For 2013, Pioneer announced five new single CD car receivers, which offer MIXTRAX virtual DJ technology, CD playback, USB connectivity, iPhone certified connectivity, Pandora internet radio connectivity and more. Several head units also add Bluetooth wireless connectivity, direct control of the SiriusXM Vehicle Connect Tuner, and built-in HD Radio Technology as well as enhanced entertainment and sound quality options to complement consumers’ listening trends. The new line-up includes the $150 (DEH-X7500S), $170 (DEH-X7500HD), $190 (DEH-X8500BS), $210 (DEH-X8500BH) and $260 (DEH-X9500BHS).
MIXTRAX (All Models)
Pioneer’s revolutionary MIXTRAX virtual DJ technology is incorporated into each model, transforming a music library into a nonstop playlist that delivers a unique DJ-infused listening experience. The MIXTRAX virtual DJ inserts transitions and effects to music played from an iPhone, iPod or USB storage device. For advanced customization, users have the ability to pick the types of effects and transitions added between songs as well as the length a song plays before transitioning to the next song. For an additional club-like effect, the illumination and display of the CD receivers can be set to pulsate and change color with the tempo and intensity of the music.
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Pandora Internet Radio (All Models)
Pandora internet radio connectivity is available on all five new models via a connected iPhone running the Pandora app. For Android™ users, the DEH-X8500BS, DEH-X8500BH, and DEH-X9500BHS provide wireless control and playback of the Pandora app via Bluetooth Serial Port Profile. The Pandora app is controlled directly from each receiver, letting users switch between personalized stations, “thumbs up” or “thumbs down” a track and even bookmark a song for later purchase.
Sirius XM Radio (DEH-X7500S, DEH-X8500BS and DEH-X9500BHS)
These models feature direct SiriusXM compatibility with the SXV200 SiriusXM Vehicle Connect Tuner (sold separately, SiriusXM subscription required). The SiriusXM Vehicle Connect Tuner offers a simple, inexpensive solution for adding satellite radio, and Pioneer’s multi-media receivers are the first in-vehicle products to market that include the new Tune Start and Tune Scan features. They also receive the expanded SiriusXM Radio channel lineup with more commercial-free music, sports, comedy, exclusive entertainment, and SiriusXM Latino (20 channels of the most comprehensive Latin programming lineup available to radio listeners with 10 exclusive commercial-free music channels). Tune Start begins playback of the current song from the beginning with each channel change, and Tune Scan allows the user to scan and listen to 6-second samples of songs currently playing on their favorite music channels.
HD Radio (DEX-X7500HD, DEH-X8500BH and DEH-X9500BHS)
The model features integrated HD Radio tuners, providing clear digital reception of HD Radio HD1, HD2 and HD3 broadcasts from participating radio stations around the country while displaying text information such as the currently playing artist and song title.
Smartphone Connectivity (All Models)
Pioneer’s lineup integrates compatibility with many of today’s most popular smartphones to match consumer demand for continuous connectivity.
Made for iPhone (All Models)
iPhone and iPod users can access and play music from their iTunes music libraries using the receiver’s front panel controls while simultaneously charging the device’s battery with one amp of charging.
USB Connectivity (All Models)
A USB port located at the rear of every receiver will play music stored in USB flash drives and even some hard drives (depending on the power requirements of the hard drive). When a compatible iPhone is connected via the USB port, users can take advantage of Pioneer’s proprietary technology, App Mode, which enables users to listen to their favorite music and streaming audio apps from the connected device. The DEH-X9500BHS offers dual USB ports for connection of two compatible USB devices or media players, offering even greater media source options.
Bluetooth (DEH-X8500BS, DEH-X8500BH, and DEH-X9500BHS)
The models feature built-in Bluetooth wireless capability and allows for hands-free calling as well as music streaming from compatible Bluetooth enabled devices. The receivers also support voice control via Bluetooth when paired with a compatible iPhone® 3GS or later. The user can call a contact or select a playlist, song, artist, or album directly from receiver using the iPhone’s native voice control feature. Supported Bluetooth profiles include the Hands-Free Profile (HFP) for wireless calling and receiving; the Advanced Audio Distribution Profile (A2DP) for wireless audio streaming; Audio Visual Remote Control Profile (AVRCP) version 1.3 for wireless control of devices and artist/song/album metadata (if available) to be viewed; and the Serial Port Profile (SPP) for streaming and control of Pandora internet radio from Android smartphones. To simplify the Bluetooth pairing process, all Bluetooth-equipped models support the Secure Simple Pairing (SSP), which allows the user to pair compatible devices without the need to input PIN codes.
Enhanced Functionality (All Models)
Pioneer’s new CD receiver models are designed with a new simplified menu structure for more intuitive operation and easy-to-navigate feature setup. Ultra-personalization of the CD receivers is possible using the dual zone illumination feature, providing more than 210,000 color display customization of the receiver to match the vehicle’s interior lighting or their mood. Illumination of the display and keys can be customized separately for countless color combinations.
For better sound quality and system flexibility, all new models feature three sets of high-volt (4V) RCA pre-outs for connection to aftermarket or OEM external amplifiers.
Price and Availability (November 2012)
$150 (DEH-X7500S)
$170 (DEH-X7500HD)
$190 (DEH-X8500BS)
$210 (DEH-X8500BH)
$260 (DEH-X9500BHS)
DEH-X7500S | DEH-X7500HD | DEH-X8500BS | DEH-X8500BH | DEH-X9500BHS | ||||||
Supertuner IIID | Yes/RDS | Yes/RDS | Yes/RDS | Yes/RDS | Yes/RDS | |||||
Power | MOSFET 50Wx4 | MOSFET 50Wx4 | MOSFET 50Wx4 | MOSFET 50Wx4 | MOSFET 50Wx4 | |||||
RCA L/R Preouts | Three (4V) | Three (4V) | Three (4V) | Three (4V) | Three (4V) | |||||
Display | 3-LineFull-Dot LCD | 3-LineFull-Dot LCD | 3-LineFull-Dot LCD | 3-LineFull-Dot LCD | 3-LineFull-Dot LCD | |||||
Dual Zone Illumination | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | |||||
Remote Control | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | |||||
Wired Remote Input | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | |||||
Smartphone Compatible | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | |||||
HD Radio Tuner | – | Yes | – | Yes | Yes | |||||
SiriusXM Ready | Yes | – | Yes | – | Yes | |||||
MIXTRAX | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | |||||
App Mode | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | |||||
Pandora Ready | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | |||||
Advanced Sound Retriever | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | |||||
Compressed Audio playback | MP3/WMA | MP3/WMA | MP3/WMA | MP3/WMA | MP3/WMA | |||||
Android Music Support | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | |||||
iPod / iPhone Ready | USB | USB | USB | USB | USB | |||||
USB Control (1 amp) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | YesDual USB Ports | |||||
Bluetooth | – | – | Yes | Yes | Yes | |||||
Built-in Auxiliary Input | Front | Front | Front | Front | Front | |||||
Suggested Price | $150 | $170 | $190 | $210 | $260 | |||||
Availability | November | November | November | November | November |