Tired of Waiting... New Audio System

[CXRabbit]

Next Thursday I'm having a custom install done... My Bose/Sanyo POC Nav/Tech Package Monstrosity is being ripped out and I'm putting in the Pioneer AVIC-Z2.

I'd LOVE it if there was a dash kit available but Metras and Scosche say it's not available and American International says "about 8 weeks" (but I've heard that before). Annoying really, since the car has been out for quite some time now.

I'm just REALLY unhappy with the Mazda system, and I would suggest to ANYONE considering this car that they should seriously look at aftermarket options before deciding on the Tech Package.

Anyhoo... The Z2 will have Integrated iPod support, Navigation w/Voice recognition and live traffic reporting, XM Radio, DVD Player and Blue Tooth. It will integrate with my steering wheel controls. Audio guys think they'll be able to tap into my rear-view camera and microphone.

The installers are doing a custom dash kit for me... while it won't be perfect it will tide me over until one becomes available. I saw a custom one the did for a Toyota Tundra (kits ONLY just became available) and it was awesome.

I'll be sure to post pictures when I'm done...

 

[altaski]

I've been waiting since July 06 !!

I've been waiting since July 06 !!

 

[CXRabbit]

I feel your pain Alt... I've been waiting since about January when I decided to pull the OEM system. But when I went on a trip for Memorial Day where the navigation system was totally unreliable and uncooperative, and I still had no reasonably good option for plugging my iPod in, I said enough is enough!

I LOVE my CX-7, and probably for a great portion of the CX-7 drivers they never know the difference, but I honestly think Mazda really failed with the audio/nav portion of their Tech package.

 

[Shaz]

Glad you're back CXRabbit. I thought you fell from the face of the Earth. I am gonna change my HU too. So you're going the Avic route. I know you're mind is set but if you haven't done it yet, visit the forums at avic411.com and just get a heads up about numerous complaints about the Z2 which includes....inaccurate algorithm, out of date POIs, and the lke. Don't tell me I didn't warn you.

 

[CX7nCali]

As said, if you don't already own the AVIC, or have the option of returning it...

The Alpine IVA-W205 is the latest version that will accept the due-anytime upgraded B200 Nav unit that actually docks inside the W205.

W205 also has optical output and will control the PXA-H701 processor for 5.1 or 8ch active systems.

And yes, it has iPod full-speed control as well.

I am not biased to any specific brand. This unit is the best overall option out there for add-ons and future upgrades. IMHO

W205
http://www.alpine-usa.com/US-en/products/product.php?model=IVA-W205

H701
http://www.alpine-usa.com/US-en/products/product.php?model=PXA-H701

 

[CXRabbit]

I don't have the unit yet, and a phone call could change it. I'll research the Z2 a bit more.

I was ORIGINALLY going to go with the IVA-W200 (before the 205 came out) and the 205 really turns me on, but I've heard rough things about that nav system too... because it's essentially a portable it lacks some of the nicer features of a integrated system.

Hmmmmm

 

[CX7nCali]

that's why the 2nd version of the nav unit is coming out soon
they had to work out the bugs i guess
and the difference between the w200 and w205 is to be able to put the nav unit inside the w205

pretty good price at http://parkaveelectronics.com/product.asp?itemid=ALPIVAW205

a guy on DIYMA bought one from there

i'm trying to decide if i want to spend $3k on a whole new system
i may take a couple of vacations instead LOL

 

[Shaz]

That's a cheap price for the w205 but would alpine honor warranty if you buy it there? I'm just waiting for the Blackbird B200 to come out and I'll be making the switch. There is still no dash kit so my installer will fabricate one for me and then just swap out when the dash kits from Metra or Scosche becomes available.

The idea of the Blackbird B200 to be portable interests me. So far, I haven't heard a lot of issues with the w205.

 

[CX7nCali]

not sure if this is the place, but I think someone said they have a storefront, meaning they may be authorized dealers

the page states full manufacturer 1yr warranty

there are also other places that offer their own warranty
but you'd only do that if they are established, like ikesound.com

kinda odd, ikesound has the w205 for $675, but the w200 for $875
i wonder if that is backwards. wouldn't hurt to call to find out
http://www.ikesound.com/product-product_id/6656

 

[CXRabbit]

that's why the 2nd version of the nav unit is coming out soon
they had to work out the bugs i guess
and the difference between the w200 and w205 is to be able to put the nav unit inside the w205

Yeah, I know the differences between the 200 and 205, but do you know how annoying it is to here "it's coming soon"... LOL... that seems to be a common theme among items I want to buy for my CX-7!

I posted over on the Z2 411 site and so far the replies are a mixed bag. I'll see what tomorrow brings...

 

[CX7nCali]

but do you know how annoying it is to hear "it's coming soon"

ditto

what dash kit????

you would think Alpine, Pioneer, etc would be making them to increase sales of HUs

 

[CXRabbit]

Glad you're back CXRabbit. I thought you fell from the face of the Earth. I am gonna change my HU too. So you're going the Avic route. I know you're mind is set but if you haven't done it yet, visit the forums at avic411.com and just get a heads up about numerous complaints about the Z2 which includes....inaccurate algorithm, out of date POIs, and the lke. Don't tell me I didn't warn you.

Ya know, I was thinking more about this this morning. I did post over on avic411 and so far I'm not getting many replies that indicate wide-spread problems. One guy gave me some details about what you're referring to, but also said the complaints seem to be determined, at least in part, on your location.

BUT... considering Alpine doesn't even have their nav unit on the market yet... LOL... how can anyone really compare? The IVA-W205 LOOKS to be outstanding, and sure, I could put that HU in instead, but then I have to wait for the Blackbird B200 to be available... and there's certainly no saying it's not going to have problems too. I had heard some complaints about the older Blackbird unit, basically due to some limits in functionality because it's really a portable unit... but even so, it's NOT COMPATIBLE with the W205. Realistically, I certainly can't hold Alpines unit up on a pedestal and say it's better than the Pioneer when it's nav device isn't even out yet.

I talked with the Audio guy this morning and in all the cars he's installed the unit no one has come back with complaints... the customers seem to love it. Do I expect the nav to be 100% perfect? No nav system is. But I promise you it will be 10 times better than the OEM Mazda CX-7 system.

I'll keep researching, but I'd like to hear what you'd do instead ... and don't tell me to wait. I've waited long enough (burn)

 

[vbbuilt01]

Ya know, I was thinking more about this this morning. I did post over on avic411 and so far I'm not getting many replies that indicate wide-spread problems. One guy gave me some details about what you're referring to, but also said the complaints seem to be determined, at least in part, on your location.

BUT... considering Alpine doesn't even have their nav unit on the market yet... LOL... how can anyone really compare? The IVA-W205 LOOKS to be outstanding, and sure, I could put that HU in instead, but then I have to wait for the Blackbird B200 to be available... and there's certainly no saying it's not going to have problems too. I had heard some complaints about the older Blackbird unit, basically due to some limits in functionality because it's really a portable unit... but even so, it's NOT COMPATIBLE with the W205. Realistically, I certainly can't hold Alpines unit up on a pedestal and say it's better than the Pioneer when it's nav device isn't even out yet.

I talked with the Audio guy this morning and in all the cars he's installed the unit no one has come back with complaints... the customers seem to love it. Do I expect the nav to be 100% perfect? No nav system is. But I promise you it will be 10 times better than the OEM Mazda CX-7 system.

I'll keep researching, but I'd like to hear what you'd do instead ... and don't tell me to wait. I've waited long enough (burn)

Check out this website: http://www.eclipse-web.com/

I had one of their earlier double-din NAV units in my Santa Fe...Really liked it! You should be able to find a local shop that sells/installs. Fujitsu-Ten has 5 Nav models.

Let me know what you think.

Vince.

 

[krekc]

Do these nav systems work with the steering wheel controls?

 

[CXRabbit]

Krekc...

According to my audio guy, and the research I've done, the harness to connect the aftermarket radio to the existing steering wheel controls is already available. So to answer your question, yes, as far as I've found out.


Vince...

I had looked at the Eclipse HU... and I can't remember now, but there was a reason I scratched it off the list pretty early on.

 

[CX7nCali]

if it's mainly for Nav, then either way will work

if you are like me, and want the option to build a killer SQ system, then the Alpine is your only option because the AVIC doesn't control the Pioneer P9 processor.

The W205+B200 is like adding the AVIC-Z2 and P9 head unit together. The W205 and P9 control an external processor.

If that doesn't matter to you, then I'd lean towards the Z2.

 

[Shaz]

Rabbit, go with what your instinct tell you. I'm just sparing you with headaches that the AVIC might provide because I know that you are a big audiogal. Have you scoured the rest of the avic411 z2 forums especially the problems section or you're just relying on your post over there? Because I have...since I was also considering the z2 when it came out.

My OEM Navi (I call her Dora) has so far took me to my destination without a glitch. There was this one ocassion tho that I was looking for a Thai restaurant and when I came to my destination, it became a pet store. I'm using a Monster FM Transmitter for the iPod and the reception has improved immensely since I installed the Shark Fin.

I know you can't wait and I can't wait for you to take some pics and share us your experience with the AVIC. But I would like to see what Alpine has to offer with the updated B200. The idea of it being portable gives me more flexibility when I travel and I don't have my car.

Well Rabbit. As I said, I just don't want you to be posting some NAVI/IPOD problems again , LOL. Goodluck. Oh BTW, my installer has fabricated a dash kit (piano black) and it looks OEM. just an idea.

 

[CXRabbit]

CX7nCali... While I'm not familiar with the P9 specifically, there are lots of options for killer SQ. Right now, my priority is to get the HU that will do good navigation, iPod control and Bluetooth. A little later I'll probably work on the amp and speakers, and I don't anticipate a problem.

Shaz - yeah, I have looked through the forums there, not just at my post. The biggest complaint I hear people griping about is no bypass is available. My audio guy has DONE the bypass on the Z2 already for other customers. LOL

I'm glad you've had no issue with Dora. We didn't have any major ones locally... it wasn't until we went further than our typical around-home travels that she showed her true colors. FM Transmitters just flat out suck in New York. The stations are way too congested. Trust me, I've tried about six different brands.

Regardless, I don't think an FM Transmitter is a solution on a car that has a "tech package". It irks me. A lot.

Right now the two best solutions are the IVA-W205 and the Pioneer Z2. Unfortunately though, in it's current state, the 205 is not a nav solution at all.

BTW, if you're willing, give me your audio guy's name and phone # (you can send it in PM)... I'd love for him to talk to my audio guy about what he fabricated.

Amy

 

[vbbuilt01]

My OEM Navi (I call her Dora)

I named my NAV "Madge" (yippy)

Vince.