Just yanked the z120BT Pioneer and replaced with Alpine W900BT

Zuppy51 · 07-20-2010, 11:22 AM

FYI- Check out the Alpine, it's actually a very decent product.
Food for thought.

I don't mean to flame Pioneer, just wanted to give you a update on what I just went through. Perhaps you can learn from my mistake.

I know a lot of guys buy this stuff online sight unseen. The problems you can encounter with a dbl din nav headunit can warrant having to return it. Make sure you have a return policy. As these units are not that stable.

**Note, this is the third Pioneer I've had over the last 6 years, Avic N1, Z2, and now the z120BT...
I really like the way they sound and normally they are really, really good. Not sure what the deal is here. The shop where I purchased it actually warned me, they suggested Kenwood and Alpine, based on other customer issues, but being a Pioneer diehard, and really liking the interface, I decided to give it a try.

Not sure if anyone else has had any problems with their Pioneer z120BT on this forum. Mine was driving me crazy, and here's what I experienced:
will not synch up to my iphone (4) consistently
extremely slow boot up 45-60+ seconds
Pandora App locks up causing iPhone to have to be rebooted disconnected, reattached, nothing.
last straw was the scrolling menu for the iPod is horrible and would not work consistently, some songs and playlists just would not play at all. I could just not get used to it.

The shop tried 2 different headunits, both had similar and different issues. Mostly around Voice Recognition and my iPhone.

I can live without VR, but what was happening was if I hit the command to call someone, it locked the friggin thing up.

The guys at the shop I took the car, suggested I try the Alpine. They allowed me to pull out the Pioneer and replace with the w900BT, at zero cost, they even through in a Back up camera for 100 and a device called a PAC TR-7 that does the bypass stuff.

Although the Alpine does not have the Pandora App, everything else is working correctly. It allows you to connect to any Bluetooth Audio device, so I can stream Pandora that way. It even boots up in less then 10 seconds consistently.

Order is restored.

BTW: I found a lot of the same issues are being experienced by other users here:
AVIC411.com • View forum - Problems/Troubleshooting

370Zsteve · 07-20-2010, 11:23 AM

Pioneer blows, Alpine FTW

kenchan · 07-20-2010, 11:29 AM

... i dont use all the options on my pioneer but no issues on mine.

bigaudiofanat · 07-20-2010, 12:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 370Zsteve

Pioneer blows, Alpine FTW

X2 what I have been saying for a while

theDreamer · 07-20-2010, 12:05 PM

No issues with my Z110 which is exactly the same as the Z120, with software update.
The new Pandora app is untested in my opinion and is a great idea, but really early to tell. Long boot times sound like hardware failure and would be replaced under warranty. No idea on iPhone 4 as I do not have one.

bigaudiofanat · 07-20-2010, 12:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by theDreamer

No issues with my Z110 which is exactly the same as the Z120, with software update.
The new Pandora app is untested in my opinion and is a great idea, but really early to tell. Long boot times sound like hardware failure and would be replaced under warranty. No idea on iPhone 4 as I do not have one.

Do not worry man I was going to get a 4 but than we didn't get it for Verizon so now I have my incredible and my gosh its so much better. Except for the crappy games. FTL on that one.

chuckd05 · 07-20-2010, 02:13 PM

iphone 4 > incredible . .... ... sorry big audio... The only thing it has is cell service thats better in some area's which is a biggie but just the way the iphone operates is way better. I have played with the incredible on countless occasions and tried to like it, but I just don't understand the hype at all. The internet browsing is light years behind the iphone with the exception of flash being soon available for the incredible.. But just surfing, browsing the page, zooming, is all way smoother and easier on the iphone.

iphone 5mp camera and video camera > incredible 8mp cam and vid cam... me and my buddy snapped a ton of shots iphone pics look significantly better... on the phone screen and computer.

And as for the PIONEER HEAD UNIT my Pioneer x920bt boots up in I'd say 10-15 seconds tops.. Never once has it ever even taken anywhere near 45-60 seconds to load.. I don't know if you are exaggerating but that is not the case with mine... I will take a video if it helps anyone. Every Time. I start my car, throw in in reverse, camera pops on, by the time I am out of my driveway the HU is started up and ready to go.

The only thing I will agree with here is the Pandora App not really functioning perfect... I have to disconnect the ipod wire and re connect it to get it to work.. but I just use the regular Pandora app and play it through the cable because the Pandora app allows for multi tasking which is more convenient anyway...

My iphone4 connects and syncs perfectly every single time.. even when I get in the car with it after it starts... My menu's scroll flawlessly and any song I want to play, plays. I honestly think its the nest HU I have had or seen in any car I have been in to this date..

Maybe you just were not used to the deck yet and its interface... the scrolling works just fine for me... very easy to navigate

I love my x920bt.... I would recommend it to anyone.

bigaudiofanat · 07-20-2010, 02:29 PM

No biggie I was going to get the iphone when it came to Verizon but after getting the incredible and actually using it for a day I love it.

Anyway back on subject I have seen pioneers startup slow before and it can be the firmware or other things as well.

ROC1ROB · 07-20-2010, 04:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 370Zsteve

Pioneer blows, Alpine FTW

I read the above without the comma.

CaptainSlow · 07-20-2010, 05:30 PM

I've noticed the issue with the iPhone not syncing correctly at times unless I reboot the phone. But being that I have to reboot the phone and not the HU I think it's the phone and the new OS 4 that's the problem.

Boot times are around 10-15 for me. The backup camera comes on right away and even if I don't back out the music is playing within a few seconds and the display comes on shortly after.

WICKED_GRIN · 07-20-2010, 06:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kenchan

... i dont use all the options on my pioneer but no issues on mine.

I agree!!

WICKED_GRIN · 07-20-2010, 06:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zuppy51

FYI- Check out the Alpine, it's actually a very decent product.
Food for thought.

I don't mean to flame Pioneer, just wanted to give you a update on what I just went through. Perhaps you can learn from my mistake.

I know a lot of guys buy this stuff online sight unseen. The problems you can encounter with a dbl din nav headunit can warrant having to return it. Make sure you have a return policy. As these units are not that stable.

**Note, this is the third Pioneer I've had over the last 6 years, Avic N1, Z2, and now the z120BT...
I really like the way they sound and normally they are really, really good. Not sure what the deal is here. The shop where I purchased it actually warned me, they suggested Kenwood and Alpine, based on other customer issues, but being a Pioneer diehard, and really liking the interface, I decided to give it a try.

Not sure if anyone else has had any problems with their Pioneer z120BT on this forum. Mine was driving me crazy, and here's what I experienced:
will not synch up to my iphone (4) consistently
extremely slow boot up 45-60+ seconds
Pandora App locks up causing iPhone to have to be rebooted disconnected, reattached, nothing.
last straw was the scrolling menu for the iPod is horrible and would not work consistently, some songs and playlists just would not play at all. I could just not get used to it.

The shop tried 2 different headunits, both had similar and different issues. Mostly around Voice Recognition and my iPhone.

I can live without VR, but what was happening was if I hit the command to call someone, it locked the friggin thing up.

The guys at the shop I took the car, suggested I try the Alpine. They allowed me to pull out the Pioneer and replace with the w900BT, at zero cost, they even through in a Back up camera for 100 and a device called a PAC TR-7 that does the bypass stuff.

Although the Alpine does not have the Pandora App, everything else is working correctly. It allows you to connect to any Bluetooth Audio device, so I can stream Pandora that way. It even boots up in less then 10 seconds consistently.

Order is restored.

BTW: I found a lot of the same issues are being experienced by other users here:
AVIC411.com • View forum - Problems/Troubleshooting

I have owned Alpine HU’s and it blows! It really depends on the model you buy! What model year is the Z120BT??

JACKPAC · 07-20-2010, 07:46 PM

Just curious. Nobody ever talks about sound quality with double din units. This would be my #1 reason to replace the stocker. I was wondering how the sound quality compared between the two units? Thanks.

bigaudiofanat · 07-20-2010, 08:03 PM

Sound quality is going to be about the same using the internal amp using external amps and new speakers would allow much better quality.

The nice thing about the alpine is if you do not want to add a big external amp and new wiring and all you can use there add on amp.

All you do is plug the wiring harness into it than to your alpine head unit and your done. You just added 45 watts RMS to your system.
Alpine KTP-445 Plug and Play Head Unit Power Pack for Use with all 2005-Up Alpine Head Units

I would just install new speakers if I were oing to use that.

Internal amps running stock speakers is going to sound better than the stock one but is going to sound about the same compared to each other.

TROOPER · 07-20-2010, 09:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 370Zsteve

Pioneer blows, Alpine FTW

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigaudiofanat

X2 what I have been saying for a while

Really Matt..??

I hadn't noticed your Pioneer bashing frenzy LOL

07-20-2010, 11:22 AM	#1 (permalink)
Zuppy51 Base Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: SF Bay Area Posts: 95 Drives: 2010 PG Nismo #414 Rep Power: 15	Just yanked the z120BT Pioneer and replaced with Alpine W900BT FYI- Check out the Alpine, it's actually a very decent product. Food for thought. I don't mean to flame Pioneer, just wanted to give you a update on what I just went through. Perhaps you can learn from my mistake. I know a lot of guys buy this stuff online sight unseen. The problems you can encounter with a dbl din nav headunit can warrant having to return it. Make sure you have a return policy. As these units are not that stable. **Note, this is the third Pioneer I've had over the last 6 years, Avic N1, Z2, and now the z120BT... I really like the way they sound and normally they are really, really good. Not sure what the deal is here. The shop where I purchased it actually warned me, they suggested Kenwood and Alpine, based on other customer issues, but being a Pioneer diehard, and really liking the interface, I decided to give it a try. Not sure if anyone else has had any problems with their Pioneer z120BT on this forum. Mine was driving me crazy, and here's what I experienced: will not synch up to my iphone (4) consistently extremely slow boot up 45-60+ seconds Pandora App locks up causing iPhone to have to be rebooted disconnected, reattached, nothing. last straw was the scrolling menu for the iPod is horrible and would not work consistently, some songs and playlists just would not play at all. I could just not get used to it. The shop tried 2 different headunits, both had similar and different issues. Mostly around Voice Recognition and my iPhone. I can live without VR, but what was happening was if I hit the command to call someone, it locked the friggin thing up. The guys at the shop I took the car, suggested I try the Alpine. They allowed me to pull out the Pioneer and replace with the w900BT, at zero cost, they even through in a Back up camera for 100 and a device called a PAC TR-7 that does the bypass stuff. Although the Alpine does not have the Pandora App, everything else is working correctly. It allows you to connect to any Bluetooth Audio device, so I can stream Pandora that way. It even boots up in less then 10 seconds consistently. Order is restored. BTW: I found a lot of the same issues are being experienced by other users here: AVIC411.com • View forum - Problems/Troubleshooting

07-20-2010, 11:23 AM	#2 (permalink)
370Zsteve A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Gold Coast CT Posts: 10,599 Drives: 2019 Corvette G.S. Rep Power: 43	Pioneer blows, Alpine FTW __________________ SOLD MY Z MARCH 2018 - another Core OG moves on - new ride 2019 Z Corvette Grand Sport - no mods necessary but already have eyes on HFC and intakes LOL IT NEVER ENDS.

07-20-2010, 12:05 PM	#5 (permalink)
theDreamer A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Texas Posts: 30,879 Drives: 370z Rep Power: 4210	No issues with my Z110 which is exactly the same as the Z120, with software update. The new Pandora app is untested in my opinion and is a great idea, but really early to tell. Long boot times sound like hardware failure and would be replaced under warranty. No idea on iPhone 4 as I do not have one. __________________ theDreamer's Z // Fast Intentions // Uprev // GTM // HKS // TEIN theDreamer's Silvia // URAS // GREDDY Houston Zs // Facebook // Twitter // Instagram

07-20-2010, 02:13 PM	#7 (permalink)
chuckd05 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: NY Posts: 2,391 Drives: No longer a Z Rep Power: 20	iphone 4 > incredible . .... ... sorry big audio... The only thing it has is cell service thats better in some area's which is a biggie but just the way the iphone operates is way better. I have played with the incredible on countless occasions and tried to like it, but I just don't understand the hype at all. The internet browsing is light years behind the iphone with the exception of flash being soon available for the incredible.. But just surfing, browsing the page, zooming, is all way smoother and easier on the iphone. iphone 5mp camera and video camera > incredible 8mp cam and vid cam... me and my buddy snapped a ton of shots iphone pics look significantly better... on the phone screen and computer. And as for the PIONEER HEAD UNIT my Pioneer x920bt boots up in I'd say 10-15 seconds tops.. Never once has it ever even taken anywhere near 45-60 seconds to load.. I don't know if you are exaggerating but that is not the case with mine... I will take a video if it helps anyone. Every Time. I start my car, throw in in reverse, camera pops on, by the time I am out of my driveway the HU is started up and ready to go. The only thing I will agree with here is the Pandora App not really functioning perfect... I have to disconnect the ipod wire and re connect it to get it to work.. but I just use the regular Pandora app and play it through the cable because the Pandora app allows for multi tasking which is more convenient anyway... My iphone4 connects and syncs perfectly every single time.. even when I get in the car with it after it starts... My menu's scroll flawlessly and any song I want to play, plays. I honestly think its the nest HU I have had or seen in any car I have been in to this date.. Maybe you just were not used to the deck yet and its interface... the scrolling works just fine for me... very easy to navigate I love my x920bt.... I would recommend it to anyone. __________________ 09 370Z 6M PW - FBO Best 1/4 mile = 12.926 @ 109 SOLD -- 08 BMW 135i - FBO 12.1@120mph SOLD -- white 09 e92 335 Coupe Mtech - 11.9 @ 119 :-)

07-20-2010, 02:29 PM	#8 (permalink)
bigaudiofanat Car Audio Installer Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Magnolia DE Posts: 8,342 Drives: 2012 Infiniti G37x Rep Power: 853	No biggie I was going to get the iphone when it came to Verizon but after getting the incredible and actually using it for a day I love it. Anyway back on subject I have seen pioneers startup slow before and it can be the firmware or other things as well. __________________ Need help with car audio or electronics? Let me know!! Need Help Let Me Know Direct email address reimermatt@gmail.com Owner of: Dynamic Mobile Audio Follow me below https://www.facebook.com/Dynamicmobileaudio/

07-20-2010, 11:29 AM	#3 (permalink)
kenchan A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: N/A Posts: 76,801 Drives: N/A Rep Power: 141521	... i dont use all the options on my pioneer but no issues on mine.

07-20-2010, 05:30 PM	#10 (permalink)
CaptainSlow Base Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Calgary Posts: 47 Drives: 02 VW Jetta Rep Power: 15	I've noticed the issue with the iPhone not syncing correctly at times unless I reboot the phone. But being that I have to reboot the phone and not the HU I think it's the phone and the new OS 4 that's the problem. Boot times are around 10-15 for me. The backup camera comes on right away and even if I don't back out the music is playing within a few seconds and the display comes on shortly after. Last edited by CaptainSlow; 07-20-2010 at 05:35 PM.

07-20-2010, 07:46 PM	#13 (permalink)
JACKPAC Track Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Kentucky Posts: 516 Drives: MB 370z Rep Power: 17	Just curious. Nobody ever talks about sound quality with double din units. This would be my #1 reason to replace the stocker. I was wondering how the sound quality compared between the two units? Thanks.

07-20-2010, 08:03 PM	#14 (permalink)
bigaudiofanat Car Audio Installer Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Magnolia DE Posts: 8,342 Drives: 2012 Infiniti G37x Rep Power: 853	Sound quality is going to be about the same using the internal amp using external amps and new speakers would allow much better quality. The nice thing about the alpine is if you do not want to add a big external amp and new wiring and all you can use there add on amp. All you do is plug the wiring harness into it than to your alpine head unit and your done. You just added 45 watts RMS to your system. Alpine KTP-445 Plug and Play Head Unit Power Pack for Use with all 2005-Up Alpine Head Units I would just install new speakers if I were oing to use that. Internal amps running stock speakers is going to sound better than the stock one but is going to sound about the same compared to each other. __________________ Need help with car audio or electronics? Let me know!! Need Help Let Me Know Direct email address reimermatt@gmail.com Owner of: Dynamic Mobile Audio Follow me below https://www.facebook.com/Dynamicmobileaudio/

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Pioneer x Kenwood x Alpine	rockhounds	Audio & Video	37	05-30-2010 12:06 PM
How will i tell if the dealer really replaced my engine or not?	ZYUL8R	Nissan 370Z General Discussions	15	05-29-2010 06:54 PM
replaced odometer	Volcom370Z	Exterior & Interior	37	04-02-2010 11:51 AM
Replaced tires on SUV and...	PapoZalsa	The Lounge (Off Topic)	3	12-22-2009 11:16 AM
JL sub/box Alpine PDX Pioneer pricing	JerryK	Audio & Video	12	12-21-2009 08:54 AM