Having a tough time deciding: Eclipse AVN726E or Kenwood DNX7410.

[ahhhudi]

Been researching for a while but I'm having a tough time deciding between the two units after narrowing it down from a larger list.

I like the fact that Kenwood has the Garmin navigation and the Parrot bluetooth. But I also like the Eclipse and the 3 year parts and labor warranty that comes with it when bought from an authorized dealer. I've owned both brands before (about 10 years back) when I was into car audio and they both performed very well and without problems when I had them. So I'm kind of stumped.

The retail price of DNX7140 is $1,600 w/rear view camera included.
The retail price of AVN726E is $ $1,450 w/ rear view camera included.
...both from Crutchfield pricing. The $150 difference between the two is not going to impact which unit I choose.

Any personal input from owners (or previous owners) on either of these units, or why you chose it (or did not choose it) is highly appreciated.[hail]

[LERecords]

eclipse hands down... i have had one in a previous car and it was a champ.

[LERecords]

just an opinion here.. but for something that expensive, i would also opt to not buy from crutchfield and to take the car to a reputable audio shop and have them install.. i dunno how much is required to change out for an aftermarket unit, but i do know that you may need to have a harness "made" if you want everything to be plug and play.. people recomend efing on here, but i have no personal experience with them. However, they seem pretty solid and i have seen a thread or 2 about how they make wireing harness's. might be something that you'll have to look into, especially if you want to keep your steering wheel controls (if you have them).

i must ask, did you upgrade your speakers at all??? if so, please let me know to what brand. I have been looking to do something with the same head unit, but am torn between rockford speakers or eclipse...

[ahhhudi]

just an opinion here.. but for something that expensive, i would also opt to not buy from crutchfield and to take the car to a reputable audio shop and have them install.. i dunno how much is required to change out for an aftermarket unit, but i do know that you may need to have a harness "made" if you want everything to be plug and play.. people recomend efing on here, but i have no personal experience with them. However, they seem pretty solid and i have seen a thread or 2 about how they make wireing harness's. might be something that you'll have to look into, especially if you want to keep your steering wheel controls (if you have them).

i must ask, did you upgrade your speakers at all??? if so, please let me know to what brand. I have been looking to do something with the same head unit, but am torn between rockford speakers or eclipse...

I ended up buying the Eclipse AVN726E from crutchfield because of the 3 year manufacturers warranty on parts and labor that comes with being purchased from an authorized retailer. That and their customer service has been very good to me over the years. I'm always willing to pay more if the customer service and support is adequate. It just makes dealing with any potential issue that much easier. But the system will absolutely be installed by a reputable professional shop ( www.e-autowerks.com ). Me trying to fiddle around with it would be nothing but trouble. I ended up also purchasing the Eclipse rear-view camera BEC108 and the iPod connection cable iPC-709, so me doing that installation would be[headbang].

I will be using a Metra dash kit and I've sent CKYmike@enfig a PM regarding what harness kit and other accessories I would need for this to be installed properly. I would like to buy these products from Enfig and continue to support the Zine [:)] and like you said, their reputation on here is spot on.

I haven't changed the speakers yet but it is on my agenda. I've never been the biggest fan of Rockford speakers and I've owned only an Eclipse head unit about 9-10 years back(which I was very happy with) so I can't comment on their speaker quality other than that their reputation is excellent. I use to be into car audio quite a bit about 9-10 years back and preferred Boston Acoustics speakers with either MTX or Xtant amps. My search will more than likely begin there until I find other potential products to compare against.

[LERecords]

gotta go with the speakers you know.. sounds like your all set.. post up some pictures after they get the head unit installed if you have a chance.. would be nice to see what it will look like once its done.. good luck :)

[ahhhudi]

Well, the Eclipse AVN726e has been installed along with the Eclipse BEC108 rear view camera and iPod audio/video connection cable iPC-709. The new dash is a Metra kit, about which I will make some comments below the pics.

Cliffs notes:
Unit was a pain in the a__ to install according to professional. Much trickier than Kenwood or Pioneer nav units. Otherwise, the unit is very fast and easy to operate. Accurate and has a quick response to route changes. Navigation is spot on. iPod audio/video cable is totally worth it. Graphics of movies and videos is excellent. Bluetooth is very easy to set up. No complaints or regrets at all about the purchase. For detailed information, read below pics.


Before (05 S4 (B6)) interior:
http://www.audizine.com/gallery/data/500/Audi_related_003.jpg




After (w/Eclipse AVN726e):
http://www.audizine.com/gallery/data/500/Audi_related_017.jpg
http://www.audizine.com/gallery/data/500/Audi_related_11-12-09_008.jpg
http://www.audizine.com/gallery/data/500/Audi_related_11-12-09_009.jpg


I love how clean the interior looks with the Metra kit... almost like stock.


Comments:

What I can say is that the unit is exactly what I was looking for. It was professionally installed by a guy in reputable shop that I mentioned in a post above. However, it wasn't without a few snags in the road and here are some of his comments:

- Pain in the a___ to wire to existing Audi harnesses. Mentioned that steering wheel harness was especially tricky but I was able to retain full function of steering wheel controls.

- Because the AVN726e is a 7" screen and most other in-dash Nav units are 6.95", it didn't fit very well into the Metra dash kit and sides of the kit needed to be a bit 'shaved' to prevent the opening plate from getting stuck.

- Would not recommend anyone do the install of this unit themselves unless they are very savvy with adjustments and wiring. This guy installs Kenwood and Pioneer units for a living (at e-autowerks.com ) and says they are a piece of cake to install compared to this Eclipse.

On to the positives, the start-up is VERY fast (5 seconds at the most). I didn't even notice this as an issue which I see others have complains with certain nav units.

The GPS is fast, fast to react to route changes and spot-on with locations.[up] Living in Chicago really brings out the 3D capability of the Eclipse unit. It's nice to know exactly when your going under a bridge or overpass on highways, and the buildings/landmarks definitely do add anther dimension by reducing any confusion as to where you are and what you will be seeing up ahead. I'm not sure this feature is all the helpful though for people that live in rural areas. As far as the guide-voice feature, some have complained that it's too quiet when I was reviewing this product... not true in my case. If it becomes annoying, the volume can be turned up or down, or shut of with a few easy clicks. I'm VERY happy with the GPS capability.

Sound quality is a serious improvement. The ability to adjust the EQ really allows for customizing of the sound that you are looking for. Not that it needs to be, but it is louder than the stock Symphony. The best way I can put it is that the sound quality of music is much more crisp and refined. I'm still playing with these settings (seeing as the unit was only installed 2 days ago).

Bluetooth was a piece of cake to setup and the sound through the speakers is clear. The microphone was mounted directly behind the steering wheel and from the initial testing by the few calls I've made and received, my cussing at the traffic in front of me was easily understood. I need to still download all my contacts and setup voice recognition before I have comments on that.

AM/FM is pretty self explanatory. Reception is fine, like Symphony, and there's really not that much to say about that.

iPod Audio/Video is clutch. The graphics from the movies and videos is just unbelievable! iPod is very easily controlled via steering wheel controls or the touchscreen on the unit. Finally, I got rid of the CD case in the car that was just cumbersome to carry around. Everything will be going through either iPod or USB input that's available.

There's quite a few more features that I have to experiment with but my overall impression is I'm very happy with the purchase. Should this unit break down for some reason, the 3 years parts & labor warranty will be quite useful. It is very fast, and surprisingly easy to use. I've been reading the manual little by little but a lot of the operations are fairly easy to get to and options from one to another are easy to find and change. If I have any more comments, I will sure to post and update.

This unit and all the goodies are only part 1 of my complete interior overhaul in my B6 S4. Carbon fiber trim is being installed as soon as Matt from oCarbon is finished, followed by the RS pedals that are arriving from Germany, Audi Sport rubber floor mats (easy), and then custom painting the slash in red next to the S4 that is on the silver door slides, (the same red as on the slash next to the S4 on the trunk and in the front grille). One final thing I will need to decide is whether to go with Euro RS4 or Euro RS6 (leaning to this one) steering wheel and then everything should be up to date for a bit. I will be updating speakers, sub and amp probably toward end of next year, so that will wait a bit.

[koolade9]

tl;dr

good work [up]

[ahhhudi]

tl;dr

good work [up]

Cliffs notes: works great.[:D]

[steveo_01vwgolf]

purchased this exact same unit for my b6 s4 as well. i've sent enfig an email and a pm about the dash kit and wiring harness but haven't received a response yet. did you purchase these things through them or did you find it somewhere else?

[ahhhudi]

purchased this exact same unit for my b6 s4 as well. i've sent enfig an email and a pm about the dash kit and wiring harness but haven't received a response yet. did you purchase these things through them or did you find it somewhere else?

PM sent.[:)]

I went through a local shop.

[Andrew J]

Good thread. I am considering a similar upgrade (though I still have a Pioneer in the running). But can you use the OEM Sat radio with the Eclipse, or at a minimum use the existing antenna?

[ahhhudi]

Good thread. I am considering a similar upgrade (though I still have a Pioneer in the running). But can you use the OEM Sat radio with the Eclipse, or at a minimum use the existing antenna?

I am not positive (because I'm not subscribed for the extra option of traffic report) but I believe you can use the the OEM satellite radio. That traffic option is extra $10-$20 a month I believe.

I'm fairly positive you can use the OEM but I will check and report back.

[LERecords]

looks great.. thanks for the write-up.. :)

[Maddog3xx8]

eclipse hands down... i have had one in a previous car and it was a champ.

+1 if this is the model with the flash memory then your be happy... its fast and nav is acurate with 3d buildings..

[steveo_01vwgolf]

just came back from my local "Mobile Music" shop and the guys there are telling me that i need an interface unit to basically take the Eclipse language and turn it into stock bose language, but he doesn't know of anyone who sells the interface brick. or he told me i can buy all new speakers and re-wire it that way. i told him he was full of it and that i would get back to him. did you have to purchase an interface unit so the eclipse could talk to the stock bose speakers??? help.. thanks steve

[ahhhudi]

just came back from my local "Mobile Music" shop and the guys there are telling me that i need an interface unit to basically take the Eclipse language and turn it into stock bose language, but he doesn't know of anyone who sells the interface brick. or he told me i can buy all new speakers and re-wire it that way. i told him he was full of it and that i would get back to him. did you have to purchase an interface unit so the eclipse could talk to the stock bose speakers??? help.. thanks steve

PM sent.

My guy made no mention of having to do any rewiring to the speakers or anything of the sort. He did use 4-5 harnesses and I will check exactly which ones he used once I get home. But this install is definitely do-able.

[8520]

just came back from my local "Mobile Music" shop and the guys there are telling me that i need an interface unit to basically take the Eclipse language and turn it into stock bose language, but he doesn't know of anyone who sells the interface brick. or he told me i can buy all new speakers and re-wire it that way. i told him he was full of it and that i would get back to him. did you have to purchase an interface unit so the eclipse could talk to the stock bose speakers??? help.. thanks steve

He may have been just using some odd language to describe what you need.

The parts you would need would be a metra 70-1787, antenna adapter, dash kit, and steering wheel control interface (probably two to interpret can data).

Quite a bit of cash of parts, but keeping your stock amp & speakers is straight forward.

If you feel like making the drive either my roomate or I could install it for you, but it would be through the shops we work at.

[steveo_01vwgolf]

^^^ do you have all of these in stock where you work at?? and which dash kit would you recommend?? also if you were to install it any guess as to price??? and my car doesn't have steering controls so it makes it a little easier. thanks

also i've been told i will need this also to make the install easier..

http://enfigcarstereo.com/shopsite_sc/store/html/CONNECTS2_CTSAD003.html

[ahhhudi]

These are the items that the place that did my install used:

Item Code (Description (more description)):
-Pac Swi-ECL2 (Eclipse radio steering conrol)
-PAC SWI-CAN (can bus adapter)
-METRA (99-901 (dash kit))... this is the dash kit where slight shaving of the sides was required to fit our 7" screen. Otherwise, if no shaving was to be done the flip screen would get stuck.
-METRA (40-VW53 (antenna adapter))
-METRA (70-1787 (amp.wire harness))

That item by enfig does look relatively nice and bundled together. Has anyone used it with an install of an Eclipse nav unit?

[steveo_01vwgolf]

I've googled the Metra 99-901 dash kit and i can't seem to find it. Nothing comes up with that number? Any suggestions...

is it 99-9101??

[ahhhudi]

I've googled the Metra 99-901 dash kit and i can't seem to find it. Nothing comes up with that number? Any suggestions...

is it 99-9101??

hmmm... On the receipt it says 99-901 after checking again, but I see what you mean. It really should have 4 figures in the second set of numbers. Probably a typo on the receipt damn it!

But yes it may be 99-9101 even though it says that it's for the A6 when I did a quick search. I don't think it's the 99-9102 because that one doesn't look like mine at all. 99-9102 looks like this: http://www.audizine.com/forum/showthread.php?t=296588

[steveo_01vwgolf]

^^^^ thanks much! I thought it was the 9101, just wanted to make sure. I just placed an order through enfig so hopefully next week I'll have the parts to get my Head Unit installed. thanks again ahhhudi! It won't let me give you any more rep or else you'd have more!

[aleicgrant]

thought about Pioneer Avic Z110bt?

really amazing prices right now and $200 rebate.

[ahhhudi]

No worries about the rep, man. I just hope that you can finally get it put in because it's a really fun gadget to play with!

Speaking off, I FINALLY figured out how to transfer my contact list from my BlackBerry Storm onto the unit (I've also read that same type of rules apply for iPhones, and possibly other type of phones as well with similar smart phone capailities). You must have every picture that's designated for your contact deleted, and you also cannot have more than one phone number per contact on your phone. So basically if you have 3 numbers and a picture designated for John Doe, say mobile, home and work number, you must delete the picture and then create 3 separate entries (example, John Doe Mobile, John Doe Home and John Doe Work, etc.). Also no dashes, commas or & and such signs in the contact name. Man was it a PITA to figure all that out and sort through the contact list. Now it should be smooth sailing.

I'm slowly going through the 230+ page operation manual, learning every feature along the way.

[ahhhudi]

thought about Pioneer Avic Z110bt?

really amazing prices right now and $200 rebate.

That unit does seem like a very popular one, and I'm sure it's a very good one as well...

But for me, it basically came down to Kenwood's Garmin & Parrot Bluetooth vs. Eclipse's Sound Quality, fast 3D navigation and 3-year Parts & Labor warranty. Each of those units also had a lot of very nice features that I researched and read about but those were the main reasons that had me debating before I finally committed to Eclipse.

[UGwagen]

I am not positive (because I'm not subscribed for the extra option of traffic report) but I believe you can use the the OEM satellite radio. That traffic option is extra $10-$20 a month I believe.

I'm fairly positive you can use the OEM but I will check and report back.

XM NavTraffic is useless. It is basically a waste of money. Even when merged with Sirius, there was no improvement.

...Eclipse...their parent company, Fujitsu-Ten, they supply the navigation for Toyota & Lexus

[8520]

^^^ do you have all of these in stock where you work at?? and which dash kit would you recommend?? also if you were to install it any guess as to price??? and my car doesn't have steering controls so it makes it a little easier. thanks

also i've been told i will need this also to make the install easier..

http://enfigcarstereo.com/shopsite_sc/store/html/CONNECTS2_CTSAD003.html

That unit is not necessary. From what I can see it probably creates a rap(retained accessory power) through data as opposed to running a new accessory to the fusebox.

We carry the kenwood 7140 and usually have 3 or 4 in stock, but we don't carry eclipse. As far as pricing on the install you're probably looking at 225-275 for labor without parts.

[ahhhudi]

As far as pricing on the install you're probably looking at 225-275 for labor without parts.

My install was right in the middle of your quoted price range, $250 without parts.

[8520]

My install was right in the middle of your quoted price range, $250 without parts.

Yeah, for random people walking in the shop I'd probably try and get more just cause double dins in audis are generally a pita.

*shrug*

[steveo_01vwgolf]

Thanks for all the help guys, I did purchase http://enfigcarstereo.com/shopsite_sc/store/html/CONNECTS2_CTSAD003.html and also the rubber touch dash kit from enfig. http://enfigcarstereo.com/shopsite_sc/store/html/CONNECTS2_CT24AU06R.html I will be having the local shop out here install it. They quoted me for 150 for labor and the install will be under warranty so gonna go that route. thanks everyone for their help again.! It's greatly appreciated! Can't wait until it's in!

[ahhhudi]

Steve, when is the unit going in? Make sure to post pics once completed. BTW, I've finished the 230+ operation manual and I've gone through every single feature pretty much. Holy crap are there a lot of options!

[LERecords]

makes me sad i still have to deal with the stock radio... :(

[steveo_01vwgolf]

ahhhudi, the unit will be going in on the 3rd of January. My ordered parts from enfig don't get here until the 2nd [=(]

[steveo_01vwgolf]

BTW, I've finished the 230+ operation manual and I've gone through every single feature pretty much. Holy crap are there a lot of options!

Can't wait to start my 230+ endeavor!

[steveo_01vwgolf]

Well it has finally been installed! It cost $213 for the install, $150 for the adapters, and $50 for the dash kit totalling $413. sigh... oh well it looks good, only got to play with it on the 5 minute drive home after work so i'll be sitting in my car all day tomorrow pushing buttons! lol. pics will be up after tomorrow; once i figure out the settings and such. I must say it looks clean!

[ahhhudi]

Well it has finally been installed! It cost $213 for the install, $150 for the adapters, and $50 for the dash kit totalling $413. sigh... oh well it looks good, only got to play with it on the 5 minute drive home after work so i'll be sitting in my car all day tomorrow pushing buttons! lol. pics will be up after tomorrow; once i figure out the settings and such. I must say it looks clean!

That's great to hear! [up][up][up] Looking forward to seeing the pics. You'll love the unit. There's not much to dislike about it.

[steveo_01vwgolf]

did you sell your stock unit or did you keep it?? debating whether or not to put it up for sale in the classifieds. i'm pretty sure the eclipse is never coming out of this car! lol.. [:D]

[ahhhudi]

I decided to keep it just in case I should ever decide to sell the car (which I do not plan on doing). I'll put the stock unit back in the car and either sell the Eclipse, if it becomes outdated for what I like, or put it into the new car. Our stock units don't go for that much if I remember correctly from looking at the classifieds so I didn't figure it would be worth to sell and go through the hassle.

[steveo_01vwgolf]

Ahhhudi.... have a question for you, on your headunit did you have to purchase an extra module in order to have satellite radio?? the shop installed the antannae adapter, but all the satellite radio options on the unit are greyed out and cannot be selected. I called the shop and the installer told me that i needed to purchase a separate Eclipse Satellite unit?? is this true??

[8520]

I called the shop and the installer told me that i needed to purchase a separate Eclipse Satellite unit?? is this true??


Yup. True.

Most units these days are "satellite radio ready"

[GQ//S4]

Yup. True.

Most units these days are "satellite radio ready"

Speaking of, did you put one in yours yet, I can't remember.

[steveo_01vwgolf]

Yup. True.

Most units these days are "satellite radio ready"

k, thanks!

[Sandeman]

if anyone wants subs, speakers amps or headunits, let me know, i have a contact that can get u them for dirt cheap... theyre from a authorized seller so you guys get the manufacturers warranty as well

check him out before you guys place an order with other companies

email or PM me for more info

[email protected] OR [email protected]

[steveo_01vwgolf]

here are two pics.. still trying to figure out all the buttons and modes...


http://www.audizine.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=493&pictureid=11894


http://www.audizine.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=493&pictureid=11893

[8520]

Speaking of, did you put one in yours yet, I can't remember.

Nah. Sirius radio is garbage for sound quality.

[ahhhudi]

here are two pics.. still trying to figure out all the buttons and modes...


http://www.audizine.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=493&pictureid=11894


http://www.audizine.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=493&pictureid=11893

I like how that looks with the extra frame around the unit. [up][up] And I see you are operating in advanced mode (the binoculars in the upper left corner shows that,... in simple mode I believe it is a house icon). I would definitely recommend learning how to use it in advanced mode because simple mode doesn't even enable a fraction of what advanced mode allows you to perform.

[steveo_01vwgolf]

the extra frame around it had to be purchased extra b/c the dash kit enfig sent me had no way of mounting the unit into it.. so the unit would just come flying out when i took off.. ran me another $50... i think it looks good though so i can't complain too much. Oh, and on the way to and from work yesterday i watched Transporter 3, probably not the best movie to be watching in my S... lol.... wanted to get on it sooo bad !![up] [drive] [race]

[steveo_01vwgolf]

Just found out that I can change the oem kenwood/garmin startup screen!

1) press and hold SRC and Volume Down Keys
2) then press reset button
3) release the reset button (continue to hold SRC and Volume Down until illumination activates)
4) connect USB thumb drive containing image file in the root directly (same as older versions)
5) press "OEM image", the selection button will be grayed out until the files are seen on the USB device
6) select the image you want to use
7) press the reset button when you're all done to reboot the unit back in to the normal mode

Here is the new startup screen that I put on.

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s121/sportscards4sale/audi.jpg

ahhhudi, do you know if our eclipse can do that???

[LERecords]

I know there is a way to do that on the eclipse.. i cant remember how though.. do a google search and your likely to find it...

[ahhhudi]

On this unit, I don't think so. At least I haven't been able to find a way. [down]

Here's the link to the interactive Eclipse AVN726e manual.
http://www.eclipse-web.com/us/download/manual/avn726e_en/avn/index.html

I didn't find it anywhere in there and a quick search on-line didn't yield any results that would suggest otherwise either... unfortunately.

[ahhhudi]

The price of the unit dropped to $800 on Cruthfield now [o_o]... That's $500 savings over what it was not even a couple of months ago. I wonder why such a large price drop? Is it because it's last year's model? [confused]

$800 for this unit is a steal, in MHO.

[steveo_01vwgolf]

$800 for this unit is crazy cheap!!!

[davis449]

the extra frame around it had to be purchased extra b/c the dash kit enfig sent me had no way of mounting the unit into it.. so the unit would just come flying out when i took off.. ran me another $50... i think it looks good though so i can't complain too much. Oh, and on the way to and from work yesterday i watched Transporter 3, probably not the best movie to be watching in my S... lol.... wanted to get on it sooo bad !![up] [drive] [race]

I just finally upgraded my dash kit. I had my AVIC D3 literally ghetto rigged in mine. It had gap, most people didn't notice, that pissed me off to no end. Same as you, the dash kit I bought originally from enfig two years ago had no way of actually mounting the unit. I bought this one: http://enfigcarstereo.com/shopsite_sc/store/html/METRA_99_9105.html last week and installed it this past weekend. The only difficulty I had with it was unlike my friends exact same one for his MK6 GTI, this one's side double din mounts didn't "snap" into place so I had to super glue them. All in all, it works and was worth it. It has the rubber touch front that matches closer with our dashes. I still have a bit of gap around the edges but it's much less noticeable and will be completely unremarkable to most people. I attribute this more to the way the D3 is designed than the dash kit and trim surround itself.

[steveo_01vwgolf]

Anyone know if this unit has outputs to run other tv's off of it?

[steveo_01vwgolf]

nevermind. it does. kthxby

[quality_sound]

I don't know about you guys, but I wouldn't be dumping any money into product that isn't being sold in the US anymore and I absolutely wouldn't be paying anything close to retail if I did decide to buy something.

[alexjohn22]

I wonder why such a large price drop? Is it because it's last year's model? [confused]

Apparently the parent company isn't going to be making Eclipse anymore...

"12VoltNews.com today confirmed that Fujitsu Ten Corporation has shut down its retail mobile electronics brand “Eclipse” in the North American market. According to a source within the organization, Fujitsu Ten will remain working with the automotive OEMs but plans to fully phase itself out of aftermarket/retail."


that would be my guess for the price drop..

[g35mt]

I bought this unit brand new off craigslist, got a great deal on it. the guy still have 2 unit left last time i bought it. i got for 550. After a week later, went to local stereo shop and install that sucker. Found out that Eclipse no longer exist in the US for a year or so. I realized now why the stuff sell so cheap. Oh well...still a good unit. The navigation portion is freaking fast compare to pioneer z2.