Double Din Touchscreen stereo/DVD player

[J_Eatwell]

After reading through a few threads on the site, i do know it is very possible to flush a double din unit in the dash of my 97 explorer sport. I am concerned, since Crutchfield's site told me none of these double din units will fit. Can this be remedied by purchasing an install kit? Or am i going to need to borrow a Dremel? WIll i need any Bondo-type work?

As for the HU itself, I'm in need of some more advice. I want a touchscreen 7" monitor DVD/CD player. Sound quality and RMS is fairly important, as i do not have a separate amp running my speakers.

Another importance is Navigation capability and accuracy. (whether included or optional. Optional is fine since i wont really need GPS until i move to Seattle in April, giving me time to save if need be)

That being said, Im basically torn between:

a Kenwood DDX712 i can get used for 300 (My subs and amp are Kenwood, so i know to expect quality sound, with optional Nav. however it is used, therefore no warranty, possible scuffs, etc.)

a Clarion NX-409 on ebay for under 450 (ive heard good things about Clarion systems, decent sound quality/interface, and the big thing is Nav is included with this unit, as well as a warranty.

or

a Jensen VM-9223 on ebay for under 250 NEW. this is the most economical choice, with a warranty and optional Nav. Would i be disappointed with sound quality or interface? i know an inexpensive device is a risk, and i cant find reviews anywhere on the unit.

Im not necessarily looking at only these units so other recommendations are welcome and appreciated

Thanks guys

 

[410Fortune]

I installed a 7" Pioneer in dash in my 96....it fits perfectly, for the $$$$ this was the largest screen and has 3 preouts.. I am normally a Kenwood guy but for the $$$ and features I switched to Pioneer this time around

http://www.dealercostcaraudio.com/pioneeravh-p4100dvd.aspx?gclid=CMXelYGgxZ8CFQYNDQodyyhg4A

YOUR RADIO BEZEL WAS DESIGNED FOR A DOUBLER DIN UNIT, anyone who tells you it is not has not installed a double din in their 95-01 explorer...it fits perfectly with just a bit of space on either side and the top... but the deck comes with a trim ring just for this purpose

VERY HAPPY with this for the $$$ (under $500), I wanted biggest screen, 3 pre outs, USB input, and a brake lever defeat wire....Pioneer came through with flying colors, Kenwood, Alpine and others in this price range are smaller screen and only 1-2 preouts

 

[J_Eatwell]

I do like that unit the speaker power is comparable to the Kenwood unit, however i dont notice any sort of Nav capability (either included or optional) i could be wrong

Any other ideas? thanks

 

[J_Eatwell]

oh yeah, and thanks for the gigantic sigh of relief in knowing the double din unit will fit.

now to decide on the unit to fill the gap....

 

[410Fortune]

I believe you can add NAV, it has inputs for external audio and video, a rear view camera, and other Pioneer add on's... I have lived in CO my whole life so NAV is not something I need LOL

we use $120 gps units for our nav, I have never been happy with "factory" nav systems... seems they are outdated 3 months after they are installed

I have added Sirius and a Kenwood Music keg to my Pioneer, I may get a backup camera... I have a picture of my son and wife as my screensaver... it is very nice to plug in a USB drive and see your new pics or listen to new MP3 just like that... I dont use the deck power for speakers so I cant comment on that...I have used Kenwood for 10+ years now... this is my first Pioneer in that long... for the $$$ nobody else had an offering for me (IE 7" screen - selling point!!) when you buy a TV you want the biggest tv you can fit for the best $$$, size is everything in a DVD/TV IMO

 

[Xplorer82]

http://www.dealercostcaraudio.com/pioneeravh-p4100dvd.aspx?gclid=CMXelYGgxZ8CFQYNDQodyyhg4A

watch out for that place. there has been numerous complaints w/them. just some FYI

i'll try to find the links to accommodate my statement for those that need/want it. buyer beware for sure there.


edit........
1. http://www.resellerratings.com/foru...s-beware-http-www-dealercostcaraudio-com.html

2. http://www.honda-tech.com/showthread.php?t=2499059

3. http://www.resellerratings.com/store/Dealer_Cost_Car_Audio

4. http://www.complaintsboard.com/byurl/dealercostcaraudio.com.html

5. http://www.complaintsboard.com/complaints/dealer-cost-car-audio-c250912.html

just a few. there are many many more.

 

[410Fortune]

i just posted the first link to show up... i bought mine @ CARTOYS because i had a gift card...otherwise Amazon!!!

 

[Xplorer82]

i just posted the first link to show up... i bought mine @ CARTOYS because i had a gift card...otherwise Amazon!!!

gotcha. i was just throwing a warning out there for others. i have seen many bad deals thru there. (on caraudio websites)

 

[410Fortune]

ouch, I hate buying online so I only really trust trustworthy sellers! only been burned twice so far.. but it took 6 weeks to get my money back on some defective shocks......

 

[J_Eatwell]

alright thanks for the advice on the websites to avoid. to be honest im sort of weary of the kenwood system since it is on craigslist, not a store with a warranty or return policy. But its such a good deal if it works ! lol

I also found a Velo Stereo on Ebay which has a 7 inch screen GPS included for like 250.. crazy deal if it is quality but as i said before you take a chance with an off-brand, as there are no reviews i can find.. Anyone ever installed or seen one of these units? if not, recommendations for a unit based on the discussion?