Customer Ratings & Reviews

Though I couldn't install it myself. . .

After having B*** B** install this for me (200 + $20 wiring harness + $20 in taxes) I have briefly tried all the aspects of the unit. USB adapter instantly connects to the system and the system pulls the data out of various folders you copy to it. This works the same as an SD card (supposedly though I've yet to try one.) Some unusual (pirated Asian imported Akira Kurosawa movie collection discs) worked were on some occasions they will fail for certain DVD players. The parking brake only has to be slightly engaged for the dvd player to work and doesn't seem (?) to affect driving performance. Some might argue this is dangerous though it shouldn't really be (assuming you set the parking brake in position while not in drive). The Navigation box (NAV-1) I didn not want to use as I prefer to use a Garmin 855 (which can also plug it's headphone/auxilary plug into the A/V plug of the stereo.) If you wanted you could plug the SD card directly into the garmin and play music while having it direct you.) I'm just doubtful of what it could do.
The TV tuner I could care less about so I didn't try it either. I'll only be making changes to some of my speakers. LCD quality: Appears to be the best on the market (at least it certainly is for single DIN in-console dvd players. Sound quality made a huge improvement for my speakers though I noticed the tell-tale signs of them being previously blown grow even more apparent. The speakers need to take advantage of the amplifiers power. Digital processing is evident.
Bluetooth was very easy to connect to a RAZR phone. When receiving a call (which happened only minutes after setting it up; very unusual for me as I never use the phone) it instantly picked up and made very decent interaction with no delay. I didn't experience the odd sound anomoly present from when receiving phone calls whenever blue tooth is being used to call me on my phone (and myself not using bluetooth) even if that bluetooth connection happens to be in a relatively new Jaguar. The fairly present LCD screen is able to adjust forward and backwards, even able to slide closer towards the dash. Since a mount is included for dashes that stick out, the whole unit sticks out pretty far, and even then using the reverse movement gets too close and prevents it from completing the movement. The tilt feature works irregardless of how far it's slanted. I've only found this available online though have found Power Acoustik's more noticeable products (the seat installed LCD DVD players) available in stores. Installation for the amp was placed under the dash. If I wanted a sub I would have a low profile one plugged under the passenger seat, though the bass should be good irregardless (given you have a bass boost option which makes up for external stand-alone bass.) Again, speakers should make a difference and those alone should be able to hold up to the performance. For $330, the only thing I've seen come even remotely close would have to be a $1000 fixed 2 DIN dash installation that isn't even close to the size or resolution of this model. I've spent over $600 for everything (well, actually more if you include that I damaged the O/D wires to the floor mounted shifter and for some reason am required to mainly press the pin that engages the shift assembly). This should make note of my not trying to sound reputable.
The real test is whether the unit motor holds up and whether the electrical system doesn't blow. That and the dash it's install into is a freestanding dash that has weakened plastic. This was installed into a Mercury Mystique 1998 (mostly the same as a Ford Contour.)

Power acoustic 8310nrb

This unit works ok but after using it for a month when put on it gets a static an have to chance source to stop at times, then audio does not play unless u have to go in audio and adjust fader to hear this is not good. But it plays everything else ok.

Power acoustic 8310nrb

The DVD drive I have found has trouble reading discs. The iPod function is slow and sluggish. This unit would've awesome if it had a satellite radio option. Tv function will work fine , but you must purchase a better antenna. I owns JL Audio 500/5 amp and the unit I feel does not give quality sound staging. It would help if the unit had a 7 band graphic equalizer. This unit I feel does a average job of shaping the sound spectrum. I have used the gs function so I cannot speak to that. I consider myself a serious car audiophile and I think that this unit lacks sound staging. In my dodge Dakota I am running Polk components in all four doors with an old school JL Audio 10W6 that puts out extremely accurate bass. With my old unit which was a Sony XAV7W it mastered all aspects of sound staging. That is why I am in the process of going back to that unit. The XAV gets a 10 in the sound staging area. If you are considering tha 8310NRB your homework. Remember that size does not equate to quality. There are alot of units with 7" screens that give you alot more. The staff at Sonic will always give it to you straight. Make sure your ears are clean when they are putting it down. They are telling you straight so listen carefully. Oh yeah, the Bluetooth feature on the 8310 is good , but I will not say great. Serious audio listening I feel is always better when connected visa wired connection. With Bluetooth you will always loose sound quality versus a wired connection. My feeling is that this unit is not quality controlled by the manufactuer. Power acoustik could do a better job of checking their product before shipping it. If you are going to buy this unit invest in a equalizer or your sound staging will be lacking. One out of ten , this unit gets a six in my opinion. If I had it alto do again I would have kept my XAV7W! I had a 10 disc DVD changer and a 10 disc mp3 changer. With two remotes I had access to the previous two ad a iPod and Xm radio. When I reinstall I will add a tv tuner and that's it. Bigger in this case is not better!

Overall not bad for the money

My biggest complaint is it feels slow to reactions and loading things such as cds or usb devices. It could use a better screen. But it doesn't feel cheap and seems to have been reliable so far. It also is something a lot of people have never seen with the 2 motion screen opening.

i love it

The product is amazing it makes the music sound so clear it has one of the best touch screen displays i have ever used. It is great how you can tune the bass from the speakers and subs with different EQ's and it doesnt let you music get distorted. Install was a breeze its just connecting wires together making it really easy.

Very good for the price, but not perfect.

This is my second stereo made by Power Acoustik. You really can't get more bang for your buck with other brands.

This is a pretty good unit. Just be aware that it's big and bulky, even to look at.

Make sure you have enough space INSIDE your dash to fit the tons of wires that this has. I had a clip break off one of the harnesses because it was so tight inside the dash.

Mine has an issue connecting Bluetooth audio to my iPhone. I called Power Acoustik, and they blamed the iPhone. I briefly used a Bluetooth stereo made by Dual, and had absolutely no issues like this. It connected perfectly every time.

Overall, I give this a 7 out of 10. Fix the weak clips for the harnesses & Bluetooth issues, and I might give this a 9 out of 10.

I'm not 100% sure I'll buy a 3rd Power Acoustik.

very nice screen

I love this headunit, the screen is huge bigger than anyone else's. Bluetooth is great i use it to play music from my phone everyday, price is really good for this device

only con is sticks out like 2 inches and none of the dash ring/surround pieces fit on so looks kind of bulky

Great product

This is a great product especially for the price and easy to use.

The best by far!

This is one of the best purchases that I have ever made. The screen is very easy to use and has a very clear picture. I use it to play audio books and to watch movies in my Peterbilt. I would buy it again any day.

Great Value

Great product, this thing looks very great, and is very cool when the screen comes out.

cvxs on this power acoustik.

This is a nice unit as long as you dont have subs. i had two kicker CVX's on it and it would slur the bass notes and couldnt power my highs enough to hear them over the subs. but other than that the picture is super clear and reaction time is great.

Works like charm

I loved this screen, I mean, the large size, the super look, and it work like charm!! The price is acceptable, and it comes with all the necessary extras ya need like harnesses and wiring things. The guys at Sonic Electronix were so helpful and gave me full details in how to place an order and ship it. It took few weeks to come, cuz am lil far away.

What I didn't like is the limitation of the product, The settings r very limited, and the skins r not much in a good shape. The ability to play videos is bad too, it support only videos with specific codecs, and not playing the rest or ruining the quality of it. The navigation within the system is pretty difficult, and slow. even while using the remote.

So generally, I wud say it has to do better than that. and I hope Power Acoustic can learn, but hey I didn't say dun buy it, its still something good, but lets say, not for geeky guy like me :P

Great Product

This is a great deck for the price. Only thing is it sticks out a little due to the 8.3 flipout, but hardly noticeable.

good value for cheap price

Overall works well. Easy hook up for rear view camera. Touch screen is nice. Not sure if turn on/off thump is radio's fault, i have a mono and 4 channel amp connected. You get what you pay for, it's not an Alpine.

dont buy it

i have one had it for a week now & it sucks screen is nice, ipod don't play right & radio station dont come in clear

very good product to a point

love the ptid-831nrb. But have a few glich. 1 the cd machine is not made well. I will malfunction at times.

Good Value, but has a couple issues...

Well let's see where to start. The first one I owned the screen went bad and could not be reset. The second one I owned the red tag that is on top of the unit to unlock the DVD player broke off and fell into the unit. luckily after several in and outs of a DVD it somehow came out. I strongly believe that this product would be better served if it were checked thoroughly before it is shipped. Protocol is lacking with this product. Mind you that the unit has to stick out about an inch in order for the screen to deploy. No way around that one. If you are using an IPOD don't forget to shut it down or the battery will be drained and keep in mind the unit looses the last song placement. . You will have to wait for a working charge in order to use it. Also if you buy the TV accessory make sure you buy a different antenna, because the reception is very poor on the one they give you. If you are planning to do your own install make sure you are very careful with the harness connections. They have clips that are suppose seat to the unit firmly and you would be well advised to be very careful when making a connection. It is easy to be lured in by the bigger screen, but if you want real quality you should take a look at what the 7" screens are offering on this site by the bigger name sellers. If you are serious audiophile take a close read at the specs and you will find that the smaller screens offer more. The only thing this screen has is an HD quality picture. Oh , I forgot to mention that I have a Disc that refuses to come out of the second unit I have owned. The 8.3 screen is nice , but I am willing to sacrifice size to get higher quality in a 7" screen. ! I must add that the reps at Sonic will give you their honest opinion and I salute them for that. Just wish I would have listened, but I wanted the bigger screen! Do I honestly recommend this unit? NO! You will have to decide for yourself. Before you make this purchase do some serious research and don't be in a hurry. Dako!

8.3 inch

Reliable, easy to use, hard to wire for an amateur, couple downflaws but overall good unit.

Dont buy it...

Although the unit looks very nice, and most features are good, some just outright stink. My biggest complaint is the radio reception. I live in Hampton Roads VA, and there are plenty of radio stations that put out big signals that reach many miles, yet these radio stations fade in and out every time I turn a corner. Changing from local to DX makes no difference. Streaming Bluetooth from my Driod Razr, I could only get to work once, and then it will not show you the song selection. So I am sending the unit back and purchasing a Clarion NZ501. More $$$ but I guess you get what you pay for. If all you care about is a big screen then this unit is great.
Also I had an old Panasonic 1 DIN unit for years and it honestly sounds way better then this unit.

Radio static

I jus had to add to the reviews of this unit. I recieved tis unit as a father's day gift. I was so excited to have a large screen that fits and looks good in the dash. I had it professionally installed. When I turn it on, it had static. As i drove around; I could not get a clear signal from the radio. I took it back to the installers and had them check it out. Could not find anything wrong. But suggested I have a bad unit. Sent that one back. And recieved a new one. SAME STATIC. I live 60 mi from New York. Could not get clear signal. POOR reception. Fades in and out. No high or lows frequncecy to hear clearly. My wife gave this to me as a gift. And now she feels bad, we can't fully enjot it. Spent an extra few dollars trying to get it right. I should have stay with the JVC, Kenwood, Sony or ALPINE. The unit design is nice. But has POOR qualities. I would strongly tell someone not to purchase this unit. I have to wait a year to save for the unit I want. I'M VERY DISAPPOINTED in this unit.

good for the cost

I purchased unit and found it to perform well as a simple easy to use head unit. Doesn't give you many options with menu and looses FM signal often. DVD is nice and Bluetooth works fine just have to re sync everytime you leave car. If you are on a budget I would recommend this unit.