Pioneer Head Unit

[scottblink23]

Hey - does anyone have any input on the Pioneer AVH-2300NEX head unit? I'm interested in replacing my stock unit and while there are very positive reviews on Amazon, I'm interested in your feedback.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B073BKPWN...colid=L7I9OWQCRSF2&psc=0&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it

I'm interested in this unit because of:

Apple Car Play
DVD capability
Integrated backup camera ability
Bluetooth, XM, etc

Any feedback would be appreciated - do you like this unit? Any regrets? Does anyone have a better unit in mind (sub $400) that they'd recommend?

Thanks!

 

[4RunnerIdiot]

This is definitely up to personal preference, but I can tell you why I would never buy or install that.

No physical volume knob.

I bought an XAV-AX100 because of that.

 

[Frontier4Runner]

I have this exact unit in my '08. So far I love it. Couldn't beat the price and it's met my needs. I use the Android Auto features and my only complaint would be that it can be a little slow when interfacing with the apps, but not sure if it's my phone or the head unit.

I also installed the Maestro OBD link and it's pretty slick. Engine data, tire pressure and temperature, check engine codes all right on-screen.

Also added a backup camera and the picture is super clear and pops up immediately when I put it in reverse.

 

[MattAK]

I have the MVH-2400NEX, which is exactly the same minus the DVD capability. I paired it with this CRUX SWRTY-61S Radio Replacement with SWC Retention (for Select Toyota Vehicles 2003-2011) for the steering wheel controls and this resistor to bypass the motion sensing of the unit. I also have the XM radio antenna. No backup camera (yet).

So far I love it. I did have to update the firmware on mine to get it to play nice with Android Auto. I didn't use the USB port extension it came with and instead used a single long USB-C cable, so to update it I had to take the dash apart again to get at the rear USB port. So be sure to test everything and update firmware as needed before putting it all back together.

 

[FZRunner]

I have the 4100 model, and it's been fantastic for the last few years. I think this model would be nice as well. My phone synced up perfectly for Apple car play, and the navigation off said phone was nice. Back up camera, and the rest are very nice. I like the Pioneer brand.

 

[Tkblazer]

I have the 2330 which I got on sale at Best Buy last year for about $300. Works great, no issues at all. The best part is with ios12 Apple added google maps to CarPlay.

 

[LOSTR4]

I have one similar on mine and have the steering wheel controls that work famously on it. Works well, was cheap, and superior to the OEM version the rig came with...plus it works well with a backup camera! DOUBLE BONUS!!

 

[jonb2]

I'll give another positive vote for the AVH-2330NEX. Installed and no problems for about a year now. Responsive accurate touchscreen and great HD radio sound. My son just purchased exact same model for his Altima too. No complaints so far.

 

[Flash Runner]

All positive reviews from me, mostly along what everyone else has said.

my $0.02:
- Dont use the crux interface to install it, its a ***** to figure out the wiring
- People who knock it for the volume control knob just can't get used to the steering wheel controls (or the two buttons on the unit itself) and don't realize that by having the knob you are forced to a smaller screen
- Order a parking brake bypass off of amazon for like $10.... definitely worth not having to deal with the parking brake restriction to mess with settings (I also enjoy video in motion)
- Also if you use anything besides the USB extension that comes with it, be sure to order one that supports USB 3.0 at a minimum (this is for data transfer needed for Carplay/Android Auto), and read the recent reviews on it as most poor quality products will work at first then die off and you have to take the dash apart to change it

 

[T4R916]

I recently bought it 2 months ago but cant get android auto to work with my galaxy s9+ but other than that its perfect for me.

 

[neurotictim]

I've been in car audio and electronics for almost 20 years now, as a hobbyist and professional, worked in one of the top retail shops in the nation as an installer and fabricator, and I will ALWAYS shill for Pioneer radios. Dollar for dollar I'd argue that they're the best option on the market for most people.

That's not to say that Kenwood or Alpine or JVC or whatever are bad, just that I think the Pioneer units outperform everything else out there, for the price. That's just the radios - I won't vouch for amps or speakers and subs.

AVIC-6100NEX user here, but I've had or installed virtually everything in their line at some point.

 

[earthrealm]

I have this exact unit in my '08. So far I love it. Couldn't beat the price and it's met my needs. I use the Android Auto features and my only complaint would be that it can be a little slow when interfacing with the apps, but not sure if it's my phone or the head unit.

I also installed the Maestro OBD link and it's pretty slick. Engine data, tire pressure and temperature, check engine codes all right on-screen.

Also added a backup camera and the picture is super clear and pops up immediately when I put it in reverse.

could you post a link of the maestro obd link, i have the pioneer 2013 avh models, i would love to have my engine stuff on the hu:frog:

 

[riceandpho]

i mean pioneer has its ups and downs, im a pioneer user also, cant beat the eq i get (dual 16 band eq). thats why i still use the single din 80prs. i also use the double din on other cars, good thing about the dsp is i can run each speaker active. having some active processing is pretty neat. but you guys here arent too serious in audio like some folks here.
if you want, get it off ebay, especially the bypass and the idatalink maestro. but if you need support during install, crutchfield is the way to go. got to pay a premium.

 

[Frontier4Runner]

Here's the link to the 4Runner version on the iDatalink website....

LINK

Costs about $100, but also makes the steering wheel controls work perfectly, first time and you can customize their functions (short press, long press, etc).

 

[IamHimeros]

Had the 4200nex in my 2000 Taco, and put in the 4201nex (exact same but includes backup camera) into my 06 Limited. I've loved these HUs since I first got them, Android Auto is great. Display and sound are extremely good.

Get the VIM bypass, maestro datalink and a backup camera...you will really enjoy everything it offers

 

[Trumpet]

April of '17 I installed the Pioneer AVH-X391BHS and the Crux SWRTY-61S in my 4runner. Also used a bypass module for the video/brake set-up, mostly so setting are accessible on the fly.

The only issue I had was the phone buttons/ bluetooth interface not working fully. That was resolved with a Pioneer firmware update in February of '18.

Head unit sounds great, even with the oem speakers.

 

[RobD]

I'll just put this here:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-g...tall-pac-radiopro-rp4-2-ty11.html#post2974308

 

[Flash Runner]

I recently bought it 2 months ago but cant get android auto to work with my galaxy s9+ but other than that its perfect for me.

Have you updated the firmware? Check Pioneer's website for instructions on how to do it, but it's fairly simply. Just need to download the update to a USB drive and then plug that drive into the USB port/USB extension used for the unit and sit back for a few minutes until it's done

 

[Running6]

What did you all do with your usb cord that comes with the headunit? Where did you place it?

 

[Bluesky 07]

What did you all do with your usb cord that comes with the headunit? Where did you place it?

I just installed an AVH-2550NEX. I wanted the USB accessible so I used some heavy-duty Scotch velcro to attach an aftermarket USB port under the passenger side dash next to the glove box. I will post a pic if it would be helpful.

The head unit is awesome btw.