See if any of you guys know more about this stuff than I do and I'd like to see what you guys use or recommend.

I've search all around at BestBuy and Crutchfield and none of those places tell me what I really want to know. I'm looking for a new headunit to replace my new Mach460 headunit but I want to be able to plug my Iphone into it for my ITunes library. I've done some research I've learned that some headunits will actually charge your Iphone/ Ipod while you use it for music. I've searched for a headunit that does that none of them say really, they just say Ipod/ Iphone Compatable.

So I come to you guys for some help.

 

My knowledge of this is limited. I think its mainly the cord vs the actual head unit. My buddy got a cord installed on his 05 stang (shaker 500 i think) and it charges and plays his ipod nano. It doesn't work on my iphone though.

 

Here you go:

Kenwood DDX512



00blkstanggt and I both have it and love it. DVD, iPod (with full access to libraries and playlists, music videos and podcasts, etc..), with optional GPS/NAV if you buy the receiver (which is not cheap -- if you're interested in the 6'' screen with GPS/NAV look into the DNX5120, it's a much cheaper alternative that buying the DDX512 and the NAV receiver seperately).

 

I've been in the car audio business for about 6 years now, so i know what im talking about. If you are looking for a radio that will charge the ipod/iphone make sure the specs say ipod/iphone compatible. Now, a radio may say ipod/iphone ready but will not actually have the correct cord needed to plug up your ipod/iphone. Some will have a USB plug which will be the port for the ipod, just need the usb plug u use to transfer music from the computer to the ipod.
As far as you having the mach 460 system, you will need a special intergration harness, otherwise all you will get are the high notes.
That about covers it i think. Need anything else let me know

 

This harness you speak of would be something that whoever installs it, will have. Correct?

 

yes. Just make sure it is a reputable place that will be doing the install. Or do it yourself, its really not that difficult if you have the right parts

 

Man Kenwood should pay us to advertise or something. This is a great head unit. Easily installed and you'll never have to carry cds again. Just have to get the iPod cable which you have to with all iPod head units and then you have all your music and movies stored on your iPod right there. It's very easy to use, you can search through your iPod (on the screen of course) by artist, album, playlist, whatever. I would highly suggest checking it out, and I think you can get it on amazon for under $400 now or something.

 

I can get it for like $326 if you want. Working at Best Buy has it's benefits.

I would also recommend the Pioneer 310 or 500 series. Both have smaller LCDs like the Kenwood, but with buttons as well. The 310 has a removable GPS and can change and shift colors (works great with my "My Color" system).

 

The Kenwood model has a my-color-like mode as well. You can set it on an independent hue or circulate through all hues.

And 00blkstanggt, I could not agree more...we should be paid for this advertisement.

 

Ohh I did not know that. I thought that was only in the Excelon series....

Get the Kenwood then.

 

Yeah, I've pretty much made up my mind on the Kenwood unit but I'm kind of afraid to get it. I'm pretty sure a stationary LCD unit is illegal in the state of Virginia. I think only the motorized flip-up LCD units are legal. I'm not quite sure but I know the local Best Buy has both types.

Not sure how that would affect me come inspection time or if I get pulled over for something else, if it is indeed true.

 

The only thing that is usually illegal is having a movie playing while driving. I can't imagine a fixed screen would be illegal considering many cars have them now with the Nav units. Check it out, but I'm sure you'll be fine. I live in Cali with the strictest laws and I'm fine. Just don't have a movie playing while driving.

 

Yeah, it'd be pretty ludicrous to have a law that bans all fixed screens. That'd mean that you'd only be able to drive approx. 40% of new cars in the entire state of Virginia. Like 00blkstanggt said before, it is illegal to watch a movie while driving so that's probably all that it is. Either way, check with the local authorities to see if it's cool. If it is (or even if it isn't for that matter), go for it! You won't regret it. The only thing worth noting really is that if you would still like to have the ability to use the lower three buttons in your center console, you'll need to get a different harness than the one that comes with the DDX512. I don't know the exact part number of the harness that I am using, but the audio guy that I got mine from said that it is a popular harness used both for the alpine and pioneer double-din setups.

 

why would the headunit affect your rear defrost, trac control and fog lights??
I too have been looking for a headunit, mine likes to eat cds and skip songs/parts of the track...lame! lol

 

Yes, please elaborate...

 

Im not exacty sure what he would be talking about, putting a radio or screen in the your car will not affect the ability to use any of those buttons.. And not to sure what harness he is talking about either. You will need to use the harness that comes with the kenwood unit, but you will also need to purchase the mach 460 intergration harness.. If you are getting it from best buy, the model number is a metra 70-5519 i do believe. I will double check when i get to work tomorrow. You will also need the dash kit for it to fit properly. Even though it is a double din screen, and your radio is a double din radio, there will still be small gaps, the das kit will give you the proper mounting brackets and will have the trim with it as well.
I have not heard of having stationary screens being illegal in the front of the vehicle, but it is illegal to have movies, or videos playing in the front of the car. Most of the time screens have a brake wire that will need to be hooked up to the parking break, and the parking break will have to be pulled in order for you to watch a movie (which is very easilly bypassed) if you want.
If you need any help, or have some questions about the isntallation process, feel free to ask, i do it for a living, MECP certified and have been doing it for about 6 years now

 

I know it is probably crap quality, but what about that Boss H/U with the slide out iPod cradle and no CD?

 

yes, crap quality. i just worked on a car the other day that had a boss H/U, customer had it for less than a year and it took a dump

 

No ones ever heard of it for a reason....

Stay away from Wally-World head-units lol.

I think what he was talking about with the head unit was that the harness that runs in to the radio also has the buttons for the bottom three control buttons as well. And the one supplied does not have that in it. That is why you need that harness to run into it.

 

With the correct harness, should be a pretty quick and easy install. And all you need to do to bypass the parking brake wire, is splice it in with your ground wire. That will allow you to watch movies while driving. I've done it and it really isn't distracting.

 

How about knitting? Have you tried doing that while driving? EXTREMELY Distracting...

 

Nope never done knitting.