. The Pioneers react instantaneous and get you where you want to go quick!! Resolution wise I love my Pioneed 930BT, ipod controls are quick and colorful, flawless bluetooth, has Pandora abilities and fit perfectly in the dash.

If I were you with a budget of around $400 I'd try to see if I could get the Kenwood 5120/5140 on ebay for Sonicelectronix for a decent price. Then you'd have reliable navigation, ipod controls, DVD player, and add some power to your speakes. Whichever route you go, there are plenty of reviews online...read them all and see what trends you read between them.

Good luck!!

I agree that if you want the GPS the kenwood is superior (it has garmin which is the best imo) However when i made my decision, gps added too much cost to the unit (way over budget) and i already have a good garmin gps unit (it's in the above pictures) And when i have a full crew in my car all watching a movie i can still read my windshield mounted gps without interrupting their movie!

 

[gaterose]

lol yeah comedies are fun to watch on road trips! i just put a whole selection of dvds in the center console, it was only recently that i realized i could play the videos straight from the ipod with the pioneer cord so now i have a large selection of tv shows/movies (south park, due date, hangover...you name it!)

Just don't watch road trip comedies!! I was watching due date and got a little confused about whether I was about to hit a bull dozier or the guys in the movie.. Luckily I didn't react with my driving but in my mind I panicked a little bit and haven't watched movies while driving since!

I can also play streaming stuff from my iPhone on my kenwood dnx9960.

I went through a lot of debate (almost 6 months) and ended up going with kenwood because they have garmin GPS and based on my experience pioneers car audio stuff is cheaply made and low quality compared to Alpine and Kenwood. The GUI on the kenwood is also nicer IMO.

My iPhone works well with the kenwood, but it does take a second for music to start playing. That was thing only thing that kept from me getting the Kenwood immediately but I've found that the delay really isn't as bad as I thought before the purchase.

Also I know you're not in it for the GPS but Garmin is AWESOME

 

[Jerrydog]

Does the Pioneer still have the Blue tooth issue that requires a cable or can you run your music etc wirelss now? Im also considering the Pioneer.

 

[rockwall]

I am partial to my Alpine, CDA-9884. Check pricing on Electronics and Appliance Stores | Abt. They will match any other price.

 

[T4RAddict]

Thanks for all the replies fellas. The Pioneer is en route and I'm dang excited to get her installed. I have a 12 kicker that is going to be hooked up in the back. Looking at the stealth box build thread and I'm excited to get started on that project as well. Got the wire harness and dash kit for my 04 I'll get the $60 steering wheel controls at a later junction really just want to get the HU installed Again thanks for taking that time to post your thoughts and experiences with these units and others..