Eclipse AVN726E Navigation Unit is in a League of its Own

Eclipse has always been known to produce cutting edge products.  Most of the time they get it just about right….. better than most, but missing something.  This year’s AVN726E navigation and sound quality deck has gotten it all right!

As I have said in other posts, after nearly 20 years in car audio, not a lot really impresses me. This deck is simply amazing.  The first thing that stuck out was the crystal clear picture quality.  This is unlike any other indash unit that we have ever worked with.  The superb quality is due to he “Digital to Digital TFT display” that is 3.5 times sharper than traditional analog models offered by other vendors.

The buttons are laid out very intuitively and they are the perfect size.  Because of this, there are fewer button presses needed to achieve the results you are looking for.  For example, the AVN726E requires only 5 steps to pair your Bluetooth phone as opposed to 8 on other brands.  Placing a call requires only 3 step (compared to 4 or 5 on other manufacturers).

Unlike most other navigation decks, the AVN726E offers theater like audio performance.  Extremely low distortion and clean, powerful sound are the result of special components such as the high voltage / low impedance 5V preouts.

And speaking of navigation, Eclipse nailed it with this model.  Maps are upgradeable via SD card.  You can download the latest map data, put it on an SD card, pop it in the unit and away you go.   The AVN726E features 3D buildings on the map and has a special “FlyOver” feature that lets you simulate the journey at a much higher speed.  And the best part is, it is FAST! A 4 Way route (fast, easy, economical and short) calculates in just 11 seconds compared to nearly 18 second for  a 3 way calculation on a competing unit.

Other features include:

• 2 GB built in memory
• Touchscreen control
• Stream Audio via Bluetooth (device dependent)
• Direct iPod control
• iPod Video (with interface)
• iTunes tagging (with optional HD tuner)
• USB Input
• SD slot
• 16,270,000 Points of  Interest
• Traffic information
• 50 Watts X 4
• Advanced 24 bit DAC
• Built in Crossover
• Listening Position selector
• AV Output for Rear Monitor