Clarion or Pioneer
Thread Starter
|
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 214
Likes: 1
From: Portland, OR
Clarion or Pioneer
I'm trying to decide between these two head units. Both have built in Bluetooth and iPod controls.
First is a Clarion:
Pros:
Adjustable color so I can match it to the rest of the dash
Built in Speaker for Bluetooth
Cons:
iPod (USB) connection is in the front of the unit
Security code feature (which could be a pro too)
http://www.crutchfield.com/p_020CX50...1.html?tp=5684
Second is Pioneer:
Pros:
Pioneers is a better brand (had good luck in the past)
iPod (USB) connection is in the rear of the unit
Cons:
Only color for illumination is blue
Corded mic for Bluetooth
http://www.crutchfield.com/p_130P800...T.html?tp=5684
I know there are better choices out there but these are within my price range and provide the features I want (iPod connection and Bluetooth).
First is a Clarion:
Pros:
Adjustable color so I can match it to the rest of the dash
Built in Speaker for Bluetooth
Cons:
iPod (USB) connection is in the front of the unit
Security code feature (which could be a pro too)
http://www.crutchfield.com/p_020CX50...1.html?tp=5684
Second is Pioneer:
Pros:
Pioneers is a better brand (had good luck in the past)
iPod (USB) connection is in the rear of the unit
Cons:
Only color for illumination is blue
Corded mic for Bluetooth
http://www.crutchfield.com/p_130P800...T.html?tp=5684
I know there are better choices out there but these are within my price range and provide the features I want (iPod connection and Bluetooth).
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: Oregon City
I'm sure you got one a long time ago, but I'll throw in my $.02 anyway. I got the Clarion unit and have been pretty pleased, except for the performance of the blue tooth for playing music from my iPhone.
I thought installation was easy, it looks fantastic, the large **** works great, the automatic bluetooth phone pickup works great and the tuner works very well. A friend of mine who used to be a professional car electronics installer and is still a complete electronics geek mentioned that bluetooth has issues. Sometimes when I'm playing music from my iPhone, the bluetooth cuts out intermittently and won't get a good connection unless I make a phone call or otherwise reset the bluetooth connection. It's frustrating to say the least, but overall a good unit.
ETA: I have nothing against the Pioneer, but I've always liked the aesthetics of Clarion products. Also, the Clarion unit was $100 cheaper ($200 delivered). If money was not a concern, I probably would have gotten something different, but that isn't the case
I thought installation was easy, it looks fantastic, the large **** works great, the automatic bluetooth phone pickup works great and the tuner works very well. A friend of mine who used to be a professional car electronics installer and is still a complete electronics geek mentioned that bluetooth has issues. Sometimes when I'm playing music from my iPhone, the bluetooth cuts out intermittently and won't get a good connection unless I make a phone call or otherwise reset the bluetooth connection. It's frustrating to say the least, but overall a good unit.
ETA: I have nothing against the Pioneer, but I've always liked the aesthetics of Clarion products. Also, the Clarion unit was $100 cheaper ($200 delivered). If money was not a concern, I probably would have gotten something different, but that isn't the case
Last edited by erik996; Aug 20, 2011 at 03:19 PM.
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 203
Likes: 0
From: Hamilton Ontario Canada
IMO Pioneer these days is better. I used to be a Clarion freak years ago but thats when they had really good decks, not so much these days. So pioneer it is. I have 3 pioneer decks here.
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 8
Likes: 1
From: Eastern NC
Clarion had a superior HU many years ago...that was then ...this is now. I bought a Z-130-BT for my Vette which works and sound great. I have a 3300-Bt for my F-150 and it sounds great. I heard a Clarion Saturday before last that was about 6 yrs old that just won a MECCA contest in Collinsville, Va. It was a super high end unit that is not made for the U.S. anymore. It was fabulous! I'd stick with the Pioneer.