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Which head unit? Kenwood DNX9140 or Alpine IVA-W505/P1?

post #1 of 3
5/24/09 at 6:16pm
Thread Starter 
Not worried about the cost but are there any opinions out there on the Kenwood DNX9140 vs the Alpine IVA-W505/P1? I have heard that the Kenwood has a slightly better nav unit since it is made by Garmin. How about the audio quality? Does one have an advantage for an audiophile once you have the Imprint audio processor for the Alpine? Is the user interface easier, more intuitive on one of the units? Thanks for the info!
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post #2 of 3
8/23/09 at 10:03am
 Jim,

I too was very interested in the Alpine because of all the audio processing features available. But for me, buying a unit with a GPS where maps are upgradable is a MUST! As far as Alpine is concerned, I called support and there are no plans short nor mid-term where they plan to add upgrades to their GPS units. So, consider this, if you buy Alpine, you will have a GPS map that may already be outdated and where no upgrades are availble for a while... 

For the 9140, it has plenty of features that will allow to fine tune the sound way more than most of the units out there. How does it compare with Alpine's Imprint - I would not know. But I guess there is a limit to the sound quality you can get into a car without adding expensive sound materials (dynamat - see http://www.dynamat.com/products_car_audio_introduction.html) inside doors, ceiling, etc... 

Joel.
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post #3 of 3
8/23/09 at 10:05am
 Jim,

I too was very interested in the Alpine because of all the audio processing features available. But for me, buying a unit with a GPS where maps are upgradable is a MUST! As far as Alpine is concerned, I called support and there are no plans short nor mid-term where they plan to add upgrades to their GPS units. So, consider this, if you buy Alpine, you will have a GPS map that may already be outdated and where no upgrades are availble for a while... 

For the 9140, it has plenty of features that will allow to fine tune the sound way more than most of the units out there. How does it compare with Alpine's Imprint - I would not know. But I guess there is a limit to the sound quality you can get into a car without adding expensive sound materials (dynamat - see http://www.dynamat.com/products_car_audio_introduction.html) inside doors, ceiling, etc... 

Joel.
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