The Pioneer AVH-3500DVD radio, according to the professional sound engineers who participated in our tests, has one of the best bass among the devices we tested. Indeed, the lower range sounds dense and collected, it gives the full sound picture the proper volume and dynamics.
Look at the graph below: here is the frequency response of a test signal passed through the audio path of the automanipulator, superimposed on the reference response of the same signal.
Even on the graph you can see that the high component of the bass is quite pronounced. The mids are also quite rich, giving a sense of presence in the soundscape: instruments and vocals sound very good. The same cannot be said about the upper part of the spectrum. Our experts believe that it is they that spoil the overall listening experience: if not for the presence of “dirt” in the upper range, the radio would deserve one of the highest ratings among all the devices we tested.
Ergonomics - 3.9
The Pioneer AVH-3500DVD car radio is made in a standard 1 DIN size (178×50 mm).
This device has a large screen that folds inside the body using a special mechanism.
The stylish front panel of the car radio with the screen folded inside is made of glossy plastic with ergonomically illuminated controls.
If you look at the photo, you will see what the radio will look like if you move its screen forward.
The front panel cannot be removed from the main unit of the car radio. Since the device is controlled primarily on the touch screen, there are not many buttons on the front panel: there is a disk eject button and a screen eject button, a “Source” switch, a “Wide” button, with which you can change the screen mode or turn it off, rewind buttons and a rotary encoder for volume control. There are also two ports on the front panel: USB and AUX-IN. It is worth noting that the buttons have a soft, pleasant action, but the encoder seemed uncomfortable to us: like all Pioneer radios we tested, it is slippery.
The retractable screen of the Pioneer AVH-3500DVD has one feature - it has an adjustable tilt angle, which can be adjusted through the settings menu. By the way, you can also adjust the degree of extension of the screen from the front panel itself.
There are separate options for controlling playback and media navigation on the touchscreen. However, in our opinion, switching and rewinding tracks on the Pioneer AVH-3500DVD is slower than on other tested devices: there is a noticeable delay.
The touch screen makes navigation much easier. Firstly, because you have the opportunity to see the contents of folders on the storage device, and secondly, files and folders are displayed in as many as 6 lines! By entering the media directory viewing mode using the option with a magnifying glass icon, you can easily find the file you need: the car radio groups the contents by type: music, images and videos.
Equalization of the music you listen to is carried out in the device settings menu. The equalizer will give you a choice of 6 presets, one of which involves manually adjusting 4 frequency ranges of the audible spectrum.
To tune the radio, you need to use the track rewind buttons - this way you will find the required frequency in automatic mode. To activate the manual search mode, you must hold them for 1-2 seconds. You can also search for the required frequency using the keys on the touch screen. As with all tested devices, there is an antenna output on the rear panel of the Pioneer AVH-3500DVD car radio. It is also equipped with a standard ISO connector and RCA connectors for acoustics, as well as an input for a TV tuner.
Screen - 4.3
What sets the Pioneer AVH-3500DVD apart from others we've tested is its 7-inch touch screen. True, the color rendition of this display, in our opinion, is unnatural, and the brightness is a little lacking. In addition, when viewing photos and videos, and even when browsing menus, pixelation is noticeable.
Separately, we want to highlight the display sensor: it is resistive, that is, to activate the function you need to press on it.
The Pioneer AVH car radio with DVD and monitor is a special offer on the car accessories market, distinguished not only by its concept, but also by its implementation technology.
Perhaps in the future digital media systems will be implemented in a similar way. Now we can say that those who want to purchase a standard radio and digital panel can try one of the Pioneer AVH models with DVD.
At first glance, two things can be noted:
- Firstly, there is no need to adapt a regular seat for a multimedia model with a touch screen, which is twice as tall;
- Secondly, you have a full-fledged digital panel in your car, albeit a small one.
Car enthusiasts familiar with digital technology can already list the expected characteristics; below we have given an overview of what a user can really expect when buying a model from the Pioneer AVH line. On sale you can find 160DVD, 180G, 1400DVD, X1500DVD, X1800DVD and models with a 7-inch motorized screen 3500DVD.
Technical capabilities of the series
Following the first question about the cost of a car multimedia system with a monitor, a whole series of clarifications about certain technical capabilities immediately arises. In practice, the proposed models have the following features.
Basic functions using the 3500DVD as an example
The multimedia radio has the following features and functions (using the 3500DVD as an example):
- digital tuner: FM+MV;
- 1DIN;
- audio: MP3+WMI+AAC;
- video: MPEG4, DIVX, AVI, xVid;
- plays video from DVD;
- touch motorized display;
- monitor diagonal 7 inches (quality can be seen in the photo).
At first glance, this is just a multimedia system, but it has excellent characteristics. For motorists who want to purchase good sound and video for their car, this budget version will appeal.
An additional bonus will be its options and characteristics:
- Three pairs of RCA inputs allow you to connect an amplifier and subwoofer for great sound in the cabin;
- There is an output for a rear view camera;
- The motorized drive makes the screen extension ideal and, importantly, reliable (look at the video);
- The radio reads information from all media.
According to reviews, the Pioneer quality in this series is very good. In addition to simple installation without additional accessories and reassembly in the cabin, even without an amplifier, you can get excellent sound and enjoy video in your free time.
Of course, multimedia functions without Internet access cannot be considered complete, but this product is designed for its buyer. He apparently loves using the touch screen, but doesn't think he needs in-car Internet, navigation combined with the audio system, and video telephony. This approach cannot be considered wrong - many people drive freely without navigators. For this reason, there is no point in paying extra for unused features. The cost of such a car device is only about $300, the cost of devices in the line on average does not exceed $200. And it's a very worthy budget purchase with excellent sound quality.
Pioneer AVH series models and their features
The release of a series of car radios implies that it contains models designed for different users and requirements. The line also includes 2 din devices, which, as expected, have wider multimedia capabilities.
The series includes the following models:
- Pioneer AVH 160DVD radio - provides excellent sound quality, there is an MP3 that restores the quality of a simple audio file with bitrate to the sound level of a CD, a monitor that does not glare in the sun, and bright, pleasant backlighting. 160DVD is a great media station for the money;
- Pioneer AVH 180G radio - designed for the stated parameters of the series, only for a different size. The size of the built-in display (non-motorized) is 6.2 inches. 180G is a Pioneer 2 din AVH radio, especially for those users whose standard size corresponds to 2 din;
- 1400DVD – also designed for double-din size and has a built-in display. Otherwise, the 1400DVD meets the main parameters of the series, such as high-quality sound, reading all discs, sound restoration, clear colors on the display (5.8’’) and its good responsiveness. Can be controlled from a remote control (not included). The advantages of the model include direct control of the subwoofer (when connected);
- X1500DVD – has advanced functions, supports connecting Apple mobile devices, a professional set of video and audio formats, allows you to view high and low quality videos. For low-quality video tracks, a restoration procedure is applied. You can connect an external tuner, the X1500DVD supports ID3 tag processing and much more, including satellite navigation (with the AVIC-F220 module);
- X1800DVD – 6.2-inch display, double-din model, which can work with the standard navigation module, supporting modern multimedia functions when connected via a smartphone;
- Pioneer AVH 3500DVD radio - the options of this model are discussed above, despite the fact that this is an older model by the abbreviation; its capabilities, on the one hand, are more modest, but it is designed for its buyer and guarantees excellent sound in the cabin and a full-fledged digital panel on a single-Dino size car radio .
As you can see, the series offers model options for all occasions; connecting to the network via a mobile device can be called completely justified, since that is where all the necessary files are located. Accordingly, you can avoid cloud synchronization, which is known to be unsafe for personal data.
Connection instructions
A special feature of this series from Pioneer is its extreme ease of installation. The car owner needs to choose a model that matches the connector and needs. From the given descriptions of the products it is clear in which cases one or another choice is appropriate.
Just in case, you can check the pinout, but this is not necessary - everything fits perfectly with the standard connectors:
- Remove the locking front panel from the latch;
- Insert the device selected from the line onto the sled;
- Connect the connectors to the connected equipment;
- Secure the device;
- Snap the front panel into place.
All devices have an intuitive interface that will take no more than 30 minutes to become familiar with.
Key Benefits
All of the listed devices have the typical Pioneer bright and rich sound, which will be especially appreciated by lovers of high-quality music.
Sound quality, excellent display, ease of installation, budget price - these are the key characteristics of this series.
1.- Peak power: 4 x 50 W
2.- Radio: FM, MW, LW
3.- Auto search and record radio stations
4.- There is RDS
5.- Reading: CD-R, CD-RW, DVD-R, DVD-RW
6.- Reading formats: MP3, WMA, WAV, AAC
7.- Reading formats: DiVX, XViD
8.- Reading ID3, WMA, iTunes tags
9.- Reading iPod/iPhone
10.- USB connector: On the front panel
11.- AUX connector: On the front panel
12.- RCA output: Yes, 3 pcs.
13.- AV input: Yes, 2 pcs. from the front
14.- Connector for rear view camera
15.- Crossover for sub: Customizable
16.- High pass filter for subwoofer: Customizable
17.- 5-band graphic equalizer
18.- There is an external microphone
19.- Wired remote control input: Yes, via adapter
20.- Wireless remote control (model CD-R33)
21.- Screen type: QVGA, 5.8", sensor, motorized on a skid
22.- Button backlight: Customizable
23.- Satellite navigation: via adapter AVIC-F220
Pioneer AVH-1400DVD is a two-din model of the 2012 model series. The appearance has become somewhat better than that of its predecessor (Pioneer AVH-2300DVD), but the screen resolution remains the same and is inferior to competitors (JVC, Kenwood, Sony). The menu is designed quite well, it is logical and the car radio is quite convenient to operate. The sensor works very well. USB and AUX are on the front panel. The radio changes the color of the button and screen illumination. You can choose to suit every taste.
The receiver is very good. The device picks up all radio stations well. I liked the sound from the radio. There are three pairs of outputs for connecting car amplifiers.
I liked the sound from both the built-in amplifier and the external one. Low frequencies are quite clear and deep. The high frequencies are also fine. The picture quality from the DVD is very good. The Pioneer AVH-1400DVD is not that expensive, so you can buy it. Quite a good buy, despite the relatively small screen resolution, the radio is now relatively inexpensive.
Customer reviews about Pioneer AVH-1400DVD:
| Name: Romych Email: |
Cool new Mayfun with its new design. I waited for the car radio of 2012 and now bought it. I will say that the Pioneer car radio AVH-1400DVD is in no way inferior in sound and picture to its previous car radios. I had a 3100 also a pioneer, but it did not read video from USB. This car radio made me happy. |
| Name: Maxim Email: |
A normal pioneer. Before this, the Pioneer also stood for two years until it crashed, I installed this one, the same good sound, the menu is convenient, there are a lot of settings, in general, the Pioneer AVH-1400DVD is an excellent device for its money |
| Name: Olesya Email: |
A beautiful, fashionable cassette player with simple, intuitive controls and good sound. |
| Name: Kurt Email: [email protected] |
Does it come without a remote control? |
| Name: Mickey Email: [email protected] |
I bought myself such a toy. The sound is not bad, BUT I was not pleased that the buttons on the steering wheel stopped working - not only for controlling the sound but also for the on-board sound =/ Is there any gadget to “merge” the pioneer and the standard steering wheel buttons??? ZY I also didn't have a remote control included. |
| Name: Denis Email: |
It's good and not particularly expensive. For that kind of money, in my opinion, you can’t buy anything more worthwhile. |
| Name: 8SH Email: |
HOW THE Pioneer brand AVH-1400DVD radio tape recorder turns off, we installed it, turned it on, but we can’t turn it off. I WILL WAIT UNTIL THE BATTERY FILLS DOWN |
| Name: Alexey Email: |
The second day the screen went out. no picture just white screen |
| Name: Sergey Email: [email protected] |
I installed a radio and was pleased with the sound of the rear view camera, everything works, the Morel Maximo speakers are next in line, the sub. |
| Name: Sergey Email: |
A white screen appears due to overheating of the display. This happens in the heat of summer. You need to pull out the standard fuse for the audio in the car and immediately insert it - a kind of reset. And everything works again. |
| Name: Svetoyar Email: |
I wanted to buy it, but stopped the interface, there is no Russian language, and a small minus - there is no sound control, only buttons. I'm planning to take a Sony XAV-63 |
| Name: Email: |
The radio is 2 months old. The sound is gone:((what the hell, who knows?! |
| Name: Arkady Email: [email protected] |
The radio is super, but the USB doesn’t play, who can say why? |
| Write your review about Pioneer AVH-1400DVD | ||
Photo of the Pioneer AVH-1400DVD car radio from the front 
Pioneer AVH-1400DVD rear view 
Pioneer AVH-1400DVD more photos from the front
Our tips to help you choose a car radio:
1. When choosing a head unit (regardless of the company), you need to understand that the final car sound depends more on car acoustics (especially the front one), car amplifiers and car subwoofers. Therefore, it may make sense to save on a radio and invest in car speakers. The sound insulation of a car also greatly affects (in a positive direction) the final sound.
2. Take only old and time-tested companies. Although they are more expensive, they are much better both in terms of sound and reliability. Units from “new” companies may not last long at all.
3. Do not pay attention to the technical characteristics of the unit. It’s better to listen to it at a stand before purchasing and compare it with other radios.
4. In the line of one company there is a whole range of radio tape recorders. But they can only differ in appearance and additional functions, but their car audio will be the same. Don’t think that the more expensive the car radio, the better it plays.
5. Pay more attention to the ease of use of the car radio, and not to its design. As a rule, all very beautiful car radios are not particularly easy to operate.
6. Consult with competent sellers. They will help you choose what is right for you. After all, the choice is now very large.
7. Don’t think that new models of car radios are always more expensive than previous ones. Quite the contrary, especially when it comes to car radios with a screen (multimedia car radios), because progress does not stand still, and technologies are constantly improving, production volume is increasing, and costs are falling.
8. If you can install a 2 din car radio in your car, then you should not neglect it. They look better and are more convenient to use, which is why 2 din car radios are now very popular.
9. If we take branded car radios (Pioneer, Alpine, JVC, Clarion, Kenwood, Sony) and take only sound quality as a criterion, then car radios for 3,000 rubles will certainly differ from radios for 15,000 rubles, but not very much. Of course, an Alpine for 15,000 rubles will play better than a Sony or JVC for 3,000 rubles, but not five times as much as it costs.
10. In terms of power, now all units are almost the same. Therefore, there is no criterion for choosing a car radio. If there is not enough power, then you need to take a car amplifier. As I already said in the first paragraph, car amplifiers greatly improve sound quality (if car acoustics allow it).
11. In general, I’ll say that choose head units from Pioneer, Alpine, JVC, Clarion, Kenwood, Sony, but just don’t run into the “Chinese fakes” that have appeared recently. Buy car radios from trusted stores. Look for radios in company catalogs or on the company’s official websites.
12. If you choose car radios with a screen, then, as a rule, the newer the model, the better. Matrices are constantly being improved, becoming brighter, screen resolution increasing, new functions being added, etc.
13. There are branded, but Asian (not European) models. In principle, they are not bad, but there may be problems with the warranty. It’s worth taking them if the price difference is more than 20 percent. If less, then take European models. These car radios will not cause you any warranty problems.
14. I don’t recommend buying so-called “standard car radios”. As a rule, these are Chinese and their quality is poor, both in sound and reliability.
15. Nowadays 2 din car radios with a screen are very popular. This is understandable because they are not expensive, they look very good in the car and they are richly functional. They come with built-in navigation and without. I advise you to take it without car navigation, and take it separately in the form of a good cell phone (for example, HTC). Various navigation programs work much faster in a good phone, the navigation itself is better and the screen resolution is higher than in a car radio. Yes, and phones have a function to show traffic jams.
16. Really good companies that produce car radios have all the buttons pressed well, the front panel does not wobble, and can be removed and installed easily. If the car radio has a touch screen, then it should move smoothly, without extraneous sounds, the sensor should operate smoothly, there should be no false positives, but some delay is acceptable.
17. When choosing a car radio, you should not choose “the same as your friend’s.” Car radios are constantly being improved (especially those with a screen), new models are constantly being released, and in the vast majority of cases, your friend already has an old model (that doesn’t mean it’s bad, but you may no longer find it).
18. Do not buy cheap car radios (up to 1500 rubles, and even more so for 800-1000 rubles). Though they work, but not for long.
19. You should not think that the presence of all kinds of equalizers and other additional adjustments on the device automatically improves the sound quality. For proper adjustment, it is enough to adjust only the bass and treble. There are devices with multi-band equalizers, but they don’t sound very good, but there are also vice versa.
20. On branded devices, all buttons must be pressed clearly, and the pressing itself must be felt intuitively. If the buttons are wobbly or not pressed clearly, then it is better not to buy such a device.
21. All good companies that produce car radios have their own sound character. So Pioneer car radios sound bassy, ringing, a little harsh, Alpine car radios sound correct and natural and beautiful, their bass is deep and powerful. High frequencies are not annoying. Sony's sound is also beautiful, bass and treble are emphasized. JVC sound good. Their bass is deep and high frequencies are natural. Kenwood car radios play clearly, their bass is sharp, clear and correct, but there is not much of it. High frequencies are ringing and convincing.
22. If you choose a device with a screen and built-in navigation, then I advise you to take a similar one without navigation and buy it separately, but it is better to take a good cell phone with an Android system. Navigation in it is better, it works faster and there is a traffic jam function.
23. If navigation is absolutely necessary, then take only trusted companies. Under no circumstances should you take new and cheap companies, especially those that have appeared recently. They work poorly, constantly glitch, and most importantly, as practice shows, they won’t work for very long. Choose those companies that are described in paragraph 11. If the standard seat of your car is larger or has a complex shape, then the device can be installed through an adapter frame, which exists on almost all cars. You can also buy them from us.
24. I would like to say one more thing about the installation. Modern cars, as I said in the previous tip, as a rule, have a non-standard place for installation and the devices fit there through adapter frames. Sometimes they have to be modified in every possible way. At the same time, some modern cars have a digital bus for controlling electrical devices. As a result, I recommend installing the units in a good service center, where there are competent specialists who can modify the adapter frame into the car, understand the wiring and, if necessary, add a KAN module (the so-called digital converter).
25. But there are also cars in which the standard head unit practically cannot be changed at all (for example, when climate control or other car functions are connected to the standard head), but you want good sound in the car. In this case, you can either modify this standard head (there are many options) or build a so-called “parallel system” (this is when the factory head unit remains, and another device is placed parallel to it and all the sound comes from it).
26. Modern devices have great capabilities for customizing sound, there are parametric equalizers, there are processors with time correction, there are built-in crossovers that really improve this sound, but it’s quite difficult to understand them yourself, so in addition to installing a good device, acoustics and other devices you need and set everything up well.
27. If you have an iPhone or a cell phone on the Android system, then now there are 2 DIN head units with a screen to which you can not only connect your phone, but also directly control it, launch various applications, including navigation. Basically, phones are connected through a special adapter cord. The selection of such head units is constantly growing, so consult with experienced sellers.
28. In addition, head units on Android itself have already been released, but famous companies (Pioneer, Alpine, Sony, JVC, Clarion, Kenwood) do not make them yet, but “Chinese” ones are already producing them, but it’s not worth purchasing them due to their low cost. reliability.
29. You should not save on a car head unit, because in order to install it in a modern car, as a rule, you need to additionally purchase an adapter frame, an adapter chip and, for many cars, an interface unit with standard buttons on the steering wheel, and all this can cost two - five thousand rubles, plus the cost of installing all this. therefore, it is not advisable to buy a cheap unit and everything else for it, plus installation. If you buy all of the above, then you need a good device.
30. If your budget allows, then it is better to buy a multimedia head center with a touch screen; you can later connect navigation, a smartphone, a TV, a rear view camera, and much more to it. It is also more convenient to manage and configure such a device.
