Eclipse Head Units

VaTundra1 · #1 (**permalink**) 03-30-2008, 12:31 PM

I'm looking into replacing the head unit on 2007 Tundra...Are the eclipse head units any good?
I've never heard of them before, and have always had Sony, Pioneer, Kenwood.

Any suggestion would be appreciated.

I don't know what model number it is, but it has a 7" touch screen, double dvd/cd, nav and hard drive (I think)

Jumbo Jet · #2 (**permalink**) 03-30-2008, 02:13 PM

Eclipse makes great headunits. Fujitsu Ten (Eclipse) makes the factory nav. units for Toyota so if you have steering wheel controls they will be plug and play.

This is their new 6620 for 08, replacing last years 6610. Eclipse AVN6620 Navigation receiver with two DVD slots at Crutchfield.com

Pioneer and Kenwood have nav. units which are hard drive based as opposed to Eclipse's DVD based navs., but Eclipse's are still very nice units.

If you like Kenwoods, take a look at their new 08 line up. The 8120 which is what alot of us are waiting for, or the 7120 and 5120 also.

VaTundra1 · #3 (**permalink**) 03-30-2008, 03:20 PM

Thanks for the input...I've got a Garmin Nuvi 660 so the navigation of the eclipse is not so important.
It's more of the dvd and output quality I'm looking for.

ThirdHorseman · #4 (**permalink**) 03-30-2008, 03:24 PM

Then why spend the money for a navigation unit if you already have one stuck to your dashboard? Just buy an Alpine or Kenwood DVD screen...

Jumbo Jet · #5 (**permalink**) 03-30-2008, 04:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VaTundra1

Thanks for the input...I've got a Garmin Nuvi 660 so the navigation of the eclipse is not so important.
It's more of the dvd and output quality I'm looking for.

If youre looking for a quality high end source unit, Eclipse is right up there. 5V pre outs, 7 band EQ, Circle Surround etc.... There are a few people here that have them so maybe they'll chime in with some feedback for you.

Like Third mentioned, if you already have a Garmin, you might want to look at a DD unit without nav., such as the Alpine 205, Kenwood DDX812, DDX712, DDX512. That will drop your price alot, or put the Garmin in another car and get an all in one unit with the nav. If youre happy with Garmin, take a look at the Kenwoods, they use Garmin HD based navs.

VaTundra1 · #6 (**permalink**) 03-30-2008, 04:47 PM

The deal is I've got a JVC head unit installed but I am having issues with it. (still uses a line converter, and thats causing some issues with the output)

Anyway, the shop is giving me credit back for the JVC and I'm limited in the selection of what they have to replace it. The eclipse is the closest thing they have, so that's why I was looking for advice on the eclipse.

I'll try the nav on the eclipse, and if it's decent, maybe I'll donate my Garmin to my girlfriend.

Thanks again for all the input guys...

Jumbo Jet · #7 (**permalink**) 03-30-2008, 06:16 PM

If they're gonna hook you up, then jump on that Eclipse 6620, its a great headunit.

Tundrav8yamaha · #8 (**permalink**) 03-30-2008, 06:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VaTundra1

The deal is I've got a JVC head unit installed but I am having issues with it. (still uses a line converter, and thats causing some issues with the output)

Anyway, the shop is giving me credit back for the JVC and I'm limited in the selection of what they have to replace it. The eclipse is the closest thing they have, so that's why I was looking for advice on the eclipse.

I'll try the nav on the eclipse, and if it's decent, maybe I'll donate my Garmin to my girlfriend.

Thanks again for all the input guys...

go with pioneer z2 I have that unit and it's hdd based. I looked at the Eclipse back in 2006 and the screen wasn't 7 inch and Pioneer has a better looking res screen with more features packed into the overall Navi..

Someguy123 · #9 (**permalink**) 03-31-2008, 04:03 PM

eclipse is the least user friendly unit out there. the new 6620 is a nice unit, its the only eclipse i would consider now. but it comes at a price. the pioneer Z2 is about the best one out there right now. and they are super cheap. you can order them online for $1000.

VaTundra1 · #10 (**permalink**) 04-03-2008, 08:08 AM

I ended up going with a new Sony 7" touch screen unit. The picture quality and menus just blew me away.
Pictures to follow...
See here: http://www.tundrasolutions.com/forum...adjusting-amp/

Someguy123 · #11 (**permalink**) 04-04-2008, 10:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VaTundra1

I ended up going with a new Sony

UGH!!! please tell us you got an amazing fukin deal at least.

Anarcy21 · #12 (**permalink**) 04-05-2008, 09:01 AM

Eclispe = THE BOMB. I have one, I love it. They are more expensive, because you are paying for quality. They have nice features, and higher volt pre outs. I would recommend it very much. Clarion or Eclipse all the way.

Someguy123 · #13 (**permalink**) 04-05-2008, 01:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Anarcy21

Eclispe = THE BOMB. I have one, I love it. They are more expensive, because you are paying for quality. They have nice features, and higher volt pre outs. I would recommend it very much. Clarion or Eclipse all the way.

what are you comparing the eclipse to, on a personal level?? the first nav unit i had was an eclipse, and i thought it was great too. once i figured out how to use it. but i have owned 3 different ones now. and i can tell you that eclipse is the worst.

the funny thing about people who swear by the eclipse, is that the pre outs is the only great thing they can say about it. but in reality the pre outs are not the best on the market, kenwood is much better. and besides that, preouts really do not matter. that slight bit of extra voltage going to your amp, wont make much difference. because the only time you would use 100% of the power your amp can make. is if you were doing stereo competitions. unless of course you undersized your amp, for the application.

Tundrav8yamaha · #14 (**permalink**) 04-05-2008, 01:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Someguy123

what are you comparing the eclipse to, on a personal level?? the first nav unit i had was an eclipse, and i thought it was great too. once i figured out how to use it. but i have owned 3 different ones now. and i can tell you that eclipse is the worst.

the funny thing about people who swear by the eclipse, is that the pre outs is the only great thing they can say about it. but in reality the pre outs are not the best on the market, kenwood is much better. and besides that, preouts really do not matter. that slight bit of extra voltage going to your amp, wont make much difference. because the only time you would use 100% of the power your amp can make. is if you were doing stereo competitions. unless of course you undersized your amp, for the application.

Kenwood is the best on I pod functions i have to say. Eclipse used to be the best but sadly outdated on Technology now and loosing out on features. Being i have a Pioneer z1/z2 I choose this above the rest because of Hdd Hard drive with advanced voice rec system for music tagging from gracenotes and Cell phone access..I will say on mapping Pioneer has some much needed improvement's

ThirdHorseman · #15 (**permalink**) 04-05-2008, 04:52 PM

I've played extensively with both the Eclipse and Kenwood, and I feel the Eclipse is more user-friendly. That is a subjective perception of course.