A Flexible, Powerful CD Reciever
Written: Oct 26 '02 (Updated Nov 14 '02)
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Pros: Flexible input/output, Auto EQ, Comprehensive DSP, Decent internal amp
Cons: Menus a bit cumbersome, display washes out in direct sunlight, no MP3 decoding
The Bottom Line: The DEH-P9300's flexible DSP capabilities and numerous expansion options make it a solid starting point for any high-end car audio system.
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| bc0203's Full Review: Pioneer DEH-P9300 Car CD Player |
The DEH-P9300 is a flexible, powerful CD/receiver that packs a lot of punch and flexibility into a standard DIN sized chassis. The unit's Organic EL display is good in most lighting conditions, though it has a tendency to wash out in direct sunlight and is nearly impossible to read (without cocking your head at a 45 degree angle) if you are wearing polarized sunglasses.
To get the most benefit from the 9300, you need to become adept at navigating its menus. Functions are presented in a mostly sensible manner using "soft" buttons, though it occasionally takes a bit of browsing to get what you want done, and you have to remember where you last were in order to navigate elsewhere in the system. Some functions can be accomplished via the four-way rocker on the right side of the faceplate, but this too can be confusing, as functions vary depending on how you've set up the unit (i.e. up/down can change the preset or the genre with the XM tuner add-on). The remote is little help, as it has too few buttons to be of much use. Without making things sound worse than they really are, if you are the type of person who has problems using your cell phone while driving, the DEH-P9300 is probably not a good choice.
DSP capabilities are where this unit really shines. AutoEQ uses a supplied microphone to measure sound levels in the car and ensure the best possible frequency response with whatever speakers you are using. The listening position selector allows you to optimize the sound for whoever is in the car; for best results, have an installer help with speaker placement and take the time to enter the distances for each speaker from the driver's listening position into the DSP menus. Other DSP functions include a 13-band manual EQ, environments (such as studio and dome stadium) and "acoustic" and BBE sound processing, all of which can be varied in steps, which give the capability to tweak the signal to your heart's content.
Input options include AM/FM tuner, internal CD player, external CD changer (up to 50 discs, if you can still find one of Pioneer's 50-disc changers), XM tuner and other/aux input. About the only things you can't do with this unit are video and internal MP3 decoding (the latter is available on the DEH-P9400MP3 for approximately $150 more).
The built-in 4x50W/ch amp is sufficient to drive most speakers, though three sets of four volt outputs are included so that you can add component amps and a sub later on if desired. If you are using external amps, have the installer remove the ground isolator block that is attached to the unit, which eventually comes loose and makes noise all its own.
Overall, I'm very happy with this unit, and look forward to using it for several years to come.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 349.00
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Epinions.com ID:
bc0203
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Member: Brian Campbell
Location: Richmond, VA
Reviews written: 19
Trusted by: 0 members
About Me:
Work in software industry. Hobbies include electronics, computers, music, movies, golf bicycling and road trips.
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