Pioneer AVIC-8201NEX + SiriusXM Tuner

So far so good

No complaints about product arrival. Tracking online was easy and accurate. Instructions for installation were clear (I personally installed it). Upon powering it up no issues. Sound is really nice even with stock speakers. Menus are intuitive with almost no need for instructions. So far my issues are Bluetooth connection and navigation. When powering unit on Bluetooth doesn't always connect my music and play where left off. I have to go to Bluetooth settings and disconnect/connect back and then it will play where left off. Using iPhone5. There are no additional settings related to that. Navigation is not as accurate as my TomTom's. No accurate position or direction are displayed once going off marked streets or performing tight manoeuvering. For instance I had to fill up a couple of times and since it involves tight manoeuvering unit did not register what is my correct direction/position and what direction should I take once leaving gas station. For those reasons I can't give it 5 stars. There is still a lot to play with since I have tried only CD, radio and Bluetooth. Looking forward to nicer weather for that.

Great looking radio with buggy features

I recently purchased this radio to go in my 2006 Audi A4. Installation wise, it was an exact fit. I was excited about the new features of this radio and some of them are actually great. The capacitive touchscreen is amazing and way better than the older Pioneer unit I used to have. The navigation on this unit is also amazing.

Where this unit falls short is the Iphone compatibility. The radio will not recognize my phone is even connected. I am used the USB connection and it simply does not work.

Not so happy with price

i am not so happy with the price I paid it's a little too much on the high side if you know what I mean anyway the 8000 avic nex i choose over the 7000 I like the touch screen it's so responsive and full of features which I may never use but it's definitely a big difference in sound quality plus it's fits in my sti flawlessly no trimming needed with kit everyone thinks its factory I imported the Subaru sti logo in the background at screen with just a simple as card plus the gps is great I have yet to find fault with it

Pros outweigh cons

Pros
-Looks great
-helpful navigation features
-sleek design
-quick, responsive touch screen

Cons
-No OFF button (you can turn the display off, but the unit is still on)
-No brightness control (or I have yet to find it)
-Unit disables more features than just video display while moving*

*I understand why the emergency brake must be Applied to watch video. But also disabling navigation settings also does not make sense from me. Having to pull over on the highway so I van put my e-brake on to edit a destination is far from convenient.

Great Car Stereo

Wonderful unit with so many great features and a few downsides.

Pros:
1) Wonderful sound quality.
2) Effective 13 band equalizer.
3) Time correction: The sound from all speakers reaches your ears at about the same time. Great!
4) Bright Screen with adjustable angles
5) Versatile connectivity: HDMI, Aux, 2 USB, DVD, SD, 2 video
6) Reliable bluetooth,
7) Apple CarPLay, androidauto,
8) SiriusXM can be added with additional hardware.
9) Apps: Pandora and Aha apps get online music through your phone.
10) Recognizes several File Formats from any source: audio: mp3 & flac. Vid: avi, mp4, m4v. For flash drive, use FAT32 format.
11) Upgradeable Firmware and Maps.
12) Good built-in Navigation with optional extras.
13) You can customize the unit's display, button colors, background image and splash screen.
14) Video can be permitted at all times by using a hidden setting.

Cons:
1) Runs hot. Heat doesn't seem to cause any problems and you can't tell from the front. I'm guessing that will shorten the life of the electronics.
2) Updating maps is like pulling teeth. If you get good instructions from one of these reviews or online, you might be OK. It is not intuitive, it requires Windows or Mac, and is unreliable. Also, expensive after 45 days. $129.99.
3) You should first update your firmware. My new unit was 2 releases behind. This is easier than updating maps.
3) androidauto is very basic and requires a phone with Android 5+ (Lollipop)
4) No ogg music file format, but who does?
5) Inputs connectors are on the back, have lots of extension cables if you want USB, HDMI, AUX, Video, etc.

An overview of updating maps from Windoze (details omitted):
1) Format a flash drive connected to USB2 of your AVIC-8100.
2) Preregister your AVIC-8100 online
3) Download the evil navigation update software from pioneer dot naviextras dot com
4) Run Naviextras on Windoze
5) Plug in your flash drive that you formated in your AVIC-8100
6) Hope the drive is recognized by Naviextras
7) Log in with the user/password you created on naviextras .com. Hope that Naviextras recognizes your log-in.
8) Select map updates. Hope that Naviextras does not simply tell you there are no updates.
9) Hope that Naviextras updates your flash drive with your selected updates.
10) Wait for a long time while the updates are written to you flash drive. Wait some more.
11) Exit Naviextras and shut down Windoze.
12) Connect flash drive into USB 2 of the AVIC-8100.
13) Use the AVIC-8100's Navigation menu to select setup and update maps
14) Wait a long time. Get a bite to eat.
15) Done. Now use your new maps

By Daniel on October 25, 2015 Verified purchase

Pioneers AVIC-8200 NEX

This is the Best in car radio I ever own, it does everything you could ever want a car radio to do and more!!!!!!

Exceptional value, and super awesome unit

Pioneer keeps making great units, love this radio. Makes it so darn easy to switch between HD Radio and Bluetooth and HDMI. I can do all this with ease. So much packed into the 8200 model. Fit perfectly in my Dodge Durango and works great with amp, subwoofers and all speakers I also bought through Sonic Electronics. Best of both worlds sounds and value.

By Bruce (Hilandr) on July 20, 2017 Verified purchase

10 stars

The only thing better than the product is the service I got from sonicelectronix
My only complaint is how he'll bent they are on you not watching the DVD player while you're driving. My passenger would like that feature without having to jump through hoops

Awesome unit, in love with Android Auto.

These are great units. Do your research though as you may only need one of the cheaper models, like the 5200nex. I love it, best deck I've owned.

By Courtney on October 20, 2016 Verified purchase

the best out there!

The best tech i have bought i a while! cost is kinda up there, but once you talk yourself into buying it, it will be very difficult to find anything like it! You will not be disappointed

By Grade A Ammo on December 29, 2017 Verified purchase