Pioneer DEH-1400 Car CD Player

Installation
The wiring schematic that is provided is clear and easily understood. The detachable wiring harness, makes this portion of the installation a breeze because you don't have to worry about dropping or damaging the unit while trying to make the necessary circuit connections. Please note that this unit requires 2 12VDC (positive) connections – 1 that is switched on by the ignition and a 2nd that is ALWAYS hot. Another thing that you may need to take into consideration when installing the DEH-1400 is its weight. The Manual lists the weight as 2.9LBS, but it seems far heavier, In any case, you will want to be sure that this unit is properly supported. I wouldn't trust the plastic mounting brackets that most of the auto manufacturers are so fond of today to support this baby for too long. The installation packet supplied by Pioneer contains several screws that can be used to fasten the frame/carriage to your car's metal factory radio mounting bracket, if so equipped. Also included in the packet are a stud and rubber bushing that can be screwed into the rear of the unit. Even if you have no use for the bushing, the stud can be used to attach the unit to a hanger strap or other installation support. But by no means, do not rely on the dashboard alone to mount the DEH-1400!

Operation
As with any new item, it will take a few times around the block, so-to-speak to become familiar with the operational features of this item. So, don't toss the supplied "Operation Manual" under the seat or into your *junk drawer* too quickly. Like most people, I made a valiant attempt at figuring out how to work all of the features and settings before reading the book, and like most of us, I found myself sitting in the car with the book in hand. The Manual is pretty well written and easy to follow. All of the buttons require a firm touch to activate, so you don't have to worry about changing any of your settings by accident. The LED "dial" is bright and easy to read under any lighting condition. In fact, it may take you a while to get used to its bright, electric glow at night. ADJUSTMENTS – Normal selection of Balance and Fade. It also features what is called Source Level Adjustment. This lets you adjust the volume level of each source to prevent radical changes in volume when switching between inputs. EQUALIZER – The DEH-1400 features 6 equalizer presets, 1 of which is customizable to your personal tastes. While I would love to have a few more "personal" EQ settings, this unit supplies a greater selection than some of the pricier units that I considered. (I actually have a separate 10 band EQ ready for installation, but I can't seem to find a location that is hidden from view and easily accessible at the same time.) CLOCK – Unit can be operated with the clock ON or OFF. TUNER – Both manual and "seek" tuning are available. The tuner can store up to 18 FM and 6 AM presets that are accessed by 6 buttons. CD PLAYER – The CD player features: Fast Forward, Reverse, Random play, Repeat, Pause and "Auto start" - Whenever a CD is inserted, the CD player starts – even if the unit is OFF, so there is no need to manually turn the thing on. The CD operates smoothly and I have not had a "skip" yet, even though I have driven down some pretty rough back-country roads.

Drawbacks
FUSE – The 10 amp fuse (provided) is located IN the rear of the unit. If you blow the fuse for any reason, you will have to remove the unit from the dash to replace it.
FACEPLATE - Pioneer does NOT include a carrying case for the detachable faceplate. Like the rest of the unit, the faceplate seems to be heavier than most and will surely be damaged if dropped. Another feature of this faceplate that may, or may not be a drawback, is found when you try to remove it – When you depress the "release" button, the faceplate does not just *pop* off. The right side springs out far enough to grasp it, then you must firmly pull it away from the unit to remove it. How long the little guide pins that create this "detent" will last, is yet to be discovered. VOLUME – I am sure that most people have had the experience of starting the car and discovered that during the night, someone had entered the vehicle and turned the volume up to "planetary destruction" levels. (It HAS to be a neighborhood prankster because I would NEVER play my stereo that loud – Right?) Maybe I got spoiled by the el-cheapo Jensen that this unit replaced (Jensen now the property of a local thief), but I really liked the delayed volume increase that the Jensen had. This feature prevented a lot of damage to speakers, eardrums, central nervous systems and neighborly relations by gradually increasing the volume to its last setting, when the car is started. This gave me enough time to let go of the ignition key and put my finger on the volume control. Pioneer should incorporate this feature.

Conclusion
The Pioneer DEH-1400 provides ample power with 20 watts RMS / 45 watts Peak X4 to feed most speaker systems, and with a clarity that is superb. In fact, one of my neighbors couldn't believe that I still had the same speakers! The built in output connections (RCA pin) allow for easy hook up to an external amplifier if you desire. Installation is made simple and straightforward by the utilization of the detachable wiring harness that has 7 inch-long speaker wires – Long enough to make a couple of "do-overs" if required. The harness clicks firmly and securely into the unit and includes a "System Remote Control" lead to operate power antennas. This is a great receiver/CD for the price.

UPDATE: After little more than a year's usage, (Of Course - the warranty has expired!) this unit has developed it's first problem. The button that is depressed to detach the faceplate has failed. While it is still attached to the faceplate, it flops around and has to be held (ever try to hold onto something that is about the size of a grain of rice?) in just the *right* position, then pushed in. I am attempting to get a quote to have it repaired. If I am forced to purchase a new faceplate ($63.50 List Price), I will probably just purchase another complete unit. Further update to follow.