- Enjoy robust multimedia features with AppRadio functionality
- Intuitive user interface and touchscreen controls
- Pandora Radio Ready for iPhone and Android
- 3 RCA Preouts (2V) and Navigation Ready
- 6.1-inch VGA touchscreen with 16 9 aspect ratio
I tend to keep cars for a long time, and always lust after features in newer ones while my car lacks the new toys. So, three years ago when I bought my car, I decided that I'd replace the factory stereo when my payments were through.
I wanted: a) bluetooth so that I can use the phone in the car, b) USB-input so that I could load up a memory stick with as much music as would fit, and c) a back-up camera (since the units I liked had screens anyway). I didn't want or need navigation, don't really care about HD or satellite radio, or anything that requires yet another monthly subscription to something.
The Pioneer AVH-X2500BT fit everything I wanted it to do. It's more intuitive than the single-DIN unit in our other car. I was able to figure out most of its features without resorting to the manual. The volume controls and forward/back track/radio advancing buttons take a little getting used to, but took just a couple of days to master. The bluetooth was very easy to set up, and works great. Playing CDs is a snap. Customizing the display to match my car's interior lighting (orange) was cool. I like the changeable display background, but it's curious that most of the designs are largely obscured by album art when playing media.
There is no on/off switch, which takes getting used to. There is a mute button and a "turn off screen" button, so pressing one after the other would effectively silence and blank the image, but to turn it off requires pressing the home button, and choosing "off" from the list of icons. The unit is designed to compliment iPhones and iPods (with the proper connections), like many audio devices. I have an Android phone, so I can't speak to the features that are made for the iUniverse. But my Android integrates fine via bluetooth, with Pandora working seamlessly, and my phone's audio content working fine as long as I have it cued up before I get in the car (which I do with the DAR.FM app on my Evo phone).
My car doesn't have steering wheel controls, so I do have a little "new car lust" for that feature. The more I use this unit, the easier it's getting to get it do do what I want, but I'm still learning. And one thing that almost everyone will have to deal with is the fact that an after-market stereo doesn't look like it came with the car. The color-adjustments help that a bit, but unless you have a car with a rectangular-shaped hole in the dash, you'll have to deal with the kits that are out there to make it fit. They're uniformly bland/ugly. In my Mitsubishi Galant, my silver factory dash was replaced with a flat black plastic kit, and a chintzy black gasket. I didn't much like it, so I came up with a solution:
I work in a sign shop, so I measured the space around the unit, measured the surrounding area, and cut a piece of satin silver applique to fit around it. It was a very easy, inexpensive solution to dress it up a little, and make the unit look less like it's after-market. (Every town has sign shops with laser CNC cutters, and self-adhesive appliques come in a variety of colors. Keep the idea in mind if the after-market look bugs you!)
I'm not an audiophile, and wasn't buying this unit for its amazing sound, but it really is pretty good, even out of my factory speakers. The depth of sound, and clarity at higher volume is much better than the factory Mitsubishi stereo, which topped out (and distorted) at ridiculously low volume, and always sounded tinny. This is much better, and will suit more casual listeners. I just know I like it, and will not be wishing I had a newer car with newer toys for a while!
NOTE: I loaded my 64GB memory stick with music, which I separated into folders for artists, and a few hodgepodge categories, but found that this unit (and most like it) puts the folders and songs in order by their creation date. Do yourself a favor if you make one of these yourself. Google "How To Make Your Songs Play in Order: Sort Your MP3 Player's Songs Alphabetically" and follow the link. It will make your song surfing so, so much easier.
Buy Pioneer AVH-X2500BT 2-DIN Multimedia DVD Receiver with 6.1" WVGA Touchscreen Display Now
The product was easy to install, and has a fantastic feature set. The Bluetooth Audio feature works really well, and my iPhone 4s automatically pairs with the device within a few seconds of power-on.
My problems
No real iPod functionality until I bought the ridiculously overpriced Pioneer CDIU201S. As if this functionality couldn't be easily integrated into the unit when everything is USB connected.
The features that work/don't work based on when you're stopped are arbitrary and ridiculous. Why can I set a graphical Equalizer but not change the display brightness?
Also, the receiver is WAYYY too sensitive about when the brake is on. On my 350z, it usually takes me at least 4 or 5 tries to get the stereo to realize that my brake is on...
Conclusion:
Buy the receiver, but if you're using iOS devices, count the cable in with the cost. Also, buy one of the Brake Override/Bypasses. Don't watch a movie while you're driving but Pioneer stupidly locks you out of so much stuff, it's worth it to get the bypass (maybe the bypass is made by the same team of people who decide which features work/don't work when the brake is on?)
Read Best Reviews of Pioneer AVH-X2500BT 2-DIN Multimedia DVD Receiver with 6.1" WVGA Touchscreen Display Here
Purchased the AVH-X2500BT and have been pleased so far with the performance. I also own the avh-3200bt. The X2500 seems alot faster and has a nice sharp display. DVD playback is fast and sharp. I have the headunit hooked up to a rear dvd player and back up camera. Hookup was a cinch and as used the RP4CH11 in my 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan. The steering controls work perfect and the Parking Brake bypass they sell on amazon also worked perfect. The Bluetooth streaming seems to work flawlessly, but I really don't use it that much because I use the CD-IU201S to play movies off my Iphone 4s. That works really well...I have been waiting for this feature for sometime. It's nice that the radio has all the inputs on the back, unlike my 3200bt. There are no wires hanging out the front of the radio. All in all it was a good purchase and I am happy I got to purchase it for $275 through Pacific Stereo Black friday deals.
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What can I say this product is perfect in my opinion. I wired it up so on and off with battery so once turned on it searchs for bluetooth and starts playing from my note 2. The streaming works flawless, and the ability to make hands free calling is great to. I haved the mic hidden coming out to visor and sound is good. Music seems to be louder than original stereo. Finally got music videos to work and they look great on it. Usb play is extremely fast, I have the parking brake overide setup and the steering wheels fully working so I lost nothing by upgrading and gained alot couldnt promt it enough.
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I have been an audiophile, and stereo enthusiast my entire life. This was a great purchase. Very responsive unit with great usability. Fantastic audio control and quality. I recommend this unit at this price point to anyone wanting to upgrade to a double din.
