1. Attachments are working again! Check out this thread for more details and to report any other bugs.

Recommend a HU For Me! - 2011 Edition!

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Audio and Electronics' started by BhamPrius, Jan 21, 2011.

  1. BhamPrius

    BhamPrius Member

    Joined:
    Jan 19, 2011
    128
    19
    0
    Location:
    Bellingham, WA
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    II
    So, I've read a lot of threads about HU recommendations, but many of them seem to be a year or two old. With today's technology, I'm hoping for some more recent recommendations.
    Here's my situation: Anticipating buying a 2010 II soon and naturally, would like to replace the HU for increased audio output, and other fun additions. I'm looking for a double DIN with the following features:

    *great navigation features that also work in Canada and that hopefully will NOT need a paid upgrade frequently, if at all. Which navigation company is the best? Garmin, NavTeq, Tom Tom?
    *great-sounding audio, where I hopefully won't have to replace the factory speakers.
    *DVD player that can hopefully be modified during installation to play while car is in drive (for my passengers, of course).
    *Bluetooth capabilities that will integrate with the steering wheel options.
    *Minimal lag time when loading during start-up, when syncing with ipod, transitions, etc.
    *USB port and AUX on the face of the HU.
    *Voice command for ipod features, navigation, and phone would be fantastic!
    *Back-up camera ready.
    *Reasonable price/on sale now! **Hopefully around $600-700.

    I KNOW that's a large wish list. Let me know what's out there! Thank you kindly!
     
    #1 BhamPrius, Jan 21, 2011
  2. usbseawolf2000

    usbseawolf2000 HSD PhD

    Joined:
    Sep 22, 2004
    14,487
    2,996
    0
    Location:
    Fort Lee, NJ
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    Kenwood DNX6960 would do everything on your list except the last item. Voice recognition is limited to names in the contact.

    I got one of the first unit. It takes about 25 secs to boot but a guy who reviewed it on Amazon said his takes only 15 secs.

    You can get it for $650.
     
    #2 usbseawolf2000, Jan 21, 2011
  3. BhamPrius

    BhamPrius Member

    Joined:
    Jan 19, 2011
    128
    19
    0
    Location:
    Bellingham, WA
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    II
    Thanks for the reply. Indeed, it was your thread about the Kenwood DNX6960 that inspired my research! Thanks for that rockin' thread! A few questions on that model, just to clarify, if you don't mind:
    1. do you find the included Garmin adequate w/o needing updates? It doesn't require any monthly service, correct?
    2. are you able to modify the DVD player so it actually will play when the car's in motion? I spoke with a local installer today who said that wasn't possible w/Kenwoods.
    3. the lag time is a concern for me. The initial loading of ~20 sec is fine, but do you find a lag when using the ipod interface or the phone?

    Thanks!

     
    #3 BhamPrius, Jan 21, 2011
  4. usbseawolf2000

    usbseawolf2000 HSD PhD

    Joined:
    Sep 22, 2004
    14,487
    2,996
    0
    Location:
    Fort Lee, NJ
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    1) Kenwood has not provided new map. I am forced to use "unlocked" maps. Garmin updates the map every quarter. It is easy to find the hacks. There is an optional Live traffic that uses Navteq. There is no monthly fee for it, just ads.
    2) I can play DVD while driving. I don't watch movies but play music videos. I just grounded the parking wire, piece of cake.
    3) I found no lag with my iPod interface. I don't have too many songs either. Skipping songs are fast just like USB drive. iPhone dials much faster than my previous BlackBerry Bold through bluetooth connection so it depends.
     
    #4 usbseawolf2000, Jan 21, 2011
  5. BhamPrius

    BhamPrius Member

    Joined:
    Jan 19, 2011
    128
    19
    0
    Location:
    Bellingham, WA
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    II
    Sold! Just ordered via 6ave.com--thanks to your coupon code (AFL4COUPON) it was $623w/free shipping. I think I'll be happy with my purchase. Now I just need to buy the Pruis! :)

    A couple more questions:
    1. With the 2010 Prius II, when I do the install kit, will there be a space below / small storage tray like what you've got or will it fit in completely?
    2. Do you mind quickly listing everything else that I'll need for installation (kit, steering wheel column attachments, wires, etc!)?
    3. Can anyone recommend an affordable, great back-up camera and installation accessories?
    Thank you!!!
     
    #5 BhamPrius, Jan 22, 2011
  6. usbseawolf2000

    usbseawolf2000 HSD PhD

    Joined:
    Sep 22, 2004
    14,487
    2,996
    0
    Location:
    Fort Lee, NJ
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    That's an awesome deal. I am surprise the coupon still works. Your install should look like others with DD units installs on gen3 Prius. You will need to use different Scosche kit number than mine. I think you can use the same BestKit reverse harness to "map" Kenwood to Toyota harness. You can use the same SWI-JACK to control DNX from the steering wheel buttons. They are listed in my PDF.

    You won't have a tray below as it is gen2 specific. I intentionally made DNX6960 as high as possible because one time, my wife inserted a DVD into a crack between MFD and the head unit.
     
    #6 usbseawolf2000, Jan 22, 2011
    1 person likes this.
  7. rleepac

    rleepac New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 7, 2005
    44
    1
    4
    Location:
    Manteca, California
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    III
    Does the Kenwood DNX6960 do pandora through bluetooth?
     
    #7 rleepac, Jan 25, 2011
  8. usbseawolf2000

    usbseawolf2000 HSD PhD

    Joined:
    Sep 22, 2004
    14,487
    2,996
    0
    Location:
    Fort Lee, NJ
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    No, but it does play through iPod cable. This year model DNX6980 has Pendora app build in.
     
    #8 usbseawolf2000, Jan 25, 2011
  9. rleepac

    rleepac New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 7, 2005
    44
    1
    4
    Location:
    Manteca, California
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    III
    Thanks for the info!
     
    #9 rleepac, Jan 25, 2011
(You must log in or sign up to post here.)