Favorite double-din stereo?

SoobCrazy · #1 06-19-2010, 08:04 PM

I've had my SVX for a couple weeks now and I love it. Quiet, smooth, looks fantastic, but that OEM stereo is WAY too busy. I've been thinking about upgrading to a WRX/forester/outback/other OEM double din stereo, or even a navigation or DVD head unit.

Looking at a bunch of navi systems, it seems like most of them tilt at the bottom to allow discs to be loaded up top, and would interfere with the stereo cover.

What do you have in your SVX? Did it require mods to the stereo cover?

processengr · #2 06-19-2010, 08:14 PM

Pioneer AVIC series installed. looks good, fits well. Door and door interior all still fit.

Cam · #3 06-20-2010, 12:38 AM

Clarion CX609

It sounds really clean, and fits incredibly well. I recommend this unit over any other deck I have ever owned, regardless of fit. Oh, and your Ipod will hook right up, and it is very easy to run a usb cable to your glovebox without making any holes or anything. The Ipod is controlled by the deck, and charged at the same time.

SilverSpear · #4 06-20-2010, 01:08 AM

In terms of specs, no headunit can beat the Kenwoods. I am not sure about fitment tho, but what I know that the specs cannot be found in other units (including the compatible Garmin Nav).

My second best is the Eclipse brand (Fujitsu). I have one fitted in my Z and I am sure it fits perfectly in the SVX.

Cam · #5 06-20-2010, 12:46 PM

Still partial to my Clarion. I run it to an Eclipse 4-channel amp, and then to infinity kappa 3-way 6x9's. I am putting Infinity Kappa Perfect 6" door speakers and tweeters soon, not to mention another amp and 2x12 mtx thunder 5500's....can you say loud? (and amazing sound quality, which is the important part).

NikFu S. · #6 06-20-2010, 01:54 PM

Alpine IVA-W205. It's my favorite because it's my only one, but when the time comes I will trash it and replace it with something that doesn't have the worst nav ratings I've ever seen. I haven't installed Nav yet because it's way overpriced, and now becoming hard to find.
Aside from that it's a good unit.

Quote:

Looking at a bunch of navi systems, it seems like most of them tilt at the bottom to allow discs to be loaded up top, and would interfere with the stereo cover.

This one does, and anything like it will. I removed the black garnish from the interior side of the drop-door and it still touches a bit. Door won't close with that bit of plastic in there.

SVXMAN2001 · #7 06-20-2010, 03:10 PM

Alpine IVA - W505.

Pricey, but well worth it. Required modification to remove the backing of the fold down panel (black part). This particular unit has so many accessories (GPS, Bluetooth, USB, iPod, rearview mirror, etc...) that it required the removal of the glove box to manipulate all the wires to make the HU fit flush. Requires a bit of work, but was well worth it. Couldn't be happier, the sound quality is excellent, also upgraded all speakers, added an amp and subwoofer at the same time.

processengr · #8 06-20-2010, 05:46 PM

SoobCrazy · #9 06-23-2010, 10:47 AM

Processengr, that is what I'm looking for. Your setup looks great! Any other pictures of it installed, maybe with more light?

I'm going to look up all the ones suggested. Does anyone else have pictures of their double din stereos installed?

Cam · #10 06-23-2010, 12:18 PM

I will take one later tonight for you. It fits with all the original parts

benebob · #11 06-23-2010, 02:13 PM

I used an 03 Legacy GT 6 disc changer in mine. Fits style wise nearly perfectly (green display, font, button shape). Door closes just fine. It is the midgrade model not the MacIntosh which was an option. Posted pics in a thread 2-3 years ago on here. Might want to do a search for it.

processengr · #12 06-23-2010, 04:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SoobCrazy

Processengr, that is what I'm looking for. Your setup looks great! Any other pictures of it installed, maybe with more light?

I'm going to look up all the ones suggested. Does anyone else have pictures of their double din stereos installed?

This unit has kind of a cult following,

the avic411 website for starters. The unit runs Windows CE that can be accessed by booting with a SDRAM camera card. There are many modified programs or hacks available, like a jailbroken iphone... (It can read these camera cards also, you can store a lot of mp3s on one). The NAV system works faster than any portable I have used. I have had this unit in my daughters car for over a year now, no problems...this car is used in New England 365 days a year, it sees temperature and humidity swings...
This is the F700BT series, there are identical looking units with a 4.6" screen as low as $300.00 This model has been replaced with the 710 series, I think.

Nevin · #13 06-24-2010, 11:42 AM

I have a Pioneer AVH P3100-DVD unit. It's pretty much the same in appearance as processengr's but with buttons only on the left, and no knobs. My old single din pioneer was shot, and this fit in like a dream. Fit perfectly in stock location, is ipod/usb/dvd capable and has two additional inputs.

I recommend it to many a folk. I didn't feel like spending a fortune, and this was right up my alley.

K_Dub · #14 06-24-2010, 03:07 PM

The Pioneer AVIC P4000 is a compromise between Nevin's and Processengr's setups. I like that it has a rotary volume knob, which also mutes the stereo with a touch (that's important to me). It does not have the SDCard reader though (or GPS for that matter) so the left side control panel is smaller and the volume knob is too leaving room for a bigger 6.1" widescreen display. I do wish mine had the OS that theirs has though, as mine won't do custom backgrounds or isn't "hackable". It does have every input I'd ever want and more, so now my stereo has room to grow.

I couldn't get the thin trim piece surrounding the OEM stereo to fit back on without hitting the door, so I've got exposed screws on the sides. They're recessed enough that I bet I'm the only one who notices, but it bugs me. Other than that, I love my AVIC particularly for the Bluetooth to play songs from my iPhone, then switch to a phone call when I receive one. Living in a place where hands-free devices are manditory, I can't imagine driving without this.

NikFu S. · #15 06-27-2010, 03:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NikFu S.

Alpine IVA-W205.... I removed the black garnish from the interior side of the drop-door and it still touches a bit. Door won't close with that bit of plastic in there.

I've not unlocked it yet so I can't comment on the features requiring that.