Part rant, part question... I have used my Pioneer DEH-9200 deck (similar to the more current DEH-9600 not the DEH 9300MP) in my last car for over 4 years now. I LOVE it. Now with my new S2k, I really wanted to utilize the wired factory dash controls left of the steering wheel. My DEH-9200 doesn't have the plug to utilize the wired dash controls through the DCI(will have to use the IR adapter.) I was looking into the new Pioneer DEH-xxxxMP decks that are out now- which do have the wired remote feature. One of my absolute FAVORITE features on the 9XXX(non-MP) series decks was the Sound Field Controller. There were 4 settings: studio, club, stadium, dome- something like that. Anyone remember that? I would set it on 'CLUB' (the only setting that ever sounded good) and it would spatially improve the sound and even introduce some extended simulated stereo separation into the digitally lacking Sirius satellite signal, making it sound almost marvelous, with proper e.q. adjustment. In a way I could compare it to a fakish Dolby/DTS 2.0 for the car. I've noticed the new DEH-xxxxMP decks no longer have the S.F.C. feature, and I'm outraged!!! Anyone else have this same complaint? I guess I will just settle for keeping my deck, until it no longer works and my beloved S.F.C. is history. I'm curious as to how many people ARE using the IR (non-wired) type DCI's, and how well they seem to work, IE: any delay after button press, ect., seeing as thats what I may end up using after all.

Thanks!

 

Just get an Alpine deck with MediaXpander. Same basic idea as the Sound Field Controller. There are different settings for different inputs. The Xpander adds to the signal what was taken out be compression / transmission. Sounds amazing.

I picked up a used CDA-7995 for $175. Granted it does not have an internal amplifier (I am running all external amps now), but its NIGHT and DAY difference between that and my old CDA-9851.

John

 

No knowledge on the old Pioneers, but I recently installed a 7700 with the wired DCI. The 7700 has three or four different preset settings for equalizing and I BELIEVE these are doing more than just adusting the freq. response, but don't quote me (can't find my manual). I must say the SuperBass setting sounds DAMN NICE on the little 6 1/2 Sony Xlpods I put behind the seats (I have no sub for now, so I have to squeeze the bass anywhere I can).