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Trying not to hijack here, but I'm still deciding on a new HU because of CES as well. Since the JVS's were brought up as comparison units here are the 3 new highend models:
The KD-R80BT CD Receiver is a flip-down face, three-line display head unit featuring Pandora® internet radio application control for iPhone as well as Built-In Bluetooth® Wireless technology. For Android phones, it is compatible with the JVC Smart Remote app and can also play back music from most Android devices via USB mass storage. It is also Satellite Radio ready and features external mode for iPod®/iPhone®, 2-way control for iPod®/iPhone®, drive change mode, HS-IVI Tuner, 3-band parametric iEQ, three sets of 4.8V pre-output terminals, is steering wheel remote control ready, is MP3/WMA/WAV compatible, and has a TI/Burr-Brown 24-bit DAC. This receiver is available in March with an MSRP of $209.95.
The flagship KD-X80BT Digital Media Receiver is a flip-down faceplate dual USB/CD receiver with Aux-input featuring built-in Bluetooth® wireless technology, optional Satellite Radio capability, Pandora® internet radio application control for iPhone®, JVC original application control, Smart Remote control, dual USB ports with 1A capability, drive change mode, 3-line LCD display, HS-IVi Tuner, MP3/WMA/WAV compatibility, 3-Band Parametric iEQ, over 30,000 separated variable-color illumination options, and is steering wheel remote ready. This receiver is available for shipping in March with an MSRP of $209.95.
The Arsenal KD-A95BT CD Receiver comes with a 2-year warranty and features dual USB ports as well as Built-In Bluetooth® wireless technology. Also included is JVC’s My Sound EQ Digital Signal Processor allowing simple setup of professional sound enhancement features. Additional sound features include a 5-band personal fitting equalizer with time alignment as well as three pre-outputs with 5.0 line and subwoofer pre-output level. Other features include Pandora® internet radio application control for iPhone, Built-In Bluetooth® Wireless technology, Satellite Radio capability, iPod®/iPhone® compatibility, music playback support for Blackberry devices, and compatibility with optional steering wheel remote controls. For Android phones, it is compatible with the JVC Smart Remote app and can also play back music from most Android devices via USB mass storage. This receiver is available in March with an MSRP of $269.95.
$269.95 MSRP for the top of the line KD-A95BT means $220-$240 most likely.
http://newsroom.jvc.com/category/press-releases/mobile/
For me its between the JVC KD-A95BT and the Pioneer DEH-P9400BH.
QuikWgnFor me its between the JVC KD-A95BT and the Pioneer DEH-P9400BH
Tough choices. I really like what I've heard of the DEH-P9400BH. Other than the vario-illumination, the display looks like a clone of their previous models, but those weren't bad and the interface is likely better than the JVC. The JVC has some really nice features as well, but I haven't seen any images of it to compare by.
Again, I wouldn't like to choose between them, but it's not a bad situation to be in.
Anyone else have suggestions?
2002 Ford Focus JVC KD-A815 Sony CDX-GT410u Sony XT-100HD HD Tuner Stock speakers, no amp, no subs
CheekyMonkey wrote:
...
Personally, I have a S200X that's been sitting in its box for about two weeks waiting to be installed. I wanted to wait until I could see the 2012 models announced at CES.
Based on my criteria (primarily--good display, good interface, hidden USB), I've come close to buying a new JVC for the past couple years, but have held off due to glitches discussed here, and a interface that's perhaps not quite as friendly as it could be.
For 2012, while most have made only minimal changes, JVC has revamped their line. The X80BT and R80BT look appealing, and have addressed at least one of criticisms of past models with the new display. Now, the questions are whether they have good quality controls, if the interface has changed, and if they still suffer from the iPod audio bug.
The Sony, aside from being great value as a closeout, appears to have one of the best and quickest iPod/USB interfaces (though not perfect), a good OEL display (though limited to white), and does fulfill the hidden USB requirement, though I don't buy into the hype of the Tune tray. The RCA pigtails that sprout like weeds out the back also kinda bug me, but out of sight, out of mind.
Additionally, it has a much more extensive EQ, and time alignment, which the JVCs lack except for the top model A95BT, which lists for $280 and is more than I want to spend. Having never heard a unit with time alignment, does it really make a difference? Imaging and sound stage could definitely be improved in my car.
I still plan to install the Sony, and chances are I'll keep it, but wandering eye is hard to resist.
Weigel21 wrote:
Time correction makes a very noticeable difference. If you actually take the time to measure and manually adjust it you can hear details in your music you never heard before. Well, at least I did back when I was using my Alpine models with that feature. I have been a little lazy and just used the factory settings for the Sony and it does improve imaging, but not as well as precisely measuring and manually setting it. time correction is a must for anyone seeking SQ. Granted, you set the sweet spot for only one person, so only one person is able to hear the improvement in SQ.
J Ro wrote:
i'd go with the Pioneer simply based on the dual rear USB's... something i've been wanting for quite a while. don't care about the multi-colors personally, but that might be a selling point for those sticklers that have to match dash illumination.
Quik Wgn wrote:
http://www.audionuts.com.mx/noticias/auto-stereos-jvc-arsenal-2012.htmlhttp://www.audionuts.com.mx/noticias/auto-stereos-jvc-2012.htmlSo far no in-depth specs, just blurbs (in spanish) and pics, but nothing to rival the DEH-80PRS. Certainly they look to be the equal of the other top of the line non-active HU like the Kenwood KDC-X996 or the Pioneer DEH-P9400BH.
QuikWgn http://www.audionuts.com.mx/noticias/auto-stereos-jvc-arsenal-2012.htmlhttp://www.audionuts.com.mx/noticias/auto-stereos-jvc-2012.htmlSo far no in-depth specs, just blurbs (in spanish) and pics, but nothing to rival the DEH-80PRS. Certainly they look to be the equal of the other top of the line non-active HU like the Kenwood KDC-X996 or the Pioneer DEH-P9400BH.
(The mods should feel free to split to off to a separate topic if it's too OT)
As TH points out, it's a good dilemma to have. I'm glad to see the return of more clean-looking HUs with rear USB, big, colorful displays, and larger, easier to use controls. Pity Alpine doesn't want to join the fray, since they've always been a brand worth considering.
The Pioneer 9400 looks like a nice unit, and kudos to them for already having the website updated and owner's manual available for perusal. For me, AAC compatibility is a plus, as a file option that can be used without direct connection to an iPod. Levers instead of a joystick is also good.
JVC has yet to update their mobile site, and I hesitate to rely too much on their PR, if they make mistakes(?) like calling the X80BT a "USB/CD receiver." Funny, I thought the defining characteristic of a DMR was the absence of a CD drive! JVC does have nice, hi-res pictures on their Flickr account linked via the PR site.
2012 CD pix
2012 DMR pix
I assume the models with dual USB have both ports in the rear, like Pioneer, since there obviously isn't one on the front, unless it's hidden behind the faceplate. There is also conflicting information as to whether the faceplates on the DMRs beside the X80BT are actually detachable.
But mostly, I'm curious as to how their control scheme works. In lieu of access to the manual, once can only a guess for now. Our host has updated the In-Depth section of the listing for the X50BT, but the manual scan has yet to appear. It should provide some good insight and be very similar for the X80BT.
I also question the value proposition of the X80BT versus the R80BT, as they carry the same MSRP. Both seem to have largely the same feature set. But why should one opt for the X80 over the R80, when the latter also has a CD drive, and a branded BB DAC? Perhaps it's just one fewer USB port? For me, that's no big deal. The X80 is not an Arsenal unit, so there's no difference there.
Stepping up to the A95BT would yield the better DSP/EQ functions and a longer warranty, but the other models are already close to the limit on what I wish to spend.
Weigel21 Time correction makes a very noticeable difference. If you actually take the time to measure and manually adjust it you can hear details in your music you never heard before. Well, at least I did back when I was using my Alpine models with that feature. I have been a little lazy and just used the factory settings for the Sony and it does improve imaging, but not as well as precisely measuring and manually setting it. time correction is a must for anyone seeking SQ. Granted, you set the sweet spot for only one person, so only one person is able to hear the improvement in SQ.
Good to know. I'm solo most of the time, so it's my sweet spot.
So it sounds like you got around to installing the Sony?
CheekyMonkeyI assume the models with dual USB have both ports in the rear, like Pioneer...
CheekyMonkeyOur host has updated the In-Depth section of the listing for the X50BT, but the manual scan has yet to appear.
CheekyMonkey also question the value proposition of the X80BT versus the R80BT
kind of feel like i beat u up a bit, but when you make good points there is always gonna be a counter-point. sincerely enjoyed reading your post. my hope is that other posts on the forum will become as informed and articulate as yours. this is the best forum for car audio, no doubt... but its only good so long as we get responses like yours. keep contributing!
J Ro thought he beat you up and then I'm coming along ...
CheekyMonkeyJVC does have nice, hi-res pictures on their Flickr account linked via the PR site.
Totally missed that - the new JVC looks good as well - thanks for posting the link.
Agreed, Crutchfield does a good job of posting the manuals for the units, but for new units, the manual is often available on the manufacturer's page first.
CheekyMonkeyPerhaps it's just one fewer USB port? For me, that's no big deal.
Maybe - but we don't know about the new JVC's, but on my KD-A815, the BT is on a dongle, so if you use BT with it, you are now down to only one USB port remaining. Even if you don't use BT with it - it would be handy to have one USB port with a permanent collection of songs and one that I could use for an iPod or a different genre of music or whatever else I wanted. Like J Ro - my unit can play CD's, but I never have on it. Personally, I'd take the two USB ports over the CD mechanism if I were buying today.
@ J Ro - CD isn't the highest quality standard anymore compared to lossless AAC or FLAC (see some of Alex W's posts), but I don't know that any current HU's support anything higher than than. Media PC's and Cowan MP3 players definitely do, though.
Hope This Helps!!!
I don't feel beat up at all. I'm glad there are conscientious people who can have a good, knowledgeable debate about things.
Newsflash--the X50BT manual is now live and available for download.
After a cursory glance, many questions are answered...
• face is not detachable
• BT dongle adapter still required (not a big deal to me, but good point re: R80BT about the utility of dual USB ports for people who need them). OK, that wasn't a surprise, but I wanted to address the X80/R80 quandary.
• iPod/USB control seems mostly the same as before.
• Now I'm confused -- Crutchfield's Overview page touts ability to use USB hubs. JVC manual says no hubs or hard drives. Somebody else is confused, not just me.
Short takeaway for me--I'll take the S200X over the X50BT in the same ~$100 price range. X80/R80/A95 have upgrades, but functionally, operation is likely to be substantially similar, so unless I really dislike the Sony once I install it, I'm likely to keep it. I need to pay for a new set of tires anyway.
CheekyMonkeyCrutchfield's Overview page touts ability to use USB hubs. JVC manual says no hubs or hard drives. Somebody else is confused, not just me.
Odd - I remember a press release mentioning USB hub support on the 2012 units.
My KD-A815 was just the opposite - Crutchfield said hubs won't work. JVC manual said some hubs won't work. I found limited hub support in practice. (I could connect two thumb drives via a hub, but the deck would only remember where I left off on the drive that was plugged in first.)
J Ro CheekyMonkeyI assume the models with dual USB have both ports in the rear, like Pioneer...actually this is kind of a new phenomenon, most likely based on consumer feedback... most dual USB HU's have front/rear (mine does, which also happens to be Pioneer make).
That isn't anything new for Pioneer. A few years back they had the DEH-P7100BT and DEH-P710BT (added anther year warranty and allowed you to turn off the internal amp), I wanted the latter one when my Alpine's preamp went, but I couldn't find a new one, so I ended up going with the CDA-117.
Oh, and yes I finally got the Sony installed in my car. I love how quickly it loads my USB flash drives and how insanely fast I can search through it (compared to my Alpine models).
Weigel21That isn't anything new for Pioneer. A few years back they had the DEH-P7100BT and DEH-P710BT
Depends how you look at it (Columbus JBR has a related thread also). I think the DEH-P7100BT/P710BT were 2009 models, but for 2010/2011, I think Pioneer only had one head unit with a SINGLE rear USB port - all the others were front USB.
Plus ca change, Plus c'est la meme chose