Pioneer DEH-P9600MP Car CD/ MP3 Player

Pros: Sound, options, features, connections, filters
Cons: Looks, price

A Little Background This head unit was recently installed in a 2004 Chevy Trailblazer. It sends signals to three Zapco amps via StreetWires interconnect, power, and speaker wires. The speakers consist of Morel mains and twin Rockford Fosgate ...

Pros: Very high-end-looking, wealth of features.
Cons: Very difficult to see clock when face is open.

This is the car receiver for you if: - you like tweaking every little audio setting - you get a kick out of cool graphics (but don't need full color or high resolution) - you want to control several other pieces of equipment from one central ...

Pros: Sound quality, 13 band EQ, sound adjustment features
Cons: Minor issues with the newest MP3 codec (understandable though) and the faceplate/contacts issue

I have owned this unit for over two years and I am now running into a major problem with the unit in the open position. In the open position, the faceplate portion shuts off while the rest of the unit (the screen and all) remain on and functioning, but not responding.

I have not figured out the problem yet; I may need a new faceplate for it.

The major design flaw, IMO, is the way the faceplate is removed. It slides downward against the contacts. Over time, this wears away and the unit becomes very sensitive to any movement on the face. I have had it shutoff, then turn back on countless times while just trying to adjust the volume or change a track. However, this problem only developed about 6 months prior to this review (after 1.5 years).

Other than that, I have no other issues with the unit.

Pros: style, connectivity, sound.
Cons: Go and burn fivers they will last longer!

GREAT: looks, sound, ease of use and connectivity.

TERRIBLE: build quality and customer service.

I've heard of these going wrong within 1 month, mine took 6. It took pioneer 8 months to "fix" it. It worked for a week then refused to open. Back to pioneer it went who refused to repair it under g'tee as it was now over 12 months old.

I bought a Nakamichi cd400 instead and although it doesn't look as good it works and lasts (and sounds better).

Pros: great looks and sound quality
Cons: constant problems, terrible customer service when you need it.

Terrible Radio. Had for about 1.5 years and has already broke 4 times. The 3rd and 4th time were out of warranty and Pioneer Customer Service did not care. They fixed it the 3rd time and told me that if it breaks again we will look at an alternate method other than repair but when it broke the 4th time they told me to buy a new radio or pay to fix it myself. I am no longer a Pioneer fan due to poor Customer Service. The 1st time it broke it sent a hissing noise through all of the speakers like an alternator noise. The 2nd time it broke the back screen went black and I couldn't do anything. The 3rd time it broke it wouldn't eject c.d.s. The 4th time it won't play c.d.s constantly, its starts to play a c.d. but just stops playing whenever it feels like it. I will buy Alpine for now on.