Pioneer DEHP3100UB SCD Receiver with USB control and LCD Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I have a 2002 Mazda Protege 5 sport wagon. I had replaced the crappy stock double DIN unit with a different but unfortunately also crappy JVC unit, mostly because I wanted a unit that had an aux port for my iPod.
The attractive points of the 3100UB was not just the aux port but the built-in USB port located right on the front panel, facilitating an amazingly easy install and no need to buy additional adapters or route cables around the dash or glove box. The Pioneer site says you need to pick up their USB cable for iPod functionality, but you don't; my standard iPod sync cable works perfectly for both charging and playing with no problems. I suppose if you have an extra $25 to spend you can get the Pioneer cable, but it isn't necessary. You can use USB flash drives as well - but the iPod/iPhone system integration is seamless, easy, and very satisfying.
I knew that in getting a single DIN I would be giving up interface real estate and the convenience of more buttons. However, the "joystick" control on this unit along with the bezel button functions are very easy to use, and do not take a lot of time to figure out. It gets intuitive after a few hours of use and you're set. Compliments too on the included remote, which does just about everything even easier and quicker than the front panel controls. READ THE MANUAL! It's an easy read and the instructions are simple. Once you've got it - you've got it.
The other wonderful feature is the unit's ability to read every audio file format you can throw at it on a CD. MP3 and WMA are pretty much standard on everything, but harder to find are units that read Apple AAC files. This unit does it without hesitation (unless they are iTunes store DRM files, which you can either skip over, or use iTunes Plus on the iTunes store to convert your protected songs to DRM-free for about $.30 a pop). I can fit about 80-90 tunes on one CD and it makes having a large listening library easily available with just a few discs when I don't have my iPod with me. Pioneer's Sound Retriever processing for compressed files takes the quality of these discs up to near-standard CD fidelity - great stuff!
The unit can be expanded in several ways: a Bluetooth module (about $85) which allows for audio streaming and cell phone functionality, HD radio and/or satellite radio, but I have no interest in any of these at this point. It's also got a pair of rear RCA ports for an amp and/or sub-woofer expansion. The unit itself has a 50 watt x 4 channel MOSFET amp and the sound is pristine and puts out a lot of power. The EQ settings are plentiful with both factory presets, user programmable slots with a 3-band eq as well as frequency based adjustments, bass boost and loudness settings, as well as sub-woofer and high/low pass filter options with a fully adjustable crossover. It's ridiculously multi-faceted and you can really fine tune it for your tastes and speakers. I have stock speakers and this unit really makes them shine. I'm going to replace them next month with four Pioneers and I can't wait to hear it.
The detachable faceplate is, of course, a great security feature. The only con I can come up with for the unit is that the display could be brighter. The 4100UB model (same functions across the board but about $25 more) has a much brighter display, but honestly, it's a real "set it and forget it" unit, so it doesn't bother me much.
This unit sells just about everywhere else for $140 and Amazon had it for $125. I'm so happy to have a high-end, iPod and AAC file compatible unit that can be expanded with a nice array of upgrades in the future if I want. It's flexible, powerful, subtle in appearance, and a joy for iPod/iPhone owners. Just plug it in and go! No need to buy anything else. I can't recommend this unit enough. Pioneer quality and broad functionality at this price point is just ridiculous!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Pioneer DEHP3100UB SCD Receiver with USB control and LCD

The Pioneer DEH-P3100UB CD Receiver with iPod Direct Control and USB input, Bluetooth Ready includes advanced Sound Retriever restores the rich, full, dynamic sound to compressed music and Front input for USB devices.

The Next Best Thing to Live Sick of listening to static? CD Players improve sound quality and add features like Bluetooth and iPod control that your built in factory stereo might otherwise not have. Expand your system with digital radio options like HD Radio, XM Satellite Radio or Sirius Satellite Radio.
Bring Your Music to Life with Advanced Sound Retriever This year you can hear the detail, warmth, and clarity the way the artist intended it, from all of the highly compressed MP3, WMA and AAC files playing on your CD player. By restoring data that tends to get lost in the digital compression process, we can make your music sound close to CD quality.
iPod Made Easy It's easy! Simply plug your iPod directly into the unit using the CD-IU50 iPod cable, and you are ready to rock and roll. Listening to an artist that you just can't get enough of? Now you can hold the "List" button down and it will pop up folders containing that specific artist, album, or genre. You can also have your passenger control your music directly from the iPod.
A better way to control your music Sick of using buttons to search through your songs? Now you can scroll through your music with greater ease using the 7-way rotary commander.
Fed up with your Bluetooth headset? Here's a better hands-free solution. Use the available CD-BTB200 Bluetooth Adapter and Bluetooth-enabled cellular phones for easy, safe, and hands-free operation. The unit acts like a speakerphone, channeling the sound through your car speakers which makes the call sound better. It also automatically mutes your music so that you'll never miss a call. Note: Optional CD-BTB200 adapter required
What else does this model have to offer? The DEH-P3100IB also includes these additional features like built-in AUX input for your media devices and Advanced Sound Retriever to restore your mp3s to near CD quality. Features that are designed to expand your system, customize your experience, provide superior sound quality and easy operation.
Remote Control included
LCD Display with 16-character Text
Advanced Sound Retriever to restore your compressed media to near CD quality
AUX input to easier plug in your portable media devices
USB input (Front)
HD Radio, XM, and Sirius Radio Ready
2 RCA preouts for adding on external amps and speakers simplify system expansion.
Two-Way Crossover with separate High and Low Pass settings.
Built-in MOSFET 50 W x 4 amplifier for excellent sound quality, minimal distortion and efficient power handling.
Supertuner IIID advanced analog and digital processing assure superior imaging, less distortion and noise, and stronger, smoother broadcast signal reception.
Display Off Mode

What's in the Box Pioneer DEH-P3100UB CD Receiver, wiring harness, wireless remote control, installation hardware, operation manual, installation guide, warranty sheet

Click here for more information about Pioneer DEHP3100UB SCD Receiver with USB control and LCD