The Stereo Thread

[Hugh Heifer]

So I am considering an upgrade to my double din GPS equipped stereo in the 100.
The Eclipse I have only has 2 gig of flash memory and so it can not be updated anymore. The support site does not support files that small. There si even a link directly to the folks that make the maps and upgrades for TomTom (whose maps the Eclipse use) and they would not reply to numerous messages to their tech support. Too bad because I like the Eclipse.

I am considering a Kenwood since they use Garmin and Garmin has maps in the Philippines.

I already have a back up camera and I think those are pretty much generic.

I am looking for suggestions for what I might want in a Garmin supported double DIN receiver that has USB inputs, supports backup cameras and can play video DVDs and CDs. My speakers are stock and I think the factory amp is disconnected. Also, I am not an Apple fan so I do not have an I-phone. I use a Droid.

Recommendations??

 

[sk8salomon]

I'm not a techy guy buy I will say my ddin clarion in my boat is pretty bad ace. It has sat radio, ext aux, cd, am/fm setup and it is rugged! Takes a beating with hard waves, water, sun, etc and has never hiccuped once.

 

[Hugh Heifer]

Does it have GPS and if so, what platform?

Looks like Clarion uses the same mapping software that Eclipse does. You know, the one I got great service and support from.

 

[sk8salomon]

Does it have GPS and if so, what platform?

Looks like Clarion uses the same mapping software that Eclipse does. You know, the one I got great service and support from.

No, I don't think my model had that option.

 

[radioridge]

No, I don't think my model had that option.

Nope Clarion marine units don't have nav. If you're using street maps on your boat you're in deep sh*t!

 

[radioridge]

I would recommend Clarion over any brand but I have no idea if their maps of the phillipines are any good. Are there any streets left there? Eclipse's support is probable so bad because they are all but gone from the 12 volt aftermarket, 15 years ago they were the best around but now not so much. Kenwood is still pretty good. their Exolon models are a bit nicer but both can be a pita to navigate though the multiple menus. Once you get them set up and get used to them they're ok.

 

[sk8salomon]

Nope Clarion marine units don't have nav. If you're using street maps on your boat you're in deep sh*t!

ha, yeah good point. the only thing i don't like about ddin's is most of them have drop down face don't they? yeah, cd's are gone i know but some people like me still use em. i guess there's no other way to do it, the face plate board is so friggen big you can't just cut a slot in it.

 

[Hugh Heifer]

In my shopping around I did see a couple with a slot in the top instead of a fold down face. We have ripped all our CDs though so we generally just load a bunch of music to a jump drive and plug it into the unit. I really like that option. Using SD cards is cool too. I wonder if someone will get wise and just dump the CD slot completely and make a unit that is substantially smaller and lighter.

The only system I know offers PI maps is Garmin and of course Google Maps. An interface with GM would be neat but over there cellular service is not dependable enough and the way service providers provide that service is all pretty much pay as you go. I am not sure exactly how data service will work or if it will be any good.

I need to find someone who displays the Kenwood units so I can touch them.

It is a shame that the Eclipse can no longer be properly updated. It is certainly sufficient.

 

[jynx]

I think the Electronics Express around here has the Kenwood units. Can't remember if Best Buy had them or not. Not sure if there are any others around that carry much anymore. Maybe Andy will know a few.

 

[radioridge]

the only thing i don't like about ddin's is most of them have drop down face don't they? yeah, cd's are gone i know but some people like me still use em. i guess there's no other way to do it, the face plate board is so friggen big you can't just cut a slot in it.

DD's with 7" screens will be fold down face,the 6.5" and 6.2" will have a slot

In my shopping around I did see a couple with a slot in the top instead of a fold down face.option. wonder if someone will get wise and just dump the CD slot completely and make a unit that is substantially smaller and lighter.

I need to find someone who displays the Kenwood units so I can touch them.

there are several "media only " units on the market. Most are standard DIN size but weigh almost nothing