I received a call from Pioneer this morning. They told me not to hold my breath on firmware updates anytime in the next 3 months for this unit (F900BT). They are still in the lengthy process of allocating all of the problems with the unit from consumers and dealers. This is absolutely ludicrous so I have decided to bid via con dios to Pioneer, only...if the Z3 does not turn out to be the hot ticket it claims to be. But I need your help.

I have done some moderate research on Kenwood's impressive DNX8120 and am leaning towards that direction.

I would like to know what you think I should bank on. In detail if you please.

Z3 Vs. DNX8120

ROUND 1.

FIGHT!

-Mat

QUICK UPDATE! I just spoke to my dealer who said he does not stock "That crap" when I asked him about Kenwood units. He was adamant that they are way behind in the NAV technology and that Pioneer and Alpine are the first names in premiere navs. What gives!?

yeah Garmin is crap, what a moron

I am still deabting b/t these 2 and the f-series. I had it narrowed down to the F-90 and the 8120. Then this rash of issues with the f-series and now I am back to considering the Z3 vs the 8120. Logic would say the 8120 - and I am leaning that way strongly. I am still a week or 2 out, so I'll keep reading and learning.

Thoughts on Z3:

I really like the maps of the Z3 - but it seems to be a bit slower overall than the 8120 and there has been some question if Pioneer's routing accuracy.

Thoughts on 8120:

Seems pretty solid - not the best user interface - but fast and Garmin is proven to be effective (even if it is not the coolest maps). Very effecient POI search tools. If it weren't for the COOL Z3 maps - it would be a done deal.

There have been some conflicting reports on which unit my iPhone will work the best on. This may be the deciding factor. I have heard the the only time the iPhone call quality is bad is when you have wi-fi turned on, but I don't know.

Anybody know the answer???

i sent mine back,, got worried over these bad reporssss... Now looking at the Kenwood 8120.. Will be looking for the best deal through an authorized dealer. If anyone can point me, please help.

Use the Avic411 code at all & eds for 18% off til the end of the month.

8120 wins.

8120 costs significantly more than the F90.

I have no interest in BT/Voice Control (open windows and sunroof don't make for a good speaker phone environment.

I'm not going to be using external amps.

I'm therefore giving serious consideration to the DNX5120. It plus the Garmin FM Traffic antenna will be about the same price as the F90BT and have a slightly larger screen than the F90BT. It'll support USB, Ipod, satellite and traffic.

pat----

The 8120 can only cost $100 more than the F90.

Finally got my 8120 in today and I LOVE it, 15 seconds to FULL BOOT, BT connects about 8 seconds after that. iPod control works, Nav is perfect, finding POI is easy, very, very responsive interface, and the amount of controls over the sound field is down right nutty. You can set independent 15 band cross overs for the front and rear speakers, as well as the speaker diameter, tweeter elevation, focus, subwoofer diameter, it is just sick.

I finally have found a worthy successor to the D3. After using the D3, the Kenwood 5120, the F700BT, the 90BT and now finally the Kenwood 8120, I can say without a doubt that the 7120/8120 is the way to go. 5120 comes a close second. When the F series gets it's problems worked out then that would be second place. I still can't get over how terrible the F series routing is. (in my area atleast)

Also note, I'm not missing the volume knob nearly as much as I thought I would. I used to have volume buttons on my old Scion stock radio and hated it. These you can hold it down and the volume slopes up at a good rate or use the touch screen which is equally effective. Also, if you need to lower and raise quickly, the ATT (Attenuate, basically a Mute button) comes in handy.

I'll post pics up later on.

The 8120 can only cost $100 more than the F90.

capper, With careful mail-order shopping and self-install ... I haven't seen it that cheap, but I'd imagine it's findable. But if you need to have it installed for you, that means buying from a local retailer and while many of the non-big box stores will offer a discount, most charge MSRP or darn close.

I like the 8120, but ... the 5120 still has a larger screen than the F series and I have no use for the built in bluetooth of the 8120 ... it's paying more for something I'll never use.

mikeinnj, Excellent news! thanks for the quick report on the Kenwood!

pat----

Finally got my 8120 in today and I LOVE it, 15 seconds to FULL BOOT, BT connects about 8 seconds after that. iPod control works, Nav is perfect, finding POI is easy, very, very responsive interface, and the amount of controls over the sound field is down right nutty. You can set independent 15 band cross overs for the front and rear speakers, as well as the speaker diameter, tweeter elevation, focus, subwoofer diameter, it is just sick.

 

I finally have found a worthy successor to the D3. After using the D3, the Kenwood 5120, the F700BT, the 90BT and now finally the Kenwood 8120, I can say without a doubt that the 7120/8120 is the way to go. 5120 comes a close second. When the F series gets it's problems worked out then that would be second place. I still can't get over how terrible the F series routing is. (in my area atleast)

 

Also note, I'm not missing the volume knob nearly as much as I thought I would. I used to have volume buttons on my old Scion stock radio and hated it. These you can hold it down and the volume slopes up at a good rate or use the touch screen which is equally effective. Also, if you need to lower and raise quickly, the ATT (Attenuate, basically a Mute button) comes in handy.

 

I'll post pics up later on.

Thanks for the update Mike. Whats the sound quality of the bluetooth?

I just sent this in a PM to another member asking about the sound quality, so here you go:

I JUST got done calling like 8 people on the BT. All 8 of them could not tell that I was even using handsfree and said that it was crystal clear. Also, the voice dialing is SPOT ON every. time. Seriously, I've been almost giddy over this unit all day. I drive. A LOT. So I have a lot of time to stress every nook and crannie of these units and so far this Kenwood has been absolutely perfect. No freeze ups. No restarts. No quirks. It just works and it works great.

Wait... why is a topic titled "Kenwood DNX8120 VS. Z3" on the F-series board? Seems like it would make more sense on the Z series board...

Sorry chaps. Could the admin move this to the Z troubleshooting forum? Much obliged.

With all of these problems that the F-Series is seeing we should go ahead and start a different forum for the Kenwood units.

I for one, am very interested in them and there isn't another forum like AVIC411 for Kenwood products.

Wait... why is a topic titled "Kenwood DNX8120 VS. Z3" on the F-series board? Seems like it would make more sense on the Z series board...

Probalby b/c most of us were using a thread "F-90BT or 8120". When it became apparent that the F-series vs 8120 was about as tough as Tyson in his feable comback - I think we sought a better challenger in the Z.

Unless someone can make a case for a Z-3 real quick - I think I'll join Mike with an 8120.

I do 2nd the motion for a Kenwood dedicated Forum---why not??

Use the Avic411 code at all & eds for 18% off til the end of the month.

what is & eds? I want to by an 8120 and I'm also looking for a good deal.

Cheers

I decided to return my 90BT and go for the Kenwood. Al & Ed's has been very accomodating about the problems with the 90BT. They emailed package prices for AVIC411 and I ordered the Kenwood DDX812 / GNA510 combo. It's basically the same as the 8120 but with outboard Nav. I should be getting it tomorrow and have it installed this weekend.

Cheers!

Any reason why you went with the outboard module over the built-in Garmin? Was it cheaper?

Any reason why you went with the outboard module over the built-in Garmin? Was it cheaper?

Because when last I checked, A&E was back-ordered on the 8120. What was the pkg price for the HU and the outboard GPS?

Any reason why you went with the outboard module over the built-in Garmin? Was it cheaper?

 

Because when last I checked, A&E was back-ordered on the 8120. What was the pkg price for the HU and the outboard GPS?

the 8120 is in stock now , because mine shipped yesterday.