Navigation is the Source

Eclipse AVN 6610
MSRP
$1,699

What We Like
All-in-one unit, dual slot, one for separate CD/DVD playback, good graphics

What We Don't Like
average menu setup, remote control not included

Nav Features
7-inch Touchscreen, monitor (as opposed to the 6.5-inch screen on the higher end avn), 8.5 million POIs, city map view, option for sirius traffic

Audio Features
5-volt preamp output, 50 x 4 max power, 7-band peq, listening position selector, circle surround ii, 24 radio presets

Extras
DVD/CD player w/ MP3 and WMA playback, dual-zone capability

What To Connect To It
ipod with optional cable, parrot bluetooth for hands-free phone use, Hd radio with adapter, sirius radio and traffic information, tv tune, rearview camera

We can thank Eclipse in large part for helping to accelerate the popularity of aftermarket double-DIN nav/source units. Their highly successful AVN (for audio, video and navigation) line has practically made an all-in-one solution the gold standard for double-DIN head units. The only drawback with the AVN products with HDD navigation, at least for some consumers, was the price. Which explains why Eclipse is now offering the AVN6610 (and 5510) - in addition to the AVN2210p, which is perhaps a better mainstream product than something for car audio enthusiasts. Now you can get the quality offered by a market leader at a significantly lower price. Unfortunately, there are other manufacturers with HDD nav at a similar price point. So the question then becomes, is DVD-navigation slower than HDD? If you could do a side by side you would notice that during re-routing a DVD-based system can a little slower. Not so that you would miss a turn, but slower nonetheless.

The other question then is whether or not you have to sacrifice disc playback while routing. Thanks to the dual slot that isn't a concern. Use the dual-zone capability to play a DVD through a monitor in the back while you navigate to your desired destination. In terms of "wake up" time, the Eclipse is almost immediately ready for navigation functions as soon as you start your car's engine. And scrolling across the map was as fast as some of the HDD-based nav units we've evaluated.

Punch in a destination via the touchscreen and choose from three routes supplied. Everything worked as it should and the 6610 was excellent for overall nav. Driving around Los Angeles and Orange County, CA, we didn't experience any routing anomalies as we set destinations and even added routes along the way with ease. The drawbacks had more to do with user interface than with map data. We wished for more options for accessing various menu items. It's minor, but with the map already showing we would've preferred to be able to input a destination from the touchscreen instead of hitting the Menu button to get to the Dest key. Overall, the 6610 was slightly less intuitive for both nav and audio functions. But once you get used to the system - which won't take long - you'll be rewarded with a full array of capabilities. One new feature is the City Map view display. In dense metropolitan areas such as L.A., Chicago or Manhattan (check Eclipse's website for a list of covered cities), you can hit the icon (which looks like a street intersection) for a close view of an area with the buildings in outline. It's a bit like looking at a Google map.

On the audio side you have DSP presets and a 7-band EQ. The Harmonizer feature helps improve the sound quality of your MP3/WMA music files. In addition to optimizing sound for different seating positions in your vehicle, you also have full control over your subwoofer. Set phase, cutoff frequency and slope. All in all, this is a true AVN. It may be missing a couple of features on the 5495, but then they've added other features (as well as a bigger screen) and of course the price is a lot more attractive. However, is it low enough? You can do some comparison-shopping, but there's no doubt you definitely get your money's worth with the new 6610. -Ben Oh
Grade: B+