Replacing Magnadyne Radio/DVD w/Pioneer AVIC-D3

Gordon · 03-07-2007, 08:52 AM

After being severely disappointed in the performance of the stock Magnadyne M9900DVDS radio/CD/DVD player, I purchased one of these to replace it.

This navigation unit plays DVD as well as Divx video disks.

Radio is also compatible with both Sirius and XM and fully functional with my I-Pod (so I don't have to carry around tons of music CDs.)

It is a double din unit, so the dash opening where the Magnadyne is currently located will have to be enlarged from the din and one half current size.

I already have a Pioneer navigation unit (AVIC D-2) in the toad - and it is extremely accurate and easy to use. The navigation systems are the same.

Since the DVD player in my Ambassador is up at the driver's console and the TV is mid-wall, the Pioneer remote does not even have to be pointed in the direction of the DVD player to operate it. This is hands down, better then the narrow beam of the Magnadyne system that has to be perfectly aimed in order to operate it.

With the steering wheel remote, I can now change radio stations, operate the navigation system or operate the I-Pod without having to take a hand off the steering wheel and keep my eyes on the road where they belong. This alone makes this upgrade worth it's weight in gold!

Can't wait to get this puppy installed!!!

I will report on it's full performance once I get it installed.

My RV pad gets installed on the 19th of this month and I will have it installed around the same time.

The ground is still to soft to park the motor coach in the yard - and my contractor is in the Bahamas (go figure) - on vacation!! Right now I have it parked on a co-worker and friend's house pending construction.

Gordon · 03-07-2007, 08:52 AM

After being severely disappointed in the performance of the stock Magnadyne M9900DVDS radio/CD/DVD player, I purchased one of these to replace it.

This navigation unit plays DVD as well as Divx video disks.

Radio is also compatible with both Sirius and XM and fully functional with my I-Pod (so I don't have to carry around tons of music CDs.)

It is a double din unit, so the dash opening where the Magnadyne is currently located will have to be enlarged from the din and one half current size.

I already have a Pioneer navigation unit (AVIC D-2) in the toad - and it is extremely accurate and easy to use. The navigation systems are the same.

Since the DVD player in my Ambassador is up at the driver's console and the TV is mid-wall, the Pioneer remote does not even have to be pointed in the direction of the DVD player to operate it. This is hands down, better then the narrow beam of the Magnadyne system that has to be perfectly aimed in order to operate it.

With the steering wheel remote, I can now change radio stations, operate the navigation system or operate the I-Pod without having to take a hand off the steering wheel and keep my eyes on the road where they belong. This alone makes this upgrade worth it's weight in gold!

Can't wait to get this puppy installed!!!

I will report on it's full performance once I get it installed.

My RV pad gets installed on the 19th of this month and I will have it installed around the same time.

The ground is still to soft to park the motor coach in the yard - and my contractor is in the Bahamas (go figure) - on vacation!! Right now I have it parked on a co-worker and friend's house pending construction.

MonacoMama · 03-07-2007, 05:27 PM

Gordon..
Let us know how the install goes. Will you be doing it yourself? (oh... that does mean pictures of the install also!

)

Gordon · 03-08-2007, 08:35 AM

I'm thinking that I will have the RV installer guy at Car Toys do it. He has wiring schematics for the Holiday Rambler Ambassador and does about 4 or 5 a year, so this won't be his first one. Finding the speed sensor wire among other things makes me not want to tackle this myself.

That said - he let me watch him work when he put the D-2 navigation radio in my toad, so I am sure I can get some pics.

He knows I am a back seat driver

digNbubbs · 03-08-2007, 07:15 PM

Congrats on the AVIC. I had the AVIC-N1 in my Mustang. Great unit. If the stock head unit position was a bit closer to the driver seat, I would probably go the way you did as well.

The install should be rather easy, as the wires are all very accessible. Not sure if your dash is like my '06 Knight, but mine has been very easy to access. I may have some pics around if you are curious as to what you will be working with.

---kev