Pioneer DEHP4100UB SCD Receiver with USB control and OEL Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)The feature-set of this head unit is quite impressive for the price. It has good quality amplifiers with a flexible setup to allow use with a variety of configurations. The integrated USB input allows an iPod or flash storage to be connected as a music source. Expensive CD-changers are no longer relevant, and affordable flash drives can hold entire music collections in a tiny package. This receiver boasts a capability to improve the sound of compressed audio files, but while discernible, the difference is subtle.
The radio tuner works very well to provide clear, drift-free reception, although the unit provides no buttons to tune the presets. Instead, the single multi-controller must be moved up or down to navigate sequentially through the saved channels. Additionally, setting the stations is cumbersome as it requires several buttons to be pressed to tune and specify the new preset location. Once programmed, they are fairly easy to select.
The only gripes I have thus far concern the interface: the receiver is not intuitive for the untrained user. The buttons are not labeled well, and they all appear the same. It takes careful scrutiny to find which one controls which function without reading the manual. In fact, it is nearly impossible to program without doing do. Even the setting the clock is tricky, given that the unit must be "off" before one can access the mode to change the time.
When playing music from a USB storage device, the unit does remember the current track between sessions. In other words, it plays from where it was when you start up the car next time. However, when navigating the music storage it always displays the top folder first. This makes it difficult to find the "next" artist or album without already knowing the structure of the drive. In fact, the display is restricted to showing only one attribute at a time, though it can be any one of the title, album, artist, etc. However, when changing tracks while playing, the display switches to a "folder number" that has been assigned by the receiver. It can sometimes be confusing to know which album or folder you are selecting when this occurs. Needless to say, it is not advisable to attempt this action while driving.
That said, the unit installed easily into my vehicles DIN-sized opening. The wiring block detaches from the rear of the receiver, making it convenient to solder the wires to a harness designed to match the car (obtained from Crutchfield). Several optional expansions make this receiver ready for the future. A bluetooth adapter (Pioneer CD-BTB200 Bluetooth Wireless Adapter) can integrate a cell-phone into the system. Also, there will be an HD-radio receiver available (GEX-P20HD), to tune digital HD signal, but it doesn't use the existing model (GEX-P10HD).
Overall, I am impressed with the sound quality and feature-set. It may seem like I am overly critical above, but I wanted to identify issues that are often not addressed. Once you learn the functions, it is fairly easy to use, but be prepared for confusion from occasional drivers or the car or passengers.

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The Pioneer DEH-P4100UB CD Receiver with OEL Display, USB Direct Control of iPod, and 7-Way Rotary Commander with advanced Sound Retriever that restores the rich, full, dynamic sound to compressed music and 3 Hi-Volt RCA preouts (Front, Rear, Sub).

The Next Best Thing to Live Sick of listening to static? CD Players improve sound quality and add features like Bluetooth and iPod control that your built in factory stereo might otherwise not have. Expand your system with digital radio options like HD Radio, XM Satellite Radio or Sirius Satellite Radio.
Stay in Command Enjoy vibrant, exciting displays with the larger OEL display that provides superior brightness and visibility in all conditions. Scroll through your iPod with greater ease with the newly redesigned smaller rotary commander.
iPod Made Easy It's easy! Simply plug your iPod directly into the unit using the CD-IU50 iPod cable, and you are ready to rock and roll. Listening to an artist that you just can't get enough of? Now you can hold the "List" button down and it will pop up folders containing that specific artist. You can also have your passenger control your music directly from the iPod�.
Advanced Sound Retriever This year you can hear the detail, warmth, and clarity the way the artist intended it, from all of the highly compressed MP3, WMA and AAC files playing on your CD player. By restoring data that tends to get lost in the digital compression process, we can make your music sound close to CD quality.
Fed up with your Bluetooth headset? Here's a better hands-free solution. Use the available CD-BTB200 Bluetooth Adapter and Bluetooth-enabled cellular phones for easy, safe, and hands-free operation. The unit acts like a speakerphone, channeling the sound through your car speakers which makes the call sound better. It also automatically mutes your music so that you'll never miss a call. Note: Optional CD-BTB200 adapter required
What else does this model have to offer? The DEH-P4100UB also includes these additional features like built-in AUX input for your media devices and Advanced Sound Retriever to restore your mp3s to near CD quality. Features that are designed to expand your system, customize your experience, provide superior sound quality and easy operation.
Remote Controller included
OEL Segmented Display with 16-character Text
Advanced Sound Retriever to restore your compressed media to near CD quality
AUX input to easier plug in your portable media devices
USB input (Rear)
XM Radio and Sirius Radio Ready
3 RCA Hi-Volt preouts for adding on 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.

What's in the Box Pioneer DEH-P4100UB CD Receiver, wiring harness, wireless remote control, installation hardware, operation manual, installation guide, warranty sheet

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