Which headunit?

I'm at the point where I'd like to finally join the modern world and be able to plug my phone into the radio and play some tunes through there. So I've been searching around on crutchfield and stuff and really came down to these.
Can anyone say or justify the extra money on the pioneer? I'm not a huge tech person and don't know that I'll take advantage of some of the higher end units offered.

Alpine CDE-W265BT

JVC KW-R925BTS

or

Pioneer AVH-4200NEX (Although reading a bunch of eventual issues w/ this deck?)

 

Oh and before anyone suggests it....The whole truck already has sound deadening installed. Also not looking to add additional subwoofers. I might swap speakers, but I dont know if I really need to.

 

you are trying to compare apple to oranges. the 2 vs the pioneer are not even in the same class.... not even close. what are you wanting to do in the truck besides "plug your phone in and listen to some tunes"? if you read the features on pioneer and that peaks your interest then this is a no brainer. if not whether it is a feature thing or financial thing, then you already made your mind up. also, it depends on the phone too

 

Not really looking to do anything advanced w/ the audio setup. I usually do the gps through the phone, but I could use the deck for that if it was an option. Same w/ phone calls and Bluetooth. not a necessity though. I guess what I'm asking from you guys who know these things more than I do is this; is the price of the pioneer worth it over the other 2 in terms of 1)quality and 2)features, (for someone without much audio knowledge who would maybe appreciate it w/o knowing it ahead of time.)
Quality probably the most important. I've been putting aftermarket stuff on my vehicles for 20 years and although I understand that things inherently go wrong when you mod them, the less likely something is to go wrong, the happier I am

 

Here's the NEX for $130 cheaper. It's one model year older in case that matters
https://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod..._-cables-_-na-_-na&Item=9SIACPN57B5692&cm_sp=

 

4200 between the 3 ALL DAY EVERY DAY. That being said 4200 above just about every dinn out there with those features for the money. Again, it also depends on the phone your using ( Apple or android ). Apple CarPlay is light years ahead of android auto and also depends on the android phone too. There is no need to get the 4100. There are PLENTY of 4200s out there cheap. Pioneer has a tight lip on the new nex and because they have sooooo many 4200s in overstock they now have the 4201. It literally is a 4200 in a brand new box inside of a box that says 4201. The ONLY difference is they added a camera that is not that great and DEF not worth the money difference between the 4200 and 4201. Every radio can have issues. Reviews ca. Be weird. People knock stuff because expectations are not met or miss informed/educated or people just look for reasons. User error too. Pioneer just released a big update for the 4200 unit and bt that fixed many issues. I can talk pm more in depth if you choose but comparing these.... different class. Great deals on 4200s and will be even cheaper in the summer with the new release

 

I hear volume knobs are important

 

Pioneer makes great headunits. They are probably the best when it comes to that. When it comes to speakers and amps I go with other brands.

 

I've had to warranty two of these HU's for the same problem which is the dreaded 2 min reboot when you turn the ign from on to start . I've had the screen go black for 2 -3 min like it has no power then it reboots back on

Both had recent firmware updates also and this screen reboot problem is very random and doesn't happen all the time

http://avic411.com/index.php?/topic/81750-ghost-in-the-machine-avh-4100nex-issues/

 

AVH-4201NEX
+
XSV300v1
+
Scosche 2111B
+
iDatalink

$180 ADS-MRR Universal Radio Replacement and Steering Wheel Interface

ADS-MRR
+
iDatalink HRN-RR-T01
+
iDatalink

$30 ACC-SAT-TO2 Sat Radio and GPS Antenna adaptors for TO2 Vehicles

ACC-SAT-TO2






4201 is basically a 4200 with a camera included in the box. I have a factory camera in the tailgate handle so I put the Pioneer camera in the grill to assist with parking.

 

Thanks! I have iPhones, so it'd be Apple CarPlay.

 

IF you end up buying the "4201" it's still a 4200... make sure the unit is current on software and bt is current too. It's a must

 

My 4201 had the latest firmware out of the box.

 

I have no idea on the answer for you.

But I would say you're my hero of the day for considering spending some bucks to upgrade some features you think you'd enjoy, rather than just trading it in on a new unit because of getting all tingly over techno whizz stuff.

 

That's good.... that unit like I said earlier, is a badass and best CarPlay
/feature unit for the money.

 

I like it. I was going to get the 8201 for the capacitive touch screen but decided to just do the 4201 until Pioneer shows what they are currently hiding up their sleeve.

 

I understand.... the price for the 4200/4201 is a better price point for most ( if willing to pay ) and has more than enough features that 98% or more won't use. A lot to pay for the screen on the 8201 even if you get a good deal on a 8200. I like the fact that the 4200-4201 is detachable ( whether you use it or not that up to you ). Comes in handy for my wife's jku

 

The Pioneer head units do have their moments, but if they do have a blank screen, hesitation, or any other funky thing, you must do a microprocessor reset as suggest by Pioneer.

To do a microprocessor reset, have the radio turned off (key out of the ignition). In the lower right hand corner on the faceplate next to Eject button is a small pin hole. Stick a pen or small non sharp object and hold for 10 seconds. Release and insert the key to the ACC position. Many of the problems should go away.

It is stated in the Pioneer install guides that the installer reset the microprocessor prior to completing the install and giving the cedar to the customer. My AVIC-8200NEX stalled out and gave very long black screen before booting up about a minute later. I reset it and that was the end of that problem.

 

The installer did that reset on my first 4100 NEX after I was experiencing the lengthy screen reboot . I thought it was all fixed then maybe a week later the blank screen problem happened again in a period of 2 days time

The installer did the firmware update next and again in just a few days the screen went blank . He told me to come back to his shop and he would warranty it out

The new 4100NEX had a firmware update and all was fine until a week ago when the screen went blank on this one , its only happened once though .I went to his shop and he said they'll warranty this one and upgrade to a 4200

I found out if when I start my truck and quickly turn the key from acc to start then the screen goes blank for a lengthy reboot , But if I turn the truck off and restart the truck the screen will function normally . if I turn the key to acc then wait for the screen to power on then start my truck the HU works perfectly

Even the wiring has been checked on the install and it wired correctly !!

 

Damn! You have not had the best of luck with those head units. One feature of the 4200 (for me at least) that makes it far more desireable is the "OK" screen goes away after 7 seconds, on the 4100 it stay there forever...........until you hit OK.