I need Double Din, Alpine W205 v Kenwood 8019 v ???

[geocab 10+ year member]

Well, in my searching for a good head unit to build a system around, I've discovered that I have to go with a double din configuration.

I've read up on the Alpine IVA-W205 and the Kenwood DDX 8019. According to Crutchfield and Circuit City, the Eclipse AVN's don't fit in my car.

So, I'm looking for opinions on how these two units compare to each other. Most important to me is sound quality. But, I'm also wondering which has the better screen, functionality, etc. Can both units play DVDs while driving with a simple bypass?

Right now the DDX 8019 doesn't have Dolby Digital 5.1 capability and Kenwood doesn't sell a separate processor for this. The Alpine has an external processor. How important is this to sound quality? For things other than DVDs?

I'm not sure I'll ever need 5.1, but as I said, the sound quality of the head unit is most important to me and if the Alpine's external processor puts it ahead of the Kenwood, that may be the way to go, unless of course the Kenwood has many more plusses and the sound quality is close. Opinions from those who have experience with these units will be very appreciated!//content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/fro.gif.c695f1f814b01c4ad99fe7f8cccadd29.gif

Are there other Double Din units, in the same price as these two units, that compare favorably to these two? Like I said, I was really looking into an Eclipse AVN-6610 until I saw that it doesn't fit my car.

Important to me: Sound quality

Good viewable screen

Can play DVDs while driving

Expandability for use with external amps/subs

Not as important: Bluetooth (How does this function compare between the two units when the additional adapters are used?)

Thanks guys, I'm getting a lot closer to starting my system!

Click to read more...

 

[jluv 10+ year member]

Get the W205 and H701 and 300BT, run an optical cable from the W205 to the H701, and call it a day.

This will give you what you want.

 

[Platinumxpimp 10+ year member]

^^ ^^^x2

 

[geocab 10+ year member]

What if I throw an Eclipse AVN 5495 into the mix, how does that compare to the Alpine and Kenwood? (I spoke with an Eclipse dealer and he informed me that the Eclipse units WILL fit in my car.)

 

[geocab 10+ year member]

The more opinions I can get, the better as none of the stores around me have any of these models for me to look at personally and I can't seem to find any reviews of these.

 

[jluv 10+ year member]

The more opinions I can get, the better as none of the stores around me have any of these models for me to look at personally and I can't seem to find any reviews of these.

You can pretty much make anything fit. I love my Alpine setup. I can't comment on the Eclipse because I haven't used it.

 

[geocab 10+ year member]

Well, I went with the Alpine IVA W205 as I received a really good deal from a local dealer. Now I have to decide on some speakers and amps. I guess no part of building a good sounding system is easy! I'll try to take some pics later.

 

[Babs 10+ year member]

Get the W205 and H701 and 300BT, run an optical cable from the W205 to the H701, and call it a day.
This will give you what you want.

x3... Then your sound will only be limited by the rest of your components, install quality, tuning ability and ear. The 701 alone is reason enough to go with the Alpine running optic.