Hello everybody, well i am once again in the market for a new system and i have decided to get a JL audio 10W7. However, in terms of screens I am completely lost and dont know what to get. I am currently stuck between the alpine IVA-W505 AND THE KENWOOD DNX8120. The kenwood seems to have more mixed reviews in comparison to the alpine. The cons that i have come across for the kenwood is that the garmin built-in navigation is a little crappy and it often loses its satellite signal. However its pros is that its easy to use, built in navigation and easy to update, as well as having 2 usb ports. As for the alpine i heard great reviews about it, however it costs extra money for gps, navigation unit i heard also has its issues. As for pros it is a bigger screen, its cheaper than the kenwood, great compatibility with ipod. All in all i am really stuck my head is pointing more towards the kenwood mroe so because of its built in nav, however the alpine seems to have less mized revies however the extra money one has to spend for nav etc is whats pulling me away. If there are any people out there who have either of these please try and lead me in some direction or give me your pros and cons of your screen. Thanks in advance.

 

Be careful with Alpine, everything is extra with them usb,ipod,bluetooth,gps so if you need the same feature the Kenwood have it will cost more... The Kenwood got a 2 years warranty, for this kind of unit it's a big plus. For the price/feature the Kenwood IMO the best unit of both.

 

i have the dnx8120 and luv it!
it has more built in than just nav, which by the way has never lost a signal. placement of the antenna is prob to blame for those that do lose a signal. it states in the manual that the antenna must be placed in line of sight to the sky (not exact words). i have heard of people placing their antenna out of sight. when it comes to any gps, line of sight is a must!
the ipod interface (built in) works great, plus the extra usb. it really only has one usb and one ipod interface. the usb for the ipod is routed through the software ipod control of the unit and they suggest only using it for an ipod. also has parrot blue tooth built in (works great). the eq is a dream, easy and functional. time alignment works but needs could use more spacing from side to side. has an SD slot under the DVD slot for updates, both unit and gps. it can also be used to upload pictures that can be used for backgrounds (works great). i have not tried it for mp3 but have read that it does not function that way. who need it for mp3's when you have a usb and ipod connection. the dvd plays everything i have put in it so far, including playing divx movies. easy to bypass (ground one wire and your done). just don't get caught
every manufacturer has their issues including kenwood. some are worse than others. as for the dnx8120 i would rate it at 95%. the nav does hick up from time to time (bad directions or rather unclear directions) its all minor stuff that will prob be fixed when they release an update!

the kenwood has my vote here!

gl

 

Take a look at the new Eclipse AVN unit....just came out. I'd of gone that route if alpines 701 unit had computer control. The 505 is a great unit..yes the accessories are killers. Btw the USB and ipod adapter come with the 505.

 

Ok well it looks like the kenwood is what im going with i been doing some more research and the comments are more postitive and it seems as if the kenwood has many more options that come with th eunit instead of having to spend the cash later...now doe sanyone know anywhere that i can get it at a better price instead of going to a dealer? or best buy or something like that...i am not a fan of the internet for some reason

 

there's a little shop n scarborough called oxford i believe, it's at kennedy and lawrence, just north of. I believe he quoted me $1400.00 for the kenwood.

 

the alpine doesnt come even close to the kenwood.
i had the w205 with the blackbird and it was junk the screen get blown up and you got big pixels its just crappy (my opinion).
went with the dnx8120 and i never had a problem with the nav dvd or any interface its been install for about 8 months.
garmin nav. is problobly the best you can get the built in eq triple 5v. and much more.
i am more than happy with the kenwood as im sure you will too.
i put my antenna in my windshield and it never lost the signal even once and i use it oftem.
just my 2 cents

 

sun and pop store! the old man will chase you out the door with deals. lol
at least he did the last time kin0kin and i were there!
yes i believe kin0kin paid that from them for his.
the location is right. first set of lights north of lawrence on the west side is a small plaza. they are in the second section

gl

 

The new 505s come with a nav drive. But if nav is really important the garmin nav in the kenwood is better. Other than that I would go with the 505.

 

you're correct, they've been around for years. The father makes me laugh with his deals..They gave the best price i've seen for the kenwood.