A CD Player that I Plan to Keep for a Long Time
Written: May 01 '04 (Updated May 02 '04)
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Pros: Great value, rugged, nice display, good skip protection, excellent sound, versatile EQ
Cons: slight gap around this unit (which not using trim piece), no faceplate case
The Bottom Line: This stereo sounds great, is very functional and versatile.
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| boatsinbottles's Full Review: Pioneer DEH-P460MP Car CD/ MP3 Player |
Introduction
I bought the Pioneer Premier DEH-P460MP after consider many cheaper units from Pioneer, Kenwood, Blaupunkt, Sony, Aiwa, JVC and Pioneer. I had initially planned on getting a double din unit with a CD and tape deck but after looking around, I saw that this would be expensive and they seldom have detachable faces. In my last car, a 1987 Acura Legend, I had a JVC double din unit that was very nice but ultimately became too much of a temptation to sleezy car thieves. I am currently driving a 1994 Camry and although the car is not as nice as the Acura (albeit 7 years newer), I am still concerned about having my car stolen, so I opted against the double din units.
The Future
After looking around, I decided that if I plan to keep my CD player for a long time and really get some use out of it, I should get one that supports MP3 files. The DEH-P4600MP even plays WMA files. I was hoping it would play iTunes's AAC files but it does not.
It is also important to note that Pioneer has an outstanding track record. I have heard of their car CD players lasting a very long time without problems.
Ease of Use
I also noticed that nicer units these days have volume knobs instead of and - buttons. Since my stock radio had a knob, I thought it was crucial to get another stereo with a knob. It makes adjusting the volume much quicker and easier.
Lay The Money Down
I began pricing the Pioneer DEH-4600MP and decided to check out the Pioneer Premier DEH-460MP since it has a 2 year warranty (instead of 2), and supports 99 folders instead of 9. That's a pretty serious difference between the two if you ask me. Both have "card" remotes (I wish they had steering wheel mountable controls instead of a remote). I finally ended up on eBay and saw several "Buy-It-Now" options for these stereos. I got mine from "fsd-dis" for $128 plus shipping (total $148). It came with mounting hardware and a wiring harness.
Installation
I installed the unit myself using the included the included wiring harness and an adapter from Best Buy designed to plug into the stock Toyota wiring ($18 after tax). I stripped the wires a bit on the Pioneer unit to make contact with the wiring harness from Best Buy. Since my stock radio had a compartment, I took out the compartment and mounted the Pioneer in its place just below the stock radio. This way when the face plate is off and one glances at the dash, the stock radio is more prominent and (I think) less like to get my car stolen.
The stereo came with a trim piece to go around the unit but I chose not to use (nor did I even try) since I want my stereo to be inconspicuous and I thought the trim was a little cheesy. However, I do have a slight gap on either side of the stereo where one can see a sliver of the insides of the dashboard.
Sound
I really like the selectable loudness control and the great EQ. My stock radio had very poor midrange and this one is a huge improvement. I have upgraded my front speakers (6.5") to Pioneers and that has helped and I plan to change my rear 6x9" speakers as well which I understand makes a very dramatic difference. The stock speakers sound better with this stereo than the stock radio but the Pioneer can put out more power and bass that these speakers like. Then again, that is mostly noticeable at high volumes and I generally do not crank my radio.
I love the MP3, WAV and WMA file support, the power, the EQ, and the FIE (Front Image Enhancer--cuts some lows from the front speakers and really cleans up the sound). The sound is balanced, clean and articulate!
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 128
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Epinions.com ID:
boatsinbottles
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Location: Fullerton, CA
Reviews written: 1
Trusted by: 0 members
About Me:
Christian, Reader, Music Lover, BA in English from California State University, Fullerton
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