i friend of mine owns a local audio store and he told me that i should consider the pioneer DEH-P8400MP. i was wondering if anyone has ever heard good or bad about this HU. i could use all the info or suggestions that one could give. thanks a lot for the help.

 

i think you'll have problems installing it.
since it opens downward, it hits the bottom of the opening.
go for the 9400.

 

I just installed an 8400 into a customers car and I did have to do some slight modification. The motorized front panel did hit the bottom of the trim bezel and I had to adjust the mounting brackets on the stereo and resecure the brackets to the car in a higher position. Also with that model the front panel has the knob on the left side, well because there is another "face" behind it, you cannot retract the knob. It does come very close to the front of the radio door when trying to shut it (actually touches it). Now the owner has to push exactly on the release clip of the door to get it to open and shut. Its not a problem...just not as free flowing as before. I have also put in the 6400, 7400, and 9400 which all have retracting volume knobs. The 9400 looks great in that location and also comes with a Digital Signal Processor (basically an advanced equalizer with some other nice adjustments) The only problem per se is that the 9400's face is a little dark and in direct sunlight (yeah, top down all day long) it is difficult to see. Although, if you get a great deal on one it is feature packed and a fairly user friendly unit, and once you get to know the use of it will, you will most likely not need to look at it anyway. It comes with a steering wheel remote, which sucks so you can get the credit card remote for it and/or also add DJ Qubes device or the PAC Dash control converter. Hope this helps...let me know if you have any other questions about the Pioneer units or Head unit installations. P.S. I have pictures of both units installed into S's but am currently learning how to get them posted, either by thread or photo album.

Neil