Pioneer DEH-1500 Car CD Player

* Why did you buy this product?
I bought this product to replace a Jensen CD player that was stolen out of my car. After a little research, I found Pioneer brand to be a very good quality brand with very few complaints. Equivalent models to Pioneer's consistently cost more. Plus, Pioneer is the brand Scion installs in all its models. At first I wanted the DEH-2300 and only for its appearance. I thought that the faceplate would blend in best with my dashboard and green illuminated instrument panel. However, that model quickly priced itself out of my range. I decided to go a step down and got the DEH-15. I got the DEH-15 model, which is exactly the same as the 1500, except for the color scheme. The 15 is black and dark silver with red illumination while the 1500 is black and dark gold with green illumination. The center blue display is the same. I was concerned that the bright red lights would be too bright or different from the green that I was used to, but after driving at night, I found that the red provides a nice contrast to the green instruments. It also looks good in the daytime, with the red glowing more like pink.

Another selling point: the SuperTuner. I read about this but doubted its functionality. But I love listening to the radio and found that it really works! This unit comes with SuperTuner IIID, which finds the strongest signal and locks in for quality sound. I am able to get Detroit stations on clear days now, which I never could before (I'm in the Toledo area).

* Describe your experience using this product.
I installed this myself with limited prior experience (I rewired some faulty wiring in my previous Jensen model). Using the Pioneer wiring harness was very easy. The installation instructions are pretty worthless (red to red; black to black, etc.) So I made sure I knew what I was doing by researching it on the web first. Installation cost me $1.80 for connectors and about an hour of labor (including checking and double checking my wiring before I crimped each one).

I was most attracted to this model by the reputation of Pioneer, and the price of the unit. I bought this gently used as my budget was extremely small. I didn't expect my car to get broken into! I also liked all the extra features that my Jensen didn't have, like reading CD-Rs and RWs, the SuperTuner, anti-skip, and the EQ button. Also it has 18 FM presets!

* What do you love about this product?
I love the detachable face. My last radio was stolen because I never detached the face in my driveway. I learned the hard way to always take the face off, especially at home! This model's face comes off cleanly, unlike the Jensen which required lots of gentle tugging. I also love the buttons: they are very easy to push (again, as opposed to the Jensen) and easy to find quickly. Setting the clock is easy now that I've read the previous reviews here (the manual is totally wrong)!

I love the sound quality! Wow, what a difference from the Jensen. Previously, my right speakers (front and rear both) would cut out and be static-y. That was probably due to faulty wiring, but with the Pioneer, the speakers sound 200% better! The sound is so clear and no hint of static whatsoever! Also, this system is loud! The default volume of "10" is WAY too loud! I like to listen to this system at 3 or 4: it's plenty loud enough.

I also like playing with the EQ button. There is really a difference when listening to talk versus songs on the radio and again with CDs. Being able to push this button is so much easier than finding the Treb and Bass buttons and adjusting their levels individually each time. This feature greatly improves listening quality and my satisfaction with this product.

I have had this about a month now and have listened to CDs over rough roads (Toledo is almost famous for its potholes) and I have not had ONE skip! Driving the same route with the Jensen model would have been skipping and restarting the CD all over the place. Not with my Pioneer! I love the anti-skip: it is top quality.

* What do you dislike?
The trim ring around the face plate comes off every time I remove the face. I was thinking of gluing it in just one spot. Then I'd still be able to get it off in the future. Currently, it's being stored in the glovebox. Also, a carrying case for the face plate wasn't included, but it fit into my old one so no problem there. However, it seems the faceplate scratches easily. Pushing the buttons with my winter gloves has left small shallow scratches on the plastic all around the buttons.

Also, having a mute button would be a great improvement. I also miss having a Scan/Seek button for the radio. My Jensen could scan the stations and change every 5 seconds (a neat feature when there's nothing good on). With the Pioneer, you have to push the arrow keys repeatedly to scan to the next station.

Summary:
A good value for the price. This model may not be made anymore, but the technology is still advanced. Even my gently used model is clean and as good as new. I enjoyed installing it myself, as it gave me a sense of pride and attachment to the object. I will take good care of the faceplate because it means more to me now. I love the features it does have, and the features it doesn't have I'll soon forget about. The EQ button, the anti-skip and the SuperTuner make up for any deficiencies it could have had. I love the look of the face, the buttons are easy to see and push. They glow just right in any light and the center display is easy to read, even at a glance. The sound quality is amazing: are these the factory speakers? Overall, this is worth so much more than I paid! I got a great deal buying a factory refurbished model (in its original box, with all paperwork and accessories). Pioneer is really a great brand; I will definitely consider them again in the future.