Please help me pick a head unit...

[slugg]

I wasn't sure if I should post here or in the audio forum. But here it goes...

The selection of head units lately is hard to sift through. See, one if my biggest criteria is iPhone support, followed by ease of use. Unfortunately, most if these "iPhone supported" units only support the old 30-pin connector, not the new stuff you find in the iPhone 5 and 5S.

My needs:
- double din touch screen
- GPS navigation
- actual iPhone/iPod support (go through library on the head unit)
- easy to use
- I actually don't even need a CD player, but I'll take it
- iPod cable to plug in the BACK of the unit, to route and hide it.
- backup camera support

My wants:
- largest screen possible
- free map updates and traffic for said GPS
- volume knob (instead of buttons)

Plz halp.

 

[DaTT]

I use this head unit. It will connect to your iPod (iProduct) via USB. It has 2 USB inputs and everything else you wanted. Except a volume knob (which I don't think you will find on a big screen) and "free" map updates. But the live traffic works very well and has lane assist GPS with actual pictures for the very confusing intersections. Garmin GPS.

http://www.amazon.com/Kenwood-eXcelo.../dp/B007BG0F06

 

[deadken]

I'm curious why you wouldn't want to connect via BT rather than using a cable?

I'm very happy with my Alpine BT HU (my model doesn't come close to meeting your needs). I like that my Nexus 4 just 'connects' pretty soon after I start the car. Even if I'm listening to FM radio, it's very nice that when I get a phone call that I can just press the phone button on the stereo and talk through the HU (hardwired remote microphone).

I just use my phone for GPS and when I'm coming up to a turn and listening to music, the Alpine will soften the music and allow the phone to tell me what turn is coming up right through the speakers.

 

[DaTT]

I'm curious why you wouldn't want to connect via BT rather than using a cable?

I'm very happy with my Alpine BT HU (my model doesn't come close to meeting your needs). I like that my Nexus 4 just 'connects' pretty soon after I start the car. Even if I'm listening to FM radio, it's very nice that when I get a phone call that I can just press the phone button on the stereo and talk through the HU (hardwired remote microphone).

I just use my phone for GPS and when I'm coming up to a turn and listening to music, the Alpine will soften the music and allow the phone to tell me what turn is coming up right through the speakers.

I am sure that he wants to connect the iProduct to listen to music through.

 

[slugg]

I'm curious why you wouldn't want to connect via BT rather than using a cable?

I'm very happy with my Alpine BT HU (my model doesn't come close to meeting your needs). I like that my Nexus 4 just 'connects' pretty soon after I start the car. Even if I'm listening to FM radio, it's very nice that when I get a phone call that I can just press the phone button on the stereo and talk through the HU (hardwired remote microphone).

I just use my phone for GPS and when I'm coming up to a turn and listening to music, the Alpine will soften the music and allow the phone to tell me what turn is coming up right through the speakers.

I want a physical cable because it'll keep the device charged and provide a better sound quality. A2DP sounds like a low bitrate MP3, in my opinion. The reason for the GPS is that I intentionally want a separate navigation system from the phone; I don't want to rely on data connections for navigation, plus I hate receiving a call while I'm trying to use my phone to navigate.

I'm surprised at the cost of all the options. They seem ridiculously high...

 

[deadken]

@DaTT:
I figured that he wanted to listen to music from his Iproduct, I just didn't know why he wanted a cable over BT.

@slugg:
Thanks for explaining, I now understand. I figured that you might want to charge it, but knew that a cigarette charger and BT connectivity would still do what you wanted. I just wanted to demonstrate what what works for me in hopes it would offer another way for you to get what you wanted.

After hearing what you are saying, I'm now thinking that maybe I should just use the USB port on the front of the head unit for a small sized flash drive. Perhaps if I heard the audio quality difference compared to the BT connection, I might never want to go back to BT.

 

[DaTT]

I want a physical cable because it'll keep the device charged and provide a better sound quality. A2DP sounds like a low bitrate MP3, in my opinion. The reason for the GPS is that I intentionally want a separate navigation system from the phone; I don't want to rely on data connections for navigation, plus I hate receiving a call while I'm trying to use my phone to navigate.

I'm surprised at the cost of all the options. They seem ridiculously high...

You can get cheaper in the Kenwood lineup, but you will get a smaller screen and lose the Exelon, which has a 3 year warranty.

 

[DaTT]

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