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

Product Description:
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.


Pioneer DEH-P3100UB CD Receiver with iPod Direct Control and USB input.
Click to enlarge.
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.
Back connections of the Pioneer DEH-P3100UB CD Receiver.
Wireless remote control to pick that perfect song.
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

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Clarion VZ309 3.5-Inch Single-DIN Multimedia Station with USB Port Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)To put it politely, I have been disappointed by the performance and feature set of this receiver. In fact, I thought it was so bad that this couldn't have been a product developed by Clarion. I think this is a re-badged Clarion which was designed/engineered by a low-tier manufacturer. The fact that the HD Tuner that works with this receiver doesn't work with any other seems to point in that direction too. But this is a review, so I will be specific about it.

Usually, people write the positives and negatives when writing a review. I will do the same. So, here's what I like about it:

1. Looks: It is a handsome looking deck. I am not a fan of the flashing LEDs and rotating colors. This has very minimalistic and simplistic, OEM type design that complements the rest of the dash.

2. Build quality is great. Definitely does not look like a made in China item that you can buy at an auto parts store.

3. Nice, large screen - crisp and clear.

4. Sounds is good, although nothing earth-shattering for a 200W amp.

5. HD Tuner works well, get stations fast and clear.

Now, before I list the things I don't like about it, let me explain something. A lot of people will mention a LACK OF FEATURE as a negative. I kind of find it unfair. I mean, before you buy something, you should know what features it has or doesn't have. For example, this receiver doesn't have Bluetooth. Now, it will be unfair for me to say this is a bad receiver because of that.

On the other hand, things that are wrong with it, or designs that are inconvenient can be fairly mentioned in the list of CONS. So, I will start with it:

1. If you start your car before you attach the faceplate, the receiver will remain turned off. You have to press the power button to turn in on - every time. With most receivers, if you turned off your receiver before you remove your car keys, it will remain off until you turn in on manually. Same way, if you left your receiver turned ON, and turned the car off (remove keys), it will come on automatically next time you turn on ignition and put the faceplate. This doesn't do that. Very inconvenient.

2. The "power"/ON button is not lit when the unit is off. So, coupled with the issue #1, it is a major inconvenience at night. You come in, start the car, put the faceplate back on - and nothing. Now you will have to blindly look for the power button to turn it on.

3. If there is a CD/DVD in the drive, it will always start in the CD/DVD source, regardless of last source you were listening to when it was turned off.

4. USB slot is also not lit, so, inserting a USB drive at night takes a few tries.

5. Most of the buttons have more than one functions. One function is printed right on the button, the other function for the same button is printed right below it. However, ONLY the button is lit, not the print below it. For example, the power button also acts as the mute button. But when the receiver is on, only the power symbol is lit, not "MUTE" which is written right below it. It is true for all buttons with more than one functions.

6. The dreaded DVD-loop issue. If you switched to a different source or turned the unit off while playing a DVD, next time it will only loop in the chapter it was last playing. Definitely a bad programming issue.

7. If you "mute" the unit while playing a CD or songs from USB, the mute will be automatically canceled and sound will come back on after the next song comes on. Really annoying - specially if you are on the phone with someone and suddenly the music comes on. I know this is not meant to be or that it is not a feature because the mute symbol stays on the display, even though the sound is heard. Again, bad programming.

8. The faceplate anchor design is merit-less at best. It has two plastic anchors sticking out from the unit where the faceplate latches on. These are plastic anchors about 1" long and they are just sticking out. If one of the breaks, the whole unit is useless. I will post a pic to show what I mean.

9. Absolutely no display customization. What comes with is what you get - and what comes with it is nothing. You can't change the display color/wallpaper/font/size - nothing.

10. USB operation is ridiculous at best. It shows all the songs in one list and the only way to navigate through them without the remote is to go up and down, which is painfully slow. You can go folder to folder using the remote. With the "UP" and "DOWN" symbols being not lit, it's inconvenient at night.

EDIT: I discovered that you can press and hold the up or down button to navigate from folder to folder. No mention of this in the manual.

11. If your mp3 folders have a pic such as an album art, this unit will get stuck at that, and it will ask you to put the parking brake on to view it - instead of just not showing the pic and moving on to the next song. If you have a lot of albums, you will need to manually remove all the album arts from the USB drive.

12. In the USB mode, it "eats" about 1 sec from the beginning of a song when it moves starts the next track. It's not as noticeable with the songs that start slow, but clearly annoying when a song starts out loud or with a beat, for example, Michael Jackson's Billie Jean. Don't know if this applies to CD tracks too.

13. It will recognize only 512 songs total in your USB drive. Now-a-days people have their whole music collection on a single chip. 512 songs limitation sets you back to 1999.

14. A lot of the DVD operations can only be performed using the remote. There are buttons on the faceplate that are inactive during DVD play which they could have easily put some functions on.

15. It is not compatible with all USB drives. I don't know which ones are okay but I have a USB drive that works fine everywhere but this gives me an error saying "UBS Bad".

16. No dedicated button for "search", meaning fast forward or reverse. So, if you want to FF a song or DVD chapter, you will have to press and hold ">>|" for about 5 secs and then it will do it only at 2x speed. Do the same again (another 5 secs) to go 4x. If you let go before that, it will just skip to the next song or chapter - and you will have to do it again.

17. The internal clock loses time like crazy!! It would be half to a minute behind in just a week.

18. No permanent brightness setting for the screen. All you have is Normal -> Dim -> Off, using the Dim button. You can't set the brightness to your liking. To make matter worse, the setting using "Dim" button is temporary. Once the unit is re-started (turn off/turn on), it goes to full brightness.

19. Finally, THIS UNIT IS SLOW!!! Navigating through songs or tuning stations, skipping songs, switching sources - much slower than even the cheapest receivers out there.

Now, some of things that I would have love to see and I could expect in a $400 receiver:

1. This unit should have been AT LEAST bluetooth ready.

2. It has this huge, rotary volume knob which is also used for Bass/Treble settings by pushing it. I think this would have been more useful is this was programmed to be used as "Enter" button, and putting the "Bass/Treble" settings in the settings menu. Now, the "AS" button acts as enter which is not even lit.

3. When the ignition is on and the faceplate is not on, there is a little triangle blue LED that flashes to show where to enter CD/DVD. I wish this LED would blink all the time so it would act as a theft deterrent.

4. When you enter the "Settings" menu where you can change equalizer/loudness etc, the music stops. So, you have no way to instantly compare the effect of different EQ or loudness settings. Wish the music didn't stop.

5. The faceplate carry-case/box is CHEAP!!! They should have included a little better case.

Like the title says, the only thing that makes things even is the ultra-low pricing of Amazon, which sometimes even include a free HD tuner. Otherwise, for more price I would suggest getting something else.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Clarion VZ309 3.5 Inch Single-DIN Multimedia Station with USB Port

Product Description:
Clarion's VZ309 is a true multimedia station with a DVD/ CD receiver; USB connector that supports playback of MP3, WMA and JPEG files; front AUX inputs for portable audio players; and optional iPod audio and video playback (CCUIPOD2). The brilliant 3.5 inch display lets you control it all. All this in a small one-DIN package.


caption Click to enlarge.
Add the optional CCUIPOD1 to control your iPod from the source unit.
6 channels of preamp output to grow your system.
Includes full-featured remote.
Enjoy a Wide Variety of Media
The built-in optical disc drive is compatible with DVD-Video, DVD+/-R, DVD+/-RW, CD-DA, HDCD, CD-R and CD-RW, so you're assured access to a wide variety of visual and musical entertainment.
You can also play back MP3/WMA files from disc, complete with ID3-Tag display of artist/track info on the screen.
3.5-inch LCD Screen
The 3.5-inch LCD displays operational status of your iPod, CD and DVD playback, radio functions and more. It offers maximum usability within minimum dimensions.
iPod Playback
Just connect your iPod to the VZ309 using the optional CCUIPOD1 to control your iPod from the source unit. Please see the Clarion website for iPod models that can beconnected.
Front USB Input
Grab a USB drive with some of your favorite MP3/WMA tracks and enjoy them right from the front of the unit.
HD/SAT Radio Ready
You can connect optional tuners and enjoy the benefits of high-definition and XM satellite radio.
AM/FM Radio
Catch up on the news or listen to your favorite stations. Get quick access to your favorites with 18 FM and 6 AM station presets.
Auxiliary Input
Use the front 3.5mm auxiliary input to connect external audio devices like MP3 players, etc.
Rear AV Output
A rear AV output allows you to send your signal to a second monitor in the back seat.
Dedicated Rear vision Camera RCA Input
Add a rear vision camera to see the area behind your vehicle, for added safety and convenience.
Room to Grow
With 50 Watts through four channels, and a 24-bit D/A converter, the VZ309 gives you great sound to start. But it also includes 6 channels of preamp output and a subwoofer volume control, so you can easily add external amplifiers and build a monster system.
Remote Included
A full-featured remote control is included.
What's in the Box
VZ309 Source unit, Mounting bracket, Removable face plate case, Trim plate, Remote control unit, Battery (CR2025), Owner's manual, Installation manual, Installation hardware

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Ion Audio iPTUSB Portable USB Turntable with Software and Built-in Speaker Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Don't be put off by the price of this little guy (cheap doesn't always mean bad). Perfect small turntable comes with two software programs for CD conversion of desired. Reasonable built in speaker (ok so it's not surround sound stereo!) allows for playback at record shows, while you're on vacation etc... Battery option allows sound-hounds to check quality at garage sales before buying... Alltogether a nice turntable for the price. I upgraded from the ITTUSB, and am very happy with my decision. Built in carry case makes this perfect in my book! Ok so not the kind of thing you'd buy to create your 'home theatre' system, but ideal for the hobbyist/small time vinyl explorer

Click Here to see more reviews about: Ion Audio iPTUSB Portable USB Turntable with Software and Built-in Speaker

Product Description:
ake your vinyl collection on the go with the Ion Audio iPTUSB portable turntable, which runs on both AC power (with included adapter) or six D-sized batteries. Additionally, with its USB connectivity, you'll be able to jack it into your Windows- or Mac-based PC to easily turn your LPs and 45s into digital files.


The Ion Audio iPTUSB portable, USB-connected turntable (see larger image
as well as a schematic of control panel features).


The included cover with handle (see larger image). The iPTUSB also has a line input jack so you can connect other music sources such as cassette decks, and turn your other music into MP3s. It also includes controls for adjusting the gain (if audio from the turntable is too quite or too loud), audio level of the line out, tone control, and pitch control (up to ±10 percent). Once on your computer, you can listen, make custom playlists, record it to CD, and transfer it to your iPod or MP3 player. It has a built-in speaker for listening to your records and monitoring your recordings.
It comes with everything you need to turn your music into digital MP3 files. ION's exclusive software suite makes transfer and editing your music easy. EZ Vinyl Converter provides an easy way to transfer your music and import it into your iTunes music library. And it also includes a dust cover with handle, cartridge with stylus, 45RPM adapter, cables, and slipmat.

Key Features

Turn your records into MP3s and listen anywhere
Plug and play USB: no drivers needed
Protective dust cover with integrated carrying handle
Plays all standard sized records up to 12 inches
Fits in a standard 12-inch record case
Battery powered by six D-sized batteries or AC power adapter
Built-in speaker
33 and 45 RPM speeds
±10 percent pitch control
Headphone output--both 1/8- and 1/4-inch jacks
Line output for home listening
1/8-inch-stereo line input digitize music from cassettes or other sources
Works with Mac and PC

What's in the Box
iPTUSB turntable, dust cover, slipmat, 45 rpm adapter, cartridge with pre-assembled stylus, USB cable, audio cables, power adapter, software CD, quick start guide
Computer Requirements

PC: Windows XP (32-bit or 64-bit) or Vista (32-bit or 64-bit)
Mac: OS X 10.4 or later

With EZ Vinyl Converter, you can quickly start recording LP tracks...

...and then tag individual tracks with artist, album, and song title tags.

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Ion Tape2PC USB Cassette Deck Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Before I purchased the ION I read many articles on the Internet about how to transfer my audio cassettes to CD/iPod.I was overwhelmed by the technical terms, so I thought the ION would be the answer to my dreams:an easy, trouble-free solution.I assumed, that the ION (at it's steep price) would give me all I needed for simple, stress-free transfers.

I was wrong.The ION is a bad-investment for a number of reasons:

1.The ION is huge.
2.The software included with my ION was defective (Chinese characters appeared when I tried to load the application) -- and although the folders opened in English, they still didn't load.
3.The recording software for MAC users is available FREE on line.
4.If you have an old tape deck, or any cassette player with audio-out ports, you can go to Radio Shack (which I just did), buy a standard issue "Y" connector (1/8" stereo plug on one end and a white (male) and yellow (male) plug on the other end and (voila) you are done -- you now have precisely what the ION gives you:all for about about $15.

Believe me, I am no computer/tech genius.I'm a forty-something mom.Butbuying and plugging in the "Y" connector was super easy.

The ION merely gives you an old-fashioned, basic cassette deck, basic software (and, in the case of Audacity, something that is free from the Internet) and a USB connector (which does exactly the same thing as the $15 Radio Shack Y-connecter).

After that, you are on your own.I found the steepest learning curve was figuring out how to use the audio recording software.When I was stymied by the defective ION software, I discovered Garage Band was already on my iMac -- but I have since downloaded and use Audacity (on both my husband's PC and my iMAC).

The ION directions are so basic as to be nearly indecipherable.And as far as the Audacity software goes, the ION literature says something like:if you've never used audio recording software stick with the EZ converter software (which I believe only works on PCs).

Please also note that the ION literature doesn't tell you the next most important step you must take to make the ION work (goodness knows how any of the other reviewers were able to use their ION w/o a good working knowledge of their computer and/or audio recording.In short, you must go into your Control Panel (PC) or System Preference (MAC) and make sure you change your sound input option to in-line audio port (if using a Y-connector) or USB (if sticking with the ION).

Buyer Beware: think twice before you click to buy the ION.If you have a cassette player (or access to one) with output audio ports (most have them), you can buy the Y-connector and download the software for free.

To Amazon's credit, it appears they will refund my money and cover the cost of return shipment because of the defective software contained with the ION I purchased.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Ion Tape2PC USB Cassette Deck

Product Description:
Reclaim those old cassettes--both store-bought and recorded from the radio or live performances--and save them to your PC with the Ion Tape 2 PC USB dual cassette deck, which is compatible with both Windows- and Mac-based computers. Just plug the Tape 2 PC into your computer using the provided USB cable, install the software and start converting your music.


The Ion Tape 2 PC USB dual cassette deck (see larger schematic image of front panel controls)
It comes with everything you need to turn your music into digital MP3 files. ION's exclusive software suite makes transfer and editing your music easy. EZ Tape Converter provides an easy way to transfer your music and import it into your iTunes music library. Windows users can download a version of EZ Tape Converter with Gracenote MusicID technology for free. It automatically adds album, artist, and song information for you.
When you're finished archiving your cassettes to your computer, Tape 2 PC can connect to your stereo system using standard RCA cables for convenient cassette listening in your living room, garage, or wherever your stereo system resides. Other features include recording level adjustment, dubbing (from deck A to deck B) with high-speed dubbing capabilities, and gain adjustment.

Key Features

Transfer music on your tapes to MP3
Dual-dubbing cassette deck
Plug and Play USB connection--no drivers needed
Works with Metal and CrO2 tapes
EZ Tape Converter (PC) and EZ Audio Converter (Mac) software for hassle-free recording

What's in the Box
Tape 2 PC, USB cable, RCA stereo audio cable, software CD, quick start manual
Computer Requirements

PC running Windows XP (32-bit or 64-bit) or Vista (32-bit or 64-bit)
Mac running OS X 10.4 or higher
One available USB 1.1 port or higher

With EZ Tape Converter, you can quickly start recording LP tracks...

...and then tag individual tracks with artist, album, and song title tags.

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