mazda2005 wrote:RJD Thanks for answering my question yesterday i found a deck that will get released soon that doesnt have all those extra modules. Clarion MAX685BT bluetooth is built in no mic, built in feature to connect current steering wheel controls, and the best part is connect an ipod with a simple usb cable and an XM mini tuner card so no need for an xm antenna. Navi is in HDD unit separate i can live without that. Plus it offers security code as supposed to the pioneer that offer nothing.
I just checked this unit out...it seems pretty nice. Pound for pound, it falls short in bang for buck compared to the Avic D3 due to the lack of navigation. But if you don't want navigation, and you only want dvd playback, then it's a pretty good deal. It's not sold on ebay yet or crutchfield yet!
In regards to the bluetooth feature,its good to have this built in and not have to pay for the module. + for clarion
In regards to the Xm, you still need to purchase an extra Xm mini tuner (it is mini tuner ready, meaning it doesn't have the tuner built in, and even with the mini tuner you NEEd to add an XM antenna!), and pioneer offers Xm nav traffic in addition to XM radio, a very nice feature, not available with clarion units. + for Pioneer
In regards to ipod, both require only a cable to connect... + for clarion/pioneer.. However, I don't know if clarion offers an actual ipod interface on the screen like the pioneer units do.. check on that!
in regards to security codes.. I've never understood the purpose of that! If a thief make it into your car, and begin taking out the unit, their not gonna say (hmm, now whioch one had the secuirty code, pioneer, kenwood, or clarion).. they're just gonna take it... and if they do find out there's a security code, they're not gonna find the owner and return it because they can't use it... I'm not bagging on you, just the company!
In any case, all in all, it still looks like a good unit! It's probably gonna sell for like $600 or so since MSRP is $1,000.00
when it comes out and you install it, be sure to let us know what you think!
