Installed a Pioneer AVH-2300 NEX stereo today

[WhiteWhisperBird]

So I wanted to install the same stereo in my T Bird that I have in my Tundra...the Pioneer AVH-2300 NEX. It has a lot of features, but mainly I like the CarPlay, especially for the GPS function.

Since no local installers could get me that stereo (it was the 2017 model, and apparently discontinued), I bought one online and today I had it installed locally. I had a backup camera added, also. The steering wheel functions...don’t. But I can have that remedied.

So so far I’m loving it, just like the one in my Toyota.

Here are some before and after photos.

Thoughts?

[merlot4]

That's a great match, Dan!

[RBIRD]

Looks great, but how does it SOUND??

[WhiteWhisperBird]

Looks great, but how does it SOUND??

That’s a good question! Before this, all I listened to was the radio (because of the ubiquitous CD jam issue) and it sounded just OK.

Now, with numerous equalizer options, it’s gone from “tinny” to “not too shabby.” At louder volumes, and with the front/rear speakers sharing the load, it sounds like a truly decent stereo. These are likely the stock speakers without any added bass kickers, so it is what it is.

And so far, I’m very pleased.

For those interested, it cost me about $175 for the stereo, $60 for pigtails and the backup camera and $200 for installation.

[RBIRD]

Dan, I would play a CD that you are very familiar with to test your new unit. You know how the music sounds and you can compare it to the sound of your new system. I find that the factory sub-woofer can get muddy-sounding if it is EQ'd with too much bass boost. Your ears will tell you where to set it. Nothing better than cruising in our Birds, top down, with the perfect music playing loud & clear!

RBIRD

[WhiteWhisperBird]

Nothing better than cruising in our Birds, top down, with the perfect music playing loud & clear!

A most excellent suggestion, thanks.

And I couldn’t agree more. We’re dropping the top and pointing the T Bird to Key West when it warms up a bit more.

[007Cruiser]

We’re dropping the top and pointing the T Bird to Key West when it warms up a bit more.

Considering that Tampa is currently 63 degrees, that’s the funniest thing I’ve heard today.

It’s 13 here and feels like -5. BTW the new radio looks nice plus it’s a great price. Good luck with it.

[RBIRD]

[MikeB6]

Dan - you can get a cable from Crutchfield so that the steering wheel controls work, and another so that it uses the original amplifier. I got my whole Pioneer set up, along with a Clarion back up camera, much like yours from Crutchfield, and paid Best Buy to install it. Couple hundred bucks, and they'll put the original head unit back in for free, if I want to pay them to move the Pioneer to another car in the future. (I won't, I'm sure - better to get whatever new and improved model comes down the pike.) Anyway, enjoy! It really is a wonderful upgrade. (CD changer in the original unit stopped working? Who cares, you can stream music from your phone, and have a backup camera!)

[WhiteWhisperBird]

Considering that Tampa is currently 63 degrees, that’s the funniest thing I’ve heard today.

If that’’s the funniest thing you’ve heard today, you need to get out more...

[428PI]

I thought about installing a touch screen one in my car but decided against it for a couple of reasons. First is theft. I'd hate to have a knifed top to take care of. I ended up just getting a good direct aux in hooked up (not through the antenna but actually through the aux cd input). I'm not sure I can even get the one I used now but it works good. I also wasn't 100 percent sure how the subwoofer input would work with aftermarket stereo.

[HKS]

How or where did get the 2 side panels to color match? They did no come with the new radio???

[MikeB6]

@ Keith - I don't think car stereo thefts are nearly as common as they used to be. Since most of our cars have alarm systems, the bad guys go to the next car that either doesn't have an alarm, or doesn't have it activated. Thieves (at least in the San Francisco area) seem more interested in breaking into cars to search for laptops, luggage or other easily and quickly taken things, rather than having to pry open the dash to get the factory radio, or a professionally installed touch screen head unit. In the 1980's I had three after-market radios stolen from my cars. Also, the head units now are fitted into surrounds that make them look like factory equipment. Smarter thieves know that all radios/head units now have codes that must be entered to reactivate them, and one has to provide proof of purchase to get the code from Pioneer, for example if you haven't kept the paperwork received when you bought it. (Or contact the dealer/manufacturer of the car, if the original head unit on your BMW or other car loses power due to a bad battery and needs the head unit to be reactivated, and you don't have the manual.) Of course, this all depends on how smart the bad guys in your area are, where you park, etc. I realize that many times car alarms are ignored, but like putting "The Club" on your steering wheel, if the would be thief has enough time and wants to try to steal it, they'll try, even if they don't succeed. These things are only deterrents, not guarantees. I understand not wanting to have your car damaged, or your top cut, but I no longer worry as much as I used to about this. When parking in a sketchy area, we always take a car that draws less attention than our retro bird, like our Prius or my little Smart ForTwo. Also, Crutchfield has custom harnesses that connected the new head unit to the factory amp and subwoofer, as well as another that let me keep the functionality of the steering wheel controls. They both worked as advertised.

[doc]

Really nice, Dan!

Actually, you've helped me make a decision. I was getting a little worried about keeping the T-Bird because I've been reading a lot about the lack of available parts, especially computer modules, but at the same time, I really love the car and didn't want to sell it in order to get something newer with Navigation System/Back-up Camera, etc.
Now, I'm going to install these and enjoy my Thunderbird! If the computer modules go, I'll find one somewhere. The car is too special to let go of--thanks!

[WhiteWhisperBird]

Really nice, Dan!

Actually, you've helped me make a decision. I was getting a little worried about keeping the T-Bird because I've been reading a lot about the lack of available parts...The car is too special to let go of--thanks!

Yay! Good news. It’s just a fun, fun car!