Pioneer Opinions

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Fri Oct 24, 2003 2:26 pm

How do we feel here regarding Pioneer equipment? Crutchfield recommended the following head unit and XM tuner to me, and they seem to be good prices, but I want a decent unit that will sound good, last me a long time, and be easy to figure out. They had recommended some Alpine stuff, but it would've been well over $600 for the whole system. This will run me just over $350. Pioneer DEH-P5500MP CD/MP3/WMA Receiver http://www.crutchfield.com/cgi-bin/S-KO ... =suPioneer GEX-P910XM XM Digital Satellite Radio Tuner http://www.crutchfield.com/cgi-bin/Prod ... XMFeedback appreciated!

Post by **NSimkins** » Sun Oct 26, 2003 9:40 am

Looks good - nothing wrong with Pioneer from my experiences. The only thing you are missing from that combo to get XM is an antenna.Satellite radio quality is always being improved. Being I have Sirius, I follow that more than XM, but I know they are all improving their quality all the time.I've had Sirius for a little over a month and they recently changed their codec (a way of compressing an audio signal) and noticed a BIG difference in the quality of the sound after that was done.Either way you go, XM or Sirius, you will enjoy it. I haven't listened to FM since.Also, you'll get the best sound through the Satellite Radio Tuner that is directly wired into the head unit (as you have selected). FM Modulators have come a long way and they have good quality, but the direct way is the best.

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Sun Oct 26, 2003 10:28 am

Yeah. FM around here is getting lousy.Know I need the antenna, it's running me $50, there isn't much in terms of selection, so I'm opting to go with a low profile model:Terk XM3 Low-Profile XM Roof-Mount Antenna http://www.crutchfield.com/cgi-bin/S-ir ... =209XM3For $10 less, I COULD get a window mount antenna (looks like a cell antenna), but I see that more likely to be prone to vandalism. Plus my windows are cluttered enough. Antenna needs to stay on the roof.

Jahntassa · Post by **Jahntassa** » Sun Oct 26, 2003 10:55 pm

quote:From what I heard through the Grape Vine, the sound quality of Satellite Radio is not the clearest. Something due to the music being compressed so much or such. I was also told the music from the FM Radio sounds much better.Might want to ask NSimkins about the quality. Now that my password works...heh...I can finally reply.Alright, based on XM, as that's what I follow, XM is compressed with an AAC codec at an effective rate of 64Kbps (I think...), Sirius is similar. Also, yes, XM does cut off 15kHz and higher frequencies. XM is NOT CD quality, nor does it claim to be. But, it's still better than FM or cassette. It's just as good as MP3s (not the high bit-rate ones). However, if you connect it though an FM modulator...well..then it's as good as FM, but with less commercials, better variety, and the ability to listen to one station in 48 states...

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Mon Oct 27, 2003 12:27 am

Hmm....Now I'm torn between XM and Sirius, because Nick made me aware that with Sirius, you can stream the stations on your PC as well as in the car...so it costs more per month, but I get that extra...XM doesn't let me do that, right?

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Mon Oct 27, 2003 1:10 am

Another notch for Sirius:If I buy the Kenwood Excelon KDC-X569 CD/MP3 Receiver http://www.crutchfield.com/cgi-bin/Prod ... &avf=Yfrom Crutchfield.com, with an Sirius antenna, they will give me theKenwood KTC-SR902 SIRIUS Tuner http://www.crutchfield.com/S-Ol5qaYfVMj ... 3sr902FREE. Granted, the HU is $300, and with antenna, will only be $20-$30 less than the XM package would be...but if this HU is $300, it's gotta be better right? I Know, that's naieve, but anyway, is this Kenwood a good unit? What do I do????

Post by **NSimkins** » Mon Oct 27, 2003 1:22 am

quote:Kenwood Excelon KDC-X569 CD/MP3 ReceiverKenwood KTC-SR902 SIRIUS TunerThat's the same exact setup I have, COPY CAT! hehe I love the X569 - no regrets.The $150 free tuner did help in my decision-process.

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Mon Oct 27, 2003 1:27 am

I was gonna ask if you if it was the same one...Argh! Decisions decisions...

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Mon Oct 27, 2003 2:36 pm

Anyone else able to provide feedback/suggestions as to whether I should go XM or Sirius?I'm trying to decide by Tuesday so I can buy the equipment, receive it Friday (they give me free 3-day shipping) and have this weekend to install it all.Thanks everyone.

Jahntassa · Post by **Jahntassa** » Mon Oct 27, 2003 9:04 pm

Here's the haps on XM and Sirius.You're buying satellite radio, there's no WRONG way to go.XM:- NASCAR- Smaller hardware units (doesn't matter if it's a headunit attatchment)- $9.95- Better variety (in my opinion)Sirius- NPR- $12.95 (I think)- 60 non-commercial music channels, but very repetative- Less commercialsIt's entirely up to you. Barring money, i'll probably end up having both. I love XM, but there are those that love Sirius just as much. Look through the channels on the websites, listen to the samples, see what you think..http://www.xmradio.com/programming/full ... 15Honestly, it all depends on what music you listen to the most.P.S., for XM, the first unit is 9.95, the next units are 6.95. I have three on my account. One in the car, one on the computer, and one for my fiancee!

Post by **NSimkins** » Mon Oct 27, 2003 9:48 pm

Nice comparison! The thing I hate to see is when one satellite radio subscriber bashes the other competition and vise versa... you didn't do that. If you look at it simply, they both essentially do the same thing. Each has their own downfalls and perks. Overall, the entire industry is growing and will only get better from here on out.If you really wanted to compare the two services over a couple weeks, you could purchase related hardware (not a headunit, but a plug-and-play unit for ease of initial install) and a one-month subscription to one to try it out. If you don't like it, return the equipment and try the other. You would really only be out the cost of a one month subscription (considering if you buy the hardware somewhere where there is no cost to return).quote:P.S., for XM, the first unit is 9.95, the next units are 6.95. I have three on my account. One in the car, one on the computer, and one for my fiancee!Same for Sirius, except it's $6.99 per subscription after the first.Once you've had the opportunity to use satellite radio for a few days (even the first day!), you'll never go back. Also, I'll occasionally browse the enthusiast sites for XM (XM Fan) and Sirius (Sirius Backstage). Both offer some nice info and forums to read what others have to say.raging, it all depends on what service you stick with. Most head units that are satellite-radio ready will be reliable - just make sure it has the features you desire and you should be set. There are alot of options so give it some time, compare all the features, read reviews and make a choice. You can always return something for a different product (Crutchfield has free returns within 30-days, which is a perk if you choose them).

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Mon Oct 27, 2003 11:41 pm

Do we know if XM allows you to stream the stations over the internet?Does XM have no NPR? I do like to listen to them once in a blue moon...

Post by **NSimkins** » Mon Oct 27, 2003 11:45 pm

quote:Do we know if XM allows you to stream the stations over the internet?I just checked their website once more, appears they only allow you to listen to samples instead of the actual stream.quote:Does XM have no NPR? I do like to listen to them once in a blue moon...Correct. Each has their own individual content. Check out the full channel listings Jahntassa posted earlier.

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Tue Oct 28, 2003 2:03 am

(removed) this is the hardest decision I've ever had to make.

rasermon · Post by **rasermon** » Tue Oct 28, 2003 6:08 am

quote:(removed) this is the hardest decision I've ever had to make. Flip a quarter to make your decision. See if it triggers an emotional response. If your immediate gut reaction was slight disappointment. This indicates that you are at least slightly leaning towards the other option. If your immediate reaction would have been relief or even happiness then your other choice would have been the right choice.

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Tue Oct 28, 2003 6:45 am

My issue is I love the Pioneer head unit, but I'm attracted to the Sirius channel lineup and features. Plus, I can pay $400 up front, and have Sirius for a lifetime subscription! Not that I would, but if I ended up liking it, I could do that. In just over 2 years, it will have been more than paid for!So that's mainly my dilemma. I sent crutchfield a message asking them if Pioneer made Sirius HU (I don't think they do), because I"m just not digging the Kenwood model. But if I have to, I will...

Post by **NSimkins** » Tue Oct 28, 2003 9:22 am

quote:I sent crutchfield a message asking them if Pioneer made Sirius HU (I don't think they do)Your thoughts are correct - they don't make head units that support both Sirius and XM unfortunately. Dependent on what service you choose, you're stuck with only certain brands of head units (ie. Pioneer only XM and Kenwood only Sirius, etc.). Otherwise you could purchase the head unit of your choice and buy an external tuner that would be wired into the head unit that way (for Sirius, the Shuttle or Streamer link).quote:because I"m just not digging the Kenwood model. But if I have to, I will...How come? (I'm trying to be constructive)

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Tue Oct 28, 2003 1:50 pm

Well, I don't like the looks of the Kenwood, and I had a Kenwood radio before and wasn't thrilled with the quality or ease of use of it.

AKLGT · Post by **AKLGT** » Tue Oct 28, 2003 4:03 pm

i agree with silver. save your money and wait for the one you really want.

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Wed Oct 29, 2003 1:28 am

So I went with the Pioneer. I really liked the looks of it, and XM is cheaper, and most importantly, as Nick said, I have 30 days to return it to Crutchfield for a full refund if I decide I don't like it.

meathead333 · Post by **meathead333** » Wed Oct 29, 2003 2:19 am

i have sirius.. the only complaint i have is that when i drive under a over hang or under a bridge, i loose service temperarly untill i am clear of the blocking obsticle. otherwise i feel it is better than FM by far. sirius has NO commercials, only a sirius DJ now and then talking.

Jahntassa · Post by **Jahntassa** » Wed Oct 29, 2003 10:04 am

quote:So I went with the Pioneer. I really liked the looks of it, and XM is cheaper, and most importantly, as Nick said, I have 30 days to return it to Crutchfield for a full refund if I decide I don't like it.I hope you got that referral I sent you!! That'll give you a $20 rebate on the XM tuner. If you didn't get the email, I'll resend it. (And yes, it'll get me a free month of XM on one of my recievers..Yay!)Yes, you will "occaisionally" get dropouts under overpasses, but as long as you put the antenna on the roof, it won't be too bad. If you install it yourself, let me know, i'll give you some tips on that antenna run.

tfiedler · Post by **tfiedler** » Thu Oct 30, 2003 10:27 am

I have a Kenwood KDC-X869 with Sirius. I love it and rarely listen to anything other than Sirius or my iPod. I looked at both Sirius and XM and I think Sirius is a much better system, from a technical perspective and a variety standpoint too.

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Sat Nov 01, 2003 4:18 am

Jahntassa:I did get the referral, but I forgot to enter the code when I activated my radio.Can we still get the $20 discount if I send in the certificate, or is it too late?

Jahntassa · Post by **Jahntassa** » Sat Nov 01, 2003 9:28 am

Call up the XM guys through the number to activate it. (Customer service). They'll tell you for sure... I honestly don't know..I'm sure it'll still be honored, I'd just call 'em up and ask first. It's supposed to be a $20 hardware rebate.. The code for activation is probably just so they'll watch your account. In order for me to get my free month, you need to be an active subscriber for two months..I think...

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Tue Nov 11, 2003 3:04 pm

So I am a bit, well, unsure that XM is the way I want to go. So I've decided before I settle, I'm gonna get a Sirius unit too, compare the two, and ditch that which I don't want.Decided to go with this: Kenwood KDC-MPV6022 http://www.crutchfield.com/cgi-bin/S-JF ... 1&avf=YOne step below the Excelon model (KDC-X569) Crutchfield recommended (and Nick already owns). I decided that I got a good deal on this unit - 237.99 as compared to 299.99 for the Excelon model - and the only big difference that I can see is available pre-amp outputs and subwoofer pre-amp outputs, two things I most likely will never use. Plus, this model has 67 possible colors for the display.Any thoughts from people?Does anyone else have info regarding the Excelon series that might make me feel I should change my order?

Post by **NSimkins** » Wed Nov 12, 2003 1:34 am

Looks good Mike - I believe the only benefit over the Excelon's (besides what you already mentioned) is the addition of a 2-yr manufacturer warranty compared to the 1-yr with the non-Excelons.I'd say go for it with this combo if your at least going to try it out. This model looks almost just like my Excelon other than some of the other goodies or functions that you may never use anyway.

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Wed Nov 12, 2003 5:45 am

Can anyone explain to me the difference between MOSFET 50x4 output, and RMS 50x4 output? Which is better?

Post by **NSimkins** » Wed Nov 12, 2003 6:21 am

quote:Can anyone explain to me the difference between MOSFET 50x4 output, and RMS 50x4 output? Which is better?Check this out: http://www.crutchfieldadvisor.com/S-uMF ... ary.htmlIt appears MOSFET may offer better performance.Also from: http://www.streetdreams.com/glossary/in ... ote:MOSFET (Metal Oxide Semiconductor-Field Effect Transistor) - A form of field-effect transistor controlled by voltage rather than current, like a bipolar transistor. MOSFETs have a significantly higher switching speed than bipolar transistors. They generate almost no loss (little heat generation), which lends the power supply fast response, excellent linearity, and high efficiency. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- MOSFET Audio Device - An audio device that employs MOSFET transistors, offering superior thermal stability, faster switching, extended frequency range, and better transient response. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------MOSFET Power Supply - A power supply that employs MOSFET transistors to convert DC to AC. Offers superior thermal stability and more accurate switching.

Dixon · Post by **Dixon** » Wed Nov 12, 2003 6:35 am

Satelite radio is near CD quality! I'm using an FM modulated Pioneer with my Alpine head unit. No one can tell when I switch between CD and XM. With a direct connected tuner, it can only be better!If you go FM modulated, the signal is compressed somewhat, but it isn't that noticeable. Direct connected, the signal isn't compressed at all!

Jahntassa · Post by **Jahntassa** » Wed Nov 12, 2003 6:40 am

quote:Can anyone explain to me the difference between MOSFET 50x4 output, and RMS 50x4 output? Which is better?MOSFET is basically a brandname. MOSFET transistors generally operate better at higher voltages (volumes) and thus produce better sound. No matter what you have it hooked up to, MOSFET gear generally sounds better than not.RMS is basically the average output of the amplifier. Amps are rated in PEAK and RMS. With RMS being the "nominal" output value. You're sorta comparing apples to oranges, as MOSFET is a brand/type, and RMS is a rating value.

Sub-Vibe-R · Post by **Sub-Vibe-R** » Wed Nov 12, 2003 6:51 am

quote:Can anyone explain to me the difference between MOSFET 50x4 output, and RMS 50x4 output? Which is better?MOSFET is basically a brandname. MOSFET transistors generally operate better at higher voltages (volumes) and thus produce better sound. No matter what you have it hooked up to, MOSFET gear generally sounds better than not.RMS is basically the average output of the amplifier. Amps are rated in PEAK and RMS. With RMS being the "nominal" output value. You're sorta comparing apples to oranges, as MOSFET is a brand/type, and RMS is a rating value.I cannot say better....To make an analogie with your car, Mosfet is the 1.8 VVT-i (or VVTL-i on GT) engine and RMS is the 130HP (or 180 on GT)Mosfet is the type of transistor and the RMS rating is the power it deliver.

TheDude · Post by **TheDude** » Wed Nov 12, 2003 1:58 pm

allrighty then, i'll tell you what i know on this topic. If you definetly willing to purchase sat. radio, go with XM radio. Im an installer and i have done dozens of both XM and Sirius. I personally own XM. Sirius radio has a habbit of cutting out quite frequently. XM also has hundreds of "repeaters" throughout the country. these act the same way as cell phone antennas. They take the signal and send it cross country, that way if there is bad weather in your area, your not gonna be effected due to it. If its an abundance of music that your looking for, skip out on satalite radio and opt for a built in MP3 player features, you get your music and not that of a central brodcasting facility. Since i have owned XM i've only really listend to it for roughly 5 hrs or so

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Wed Nov 12, 2003 4:33 pm

Feedback is appreciate all...the Sirius HU is in transit to me...will install and test it, and make final decisions (hopefully) by the start of the new week.Unfortunately, if my car goes into the shop in the middle of this, it will cause serious issues...But I shall make it all work.

Jahntassa · Post by **Jahntassa** » Thu Nov 13, 2003 12:00 am

I think the Pioneer will do you better..just as my own personal opinion. Kenwood has some good stuff, but I always thought the headunits were kinda flaky.. Of course, I also have a bias toward XM..but hey!Also, i'm now officially an installer! Working at Circuit City just outside of Atlanta!

TheDude · Post by **TheDude** » Thu Nov 13, 2003 12:21 am

congrats on the job Jahntassa...i've been installing at Best Buy for 7 months or so now. We've been number one in the company 3 of the 7 months my store has been open. Its defentily fun being an installer. Just buy GOOD tools. Craftsman pro is great, the warrenty is what made me buy it and spend the extra cash. You WILL break a lot of tools, so find ones with warrentys

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Thu Nov 20, 2003 10:20 am

So tonight I made my decision!I cancelled Sirius and will stick with XM. It was a VERY tough decision, but I decided I'll deal with the few commercials, but I like the available equipment for XM better -- mainly that SkyFi...which I think is what I will be getting.Returning BOTH stereo systems to Crutchfield. Man they're so helpful! I called to return stuff, they justr asked why, and then without hesitation gave me a RMA number. I love these guys.Now the hunt begins for a new system...

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