[MY08WRX]

Hi,

I understand that the factory Navigation fitted to the 2008 STI is a Kenwood model. Does anyone know which model it is or is it a special for Subaru?

I'd like to fit the TMC unit, does anyone know which Kenwood TMC unit works with this system please?

Also do you know if a bluetooth module is needed to install a microphone for a cellphone or is this standard functionality on this unit which is enabled when a microphone is installed?

Finally, does anyone have a picture of the rear of this unit showing the connectors?

Sorry for all the questions, really appreciate any info.

Thanks.

[ChrisGene]

Originally Posted by MY08WRX

Hi,

I understand that the factory Navigation fitted to the 2008 STI is a Kenwood model. Does anyone know which model it is or is it a special for Subaru?

I'd like to fit the TMC unit, does anyone know which Kenwood TMC unit works with this system please?

Also do you know if a bluetooth module is needed to install a microphone for a cellphone or is this standard functionality on this unit which is enabled when a microphone is installed?

Finally, does anyone have a picture of the rear of this unit showing the connectors?

Sorry for all the questions, really appreciate any info.

Thanks.

I looked at the nav at the dealer. It is not a standard Kenwood product. I liked everything about the factory nav, but there was no provision for a true iPod interface, and that was a deal breaker for me.

I got the base radio and recently replaced it with the Kenwood DNX8120 that does everything well. Garmin nav, integrated Bluetooth, flawless iPod control, additional USB input, DVD, retained steering wheel controls. With a JDM radio bezel it looks OEMish.

[Slimey]

Originally Posted by MY08WRX

I understand that the factory Navigation fitted to the 2008 STI is a Kenwood model. Does anyone know which model it is or is it a special for Subaru?

Special for Subaru Impreza models

Originally Posted by MY08WRX

Also do you know if a bluetooth module is needed to install a microphone for a cellphone or is this standard functionality on this unit which is enabled when a microphone is installed?

Enabled when you plug in the microphone. It is also a special microphone and harness and can be ordered for about $165 from your favorite Subaru parts vendor.

[Bownse]

Originally Posted by ChrisGene

I got the base radio and recently replaced it with the Kenwood DNX8120 that does everything well. Garmin nav, integrated Bluetooth, flawless iPod control, additional USB input, DVD, retained steering wheel controls. With a JDM radio bezel it looks OEMish.

i was right there with you until i read the specs and saw it didn't support Sirius.
Kenwood Excelon DNX8120 Navigation receiver at Crutchfield.com

but here it shows a sirius option on the screen. wtf?
DNX8120*::*Car*In-Dash*DVD*Players*::*Car...
while this video also shows sirius support. sounds like crutchfield is wanting to push their xm products.
Kenwood DNX8120: CES 2008 - CarDomain Video

[GilMikalian]

From Kenwood's website...

•6.95” Color Touchscreen Display •Built-in Garmin Navigation With USA, Canada, Page Ranking, Alaska, Hawaii Mapping•Built-In Bluetooth Technology •New GUI with Changeable Skin and Customizable Start-up •Fastest Access to iPod Audio/Video with High-speed iPod Control •5.1 Decoding/Playback with (5V) RCA Preouts (L,C,R, LS,RS,Sub)•2 Relay Control Outputs for garage doors, lighting, trunk, etc.•SAT Ready (Requires CA-SR20V + Sirius SC-C1 Tuner or KCA-XM100V + XM Mini Tuner)•HD Radio Ready •Remote Control Included

[ChrisGene]

Yes it can do XM or Sirius. I have yet to decide on one.

[DrPhyzx]

Originally Posted by ChrisGene

I looked at the nav at the dealer. It is not a standard Kenwood product. I liked everything about the factory nav, but there was no provision for a true iPod interface, and that was a deal breaker for me.

I got the base radio and recently replaced it with the Kenwood DNX8120 that does everything well. Garmin nav, integrated Bluetooth, flawless iPod control, additional USB input, DVD, retained steering wheel controls. With a JDM radio bezel it looks OEMish.

I guess.. but I found a great iPod mounting solution that puts the iPod right where I want it while driving and allows me to take it with me by just grabbing and going so it's not inviting theft. They have a holder for the touch specifically designed to encase the iPod extension cable sold by CableJive. Actually, I see they now have mounts that include an iPod extension cable also. Together with the Apple iPod Composite AV cable and a Kensington lighter to USB charging adapter... it's a complete solution that doesn't clutter up the space. More importantly, they have mounting clips specifically designed for the 08 Impreza... the vent mount was the best of these IMHO.

ProClip Mounting System *-*Choose Your Country

I'll post up some pics of my install if someone is interested.

[Bownse]

Originally Posted by ChrisGene

Yes it can do XM or Sirius. I have yet to decide on one.

since Sirius's bid to buy out XM has passed FCC and other oversite muster, it would seem that the Sirius path would be wisest.

they'll be locked in on price for 3 years, support both systems for a while and (probably) work to get some combined type receiver out that will pick up both constelations of satellites). in the end, Sirius is the buyer and XM is the one being bought.

[ChrisGene]

Originally Posted by DrPhyzx

I guess.. but I found a great iPod mounting solution that puts the iPod right where I want it while driving and allows me to take it with me by just grabbing and going so it's not inviting theft. They have a holder for the touch specifically designed to encase the iPod extension cable sold by CableJive. Actually, I see they now have mounts that include an iPod extension cable also. Together with the Apple iPod Composite AV cable and a Kensington lighter to USB charging adapter... it's a complete solution that doesn't clutter up the space. More importantly, they have mounting clips specifically designed for the 08 Impreza... the vent mount was the best of these IMHO.

ProClip Mounting System *-*Choose Your Country

I'll post up some pics of my install if someone is interested.

My issue was not where to mount the iPod, but rather the control of the iPod through the head unit. My Ipod is attached to one cable in the glovebox. There is no need for a separate charger and no reason to mount it on the dash. It just stays in the glove box out of sight. All the control is handled from the head unit. It even displays album artwork on the screen.

[DrPhyzx]

Originally Posted by ChrisGene

My issue was not where to mount the iPod, but rather the control of the iPod through the head unit. My Ipod is attached to one cable in the glovebox. There is no need for a separate charger and no reason to mount it on the dash. It just stays in the glove box out of sight. All the control is handled from the head unit. It even displays album artwork on the screen.

That's fine if you don't have a touch or iPhone. If you do, music is only a tiny piece, and having the thing hidden away won't help reading email, surfing the web or running other apps (Dynolicious anyone??). Now that the touch gets email via push, it pulls in email right up until I pull out of the garage and my wife or other passenger will often use it in the morning to catch up on email and news. If you have an iPhone and are "always connected", it's even more critical that the thing be right at your fingertips for finding things on the web to navigate to, etc.

[Bownse]

But not while in control of your vehicle. That would be dangerous.

[DrPhyzx]

Originally Posted by Bownse

But not while in control of your vehicle. That would be dangerous.

Yeah... I thought I was pretty clear about that... sorry if not...

[cyanb]

You have a ton of options for double-din aftermarket NAV - Pioneer F/Z series, Alpine, Kenwood, Clarion, etc.

All the decks have their pros and cons; I've got an Alpine W505 in the car right now and I love it, but I do NOT have the blackbird nav module for it (and don't plan to). I wanted sat+ipod+dvd and that's what I've got, w/bluetooth coming soon (the yet to be released KCE-350BT unit, which supercedes the crappy KCE-300BT that everybody hated).

One thing that's common to all the aftermarket decks, though - you need the av panel from japanparts.com ($85 approx) to make things look flush.

Fyi, the ipod control in the Alpine decks is really nice.

-Cyan

[helldorado]

Originally Posted by cyanb

One thing that's common to all the aftermarket decks, though - you need the av panel from japanparts.com ($85 approx) to make things look flush.

Anybody have any pics to compare with or without?

[yakkosmurf]

Originally Posted by ChrisGene

I got the base radio and recently replaced it with the Kenwood DNX8120 that does everything well. Garmin nav, integrated Bluetooth, flawless iPod control, additional USB input, DVD, retained steering wheel controls. With a JDM radio bezel it looks OEMish.

What did you do to retain the steering wheel controls?