Help me decide which HU: Kenwood 701 or Alpine 305S
07-25-2011, 01:32 PM
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Help me decide which HU: Kenwood 701 or Alpine 305S Looking at http://www.alpine-usa.com/product/view/ida-x305s and http://www.kenwoodusa.com/Car_Entert..._Video/KIV-701. What do you think? Does it just come down to brand preference?
07-25-2011, 03:45 PM
#2
The Kenwood has a little more power (22W vs 18W), a 5-band equalizer (optional for Alpine), lots more colors (256 vs 2), 4V pre-out vs 2V, a larger screen (3" vs 2.2") and it can work with a backup camera. Personally, I've always liked Kenwood better but given the specs I would choose it even if I was an Alpine fan.
07-26-2011, 01:42 AM
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I've had an Alpine flip-out headunit in the past, they're usually over priced based on the features you're getting.
Might want to check out Pioneer too. I helped my friend install this unit in his truck a few weeks ago.
Might want to check out Pioneer too. I helped my friend install this unit in his truck a few weeks ago.
07-26-2011, 12:13 PM
#5
Are you going to use an iPhone with it? If not, save a little $$ and get the KIV-700 unless you plan on using the back up camera. I have the KIV-700 and use it with a thumb drive. The thumb drive interface is clumsy but I have heard nothing but good when using an apple product. The only differences between 700/701 is the back up camera, and Pandora IF you use an iPhone
07-26-2011, 12:31 PM
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I was originally cosidering both of these units as well, but went in a different direction.
I am a fan of Alpine products and nearly went for the 305S but I wanted something that I could toss a CD into when the mood strikes me so I went with the CDA-117. I will end up getting a 3rd gen nano to leave in the car as my "CD changer" which you can also do with the 305S.
I've only ever had one Kenwood HU in the past and it was pretty lame compared to the Alpines that I have owned. Granted that was many years ago so I'm certain that much has changed.
Still have not installed the CDA-117 yet.
I am a fan of Alpine products and nearly went for the 305S but I wanted something that I could toss a CD into when the mood strikes me so I went with the CDA-117. I will end up getting a 3rd gen nano to leave in the car as my "CD changer" which you can also do with the 305S.
I've only ever had one Kenwood HU in the past and it was pretty lame compared to the Alpines that I have owned. Granted that was many years ago so I'm certain that much has changed.
Still have not installed the CDA-117 yet.
07-28-2011, 12:07 AM
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I was debating between these 2 and ended up going with the KIV-700. It's a great stereo, I've had good experiences with both Kenwood and Alpine. I'd say go with whichever one you like the looks of better
