FocusCanada Forums

Hi gang.
I've come to the conclusion that I know pretty much nothing about car audio, so I'm asking for help.

I'm considering upgrading from my stock stereo, so I've been looking at what I want in a deck. This one caught my interest.



Pioneer DEH-P9800BT (on Crutchfield)

It's listed at $649 at FS and BB.

I'd like to know if anyone has any opinions on it? Is it a good deck, no good, etc?

Any alternate suggestions would be appreciated, as well. Basically, what I'm looking for in a deck is:
1. MP3 Capable
2. iPod input (preferably with control & display)
3. Wired remote capability, so I can use it with one of the PAC Steering Wheel Interface modules. I am ADDICTED to my steering wheel controls!

My immediate plans are to get a modest sub (I've been thinking a powered sub like the Kenwood KSC-WD250 (On special at BB), and soon I obviously intend to replace the stock speakers. I'm not looking for anything crazy, just a bit of added depth and quality to my music. Any suggestions here would be appreciated as well.

Thanks all, for educating a car audio n00b. You are doing society a service.

this deck is wicked! My friend has it in his mustang, and he has his bluetooth wired in with a mic and everything, and you should just see how well it works with this deck. Suggestions, get it lol...good deck, decent price (maybe a little high IMO) but still a great deck all around. He loves it from what he tells me, and he wont' change any time soon.

That is a great deck, with a wicked display. And the Bluetooth function is great, the unit includes the mic and everything needed to set it up for phone use. Now as you didn't mention bluetooth in what you're looking for out of a deck, you should look at the DEHP880PRS, a great sounding deck with lots of adjustments for sound quality. If you like the looks of the 9800BT, also check out the DEHP780MP which is a very similar deck but loses the bluetooth abilities. I also recommend trying to find the Pioneer Premier versions as you can usually grab them for the same price as the Pioneer units, but then get a two year manufacturers warranty, which is a good piece of mind. Also for Ipod connectivity with control and display, you'll need an adapter (CDIB100 I believe) that runs for around $140.
Basically, if you've got a bluetooth enable cell, go for the DEHP9800BT (or Premier DEHP980BT), otherwise go with one of the other two and save some cash. All three have built in auxillary inputs so you can connect your ipod through that ( just a 3.5mm to 3.5mm cable), or go with the adapter and get the control, display, charging abilities.

I've got an older version of that deck, without the bt and crisp display... and I love mine. That would be an amazing step up for sure! The only problem I have ever had with it, was the main dial has been finicky when it's extremely cold out about two or three times in the past, other than that, no problem.

I think thats one of the nicer decks Pioneer has come out with recently. If i had the money I think i would go buy it. It seems to fit all the criteria you're looking for and if you like it then i say buy it. Maybe you have already, but before you buy it make sure you go to the store and play with it, make sure you like the feel of it. Nothing worse than a deck that looks good but doesn't work like you think it should.

Thanks for the feeback all... Skifreak, the BT isn't absolutely necessary, but it's a nice plus... and I will look at the Premier one, as well. The 2-year warranty seems to be a good idea, and it beats paying a store for an ESP.

Another question, if I may... d'you think I'm likely to get better prices from a specialist car audio store or a chain like BestBuy (where I was *thinking* of buying the deck in question...)? And who has better installers?

Thanks again all!

Taliesin,Oct 16 2006, 11:45 PM Wrote:Another question, if I may... d'you think I'm likely to get better prices from a specialist car audio store or a chain like BestBuy (where I was *thinking* of buying the deck in question...)? And who has better installers?

Thanks again all!
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Better installers i would say would be found at a car audio shop. Better prices, thats hard to say, best advice is to shop around, sometimes if the shop knows they're gonna be doing the install, they might cut you a deal on the deck.

Taliesin,Oct 16 2006, 11:45 PM Wrote:Another question, if I may... d'you think I'm likely to get better prices from a specialist car audio store or a chain like BestBuy (where I was *thinking* of buying the deck in question...)? And who has better installers?
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If buying online from the US is an option for you - this deck is $549 US at Crutchfield.com and that includes free installation kit and free adaptors - plus I have a $20 coupon you could have.

Taliesin,Oct 16 2006, 08:45 PM Wrote:Thanks for the feeback all... Skifreak, the BT isn't absolutely necessary, but it's a nice plus... and I will look at the Premier one, as well. The 2-year warranty seems to be a good idea, and it beats paying a store for an ESP.

Another question, if I may... d'you think I'm likely to get better prices from a specialist car audio store or a chain like BestBuy (where I was *thinking* of buying the deck in question...)? And who has better installers?

Thanks again all!
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If you think at all you may use the BT, then do it you won;t be dissappointed.

As for prices/installers, you're probably better off with a car audio store. They'll usually at least try to come close to prices, but you'll get a better install/post-sale service. Chains are great at getting you into the product but after that, not much as they've already made the sale. Specialty shop are more likely to go the extra mile and try to create a long term customer/relationship with you.