[Beberle]

I've done DAYS of research before posting this question.

My Primary goal: upgrade my 2009 E92 Base audio system for functionality (add backup camera, bluetooth, Apple Carplay)

My Secondary goal: upgrade sound quality. I'm looking for clearsound stage at low to medium levels. Not worried about loud or max decibles.

My assumption is that the Kenwood DMX906s at $549 and a Pacaudio RP4.2-BM21 adapter at $129 ($680 plus some plastic parts) will give me audiophile-grade base package w/ everything I want plus wireless Carplay. It's got 22watts RMS to drive my stock speakers for the immediate future. Possible speaker upgrade later.

The Dynavin D7 Pro at $699 will sound better than my base stereo with some better EQ features. Unknown RMS wattage, but lists 50watts peak. Wired Carplay, and looks the most factory install. However, I think the screen doesn't look as nice as the Kenwood's.

With stock speakers, and to an amateur adiophile, would the Kenwood sound and wireless Carplay overcome the Dynavin's stock appearance advantage?

Thanks for any advice from those who have already come down this path!

Brian

[jeffb335]

Ill leave the debating of those relative merits to you guys since I'm obviously going to be perceived as a little biased But to the OP, we are here if you need us.

I will answer a couple questions though....22W RMS is the Dynavin N7 Pro speaker output wattage. The power output of either head unit will not make any real difference to SQ. If both have their EQs and other settings dialed in I doubt there is much audible difference.

Your decision will probably come down to your preference for OEM (or not) looks, ease of installation, and wireless/wired carplay.

[mweisdorfer]

Originally Posted by jeffb335

Ill leave the debating of those relative merits to you guys since I'm obviously going to be perceived as a little biased But to the OP, we are here if you need us.

I will answer a couple questions though....22W RMS is the Dynavin N7 Pro speaker output wattage. The power output of either head unit will not make any real difference to SQ. If both have their EQs and other settings dialed in I doubt there is much audible difference.

Your decision will probably come down to your preference for OEM (or not) looks, ease of installation, and wireless/wired carplay.

I think the Kenwood was HD Radio. I don't think the Dynavin N7 Pro has HD radio

[mweisdorfer]

The Kenwood Excelon DNX696S is probably an apples to apples comparison to the Dynavin N7 Pro.

[Ali-E90]

If you're planning to use high end amps and speakers in the future, I'd get the kenwood (or other reputable audio brand) unit.

If you want decent clarity but not going to spend a lot on high end equipment, either will probably get you decent results.

[Beberle]

Dynavin D7 Pro is being shipped. Should be a nice audio improvement w/ a large technology leap for the car. I’ll post my thoughts after install.

[HaloJumper09]

Have you gotten it installed yet? I’m leaning more toward the Eonon unit.

[Beberle]

I’ve installed the Dynavin D7 Pro and am a very happy camper. This is in a 2009 E91 w/ 140k miles (I put 120k on it). To clarify, my car had the hi-fi audio w/o center speaker.
The Dynavin was exactly what I was looking for. The Apple Carplay and large screen have not only given me features similar to my wife’s F25 X3 w/ IDrive, but we both agree the Dynavin is easier to use because of the touchscreen. The steering wheel controls work great. The PDC radar screen even looks similar to an IDrive unit when in reverse. Bluetooth works well, but I’m usually plugged in now for CarPlay. I find myself using Waze every time I head into ATL for work for better ‘situational awareness’ (wrecks, potholes, speed traps)
Screen looks great and is very fingerprint resistant.
The audio is a major improvement to my hifi system. The sound stage was what I was looking for. It’s amazing what time alignment and equalizer settings have done to my stock system. The highs have come alive and vocals just pop more. Sounds better than my wife’s X3 w/ Logic7.
The not-so-good points: Installation instructions are what you find online on Youtube. The generic instructions in the box were very basic and not great Engrish. I almost fried my shiny new Head Unit plugging in the Dynavin harness in a spot on the radio where it shouldnÂ’t go. Rookie mistake? There is no documentation saying this plug on the harness is to be used Only for MOST applications. The install videos I watched say ‘plug everything into the HU’. The backup camera is average definition, but definitely better than what I had before ;-) I’d spend the extra $ for a better camera. Maybe J&T can offer an ‘upgrade option’? Running the camera and relay took me longer than the radio install, specifically running the cable through the wagon’s liftgate.
On a big positive: Jeff and J&T were very responsive and helpful. They get big thumbs up.

Overall... worth every penny. I drive my Bimmers to 250k miles before selling. My wagon has at least another 5 years and the Dynavin brought it into the 21st century



https://photos.app.goo.gl/2DLpuju7DK6zCFAu7
https://photos.app.goo.gl/kWgoXUHsfbQ2R5XYA

[jeffb335]

[K9Leader]

Originally Posted by Beberle

I’ve installed the Dynavin D7 Pro and am a very happy camper. This is in a 2009 E91 w/ 140k miles (I put 120k on it). To clarify, my car had the hi-fi audio w/o center speaker.
The Dynavin was exactly what I was looking for. The Apple Carplay and large screen have not only given me features similar to my wife’s F25 X3 w/ IDrive, but we both agree the Dynavin is easier to use because of the touchscreen. The steering wheel controls work great. The PDC radar screen even looks similar to an IDrive unit when in reverse. Bluetooth works well, but I’m usually plugged in now for CarPlay. I find myself using Waze every time I head into ATL for work for better ‘situational awareness’ (wrecks, potholes, speed traps)
Screen looks great and is very fingerprint resistant.
The audio is a major improvement to my hifi system. The sound stage was what I was looking for. It’s amazing what time alignment and equalizer settings have done to my stock system. The highs have come alive and vocals just pop more. Sounds better than my wife’s X3 w/ Logic7.
The not-so-good points: Installation instructions are what you find online on Youtube. The generic instructions in the box were very basic and not great Engrish. I almost fried my shiny new Head Unit plugging in the Dynavin harness in a spot on the radio where it shouldnÂ’t go. Rookie mistake? There is no documentation saying this plug on the harness is to be used Only for MOST applications. The install videos I watched say ‘plug everything into the HU’. The backup camera is average definition, but definitely better than what I had before ;-) I’d spend the extra $ for a better camera. Maybe J&T can offer an ‘upgrade option’? Running the camera and relay took me longer than the radio install, specifically running the cable through the wagon’s liftgate.
On a big positive: Jeff and J&T were very responsive and helpful. They get big thumbs up.

Overall... worth every penny. I drive my Bimmers to 250k miles before selling. My wagon has at least another 5 years and the Dynavin brought it into the 21st century



https://photos.app.goo.gl/2DLpuju7DK6zCFAu7
https://photos.app.goo.gl/kWgoXUHsfbQ2R5XYA

I'm considering this for my 2010 E91 - can you give a one-year update? Still good? Thanks for any insight you can give.

-K9Leader