Hot Deal: Kenwood DNX6140 HU with Garmin navi and bluetooth ($630 shipped)

I was shopping for double DIN head units and decided on the DNX6140 due to several reasons. See the deal I got for $630 at the bottom. Here are my priorities:

1) Navigation
2) Boot up time
3) Integrated Bluetooth
4) Amp
5) Cost
6) Screen size

I currently have a 3-4 years old portable Nuvi 250W and I love it. I can get the maps updated easily and the battery still works well. My bro-in-law bought a Tom Tom One XL about the same tand it's battery died (holds up only 5 mins) a year ago. I am sticking with Garmin due to the frequency of firmware and map updates.

JVC KW-NX7000 was on my list for the fast boot time (due to Windows Automotive) and sexy 7 inch screen. However, I ruled it out due to their history of firmware and map updates. The maps are expensive too $140 vs $80 for Garmin.

From what I geathered, NX7000 boots up in 8-12 seconds and DNX6140 in about 15 seconds. I decided not to go for higher-end DNX7140 or 9140 because the boot up time is about 30 seconds. They have sexier 6.95" screen but they cost a lot more as well.

DNX6140 has a built-in bluetooth with external mic so I will be installing it in the overhead (sun visor) area where the OEM mic is installed.

I already have Infiniti speakers installed and getting used to the sound with the stock amp. This head unit should give a much better sound and unlock the potential of those speakers.

I found a great deal on Car Toys for $700 with free shipping. When I chose to check out with Amazon, I got 10% discount (to my amaze). After I bought it, the price jumped to $999.99. I just check again today and it is now back to $699.99. If you want to jump on this deal, do it fast! It won't last. Kenwood DNX6140 In-dash Navigation System

Please be aware that Kenwood just released new models for 2010. I don't see any improvements in DNX6160 but the detail specs are still not available. The price for those new models will not be a low.

Kenwood also captured #1 rank in the in-dash navigation market due to the popularity of these units with Garmin Navi integrated. I am betting the great support and further popularity for the DNX models.

I am putting this in Gen III section but this HU can work on Gen II as well. I will post more info about my installation experience in my 2006.

 

$29.49 Scosche TA2103B (including harness and resistors to retain A/C from MFD) from ebay.
$42.17 PAC SWIJACK Steering Wheel Remote Interface
$67.46 Used steering wheel with Navigation and Bluetooth buttons
$629.99 Kenwood DNX6140 In-dash Navigation System
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$769.11 Total

I got everything except the DNX6140. It should get delivered today. However, I am out of state this week so I will not be able to install it until next week.

I can start replacing the right steering remote buttons in the mean time. After reading PAC SWI-JACK manual, I found out that it does not use the Nav and Info button. It sounds like I would be able to use the phone pickup / hung up buttons. The used steering wheel I got for $67 now seem like a bad decision.

More to come....

 

I got a chance to play with it. I took out the stock head unit and tried to replace with DNX6140. I took pictures and tired to figure out the wiring. I soldered the SWI-JACK and 560 Ohms resistor as the instruction. I still have a lot of unknowns so I put back the stock unit back in.

I need to find out the best place to tap 12v and ACC without slicing through the factory wires.





http://priuschat.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=21642&stc=1&d=1265588706

 

Here is a major update.

I returned the unit and ordered the DNX6960 ($200 more) for several reasons.

1) The Garmin Nav software is very old! The user interface is older than my portable Nuvi 250w that I bought more than 3 years ago! I hate how most of the info bars on the right side makes the entire map so small.

DNX6140: See how Menu/Speed/Arrival Time/Turn signal clutter the screen


DNX6960: Cleaner interface. I like the zoom + and - on the same side.


2) Screen resolution and user interface. 6140 has 480x234 while 6960 has 800x480. DVDs should look very sharp since it is 720x480. 6960 has 3 User Interfaces to choose from. 6140's UI seems very out of date with low res rectangular buttons.

3) New Bluetooth Ver.2.0 chip from Parrot vs. the older 1.2.

4) Excelon audio with 6 channels 5v pre-amp outputs vs. 4 channels 2v. I plan to get a subwoofer and an amp so a clean output will be important.

5) 6960 now has a microSD card slot in front to upgrade software and maps.

I thought overall improvement was worth the extra money. Anyway, I'll do a write up with the 6960 install in a separate thread.