Pioneer MVH-X560BT Receiver Review

Pioneer MVH-X560BT Receiver Review

The Pioneer MVH-X560BT is a powerful aftermarket stereo system with all of the luxury extras that you’ve come to expect in a stereo, like support for streaming music, iPod integration, Bluetooth, and Pioneer’s Virtual DJ, all at a price that anyone can afford. If you want to add a bit more kick to your car’s audio system, Pioneer is one of the most trusted brands. The Pioneer MVH-X560BT features a bright, attractively backlit LCD with a 5-band equalizer for superior control over your music.

Features:

Built-in 50w amplifier
USB port and AUX input
3x RCA pre-outs for system expansion
Remote input comes standard
Anti-theft detachable face for security
Sleek design doesn’t collect dust
Bluetooth support and Siri Eyes Free control through iOS
Native Pandora streaming and access to your Android music library
Compact chassis is compatible with a huge array of vehicles with no modification to the dash

Dimensions:

9” wide by 5” long and 6.5” deep
Weighs 2.3lbs

Accessories

The 3x RCA pre-outs allow you to customize your sound system and individually amplify up to 3 more groups of speakers in order to give you professional quality audio. Using the pre-outs, you can run an amplifier and speakers, each with custom specs, to ensure that you’re getting the absolute highest quality and tailored sound from your car’s entertainment system.

Pros

The Pioneer X560BT is priced to sell at less than $100. There isn’t another receiver on the market that offers similar performance at such a low cost. For your money, not only do you get a premium piece of audio equipment engineered by Pioneer, but you also receive the tools you need in order to customize and fine-tune your vehicle’s sound system to your individual needs. This Pioneer receiver is flexible, expandable, and built to last.

Pioneer packs in the latest features, like support for Bluetooth devices and integration with your iPhone for hands-free control over your car’s audio. With this receiver you can create and play custom Pandora channels as well as access the music library on your smartphone or other mobile devices. You can also use your own custom playlists so you’ll never have to listen to the same thing twice.

The 50w integrated amp is an excellent feature, and it's just one more reason that the Pioneer X560BT is the perfect drop-in replacement for your stock stereo. With no external amplifiers to worry about unless you want to run one off of a pre-out, the MVH still manages to kick up the volume and push out more power from your existing car audio system. Just installing this receiver will increase the quality and clarity of your car's sound system, and the 5-channel graphic equalizer really helps to fine-tune your settings once your speakers are playing louder and bumping harder than they ever have before.

This system is compatible with a wide variety of vehicles thanks to its single-DIN interface which is what most cars use to run their stock stereo. That means that installing the Pioneer MVH is usually as easy as pulling your old unit out and pushing the new one in place. In addition to the single-DIN design, Pioneer has gone out of their way to make the X560BT effortless to install thanks to its slim design, which means you won’t have to make messy modifications to your dashboard just to get your new sound system installed.

Cons

One small shortcoming of the Pioneer MVH is the lack of included iPhone cable. It’s a small thing to have to buy, but unless you’re prepared before you begin the installation you’re going to come up short. That extends to the rest of the installation as well, the X560BT is compatible out of the box with most makes and models, but double check to be sure that you won’t need any extra adapters or chassis modifications. Especially if you’re handling this installation yourself, like many people do with drop-in single-DIN systems, you’ll need to be absolutely sure to have all of the parts you need before you start.

Also, while Virtual DJ was a well-intentioned addition, the fact that this stereo can easily use playlists and mixes that you’ve created and put on your smartphone makes it a little bit redundant. While it might be a nice feature for a multimedia receiver that features a big screen, not too many people will find it useful to make mixes with the pushbutton interface.

Consumer Ratings

5/5 Stars
“If you're looking for digital compatibility and all the good stuff of a Pioneer head unit without the old school CD player then this is it! I installed it in my 57 Chevy resto-mod and I couldn't be happier. It works great with my iPod and iPhone 5s.”

5/5 Stars
“I gave this 5 stars because the sound quality is great, and the unit is very easy to use. I like having both the AUX and USB ports in the back of the unit because I am able to wire those to places in my car without having to unplug every time I remove the faceplate (you would need to if you had front ports).”

5/5 Stars
“This radio is very cool, did exactly what I wanted it to do. “

5/5 Stars
“I'm very happy with it -- it picks up more radio stations than the old radio ever did, and even gives me station names and information about the song that's playing.”

Price

Pioneer is selling their Pioneer MVH-X560BT at an unbeatable price. With all of the included options and a low cost, that makes the MVH an incredible value. The competition can’t even come close, with Blaupunkt Toronto’s 420 BT matching Pioneer’s features at a price point nearly $60 higher.

When it comes to single-DIN equipment, that is a stereo system that fits in a normal sized bay without a large touch screen, the Pioneer MVH-X560BT is the absolute top of the line.

Conclusion

Pioneer has a great thing going with their Pioneer MVH-X560BT. It has all of the features and performance you’d expect to find in a system that costs three times as much while conveniently fitting in most cars without modification. They’ve done so well that there is almost no competition, and certainly none that can match Pioneer’s price.

If you’re looking for a name brand stereo system with premium features, excellent engineering, and a ton of cutting-edge extras like Bluetooth support, streaming music, and access to your smartphone’s audio library built in, the Pioneer MVH-X560BT hits all of the right notes.

Pioneer AVHX2600BT Digital Receiver Review

Pioneer AVH-X2600BT Digital Receiver Review

This feature-packed car stereo receiver offers cutting-edge innovation, like full support for Pandora streaming music, iPod, iPhone, and Android support, as well as a full-color LCD screen so you can easily adjust settings and view artist and track information. It includes support for custom mixer presets as well as bright visualizations that pulse in time to your music. Pioneer doesn’t just stop at DVDs, with this receiver you can stream video from your phone, integrate it with your existing navigation system, and even monitor an aftermarket or stock backup camera. The Pioneer AVH-X2600BT is an excellent aftermarket accessory for any car or truck.

Features:

• 6.1” brightly lit TFT LCD touchscreen
• Supports Siri Eyes Free which is included with the iPhone 5 and 4s
• 3x RCS pre-outs, which makes this receiver perfect for even complex speaker setups
• Navigation ready and compatible with all major GPS brands
• MIXTRAX programmable mixer with support for multiple audio profiles
• Compatible with, and controllable through, both iOS and Android devices
• Touchscreen means no moving parts which can break or collect dust
• Excellent range, with clear treble and low, rumbling bass

Dimensions:

• Receiver measures 11” wide by 6” tall and 10” thick
• Weighs 6lbs with mounting hardware

Accessories

While not included in the base package, the Pioneer AVH-X2600BT offers full support and integration with the next-generation MirrorLink technology. By purchasing an added component, the Pioneer CD-ML100, you can seamlessly connect your smartphone with your car’s infotainment system in order to run a wide array of apps which are controlled by your vehicle’s in-dash and steering wheel mounted buttons.

Pros

The ability to control this unit, as well as stream music, through either a cable or Bluetooth is an excellent feature. Using a cable, your smartphone will stay charged while you blast music or stream videos to the screen. Bluetooth is more convenient, especially for short trips, and allows you to leave your phone in your pocket and select streams using the receiver’s touchscreen.

With 3 RCA pre-outs, you’ll be able to drive a huge array of speakers and complicated external amplifier setups all from this one receiver. If you want to really tune in your car’s audio system, this is a feature that you’ll absolutely use. Not only does the use of pre-outs reduce strain on your receiver, but you’re less likely to blow speakers if you use amps that are closely paired with speaker limits. In order to have a professional quality 3.1 surround sound system this is a must.

The Pioneer AVH-X2600BT’s support for both Android and iOS is a really nice plus, with many sound systems forcing you to choose one or the other. One of the main selling points of this receiver is its flexibility, and that’s not just limited to the amount of inputs and outputs, but the software that you use to control it as well.

Finally, the Pioneer AVH-X2600BT thoughtfully includes support for not just navigation, but also aftermarket backup cameras. You’ll be able to switch between inputs with just a touch of the screen so you can see where you’re going, whether you’re on the freeway or backing into your driveway. This is a feature that you’d expect to find on more expensive systems, and it really adds a lot of value to the Pioneer AVH-2600BT.

Cons

One big disappointment is the lack of necessary cables in the base package. Simple things, like an audio interface cable and iPhone charging cable need to be purchased separately. Unfortunately this adds a bit of cost to the receiver for most people, but it still doesn’t elevate the price to the levels of its closest competitor. Still, you’ll want to plan ahead and ensure that you have all of the necessary cables before you begin installation.

Another shortcoming, although not nearly as surprising as the missing cables, is the fact that this unit only replaces double-DIN stock stereo systems. You’ll need to check carefully to ensure that your car contains a double-DIN stereo connection, because there are currently no aftermarket packages made by Pioneer that allow the AVH-X2600BT to interface with single-DIN equipped vehicles.

While you’re researching whether your car has an older single-DIN or more modern double-DIN connection, it might be a good idea to check and see if you’ll need an optional mounting kit. Some trucks, especially older F150s, will need a bit of extra help when it comes to fitting this 6.1” display into the dash. It all depends on your make and model, but look carefully so you can order everything you need in one go.

Consumer Ratings

5/5 Stars
“This radio really rocks, and is just a huge upgrade from the stock factory. I got it as a gift and couldn't have asked for more. Except maybe to get the Pioneer back-up camera to go with it!”

5/5 Stars
“Good quality sound, plenty of inputs, CD/DVD/MP3, camera support, good resolution, good color matching, very good price. Significantly improved the sound from my stock speakers.”

5/5 Stars
“Amazing sound system!!! I got it for my fiancée’s 06 mustang. Fits perfect and sounds even better! Even nicer than shown and shipped and arrived quick!”

5/5 Stars
“Like that fact it links up automatically with my Samsung Galaxy S2. Great sound, and I like the remote. Price was perfect. They said it didn’t fit my 2002 F 150, but with the adapter kit and some cutting it looks like it came from the factory!”

Price

At just over $250, the Pioneer AVH-X2600BT provides an excellent array of options at a budget price. While other systems can do what the AVH-X2600BT does, none of them can touch this system in terms of cost and features. Its closest competitor, the Clarion VX401, crucially lacks touchscreen support and has buggy Bluetooth. More expensive models, like JVC’s KW-V40BT, add support for a touchscreen and improved Bluetooth but at over $100 extra. At the end of the day, it really all comes down to value, and the Pioneer AVH-X2600BT gives you the most for your dollar.

Conclusion

If you want to take your vehicle’s sound and video systems to the next level, the Pioneer AVH-X2600BT is an excellent way to do it. Easy to install, intuitive to use, and flexible enough to drive either booming speakers or a DVD display for the kids, this receiver is a great investment for your car. With a huge array of features, high quality audio, and cutting-edge support for the latest technological innovations, you won’t want to get out of your car after you install a Pioneer AVH-X2600BT receiver.