Pioneer 7" Touchscreen + Kanatesch Kit Installed

[Design]

UPDATE: Video of AppRadio in post 21:
http://www.mazdaspeedforum.org/forum/foru...0/#post2495815

************************************************** *************************************

As it says in the title, finally got around to installing the Pioneer AVH-X8500BHS. Overall it's a pretty solid deck with only a couple of minor changes from 2012. The biggest change is Android integration. Kanatechs fit & finish is perfect. Full review will happen once I have a chance to play around with the Android apps. Features and a few crappy pics below:

Features:
- 7" detachable touchscreen
- 24 bit DAC with 8 band EQ, time alignment and three 4V preouts
- Android integration for contacts, calendar, Pandora, basic maps, and a few other specialty applications
- HDMI and dual USB inputs
- Full iPod/iPhone audio and video integration
- DVD/SD Card slots with MP4, WMV, DIVX, WAV and MP3 playback
- Adjustable color background and buttons
- Bluetooth audio/phone integration
- HD Radio
- XM and Navigation ready
- Dual zone entertainment for rear seat passengers

[Block8head]

Looks good man,

did you painted the faceplate?

[smoogs12]

1. Do the steering wheel controls work
2. Can I run Torque on this

[Design]

The faceplate comes as is and matches the piano black accents perfectly.

I used the Metra Axxess SWC to retain the OEM steering controls. No issues and programs automatically. There is a program called AR Liberator that allows you to control your phone's screen from the HU. You could then conceivably run Torque through a compatible phone and control from the HU. Requires rooting; and I don't think anyone has tried it yet...

[Design]

Another crappy photo and initial thoughts below:

- Build quality is first rate. Paneling and hardware is solid.

- User interface is responsive and intuitive. Accessing most major menus can be done within 2-3 inputs. The 800x400 resolution screen is bright and crisp – even in direct sunlight. Color balance and saturation look good.

- Sound quality is what you'd expect for this price range. Pioneer offers a simplified time alignment interface called Sonic Center Control with 7 alignment variances per side.

- The graphic EQ has 5 standard and two custom settings (8 band adjustable). Custom #1 can be adjusted independently for each audio source (BT, radio, iPod, DVD, etc). The Advanced Sound Retriever works pretty well on some of my older MP3 tracks. But I don’t notice much of a difference on my more modern iTunes collection.

- Bluetooth works as expected. Get in, start the car, and it syncs within 3-4 seconds. Contact list transfers over seamlessly. Voice control works great for basic call features. Calls over Bluetooth are clear; and I’m told there’s little background noise when speaking to others. Pandora streaming works great. But you’ll need the AppRadio, a compatible phone, and the right Android/IOS cable in order cable to stream artist, title, and the like/dislike features. If you’re in ACC mode with a connected device, and you start the car, it can sometimes cause a hiccup in that the HU cannot find your phone again. I found that waiting 10 seconds or cycling the Bluetooth switch corrects the issue.

- HD Radio is nice but the transition from analog to HD is a bit clunky. Analog plays at a much higher volume over HD stations. It would have been nice if Pioneer leveraged a built-in leveler between the HD and analog signals.

- iPod control is quick and flawless. You can search for content by playlist, song, artist, or genre. Video works great and allows for basic picture adjustment. You’ll need to buy the CD-IU201S cable to play video. Or if you’re running one of the newer iPhone/iPods with the lightning cable, you’ll need the more expensive CD-IH202 adapter.

- DVD and CD player offer standard controls. No noticeable delay in startup or playback.

- SD card works OK. There is no standard menu screen to browse folders. You use the seek buttons to browse forwards or backwards. Pioneer does separate by file type so you can look at audio and video files separately. Lower speed SD cards like CAT 4 don’t play very well. My CAT 10 card did fine.

- The adjustable button/screen color is a nice touch. I was able to match up the deck pretty close to the OEM lighting (red with blue accents). There is also room for one JPEG image that you can set as your screen background.

- Adjustable LCD panel with detachable face. In my opinion, this feature alone is worth the extra $150 over ACH-X5500BHS. Although this causes the screen to protrude a quarter inch.

- Dual USB input for multiple audio/video sources. I found this to be useful as I can run one to my glove box for the iPod, and one to the lower panel for my phone. This unit also features dual zone integration which is great for a second monitor for the backseat passengers. For 2013 Pioneer also added an HDMI input for Android devices.

- Mixtrax was an unexpected surprise but no change from 2012. Provides a 10 second mash-up between two adjacent tracks. I do find it annoying when trying to seek through songs but my daughter finds it amusing. Mixtrax also provides visual accents to whatever is playing at the time. Think of it as a spectrum analyzer with flashing lights.

- AppRadio mode. I am glad Pioneer has taken the leap to support both IOS and Android apps. But don’t expect anything grand here. You’ll get basic connectivity with things like calendar and contacts. There’s a basic maps application with pinch and zoom. A couple music apps. And a couple of specialty apps for fuel consumption and parking. But don’t expect turn by turn directions, YouTube, Netflix, or any other full feature app to run through the HU. Also, you’ll need Pioneer’s proprietary cable (varies by device) in order to run AppRadio mode.

The problem with AppRadio is that Pioneer has to update the firmware anytime Apple or Google update their firmware. So if you’re the type that has to have the latest and greatest OS, don’t expect that AppRadio will automatically get updated with it. In my research, it is taking Pioneer around 2-3 months to catch up from a major OS upgrade.

The full list of apps can be found through this link (sort by IOS or Android): AppRadio | Pioneer Electronics USA

Before taking the plunge, do yourself a favor and make sure your phone is compatible!! The most updated list of IOS/Android devices can be found here (Samsung phones require a proprietary 5-to-11 PIN adapter): http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PU...o+2+(SPH-DA100)

It’s worth mentioning that both IOS and Android have aftermarket developers that mirror the smartphone screen to the HU. If you’re willing to jailbreak or root your phone, and it’s on the list of compatible devices, AppRadio might be a more compelling solution for you. I will update this review once I have had a chance to experience myself.




All in all this a great HU for the price. Great audio with a plethora of add-on capabilities. The only big changes for 2013 are Android AppRadio and HDMI.

[crazedazn203]

Did you use the stock Bose amp and sub and what do you think so far after you have used it for a few months?

[Design]

No, I had swapped out the amp/speakers prior to installing the HU. IMO, the Bose amp/processor is the weakest link, followed closely by the paper speakers. An HU install alone will give you great features but minimal improvements to SQ.

I've put around 8K on this HU and love it. I've since gone wireless and installed a Samsung AllShare Cast dongle. I just start up the WiFi connection on the phone, put in the center console, and control everything through the HU. Apps I use the most are Waze GPS, CarMedia Player, Calendar, and Maxthon browser. I'm not rooted and can't access any of the phone's apps directly unless they're designed to work with Pioneer's AppRadio interface. But I've been able to replicate most of my usual apps through the Maxthon browser (Facebook, news, message boards, email, etc).

My gripes are minimal. No auto-leveler between analog and HD radio. EQ adjustments are limited (though the Auto-EQ is excellent). Screen could be brighter, capacitive, and of higher resolution. App mode doesn't display in dual zone and requires a proprietary Pioneer/Android keyboard. And the built-in Pandora app should have been designed to connect via bluetooth (vs. HDMI).

CN: AppRadio mode is a little buggy but the rest of the HU is airtight. Highly recommended.

[YokiMazoku]

Thanks for the review! My head unit is dying and i need to get another. What functions do you still have on the display screen? Do up happen to know if this will work with the stock bose system or is it something that needs to be replaced before doing this?

[Design]

The only functions retained are the AC and Ambient Temp display. I thought I'd miss the trip computer but I really don't - not with the smartphone integration.

It will work with Bose but you will need a converter to retain phase/line level output. Here's one from Kanatesch (I'm sure there are cheaper ones available):
Kanatechs Bose Adapter For Mazda

[sl33py24]

where did you buy the Kanatesch face plate? I want to buy one with bose and steering wheel control

[Design]

Corksport. They are the only vendor that stocks it.

[YokiMazoku]

Thanks for the info! with the bose adapter being 105 wouldn't it be better to just upgrade the amp and keep the bose speakers only or do i have to replace the speakers if i change the amp and head unit? This is what i was thinking. Pioneer AVH-X5500BHS, Axxess Metra ASWC-1, kanatechs kit, and the Pioneer GM-D8604. Man i cant imagine the cost to install all this well one step at time i guess.

[Design]

Sorry I missed this. If it were me, I'd upgrade the speakers and bypass the Bose amp altogether. The internal amp on the X5500 is enough to power most mid range aftermarket speakers IMO.

I think you're aware that AppRadio for Android is not available on that model...

[Design]

Quick update. Got the BAFX OBD2 Bluetooth reader paired with DashCommand. The whole setup is mirrored from the smartphone to the HU, with the HU providing touch inputs back to the phone & software. For a completely wireless setup, it appears to work really well. There's about a quarter to half second lag between the ECU and display, depending on how many PIDs are being transmitted at the time.

Going to test a bit more before purchasing the full version. Video and pictures to follow shortly. More info on the OBD2 reader can be found here:

BAFX Products Bluetooth OBD2 Scan Tool for Check Engine Light and other Diagnostics - Android Compatible : Amazon.com : Automotive

BAFX Products Bluetooth OBD2 Scan Tool for Check Engine Light and other Diagnostics - Android Compatible : Amazon.com : Automotive
BAFX Products Bluetooth OBD2 Scan Tool for Check Engine Light and other Diagnostics - Android Compatible : Amazon.com : Automotive

[LatinKraze]

Originally Posted by sl33py24 where did you buy the Kanatesch face plate? I want to buy one with bose and steering wheel control

Late I know, but a heads up, the silver faceplate does not come close to matching our silver panels. Excellent fit, just colormatching the silver is way off base

[The Nut]

Is that the best dash install kit available for gen1? My Gen2 Metra kit looks quite stock.

[Design]

Kanatesch uses an all-metal backbone behind the the piano black panel. The Gen 1 Metra kits are part plastic and tend to flex/separate over time.

The two photos below show the primary difference. On mine you can see the metal frame wrapping around the side and top of the HU, with an all-metal casing supporting the LCD screen. The second photo shows one of two separations that can occur with the Gen 1 Metra kit. And depending on how much hardware is behind the panel, it could "pop out" completely.

[The Nut]

Wow, that's a really crappy design theat Metra has made for the Gen1. I can't imagine how many people get stuck with it. Glad for the revision for Gen2. 2 years later, mines still herra frush.

[Design]

Here is a brief video showing the connection process and basic navigation. I have a more in depth video of DashCommand if anyone is interested:

AppRadio Overview with Samsung AllShare Cast - YouTube

AppRadio Overview with Samsung AllShare Cast - YouTube

[crazedazn203]

How clear is the audio when taking a phone call through bluetooth and using the mic that come with the kit? Do you find that placing the mic in the middle of the console works well for you such as when driving on the highway?

[Design]

I am going to move it to the left side at the top of the A-pillar. It's not horrible where it is. But I do get interference from the AC.

[Touchme]

Originally Posted by Design UPDATE: Video of AppRadio in post 21: http://www.mazdaspeedforum.org/forum/foru...0/#post2495815 ************************************************** ************************************* As it says in the title, finally got around to installing the Pioneer AVH-X8500BHS. Overall it's a pretty solid deck with only a couple of minor changes from 2012. The biggest change is Android integration. Kanatechs fit & finish is perfect. Full review will happen once I have a chance to play around with the Android apps. Features and a few crappy pics below: Features: - 7" detachable touchscreen - 24 bit DAC with 8 band EQ, time alignment and three 4V preouts - Android integration for contacts, calendar, Pandora, basic maps, and a few other specialty applications - HDMI and dual USB inputs - Full iPod/iPhone audio and video integration - DVD/SD Card slots with MP4, WMV, DIVX, WAV and MP3 playback - Adjustable color background and buttons - Bluetooth audio/phone integration - HD Radio - XM and Navigation ready - Dual zone entertainment for rear seat passengers

Thanks for the awesome review. My head unit once died and I was left with no option other than to buy another one. I bought one from https://comparily.com/best-touch-screen-monitor/. No issues and programs worked perfectly. You see, most of these in the market usually requires lenthy rooting which is seldom the case with their touchscreens. Has any one here tried it yet...?

[ERZperformance]

Nice set up looks OEM.