Gps/nav deck with 24bit d/a converter?
 

I would like to change from my Pioneer Primer DEH-880PRS to a double din gps/nav unit. but I'm having a hard time finding any useful audio specs on most of them.

Who makes a nav deck with a 24bit d/a converter and hopefully other audiophile grade features?

(any one know one that will play flac?)

Alpine's INA-W900 has a 24 bit DAC but still only has a 2 volt limited pre-output. You can use the Imprint unit which bumps it up to 4 volts but I think the Imprint is pretty crappy.

I would put the Pioneer AVIC-Z120BT up against the Alpine for sound quality any day of the week. I too have the PRS-800 (which is very similar to your 880) in my TSX and I would have to say that despite the 120 not having the 13 band parametric EQ, the sound quality is pretty close between the two. I have a 32 band parametric EQ added onto my system in the Z and it sounds incredible with the 120.

Eclipse may have something in a 24 bit DAC but their menus are weird and the company is pretty much toast.

Very helpful... if only it played flac.
I have a pair of Audio control EQX's i could probably use to help make up for the lack of in dash 32 band eq eh? lol.

How about a DIY Carputer, how user friendly is that option these days?

I have recently had some experience with carputers and I'm a little mixed on them. The fact that you can have just about any concievable feature on your computer is really cool! But there are also some serious issues such as electrically induced noise which can affect both audio and video. These are issues that can be addressed but they can take time.

It has been said before and I will say it again....I am not aware of anybody that has won an IASCA sound quality competition using a carputer. I'm all about the SQ!

Which is funny, there are some realy audiophile style sound cards on the market these days(tho aimed at expensive headphones) I would think the amount of configurable options + hardware you would have an advantage in theory at least, like having an onboard RTA lol.

but taking your word on it a pioneer unit sounds like the right way to go... kinda wish it was a little under the grand mark tho lol, less of course it has flac support, then that's worth at least another $500 :P

(I wonder if any one has flashed custom firmware on to an avic unit hmmm)

Pioneer does have the younger brother to the 120. Its called the AVIC-Z920BT. The screen is 6.1" so its slightly smaller but everything else is pretty much the same as the 120. This unit can be had for under $1000 too. :)

Have you considered Kenwood? Their Excelon series head units have a 24-bit dac and tripple 5v pre-outs. If you go for the top dog ( DNX 9960 ) there is a time correction component in the audio control menu and loads more..... You are welcome to come check it out, we have one on display and in one of our cars.

FYI the DNX 6960 is on sale right now $1099
Tripple 5V pre-out, 24-bit dac, garmin nav, parot bluetooth ect.....

I think most of the higher end aftermarket double din's run 24bit DAC's nowadays.

Clarion
Kenwood Excelon
Pioneer
Alpine

Clarion NX700
http://www.clarion.com/ca/en/product...402482520.html


Really comes down to which unit you prefer. They all have their pros and cons.