Should I spring for the new Kenwood Unit or higher grade Pioneer?

[Mptrh336]

I currently have the NEX4100 and for the most part love the receiver. I recently bought a Note 4 after having broken the screen on my N6. (Just came across a deal to good to pass) I've never had an issue with the Nexus with regard to AA navigation, but I noticed today that the Note doesn't keep a good GPS lock. I read somewhere that the new Kenwood units use an onboard GPS chip with AA. I was curious is the higher end Pioneer units with Nav built in would use their onboard GPS or still use the GPS from the phone? Is there a GPS dongle I can add to my 4100? Any suggestion would be helpful! If I replace the unit I'll be passing on the 4100 to my wife's vehicle for her to use CarPlay anyway.

 

[SuperTongue]

You could always add the AVIC-U260 to add on an external GPS antennae to the NEX4100 - cheaper than buying a new HU if you didn't want to spend the money. Amazon has it for around $300, but here's the Pioneer page:

AVIC-U260 - <b>NEW!</b> - Add-on Navigation System with Built-In Traffic Tuner for "Navigation Ready" DVD Receivers | Pioneer Electronics USA

As you mentioned, AA will utilize an external GPS if it's available. Adding this to your NEX4100 should provide that external antennae. I believe it will also add the navigation interface from the NEX7100/8100 as well, so you'll have that to fall back on if you ever want/need to.

 

[Phil Nickinson]

I've got a Kenwood on the way. Ask me again in a few weeks.

 

[JaseVernon]

Definitely get the Pioneer! I had the Kenwood in my truck for 2 weeks and couldn't get Android Auto to work. Now I probably got a lemon, so that aside, I took it back and upgraded to the Pioneer. It was $150 difference at my local dealer, and worth every penny.

• 2 USB ports so you can leave your phone plugged in and an ipod etc
• Detachable face plate, so better security
• Wireless Remote
• Greater control over customization of the interface
• Smoother interaction with the deck
  • SD Card slot (although I never checked the Kenwood)

Just at first glance and I haven't had the Pioneer a day yet.

 

[Dr Claw]

Definitely get the Pioneer! I had the Kenwood in my truck for 2 weeks and couldn't get Android Auto to work. Now I probably got a lemon, so that aside, I took it back and upgraded to the Pioneer. It was $150 difference at my local dealer, and worth every penny.

• 2 USB ports so you can leave your phone plugged in and an ipod etc
• Detachable face plate, so better security
• Wireless Remote
• Greater control over customization of the interface
• Smoother interaction with the deck
  • SD Card slot (although I never checked the Kenwood)

Just at first glance and I haven't had the Pioneer a day yet.

I agree with this. A 4100NEX is probably the better investment, just for the 2 USB ports alone. There are a lot of connection options.

I think that the Kenwood, with 1USB port is (unfortunately) looking like how many OEMs will end up implementing AA.

I would only recommend it if you are used to Kenwood's interface, or you do absolutely everything (phone/music/nav) from your phone, and don't use any other USB or Bluetooth devices.