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Discussion Starter · #1 ·
I'm looking for recommendations for in-dash GPS aftermarket head units to replace my 130S/RES in my 2011 Laredo. What's most important to me is GPS functionality and speed of the unit in terms of responsiveness. Other must haves are good iPhone integration and streaming audio I don't have much experience with aftermarket radios; wondering what folks have used here with success. Or even what to avoid.

Currently, I'm considering Kenwood (uses Garmin GPS), Alpine, and Pioneer radios...
 

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Discussion Starter · #4 ·
Thanks guys, those 2 are on my list. Hopefully it's one of those situations where I'll be happy no matter what I decide.

How involved is the installation? I do know I'd need the Metra dash kit and the PAC connector, and the ability to trim the sub-dash. How difficult is the trimming and also is it easy to run the wires, hook up antennas, etc.?
 

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Discussion Starter · #5 ·
One last question, does anyone know much about Pioneer's Appradio? It seems to be a high tech GUI for an iPhone/Android and you can basically run apps (nav, music, etc) while your phone is connected via a cable.

Looks pretty slick and is $500 for the top of the line, most recent model....

Apps | Pioneer AppRadio 3
 

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Discussion Starter · #8 ·
Spent a good amount of time researching all sorts of options today. May end up pulling the trigger on this Pioneer, which looks to incorporate some of the AppRadio functions as well as still operating as it's own stand alone GPS/radio unit. Best of both worlds and the price is still a little better than the top of the line Alpine and Kenwood.

AVIC-Z150BH - Flagship In-Dash Navigation AV Receiver with 7" WVGA Touchscreen Display, Bluetooth®, HD Radio™ Tuner, SiriusXM Ready, Built-In Traffic Tuner, and AppRadio Mode for iPhone® and Select Android™ Devices | Pioneer Electroni
 

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Discussion Starter · #9 ·
I can get it installed for about $150. Is installation easy enough to DIY, or is it worth a professional install for that amount (I know this is subjective).

For the record, I don't have car stereo installation experience, but I'm willing to give it a go. I'm leaning towards getting a backup camera at the same time and just getting it all done professionally at once.
 

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Discussion Starter · #12 ·
Wow, thank you 1JGC, that summary is the best thing I've read on this after a solid 3 days of researching . . . especially re: the GPS. I hadn't even considered the Pioneer DVD receiver; I'm now debating that and Z150BH. I was most concerned about Pioneer's GPS, but it sounds like they've stepped up their game. And if their maps go out of date, I can always use my phone apps through the AppRadio feature. Sounds like this is the one that suits me best.
 

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Discussion Starter · #16 ·
UPDATE:

After some deliberation, I elected to go with the Kenwood Excelon DNX890HD. All set for installation this Saturday (assuming the unit arrives on time). I'm also installing the Kenwood CMOS-310 rear view camera.

I have dug through many installation threads, read through Crutchfield, and determined that I needed the following for my Laredo E:

Metra 40-EU10 Antenna Adapter
Metra 95-6513B Installation Kit
PAC RP4-CH11 Harness

I think that's all I need for a clean install; am I missing anything (besides an amp and new speakers :))?
 

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Discussion Starter · #18 ·
Ah, yes, I had forgotten that. I don't really ever use Sirius much when I've had free trials, but it may be worth throwing in now so I don't have to worry about it in the future. Stupid question of the day . . . can the existing Sirius antenna in my Jeep be used in place of this one? I realize I'd still need to use the tuner.
 

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Discussion Starter · #20 ·
Subbie - I'm glad you chimed in since I've discovered that I'm pretty much mimicking your Jeep! I'm a heavy Spotify user and sometimes use Pandora as well. Have you happened to run Spotify through your HU?

Next on my wishlist for my white Jeep are the Alpine Grill and rear brow, upgraded speakers, and a stealthbox. I'd also like to upgrade the 17" Laredo wheels, but just knocking things out 1 thing at a time
 

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Discussion Starter · #27 ·
Subbie, do you have an iPhone paired to your head unit?

If so, have you tried to use the Garmin Smartphone Link app? After doing some reading, it seems like this app will only work on the DNX890 with an Android. For iOS, it seems like the app will only work with standalone Nuvis released in 2013.

Wondering if any of the recent software updates changed this...
 

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Discussion Starter · #36 ·
Here are a few:

New unit installed with power off...
Vehicle Car Center console Motor vehicle Electronics


Trying to match the light green ambient color (I need an art class refresher)
Car Vehicle Electronics Motor vehicle Center console


Main Menu
Screen Electronics Multimedia Display device Technology


Another one of the start up splash screen
Electronics Multimedia Technology Display device Electronic device


From the back with the lift gate open
Vehicle Car Mid-size car Vehicle audio Electronics
 

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Discussion Starter · #37 ·
It's literally going to take me a week to figure out all the settings for the various sources on this thing. It's a bit overwhelming initially. I did upgrade the software to V1.6.

Some quick 1st impressions.

1. I spent some time tweaking all the sound settings. The head unit does improve the sound of the stock speakers, but only marginally. The highs seems a little crisper/less muddy. I will eventually upgrade the speakers and add an amp. I'm optimistic that's all it will need to satisfy my tastes. A stealthbox would be nice, but amped component 6x9s and rear door speakers should do the trick.

2. HD radio and anything playing direct from my iPhone sounds tremendous. Bluetooth streaming also sounds good, but the volume needs to be slightly higher than a direct digital source. Same with Pandora/Aha Radio.

3. The Garmin GPS seems awesome. Appears to be up to date, is fast and responsive, and there are a myriad of options and apps. Between this and the Kenwood audio controls, it's like running 2 separate pieces of software at the same time. Can even split screen the Garmin and audio source (or even the backup camera while moving!)

4. The camera is really nice as well. There are 4 or 5 different views you can toggle among. I had the installer mount this and the Kenwood iPod cable to the bottom tray below the climate controls. I can shut the little door and you can't even see any cables. Clean install. The separate USB cable runs to the glove box, so it's also out of the way.

5. I have not had a chance to try out any video on the unit yet. I did have the installers hook up the light green wire to the ground, so I should be able to use the video without the Jeep being in Park.

6. Overall, I'm really happy with it so far. I was most worried about the responsiveness of the touchscreen, the quality of the GPS, and the intuitiveness of the software. All fears alleviates thus far. Hoping for no gremlins!
 

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Discussion Starter · #38 ·
Here's one other picture I forgot that shows the iPod cable coming up from the bottom of the dash. It's long enough to plug the phone in and still be able to use, but it's easily tucked discreetly back into the center of the dash.

Electronics Screen Multimedia Display device Technology
 

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Discussion Starter · #40 ·
Nice! How did u get to change the start up screen to that Jeep?
While I was researching head units, I came across this on the Kenwood forums: http://www.kenwoodforums.com/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=2805

For the 890HD, you only need to have an image saved in bitmap format and the size has to be 800 x 480 pixels. Then just follow the directions in that link. I didn't like any of the Jeep logos floating around, so I made this one using a photoshop type program called gimp. I'm sure I will keep tweaking the image for fun. If you want it, let me know and I can post it here or email to you...
 
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