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2 out of 2 people found this review helpful
4.5 stars
"Both the VM9021TS and VM9511TS are outstanding"
Pros: Support nearly every format and media, TV tuner and Ipod controll bundled
Cons: No Sirius tuner, main remote buttons too small
Summary: I have been installing car stereo systems since the early 80s(only for myself and friends). I have owned many brands from Kraco to Eclipse. I have also owned several flip-out and in-dash mutlimedia systems. I have owned 4 Eclipse, 3 Pioneer, and now a Jensen. The feature set and compatibility of the Jensen is second to none. I used to be of the Jensen=junk crowd. I first noticed the VM9511TS at Circuit City. When I looked at what it offered I was amazed. I decided to take a leap of faith and give Jensen a shot.
I prefer double-din installations so I ended up buying the VM9021TS. It offers pretty much what the VM9511TS does.
The most amazing thing to me is the built-in amp is definately up to the task of powering full-range speakers well enough to keep up with amp powered subs. I guess CEA 2006 power ratings are more realistic. I have 2 MTX Thunder 4500 12" subs running off of a JL 500/1 and the HU has no trouble keeping the full range speakers up to par with them. I do plan on installing some MB Quart PSD216 6.5" components in the near future. At that point I'll install a 4-channel amp.
The most surprising thing for me is the sound quality is very good. The pre-outs have good output and provide a clean signal to the amps.
The HU controls are more than adequate and there are many things that are so much better thought out than any Pioneer or Eclipse system I have owned. The ability to establish a preset turn-on volume is one of those features. The multi-zone setup and source select screens are well layed out and easy to read. The MP3 screen is very informative. The iPod control is unprecedented. The ability to display Photos and Videos on the screen is a huge step forward in iPod to car integration. I really think that Audiovox has stepped it up a notch with the current Jensen line.
The only real complaint I have is the XM support is not nearly as good as the iPod support is. The text for song and artist does not scroll and does not show the full text. In addition, the preset text is too small and makes it hard to select the channel from the touch screen. A Sirius option would be good as well. I also think that Audiovox should have required Circuit City to offer the NAV100 as a package. As it is now, you have to get the NAV100 module from somewhere other than Circuit City.
In summary, I have to admit I was extremely skeptical of buying a Jensen product. They have been very bad for a long time. If Audiovox continues along the path they are taking Jensen right now there will only be good things to come. I challenge anyone to find a comparably priced system that matches the Jensen products feature for feature.
