AVN 6600 Eclipse

[FJ Guga]

Has anyone installed this unit yet?
I have not heard anything but good things and the bad comments about the AVN5500 on the Forum. I just oredered from circuit city. They have a really good deal $1,999 and you get a free rearview camera. I should have everything installed by next week. As soon as I get I will be posting pictures

[ACHlLLES]

Dude do some local research first in your area. I'm getting AVN 5500 INSTALLED (system + back up cam) @ 1700 bucks at my local area store. I think CC price is a rip off compare to my price. I think AVN 5500 and after series does come w/ back up cam anyways. From what I've read, AVN 5500 had some good reviews.

[Toadily Insane]

Just had the following installed 3 days ago (professionally installed - I'm a klutz) :

1. AVN6600 ($1,799)
2. Backup camera (free - promotion thru 8/31)
3. IPOD interface ($79)
4. Steering wheel control adapter

Great unit except I am having some sporadic NAV signal lock problems with the current antennae location and the lack of angle in the windshield. The installer mounted the antennae on the dashboard right at the base of the windshield; behind (or in front of depending on your perspective) the multi-info display. I'm going to move it to one more inside location before exploring an exterior mount.

While I do believe that the Pioneer AVICZ1 won the "bling and feature" race, I chose Eclipse because I have had the technology in my last 3 Toyotas and I didn't want to learn a new / complicated system. The Eclipse technology is pretty intuitive. DVD quality and surround sound simulation is top drawer. The IPOD interface is great.

That's my story and I'm sticking to it !

[CactusJK]

Any thoughts on the AVIC D2? How much did you pay for the total install including iPod interface and camera? Did you buy a steering wheel adapter or did the Eclipse interface directly with the FJ?

Toadily Insane previously said:

Just had the following installed 3 days ago (professionally installed - I'm a klutz) :

1. AVN6600 ($1,799)
2. Backup camera (free - promotion thru 8/31)
3. IPOD interface ($79)
4. Steering wheel control adapter

Great unit except I am having some sporadic NAV signal lock problems with the current antennae location and the lack of angle in the windshield. The installer mounted the antennae on the dashboard right at the base of the windshield; behind (or in front of depending on your perspective) the multi-info display. I'm going to move it to one more inside location before exploring an exterior mount.

While I do believe that the Pioneer AVICZ1 won the "bling and feature" race, I chose Eclipse because I have had the technology in my last 3 Toyotas and I didn't want to learn a new / complicated system. The Eclipse technology is pretty intuitive. DVD quality and surround sound simulation is top drawer. The IPOD interface is great.

That's my story and I'm sticking to it !

[Toadily Insane]

CactusJK previously said:

Any thoughts on the AVIC D2? How much did you pay for the total install including iPod interface and camera? Did you buy a steering wheel adapter or did the Eclipse interface directly with the FJ?

I can't really comment too much about the AVIC D2. I spent all of my time testing the AVIC Z1. Dual DVD capability was a must have for me. I can't say for sure, but there appears to be a great similarity of NAV functionality and quality between the AVIC Z1 and AVIC D2 (I am sure there are differences at some level).

I must admit that I believe the NAV / map graphics with the AVIC Z1 (and D2 for that matter) are about the best out there. Eclipse graphics do not have the same "way cool" factor but they are quality. One of my concerns was that I did find the Pioneer system more difficult to navigate the myriad of commands (a Pioneer trademark - I have mutiple Pioneer Elite home theater components). It just wasn't as intuitive as I would have liked. I also liked the audio output of the Eclipse better. (Note to any potential responders - please, no flaming on these last 2 points - these are just my opinions - plus I'm an "old" guy so have some mercy).

I found the IPOD interface with the Eclipse to be much better than the Pioneer. Controllable from the steering wheel (IPOD connector in glove box due to SoCal heat potential in dashboard storage box).

As indicated, I did have to buy a steering wheel adapter (wireless) - the cost was about $99. The backup camera was $0 (promotion - ends 8/31).

My total install costs, including additional connectors and trim was $480 (remember this is decadant OC). Worth it to me especially since I am having to revisit them about the NAV antennae (they have been very helpful - at no additional charge).

[cannondale@juno.com]

Hey guys, dont forget about the Kenwood series. The nav for kenwood is made by garmin (no to shabby) and does not run off dvd, new maps and data updates are on a sd card, very cool, sound quality and video quality is unreal. if you get an 8017 the 5.1 surround processor is built in. its an incredible unit.

[landrvr1]

Toadily Insane previously said:

I can't really comment too much about the AVIC D2. I spent all of my time testing the AVIC Z1. Dual DVD capability was a must have for me. I can't say for sure, but there appears to be a great similarity of NAV functionality and quality between the AVIC Z1 and AVIC D2 (I am sure there are differences at some level).

I must admit that I believe the NAV / map graphics with the AVIC Z1 (and D2 for that matter) are about the best out there. Eclipse graphics do not have the same "way cool" factor but they are quality. One of my concerns was that I did find the Pioneer system more difficult to navigate the myriad of commands (a Pioneer trademark - I have mutiple Pioneer Elite home theater components). It just wasn't as intuitive as I would have liked. I also liked the audio output of the Eclipse better. (Note to any potential responders - please, no flaming on these last 2 points - these are just my opinions - plus I'm an "old" guy so have some mercy).

I found the IPOD interface with the Eclipse to be much better than the Pioneer. Controllable from the steering wheel (IPOD connector in glove box due to SoCal heat potential in dashboard storage box).

As indicated, I did have to buy a steering wheel adapter (wireless) - the cost was about $99. The backup camera was $0 (promotion - ends 8/31).

My total install costs, including additional connectors and trim was $480 (remember this is decadant OC). Worth it to me especially since I am having to revisit them about the NAV antennae (they have been very helpful - at no additional charge).

Thanks much for your honest thoughts on the Eclipse system. I bought the Z1 two days ago, and it's a complete dog. My whining complaints can be found here

Pioneer AVIC-Z1: Early Thoughts / Review

Can you elaborate on the iPod interface? Does it allow you to QUICKLY cruise through the artist and song lists? Once you pick a tune and it starts, can you step back one menu to the entire album song listing? Can you select an artist name by the first letter within some kind of alpha menu?

Oh, does the GPS map list the names of lakes, rivers, tracks, and other bodies? Or just the roads?

Thanks

[granger]

Toadily Insane previously said:

4. Steering wheel control adapter

That's curious. I installed an Eclipse 5435 and the steering wheel controls are plug and play, no adapter needed.