JVC KW-AVX700 > Reviews (2)

After the initial learning curve of mild frustration, I've come to terms that this is the best head unit i have owned. I had it professionally installed for a song, but then took it out of the dash to wire it to my own specifications. The output power is very good, I almost believe that the 50W rating is realistic, and with a Double DIN form factor to work inside, it should be. The vid quality is excellent, and the audio quality is very good. With a range of add on modules, you can have your ipod / satellite / bluetooth / backup(voyeur)cam doodads connected without much effort (but at $100+ per, it gets pricy fast. I am outputting to two 7in headrest displays and the unit delivers quality there as well. The remote is very well put together, but this is where the initial learning curve is steepest - read the manual and read it again. Dual Zone, Dual Zone Surround, DolbyPL Movie, DolbyPL Music...all various modes with which you will need to become familiar. The two level remote is very nice, but I am mildly concerned about longevity with the slider - a slight concern which is probably unwarranted. I find the safety feature of the parking break set to view video on the head unit to be rather irritating, so I defeated that taking the lead wire to ground. It's not illegal where I live, so no worries - just JVC and professional installers understandably avoiding tort litigation. The digital EQ function is very nice - I see no need for an external EQ at any level of audiophile outside of competition - about a dozen presets plus 3 user defined sets. Overall this unit truly shines. The menu system is very straightforward and offers plethora options.

Observation: if your in dash positioning will tilt the display upward, glare during the day does significantly inhibit the quality of video. There's not much JVC could do about that, just a word to the wise.

On my wishlist:

While playing music, you could set a folder on the SD from which to scroll pics or video.

Ability to watch USB video on the head unit while the remote displays show DVD vid using dual mode - as it is now when the DVD is playing in Dual Zone, you can listen to the stereo from the dash and possibly satellite (which I have little desire to purchase).

Downloadable backgrounds for the basic display. I'd love to put my own images on the background of the main screen. The four provided get old quickly, but the variety of colors makes it at least mildly variable.

Overall - very high marks across the board. Its limitations are nominal and the items on the wishlist do not detract from the overall experience - these would just be nice additions. If JVC would offer firmware upgrades through USB...THAT would make this device breach the threshold of awesomeness.