Anyone using this unit?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 988
Likes: 91
From: Milwaukee, Wis.
I have a somewhat similar Pioneer model that I bought from Crutchfield for my 'Vette a few yrs ago, but it plays cd's . I do use the usb ports to either use Apple CarPlay or have most of my music on a usb thumb flash drive. The navigation works great too. My only gripe is that I wish it had a volume ****/dial, because holding down the (- minus) button is slower than a ****. Other than that, I am happy w/ it & have no problems.
Make sure to get all the extra accessories to make your install easier. I did mine myself.
Make sure to get all the extra accessories to make your install easier. I did mine myself.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 926
Likes: 452
From: New Brunswick, Canada
I installed the DMH-C2550NEX a few years ago as well. Love it. It is very similar but with a resistive screen rather than the capacitive screen on this one.
It also does CarPlay and Android Auto, allows custom background graphic files to be installed and used, and looks great in the dash. For CarPlay or Android Auto, you will need to plug your phone into a cable attached to the unit, but this keeps your phone charged when you leave the car as opposed to the wireless CarPlay/Android Auto option which uses more battery. Between music stored on my phone and Apple Music streaming, I don't miss CDs at all.
One minus I can think of that would apply to ALL the double DIN size, large screen units no matter what manufacturer, is that with the roof panel out, the screen is prone to being washed out by the sun.
It also does CarPlay and Android Auto, allows custom background graphic files to be installed and used, and looks great in the dash. For CarPlay or Android Auto, you will need to plug your phone into a cable attached to the unit, but this keeps your phone charged when you leave the car as opposed to the wireless CarPlay/Android Auto option which uses more battery. Between music stored on my phone and Apple Music streaming, I don't miss CDs at all.
One minus I can think of that would apply to ALL the double DIN size, large screen units no matter what manufacturer, is that with the roof panel out, the screen is prone to being washed out by the sun.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 1,855
Likes: 694
From: Lagrange KY
Sorry if this is a stupid question, but can units like these be installed in a C6 that has just the regular radio (years 05-07) or ones with the aux input on the front of the radio (years 08 and later). I.E. cars equipped without the touchscreen display?
Pro
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 734
Likes: 551
From: North Carolina
I put a similar, a little less expensive Pioneer unit in my 4Runner a few months ago and I am very pleased with it. I did decide to go for something better in my recently purchased C6 and went with a Kenwood with very similar features to the Pioneer unit you are asking about. I think both are good brands and my switch to Kenwood was more about availability then brand (Crutchfield had limited inventory on the higher priced units when I was buying), although many have recommended Kenwood on this forum and it seems to be a favorite.
Last edited by Sdk8103; Nov 19, 2020 at 07:21 AM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 926
Likes: 452
From: New Brunswick, Canada
I put a similar, a little less expensive Pioneer unit in my 4Runner a few months ago and I am very pleased with it. I did decide to go for something better in my recently purchased C6 and went with a Kenwood with very similar features to the Pioneer unit you are asking about. I think both are good brands and my switch to Kenwood was more about availability then brand (Crutchfield had limited inventory on the higher priced units when I was buying), although many have recommended Kenwood on this forum and it seems to be a favorite.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 926
Likes: 452
From: New Brunswick, Canada
You have a couple of options in how to do this:
- You can install the new radio yourself. This option assumes that you (or a friend) are somewhat comfortable doing some small mechanical and electrical work on the car. If you proceed with this option and buy your gear from Crutchfield, make your life easier and go with their pre-wired harness option which basically turns the bulk of the electrical installation into a plug and play affair.
- You can have a car audio shop install the new radio. This is a valid option if you have no desire or ability to do mechanical and electrical modifications to your car. It would (should) also come with an installation warranty to fix any issues that may arise.
- Keep the existing speakers. With this option, your new radio will play through the original equipment speakers in your car and use the existing amplifier. This is a valid option if your speakers are in good condition.
- Replace the existing speakers. This option is for when your original equipment speakers are not working, or not working well and you want to improve the sound. You can replace the speakers and use the existing amplifier.
- Replace the existing speakers and amplifier. This is your most expensive option. This would replace all of the original equipment speakers and the OE amplifer with new speakers and amplifier(s). You will most likely need to install a subwoofer and amplifier in the trunk/hatch area to replace the bass that originally came from the large woofer in the doors.
It should be obvious from the items above that this could be a cheap or an expensive project, but the improvement in sound and functionality makes it worth it.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 1,855
Likes: 694
From: Lagrange KY
Thanks NBVette. Good info. 👍 Will most definitely have a knowledgeable shop do the install once I find my next C6. Have my eye on one, but it has the non touchscreen radio and wanted to be sure there would be no problems with a swap. Really want Bluetooth and/or the aux line input for my iPhone and old iPod, plus hope to add a front and rear camera.
