Pioneer DEH-P7000BT In-Dash CD/Mp3/Wma/iTunes AAC/Wav Receiver Review

This is the third in-dash receiver I've installed in my car in the past 2 years, and I have to say, this is by far the best head unit yet. I didn't install an amp and I'm using the stock speakers, so I can't comment much on audio quality. It's as good as can be expected from the marginal factory speakers. Instead, this review will focus on features.

The P7000BT has a very nice, clean design. Some car receivers are just overloaded with dozens of tiny buttons and goofy graphics. Not so with this unit: it is clean and neat, but not too spartan. The cool blue and white faceplace looks modern, and is bright and easy to read in both sunlight and at night.

The large rotary knob on the left side controls volume, station selection and tons of other functions. Its not as elegant as the click wheel on an iPod, but lets face it, no other company can come close to the ease of use of an Apple product. It will take a little getting used to, but after using this Pioneer receiver for a few days, I got the hang of the interface, and I like it. Note that there are no station preset numbers on the faceplate itself; instead, you use the rotary knob to select from one of 6 favorite stations, or you can use the included remote to directly select a preset. At first, I thought this was kind of lame, but after using it for a while, I don't mind it at all.

The built-in Bluetooth is a godsend. Within minutes of first installing the P7000BT, I was able to pair it with my iPhone. It just works. Not much else to say about this.

I also installed a USB to Dock cable, allowing an iPod or iPhone to connect directly to the head unit via USB. Nothing special is required: a standard dock cable is all you need (Apple brand or third party, doesn't matter). Not only does the receiver play the iPod's audio through the car speakers, but it also charges the iPod without the use of an extra clunky cigarette lighter charger. You can even choose to have the head unit control the iPod, in which song titles, artist info, track number and duration show up on the head unit. Or, if you prefer, you can choose to do all your searching on the iPod or iPhone itself. I like how the receiver gives you both options. I prefer to control all my music on the iPod or iPhone, because Apple's interface for browsing music is simply unmatched.

In this review you've seen me mention the iPhone several times. Just to confirm, yes, the P7000BT does work flawlessly with the iPhone, despite the fact that Pioneer never lists it as officially supported. No complaints here. It just works.

Overall, a very nice receiver. Highly recommended!

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Product Description:
Featurs built-in microphone for handsfree Bluetooth calling, a USB port for playing files off flash drives, and the iPod integration features have been beefed up to include new alphabetical search modes and -- a feature consumers have wanted for years -- the ability for a passenger to use the iPod itself to select and play tunes.

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Pioneer DEH-P5000UB In-Dash CD/MP3/WMA/iTunes AAC/WAV Receiver Review

I purchased this to replace the stock radio in my 2006 F150 4x4. I read the reviews here and elsewhere and was a little bit concerned about the interface in regards to it being non-intuitive and the knob flimsy. I disagree on both counts. The interface is very intuitive once you learn it, and the knob is by no means flimsy. Also, there were comments regarding the lack of presets - this is not a problem at all - when the radio is in tuner mode one only needs to push up or down on the knob to advance to the next preset. There was another complaint regarding the clock - all I can say to that is, read the manual!

My stock radio had very good AM reception but poor FM reception. I was afraid I would lose good AM reception with the new radio, but the AM reception is just as good if not better.

I use this radio with my iPod Touch 2nd generation and again, no complaints. I am a mild audiophile and the output sounds very clean to me in all modes.

I do agree that there should be a mute or pause button on the radio itself in case the remote is not handy. Other than that, this is a great product for the price.

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Product Description:

Hear the detail, warmth, and clarity--the way the artist intended it--from all of your highly compressed MP3, WMA, and AAC files stored on USB memory device, iPod, and portable digital players. By restoring data (especially higher frequencies) that tend to get lost in the digital compression process, Pioneer's Advanced Sound Retriever technology enhances audio reproduction nearly all the way up to 20 kHz frequencies. When Advanced Sound Retriever is "ON," the high frequency range is compensated to match the frequency response curve of the original sound.


USB Direct Control for iPod and More
Pioneer's DEH-P5000UB is ready to roll with capability for direct connection to your iPod. USB 2.0's speed and capability allow an elevated iPod experience in the car, and nearly limitless expandability for portable media players and USB memory devices.


File search and access are extra quick. The head unit keeps song, artist, time, and album information displays very clear and user-friendly, and control is intuitive through the 7-way Rotary Commander. The system's wired USB connection provides direct digital signal transfer from the iPod for clean, clear sound. In addition, Pioneer has developed the following new features to make using your iPod in the car extremely easy and convenient:
• Link Search-- While listening to a specific artist, hold "List" button to pop up folders containing that specific artist.


• Passenger Control Mode--Allows passenger to use the iPod directly to browse and select music, while connected to the head unit for playback.


• Random (Shuffle) Key--Physical Random Button on faceplate (Shuffle) makes it easy to hear something fresh.



Available Bluetooth Wireless Technology*
Use the available CD-BTB200 Bluetooth adapter and Bluetooth-enabled cellular phones for easy, safe, and hands-free operation, including talking via the head unit's microphone and your vehicle's speaker system. The system automatically mutes any other audio during incoming or outgoing calls.


*Optional CD-BTB200 adapter required



Full Featured and High Performance
The DEH-P5000UB is smartly designed to expand your system, customize your experience, and provide superior sound quality and easy operation. Features include:


• 3 RCA Hi-Volt pre-outs for adding external amps and speakers simplify system expansion.


• Two-way Crossover with separate High and Low Pass settings.


• Built-in MOSFET 50 W x 4 amplifier for excellent sound quality, minimal distortion and efficient power handling.


• Supertuner IIID advanced analog and digital processing assure superior imaging, less distortion and noise, and stronger, smoother broadcast signal reception.

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Pioneer TSA942 / TS-A942P / TS-A942P Premier 6 x 9 4-Way Speaker Review

well anyone that wants to buy a pair of these i may tell that they work fantastic they sound very good if you use them, with an aplifier its even better, with a pair of these and an aplifier theres almost no need for a subwoofer.. this is a highly recomended product.. very durable resistant.. and quality

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Product Description:

Woofer Cone Material: Composite IMPP Cone with Interlaced Aramid Fiber
Surround: Butyl Rubber for Smoother Response
Voice Coil Bobbin: Glass-Imide
Damper: Nomex
Mid-Range: 1-13/16" Light Weight Balanced Dome with Magnetic Fluid
Tweeter: 11/16" Silver PET Film Dome
Supertweeter: 7/16" Silver PET Film Dome
Basket Design: Shallow Basket for Installation Versatility
Speaker Grille: Included
Watts MAX. Music Power: 440 Watts
Watts Nominal Power Handling: 80 Watts
Frequency Response: 25Hz33kHz
Sensitivity (1W/1m): 93dB
Ohm Rating: 4 ohm
Mounting Depth: 3-3/8"
Cut-out Dimensions: 6" x 8-5/8"

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Pioneer CD-BTB200 Bluetooth Wireless Adapter Review

This unit is excellent. I purchased this adapter, to be used with my premier DEH-P690UB, and it works great, feels like a factory equipment. It comes with the microphone and installation wires, very long ones, so yo can put it almost wherever you like (I did my own instalation).
Once connected, all you have to do is pair your bluetooth mobile to the unit, and register it as a phone. you can register 5 mobile phones, 3 main registration, and 2 guest phones (it only auto-connect with registered phones). The difference between the main phones, and the guest ones, is that the main ones, can handle phone book entries. Phonebook entries are 500 (total), 300 for phone #1, 150 for phone #2, and 50 for phone #3. Phonebook entries, refers to names, and each name can have many numbers assigned. I have 260 entries, some with 5 numbers assigned, and are working fine. Reading the phonebook in my unit, is a little slow I think, as it takes bout 2 seconds for the 1st name name to appear, an then they begin to appear progressively.
Transferring the phonebook is easy, as far as YOUR MOBILE phone supports it.Some phones, allow you to transfer all contacts (one example is almost any SonyEricsson) others, allows you to transfer contacts one by one, and in some, it simply not posible, but that depends on the phone, not this unit.
As for the sound quality, is excellent. Almost anyone that I have called, noticed no difference between using the handsfree or using my mobile directly. You can adjust the volume, and it stays the same for phone mode, independently of other modes. Other audio ajustments are fixed.
When I receive a call, the radio automatically switch to phone mode (even if the unit is off), and the caller id is displayed on the screen, even with the name (if it is in the radio phonebook), and also gets back to the previous mode after you hangup (or reject) the call. With my head unit, is very difficult to dial a number, since it has no number keys on the front. You have to scroll number by number, although you can dial easily using the remote control (of the main unit) since it have all the numbers. I suppose it is easier on avic units.
I have read that this unit has some problems with Windows Mobile Smartphones, because some bluetooth limitations on the WM bluetooth, but it can be fixed with some 30 USD software I can't remember. I haven't tested this limitations since I don't have one available yet, but I advise WM Smartphone users to research a little.

PROS:
-Excellent sound quality.
-Integrates well with bluetooth compatible Pioneer and Premier units.
-Can register 5 Mobile phones
-Separate phonebook for the 3 main ones.
-Each phonebook entry can have many numbers (I have tested a max. of 5)
-Can play (and control in some cases) Bluetooth compatible music players, as long as they support the A2DP profile
-Works on stand by, even if the main unit is off (as long as the car switch is on ACC or ON position)
-Lot of options.
Cons:
-Phonebook a little slow to read the entries.
-Difficult to 'direct dial' a phone number on some units.
-?Compatibility issues with some smartphones?

I highly recomend this product, to anyone who has a Pioneer bluetooth compablible head unit and a bluetooth phone.

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Product Description:
This CD-BTB200 is designed to work only with Pioneer "Bluetooth Adapter Ready" Navigation systems, AV Receivers and CD Players. Bluetooth Wireless Technology allows these Pioneer headunits to communicate automatically with and treat most compatible cellular phones as source devices within a given range. Simply set up a user ID, and you can make and take calls, use call waiting, talk, and hang up- all while your phone remains in your bag, purse or pocket.


Add Bluetooth capability to your compatible Pioneer receiver. Click to enlarge.
View connection diagram. Click to enlarge.
Bluetooth wireless technology also allows you to place and receive calls. The included microphone eliminates the need for an additional hands-free kit installation. The result is the optimum in both convenience and driving safety.
Compatible with the following Pioneer models: AVIC-N5, AVH-P5100DVD, AVH-P4100DVD, AVH-P3100DVD, DEH-P5100UB, DEH-P510UB, DEH-P4100UB, DEH-P410UB, DEH-P3100UB, DEH-P310UB.
Also compatible with: AVIC-D3, AVIC-N4, AVH-P7800DVD, AVH-P6800DVD, AVH-P6000DVD, AVH-P5900DVD, AVH-P5000DVD, AVH-P4000DVD, DEH-P6900UB, DEH-P690UB, DEH-P6000UB, DEH-P600UB, DEH-P5900IB, DEH-P590IB, DEH-P5000IB, DEH-P500IB, DEH-P4900IB*, DEH-P490IB* DEH-P4000IB, DEH-P400IB, DEH-P3000IB.
In addition, the CD-BTB200 may be used with many Pioneer "IP-Bus" systems using External Control. Features and Operation are limited, however; consult the owner's manual for more details.
*Some functions may be limited using the CD-BTB200 with this model. See Owner's Manual for details.
Compatible Bluetooth Profiles

GAP (Generic Access Profile)
SDP (Service Discovery Protocol)
HSP (Head Set Profile)
HFP (Hands Free Profile)
A2DP (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile)
AVRCP (Audio Video Remote Control Profile)
OPP (Object Push Profile)

What's in the Box
Pioneer CD-BTB200 Bluetooth Wireless Adapter, Wiring Harness, Microphone, Microphone Visor Clip, Installation Hardware, Owner's Manual

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Pioneer VSX-1020-K Audio/Video Receiver Review

I picked up a 1020 over the weekend. I have been building custom cabinetry and needed a slimmer (and cooler) receiver for our secondary viewing room and the 1020 seemed to fit the bill in large part based upon a pleasant experience with the 919/1019 and the elite 21.

For reference, the 1020 is replacing an Onkyo 1007, which I really enjoyed, but was a bit big for the cabinet and largely unused with a baby's bedroom nearly adjacent to the area. Keep in mind, the Onkyo weighs 52 lbs and draws nearly 11 amps - not a fair fight between the two.

In comparison to the 1019/919 (which powers my second and third zones), the 1020 looks very similar, but Pioneer removed the blue led power button (they did the same with the bdp-320 from the 51fd last year as well). The front panel buttons have been reconfigured slightly, but overall the two look very similar.

I have the 1020 configured as 5.1 plus wides. The speaker setup was pretty easy, but it appears that setting it up as normal plus wides would prevent you from operating Zone 2 despite the manual saying the contrary.

In terms of audio quality, the receiver sounds very good and similar to the 1019/919. That said, when turned louder (say -5db), it appears to lose its legs a bit sooner than the 1019. I heard a bit more distortion in playing music loudly (i was alternating the same speakers and source via speaker switch before I had the two connected). That said, I would think most folks would not be able to tell a difference at normal volume levels, but the power draw cut from last year does seem to manifest itself at loud levels in my amateurish testing. Please do not try to pull every thread in my comparison - just an average guy comparing the two side by side.

Running MCACC was as simple as other pioneer models, but the system did seem to be a bit too generous as to the speaker size of the speakers in my setup (audyssey classified them as small and set the individual speaker crossovers at 100hz). I have been using the wide listening mode and have found it reasonably effective in providing a broader sound array for the wide room. I will need more critical listening time to compare it to Audyssey DSX's wide presence processing mode. Overall, I am pleased with the sound quality of the 1020, but it could benefit by a bit more power. I would caution about tying to drive large or inefficient speakers with this receiver if your listening preferences are very loud.

The remote is an improvement in that it is learning, but a step back in dark room navigation. Yes the keys glow in the dark, but labels are small and difficult to quickly identify. It is miles ahead of Denon's odd remotes, but lacks some of the simple and easy to identify buttons of Onkyo.

The receiver has run cooly, which is an improvement from the space-heater my Onkyo could be.

The receiver does offer a really good listening experience for a very light (and presumably efficient) unit. That said, I do lament a few things: onscreen osd - at least volume/source/audio codec; a slightly ergonomic remote; and assignable speakers to let you customize presence and zone 2.

Overall, I am happy with the unit and pleasantly surprise how cooly it runs.

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Product Description:
Key Features are110 Watts X 7, 7 Channel Configurable Amplifier, Surround Back. Dolby Pro-logic IIz or B Speaker, Dolby True-HD / DTS-HD Master Audio and Advanced MCACC. It has a 9 Band EQ.Auto Crossover Setting, USB to PC Graphs, PQLS - 2 Channel, Auto Level Control - Multi-Channel, Sound Retriever AIR - Multi- channel. It has a Internet radio. iPod Digital USB / USB Memory Audio. Its iPhone Certified, Sirius Satellite Radio, HDMI Repeater (6 In / 1 out), Analog to HDMI Video Conversion, HDMI to HDMI 1080p Scaler, Component Video (2 in / 1 out), Full Color GUI, iControl pioneer AVR iPhone / iTouch "APP" Multi-Zone A/V Pre-out, Preset Remote Control

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