Several people mentioned preferring a dial for volume control over buttons. I generally do too, mainly because with buttons it always seems either too quiet or too loud - the steps in volume are too large. That being said, I have a receiver at home with a dial, but the volume adjusts up & down in (large) steps. And I now have a car with buttons with small enough steps (with the added bonus that it shows the volume setting as a number, so you have some reference. ("Look, honey, I did turn it down. It's on 9. Nine is fine, remember?" ;-) )

Anyway, I'm curious about the head units people have mentioned above (mainly Kenwoods & Pioneers). Do the ones with buttons allow small enough steps? And those with dials?

 

I have two cars with single din aftermarket decks. One is alpine the other is kenwood. Both within the last year so recent units. Both have large dials for volume that also get used for other functions. I prefer a big dial for volume myself.

 

Kenwood dnx6990,yes you will need to change the amplifier(bose/most system),but no big deal,volume **** is old school and much better than buttons IMO, this unit does it all,rear view camera,nav,bluetooth etc,coupled with a KUDA iphone mount,in matching graphite grey leather,or what ever color you desire,they match the porsche colors if you like.

 

This is how I got the car:



still have to do something about the empty space above the radio

 

Cupholder

 

the original cupholder is a few mm's too high unfortunately,
think I'll have to cnc a piece of plastic and carbon wrap it or something.

 

I have a 2003 C4s with Bose. I added Bluetooth using the Dension and a marine bluetooth adapter I bought on Amazon. I replaced the cassette holder with a second tray and use a Scoche Magic mount to hold my iPhone right below the radio. Looks totally stock and works like a charm. Happy to send additional details when I am back at my computer if needed.

 

The pannel surrounding the Kenwood unit looks just right - good fit, right color. Is it a Kenwood product? Or ... ?

 

Do both have continuous volume adjustment? Or does the volume go up & down in discrete jumps?

 

I have a Kenwood 690HD. I went for that version (over the one with the larger screen) since I really wanted the volume ***. The *** isn't completely continuous but the increments are very small. Getting to the desired level has never been a problem at all and I'm very happy with my choice. The *** also allows you to turn the volume down (or up) very quickly.

 

I learned something interesting from a Kenwood dealer. Apparently, it is hard to install the 7" screen units well (the units with the largest screens and no visble CD opening). When the screens open up, they require more space than the standard size, which makes it harder for them to get/stay properly aligned.

 

I reviewed this whole thread and noticed that none of you mentioned the cost of these double din units including installation. I recently did an interior refresh including reupholstering the front seats. I am tired of those disposable Bluetooth units from Motorola. I went to a very reputable auto stereo specialist that contributes regularly on this site and they quoted me for parts and labor somewhere around $3000. That is a little out of my price range. I looked on ebay and the price for these various double din units is somewhere $500. Does that mean that the labor and installation is $2500 I am not very good with doing my own work so is it possible to do this for less than $1000

 

That must include speakers and amps too.