nycgps

iTrader: (1)

When it comes to audio stuff, Im an idiot

Im looking at the Pioneer AVIC-F900BT and AVIC-F90BT. difference between the 2 are :

- 90Bt comes with the iPod Cable, 900bt you have to buy it on your own
- 90bt comes with 2 yr warranty, 900bt only 1.
- 90bt comes with Preamp @ 4v, while 900bt only has 2v

So now Im wondering, Im still using Stock Bose speakers, and I currently have a Panasonic Strada which has the same preampe output(2v). If I go for 4v. Will it make any "significant" difference in sound quality ?

if it wont make a difference for stock bose radio, I might as well get the 900bt cuz its much easier to find and cheaper (reminder, I have no plans to upgrade this car's audio system)

Thx

(oh yes I searched, no one ever asked this question)

rollerbldes

It will make no difference unless you use an aftermarket amp. Otherwise you would be using the 50w max speaker outputs, and not the preamp outputs.

nycgps

iTrader: (1)

Thats what Im thinking(thru SEARCH @ Google )

ok, so I guess I should be fine with the 900BT. Its a pain in the *** to find the 90bt without getting rip off.

Thx

rollerbldes

Be careful with the F series though, I have herd a lot of problems with them. You can read about them at the avic forums. (forgot where they were.)

nycgps

iTrader: (1)

I've spent the last 4 days reading them. ITs AVIC411.com

It seems that most of them are software problems. First update Pioneer made fixed some, not all, there is another update coming which should fix even more.

Biggest problem right now is probably the boot up time. if you enable everything it will take a little bit more than 2 minutes to boot completely(meaning full function on every button). 2 minutes do not sound long in words. but it feels painfully long if u're in the car.

I will give it a shot, much more function than my Panasonic Strada anyway. (yeah it boots in 3 secs cuz it has a HDD, who cares, I cant even store music in its hdd, Panasonic is just fuxking dumb)

Telexen

I would think with the "warm-up" period most people suggest with the rx8, the bootup time would be less of an issue than with other cars...as long as you follow it anyway.

I'm considering an F700BT as the HU of a setup when I get an 8, I've figured the bootup time isn't going to affect me much as long as it will play music when the car starts.

nycgps

iTrader: (1)

From what I've read, it really depends on what was your "Last status" when your car was shut off.

if left on Radio, you can listen to it in around 10-15 seconds
if left on iPod, Around 45 seconds
if left on SD card, around 1 & 1/2 minute.

It doesnt really matter, Full boot up takes around 2~ minutes.

With the Update #1, you can use the Volume control as soon as around 30~ seconds. Now Im waiting for Pioneer's #2 update, which should be out before the end of this month.

I mean, there are a lot of other Navigation out there with similar if not better features thats Flash Memory based. They never have this kind of ridiculous Long boot up time problem. Windows CE can boot up in 1-2 seconds. So its OBVIOUSLY Pioneer's problem.

firebirdude

iTrader: (3)

I didn't test boot-up time with the iPod or SD slot, but with the radio and CD, it was quicker than 15 seconds. With radio, I'm sure it was under 10 seconds before you have audio. My car is usually already in reverse and in motion before I would worry about pecking buttons on my headunit. (But I TOTALLY understand where you're coming from)

The higher voltage RCAs will help with induced noises IN YOUR RCAs. If you're always going to be using the Bose system, then it means nothing to you. But if you're going to have the iPod, why not get the Premier version? iPod cable included and an extended warranty for a product with no track record. The difference in price is like 20 bucks?!?!
http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-PIONEER-AVIC...QQcmdZViewItem

Telexen

Holy crap that's the lowest price I've seen yet on the F90BT. This thread has got me thinking about the F90BT over the F700BT to begin with...but that price would seal the deal - provided I can get it in 5-6 months. Of course I've looked at that seller. "Our stated warranty" is mentioned multiple times - but there's no actual stated warranty. A seller I was viewing (I'll find the link later) listed for $825 and had a 2 year warranty.

I'm figuring ~$650 - $675 for the F90BT after buying the iPod adapter. The 4v preamp would be nice as I'll be upgrading the entire system with 2 amps.

firebirdude

iTrader: (3)

That particular seller has an outstanding feedback rating, but that aside, there is many other sellers on eBay within about $10-20 difference. Been shopping on eBay for probably 10 years. VERY VERY few problems considering the number of transactions I have done.

nycgps

iTrader: (1)

I got the F90BT

Cuz like you said. it doesnt really make sense to go for the 900BT.

But sadly I choose a NY dealer cuz I want it FAST. I will probably get it tomorrow but have to pay Tax

I also understand that Pioneer Will not honor my warranty cuz it was thru Ebay.

So what happen was, I go search the item on Live.com, then use the Sponsor link to get 15% rebate, make the purchase, check out with Paypal, to Maximize my rebate I use my Visa card which gives me 2% on purchase. In the end its about 730 bux or so. then I use SquardTrade to get 3 years warranty, I choose SquareTrade because they have really good reviews, it cost around 95.99, use my Visa card to pay again get some extra bux back. so now I have 3 yr warranty and its still about 20 bux cheaper than going for the lowest price Authorized dealer (which is ABT.com, they're selling 865 for F90bt with free ground shipping)

if I pick out of state seller I could've got the F90BT for around 650~675. but meh I dont like to wait

Now Im waiting for it to come ...

firebirdude

iTrader: (3)

Are you not waiting for the Metra kit? (I can't remember. Too many interested people lol)

nycgps

iTrader: (1)

I already have the Corksport kit.

but the Metra's dash trim piece is nicer. so if they sell it alone, I dont mind to get it.

firebirdude

iTrader: (3)

There's no way in hell that's happening. They sell many kits that are very similar to this one. Never has just the face/trim piece been offered separately.

nycgps

iTrader: (1)

hmm ... then ....

the other thread said that the Metra kit actually has more "function" than the Corksport kit. cant really say more function, its just that they can keep most of the display stuff except for the Cd player part of course. Thats pretty nice.

but does it worth the 200 bux? hmm ... will see.

u.costa

Hello everyone...i recently bought a Pioneer AVIC 900BT and got it installed. I bought the metrakit from lxtronics.com and they couldnt tell me what version the metra kit is. The Pioneer is reburshided and it had a problem with the software. I bought online and it was saying that they sent it back to the company Pioneer and they fixed the problem with the software. I got the metra kit and the pioneer installed and asked to have the bypass. As soon as i got the car, when the car is not moving, it plays video and musics normally, but when it moves like 20mph the Pioneer auto restarts. Some times even says that there's a problem with Parking Brake or something. Is that a problem from the bypass or from the actual Pioneer? This bypass doesnt have an interruptor to switch on and off.
Please Help. Thank you for the attention.

firebirdude

iTrader: (3)

First off, the first time you switch to a video display OR map display you will have to press "ok" to acknowledge that you shouldn't be viewing this while moving. When the unit is switched off and back on, you will have to do this again. This is normal. Every video capable unit is required to post this warning.

Secondly, to bypass the 900BT, grab the RCA harness with the white plug. Notice the yellow/black wire. Factory location for this wire is all the way at the end of a row. Using a tiny pick tool, depress the tab on the yellow/black wire and pull the wire/pin out. Flip the harness over. There should be an empty pin location four slots from the end. Slide the yellow/black wire you just removed into this location. Allow it to "click" into place (make sure it's actually in place). Now tie the yellow/black wire AND light green parking brake wire to ground. Done and done forever.

If your installers screwed it up, never use them again.

PS: The factory speed cutoff is 16mph before it will stop video. This bypass I explained obviously overrides anything.

u.costa

Hummmm..Thanks ! Unfortunetly the guys that installed the deck removed it so i can send it to pioneer electronics..they said removing the bypass the deck would still auto restarts if i drive..if they unplug the navigation cable it would work..but i dont want to stay without navigation....
Conclusion..i think these AVIC F series come with software problems

firebirdude

iTrader: (3)

Well.... they've already sent it out. Not much anyone on here can do for you now....

Good luck in the future.