Just got back from Car Toys and I'm 99% sure I'm gonna have them install the Kenwood Excelon DDX7015 touch screen double DIN DVD setup in my stang next week....I'm taking my new slim bodied PS2 to throw in the glovebox and having them hardwire an inverter while I'm there....I figure it'll give us something to do at car meets or shows....play a little Grand Turismo 4 or watch a movie....screen was good size (6.5") and with great picture quality. Just curious if anybody else had done this to their '05 yet, heard anything about this system, and could show what it looked like when all was said and done....LMK...

P.S. There was a nice Alpine there that was 100 bucks cheaper with all the same features but I kinda liked the Kenwood better....I've heard a lot of good things about it so far....

Thanks,

John

 

Well, sort of answered some of my own questions by digging back to November and December to a thread started by a user named sqweak....Got to see a shot of it in his '05 but didn't see much feedback on how it performed...if ya'll have any idea on the quality of this system please pass it on as it's high dollar and I want to make sure it's gonna be sweet....not much of an audio buyer in recent years so don't wanna make a mistake....

thanks,
John

 

I put in same system.

The looks of the install are exactly the same as submitted by sqweak. He was instrumental in helping me get a good install. I had problems with the subs popping upon startup, and my install kit was not as polished as pictured by him. He hooked me up with his installer. A voltage regulator was needed to sit in between the subs and the unit; and I got the proper install kit (F 150). If you need better info, I can provide (not with me now). PM

Functionality is very good. Controls make sense. I also have the sirius tuner; which has 24 presets. As an example, i can control the navigation voice muting the radio; as well as the loudness of the voice, along with the speakers the voice comes from.

Navigation system works very well.

I can't say that I have the sound quality maximized. I am not sure I am getting enough high sounds. This goes along with some recent posts; which question the quality of the stock speakers. I'm thinking of replacing the rear speakers - - but am not sure I will get the highs out of new speakers. Sound right now is good, but I cannot say it is great. I feel it is better than the sound pre replacement (shaker 500).

If you have any specific questions, let me know if I can help.

 

I would love to see some pics of this, as I too am looking at installing this system in my 05. I was also looking at the new Alpine Double DIN unit, that one has more features, but, I am not sure I need them all.

Plus, can I get a price range for the complete install? With subs, new speakers, 2 amps. I am getting quotes of 4k, and thats pretty steep! Course, if I get sponsored, I guess I dont have to stress it, eh?

 

I really appreciate that lwing18...gonna take your info to the install so they don't screw it up...I'll put up some pics once it's all said and done...

John

 

Yeah, we definately need pics swingle. Good luck with that.

 

Thanks Nick! If all goes well it'll be next Friday.....

John

 

I just got back from my stereo shop. I was looking at the same unit. It was quoted for $1499.99. A little too much for me. This one did not have the T.V. tuner or navigation. He did say that the screen gets really hot in the summer, no problems with the touch panel, but that the discs get extremely hot. Just some food for thought.

I was looking at some subs as well. He quoted me $1000.00 for 1 Solo Baric L7 12" sub and a 300/2 Kicker amp. With installation. Now I've bought subs and even a T.V. from him about 2 years ago, so I don't know why he is giving me such a high quote.

I'm just looking for some info on these subs. I hear that they are the top of the line Solo Barics, but are they really worth the $600.00??? :scratch:

 

Hmm...My local Car Toys has them for 1399 and you can get them on Ebay for 1175 Buy it now all day long....still kinda unsure on spending that much as well....going back and forth on wheter it'd be worth around 1800 bucks after the install, tax, inverter cost and install for the PS2...after hearing about the popping subs in the back and the possible need for a wiring harness from an F-150 to prevent it, it may be more trouble then it's worth....may just wait until the prices come down....i could probably wait 6 months and save some big dollars....we'll see..

John

 

I agree John. It is a whole lot easier to justify spending the money the performance stuff isn't it?

 

For real Ron! I could pick up the JBA shorty's I want, plus another thousand plus in parts for what this will cost me....Doesn't seem worth it, but I'm not rich so I guess that's the big problem..LOL

John

 

Overhere in Europe kenwood is bringing out a new double din model in june. Looks are the same- the difference is that it will have a buildin surround decoder and better graphics, probably more expensive too. Don't know if they will be bringing it out in the States though.

 

I'll try to post pictures, tomorrow. But, same as sqweaks.

The sub pops, cost $2.98 to fix from Radio Shack. Sorry, should have mentioned it the first time. I'll provide the kit # for the Double din. this is just so your install looks factory. It is a metra kit, cost around $20. My installer initially put something together that looked ok, but not great. I wanted the factory look, and sqweak helped out by getting me the metra kit #.

 

lwing18,
Are you happy with your unit, can you see the display good on a nice sunny day?
I'm looking at this unit, the eclipse, or the pioneer when that one gets released.
Still little hard to justify this when I want to add painted stripes to the car and a street scene front bumper.
Gordon

 

T.V.'s are expensive as heck. And by my experiance, the "fun factor" fizzes out after just a short time. Plus good luck finding a dealer to ground the wire somewhere other than the E-Brake. You can't watch the DVD's while driving. At least in CA. Now I understand that it's not smart to watch a full movie, but a Stand-Up cpmedy or say a Metellica DVD would be awesome. I was 16 when I put my t.v. in my focus. So we would usually put on **** for the reaction from passer-bys. But like I said, I would mostly use it for music DVDs. Hard to decide when that $$$ could easily be put so many other places.

 

My installer had me sign a waiver, so the dvd plays any time. And, I do use the player for stand up... chris rock, SNL, etc, with passengers, on trips. It's not so much a novelty, as it is there already with the navigator. I don't find it distracting at all, preferring to keep myself and the car in tact. Once in a while use it while waiting for kids; and also use if for education courses. Just an added bonus, doesn't justify it.

Movies are not good with sunny days, when the sun is coming directly onto the unit. Navigator is ok for sunny days. The unit allows for 6 different tilt positions, which helps. I have not tinted my windows; and that might help. But, I won't go more than 35.

Yes, I do like the unit. I wanted a factory install look. The navigator is nice for work and travel. Work, it is nice pulling mapquest and looking it directions while driving. The gps is safer, for me.

 

Well, mine won;t have a TV or navigation for the cost I'm looking at so it makes it a lot harder to swallow.....IF it had a tv tuner and the nav for the 1800 total I'm looking at then I'd be all over it.....Glad I started this thread as I was all set to get it and the more I read the more i realize that the cost may outweigh the benefits at this point....thanks for all the input guys!

John

 

I've been looking into the Double DIN units as well. I think I am going to go with the new Clarion line or Kenwood that is a single DIN with a motorized screen. All the new units support touch screen and the iPod and the Clarion has quite a nice iPod wheel interface.

I am just worried from a theft perspective that a Double DIN will look much more tasty than a unit where the screen goes into the dash. Anyone have thoughts about how to futher secure your system with you stereo installs?

 

Any pics of theis Kenwood system? Installed?

Thanks

 

wow john, can't wait to see the who thing installed. been thinkin about somethign similar myself.

B)