DiuSee Posted July 2, 2014 Report Share Posted July 2, 2014 Hi guys Long time lurker, first time poster. Been a fan of the AVIC series for a long time and loved my AVIC-D3. Unfortunately I had a break-in recently and the main thing that was missing was my AVIC-D3. So I want to replace it, however I would love to upgrade too while I'm at it. Looking at the Pioneer website and my local distributors in Ontario, Canada, I have noticed that most organisations are not carrying the AVIC-X950 and AVIC-Z150 anymore. This leads me to believe that Pioneer is about to discontinue those units to move onto the NEX units. Which leads me into why I have posted here. While lurking in the NEX section, I have noticed that most of you have either a 4000NEX or a 8000NEX, but I don't really understand why you have chosen those head units and not the 5000NEX or 6000NEX or 7000NEX. While searching for more information about the NEX's, I did come across a link to appradioworld.com and found this picture comparing all the devices. By reading through that comparison, I felt that the 6000NEX would be a better choice for me as it is comparable to the D3. So this has gotten me curious as to what other advantages or disadvantages have I missed that would lead most of you to purchase either the "top-end (8000NEX)" or the "low-end (4000NEX)". Please help me figure out the nitty gritty of these head units. Thanks, Hubert Edit (for easy access of information): 4000 NEX Pros: Most economical Removable Screen Apple CarPlay ready 7" non-capacitive screen Display is not as bright as 8000 NEX Remote control Utilises Full Size SD Card Cons: No Navigation - designed to be used with Apple CarPlay Neither: Optional Navigation with AVIC-U260 (opinion based pro or con - you will lose HDMI input for this) 5000 NEX Pros: Navigation included Removable hard buttons Apple CarPlay ready Cons: Loss of HDMI connector in the rear More expensive than 4000 NEX Less desirable design (subjective) Hard buttons feel cheap (subjective) Display is not as bright as 8000 NEX Neither: 6.1" non-capacitive screen Utilises MicroSD card 6000 NEX Pros: Navigation included Removable hard buttons HDMI included (compared to 5000 NEX) Apple CarPlay ready Cons: Less desirable design (subjective) Hard buttons feel cheap (subjective) Display is not as bright as 8000 NEX Neither: Middle range device for a middle range price (Half way between 4000 NEX and 8000 NEX - CDN prices) Utilises MicroSD card (up to 32 GB) 7000 NEX Pros: 7" screen Navigation included Motorized screen Utilises full size SD Card More desirable design (subjective) Hard buttons has better tactile feel (subjective) Apple CarPlay ready Cons: Non-capacitive screen (compared to 8000 NEX) Price is set too high compared to 8000 NEX No removable components for security Display is not as bright as 8000 NEX 8000 NEX (Flagship model) Pros: 7" Capacitive screen (allows for multi-touch for zooming and other functions) Apple CarPlay Ready More desirable design (subjective) Hard buttons has better tactile feel (subjective) Navigation included Utilises full size SD card Brightest screen available in the NEX line-up Cons: Most expensive No removable components for security Quote Link to post Share on other sites
DP3343 Posted July 3, 2014 Report Share Posted July 3, 2014 The 4000 is a 7000 without navigation. Many of us got nex head units for apple carplay, and as such have no use for built in navigation. The 4000 has a larger display than the 6000, the display is adjustable like the 7000 and 8000 and it's hundreds of dollars cheaper with all the features we actually care about included. The only feature that is missing is the capacitive display. That you can only get with the 8000 so many users went big to get the capacitive experience. Also the display on the 8000 has been noted to be brighter and clearer than the one on the other head units. It's pioneer's top of the line unit and I guess you get what you pay for. Price wise if you want navigation the 8000 can be had for almost the price of the 7000 and is a better unit. If you don't care about navigation the 4000 can be had for half the price of the 8000. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
OverZealous Posted July 3, 2014 Report Share Posted July 3, 2014 Honestly, that image pretty much details all the differences that I could see when I was originally looking. I think the biggest difference between the 5/6000 and the 4/7/8000 is the former has a smaller screen. The 4/7/8000 all have a 7" screen, and the other two have a 6" screen. This also means the DVD slot and (micro)SD Card slot are hidden on the 7" models, which could be a plus or minus for you. I don't ever use CDs, so I'd rather not see the disc slot all the time. I do leave an SD card in, for backgrounds and such. The 7" models support full-size SD cards (as well as micro via an adapter), which I have a bunch of just laying around, so that's another plus for me. The 8000 is the only one a capacitive touch screen (like a smart phone, meaning you have to use it with bare skin, I think), while the other 4 have a resistive (meaning pressure makes it work). While a capacitive screen is better for touch control, I would guess the 8000 might be hard to use with gloves, but I can't say for sure since I have a 4000. Either way, I have no issue with mine yet, even with scrolling. I also liked the removable screen on the 4000—it's the only model where you can remove the entire screen and take it with you. This might be important if you travel a lot, and don't want to leave an expensive radio visible in hotel parking lots or airports. All models except the 4000 have built-in maps. If you want that, I'd get the 7000 or 8000 model. Personally, I'm planning on using maps via CarPlay when I need them, so it wasn't that important to me. (And I already have a dedicated GPS for longer trips, which is nice since you can keep your GPS visible while your radio is doing other stuff.) Another important fact, since I didn't want to buy it from an unapproved online vendor, there was a huge cost jump from the 4000 to the 7000. Buying from somewhere like Amazon might save you money in the short run, but you'll get no warranty from Pioneer. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
DP3343 Posted July 3, 2014 Report Share Posted July 3, 2014 To go further. The 5000 can be had for nearly the same price as the 4000 but to get nav you lose the hdmi port which means you'll pay the difference in adapters to get any form of Appradio connectivity, and get a smaller display so that you can fit a cd drive on the face that you'll never use. All for a built in nav that has gotten mixed reviews on this site. That second complaint is the case with the 6000. They just aren't good looking head units in my personal opinion. The removable buttons feel cheap, and the micro sd card slot sticking out looks rushed. The 4000,7000, and 8000 just are better put together. Better thought out. Mind you nitpicking aside they all have the same specs down the board identical where it matters. All run the latest pioneer software. All will have carplay. Underneath they are running on the same processors, same everything. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Sparky 1320 Posted July 3, 2014 Report Share Posted July 3, 2014 The two main reasons that I chose the 8000: Capacitive touchscreen: I don't do much pinch / zooming, but the experience I had with the resistive touchscreen in AppRadio mode on my AVH-X8500BHS was so frustrating that I never wanted that experience again. Then again, AppRadio mode itself was so frustrating that I never wanted to experience it again, but that's a topic for another thread. Apple Maps has been less than stellar to the point that I almost never use it, opting instead for Waze or Google Maps or anything else. I wanted a navigation solution that I could put on the head unit's display without AppRadio mode, and which was better than Apple Maps. (Yes, I just said that a Pioneer Navigation solution was better than something. I dislike Apple Maps THAT much.) But the Apple Maps shown on the CarPlay demonstrations at WWDC makes me wonder if I could've been happy with it after all. (When was the last Apple Maps update?) Assuming that Apple Maps is more robust, the best cost / benefit solution I can envision is the one that doesn't exist: A 4000 with a capacitive touchscreen. YMMV . . . Quote Link to post Share on other sites
OverZealous Posted July 3, 2014 Report Share Posted July 3, 2014 @Sparky: As far as Apple maps goes, it's been getting nearly constant updates, especially lately. Every day at 3AM EST, they have new changes. I think the early problems got into some people's heads, while it has been a much better experience than Google Maps for me for the last year or so. At the same time, the experience varies based on your location. Where I am (Louisville, KY), I've never had serious problems with it. I've used Siri to start up navigation in hands-free mode on my 4000 (no display, obviously, just voice) and it works fine for me. It's pretty cool to use voice to say "get me directions to <some place>", and it pops up, lists off the likely results, asks you if it's correct, and starts up directions, all without touching anything. Regarding the capacitive on the 8000, can you use it with gloves on? If you can't, it would be a point of frustration for me in winter. Even so, it probably wouldn't have been worth double the cost for the screen alone. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
DP3343 Posted July 3, 2014 Report Share Posted July 3, 2014 The two main reasons that I chose the 8000: Capacitive touchscreen: I don't do much pinch / zooming, but the experience I had with the resistive touchscreen in AppRadio mode on my AVH-X8500BHS was so frustrating that I never wanted that experience again. Then again, AppRadio mode itself was so frustrating that I never wanted to experience it again, but that's a topic for another thread. Apple Maps has been less than stellar to the point that I almost never use it, opting instead for Waze or Google Maps or anything else. I wanted a navigation solution that I could put on the head unit's display without AppRadio mode, and which was better than Apple Maps. (Yes, I just said that a Pioneer Navigation solution was better than something. I dislike Apple Maps THAT much.) But the Apple Maps shown on the CarPlay demonstrations at WWDC makes me wonder if I could've been happy with it after all. (When was the last Apple Maps update?) Assuming that Apple Maps is more robust, the best cost / benefit solution I can envision is the one that doesn't exist: A 4000 with a capacitive touchscreen. YMMV . . . Apple maps has been improving dramatically. It's fun to watch especially because their satellite images haven't caught up sometimes so the new directions for new roads are on forests if you have it showing in hybrid mode. Regardless all that matters is that the directions and the locations are sound, and Apple maps is handling that far better than at launch. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Sparky 1320 Posted July 3, 2014 Report Share Posted July 3, 2014 @Sparky: As far as Apple maps goes, it's been getting nearly constant updates, especially lately. Every day at 3AM EST, they have new changes. I think the early problems got into some people's heads, while it has been a much better experience than Google Maps for me for the last year or so. At the same time, the experience varies based on your location. Where I am (Louisville, KY), I've never had serious problems with it. I've used Siri to start up navigation in hands-free mode on my 4000 (no display, obviously, just voice) and it works fine for me. It's pretty cool to use voice to say "get me directions to <some place>", and it pops up, lists off the likely results, asks you if it's correct, and starts up directions, all without touching anything. Regarding the capacitive on the 8000, can you use it with gloves on? If you can't, it would be a point of frustration for me in winter. Even so, it probably wouldn't have been worth double the cost for the screen alone. Apple maps has been improving dramatically. It's fun to watch especially because their satellite images haven't caught up sometimes so the new directions for new roads are on forests if you have it showing in hybrid mode. Regardless all that matters is that the directions and the locations are sound, and Apple maps is handling that far better than at launch. So as not to threadjack the OP, I'll be brief in saying that I've avoided Apple Maps for some time now. Sincerely, my respect to Apple if they've been making updates as often as the two of you say they have. I was playing with it a little bit on my phone last night after reading both of your replies. While I didn't ask it to plot me any routes, just the amount of 3-D architecture that I saw let me know that it wasn't the Apple Maps I knew and loathed. As far as the capacitive touchscreen is concerned, I live in Southern California so gloved hands are seldom / never a concern for me. I'm originally from Central Wisconsin though, so I know why you would ask. "Good question though," I thought. So I put on the mechanics gloves that I use for tinkering on my car on weekends and tried it out. (Regular Craftsman, with the fake suede) Surprisingly, the screen worked just as well as if I wasn't wearing any gloves at all. I have no other gloves for comparison, but consider this at least one data point? So if I knew then what I know now, would I have still bought the 8000 for the capacitive screen alone? I got the 8000 off of ebay, and the current prices for a 4000 on ebay are roughly $250 - $300 less than what I paid for my 8000. Whether or not that ends up being worth it depends upon how much swiping will be required of me during CarPlay. Swipe a lot? 8000. Swipe a little? 4000. It's not like I'm going to yank out the 8000 for a 4000 at this point anyway, but consider it a little more feedback from those of us who have already made the plunge . . . Quote Link to post Share on other sites
OverZealous Posted July 3, 2014 Report Share Posted July 3, 2014 Thanks for testing that out! Until CarPlay is released, it's hard to imagine how it's going to be used in a real-world situation, so it might be a wait-and-see situation if you are looking for a new unit and plan on using CarPlay. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
DP3343 Posted July 3, 2014 Report Share Posted July 3, 2014 So as not to threadjack the OP, I'll be brief in saying that I've avoided Apple Maps for some time now. Sincerely, my respect to Apple if they've been making updates as often as the two of you say they have. I was playing with it a little bit on my phone last night after reading both of your replies. While I didn't ask it to plot me any routes, just the amount of 3-D architecture that I saw let me know that it wasn't the Apple Maps I knew and loathed. As far as the capacitive touchscreen is concerned, I live in Southern California so gloved hands are seldom / never a concern for me. I'm originally from Central Wisconsin though, so I know why you would ask. "Good question though," I thought. So I put on the mechanics gloves that I use for tinkering on my car on weekends and tried it out. (Regular Craftsman, with the fake suede) Surprisingly, the screen worked just as well as if I wasn't wearing any gloves at all. I have no other gloves for comparison, but consider this at least one data point? So if I knew then what I know now, would I have still bought the 8000 for the capacitive screen alone? I got the 8000 off of ebay, and the current prices for a 4000 on ebay are roughly $250 - $300 less than what I paid for my 8000. Whether or not that ends up being worth it depends upon how much swiping will be required of me during CarPlay. Swipe a lot? 8000. Swipe a little? 4000. It's not like I'm going to yank out the 8000 for a 4000 at this point anyway, but consider it a little more feedback from those of us who have already made the plunge . . . I'm just going to add that as far as swiping is concerned the 4000's resistive screen is actually pretty damn good. No it cannot do pinch to zoom, but I don't know if Apple maps will even allow that with Carplay. Apple has been taking a very cautious approach to how much access you have while using carplay, and I've never seen someone pinch to zoom in any of the demos. Then again, we never know. *Edit, and at best buy I played with the 5000 and it's just as good. It may be resistive, but it's a very high quality sensor. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
MarketSqHero Posted July 3, 2014 Report Share Posted July 3, 2014 I got the 8000, one of the reasons being that I did actually want the inbuilt Nav. "Online" maps are no use if you can't get a data signal to download the section you are on. I may use Apple Maps with CarPlay, but if I'm not happy with it I have the inbuilt, or if I lose signal I can use the "offline" maps. Also the capacitive screen is superb, I compared them side by side and the resistive screen looked very washed out and "plasticy" to the touch. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
DP3343 Posted July 3, 2014 Report Share Posted July 3, 2014 I got the 8000, one of the reasons being that I did actually want the inbuilt Nav. "Online" maps are no use if you can't get a data signal to download the section you are on. I may use Apple Maps with CarPlay, but if I'm not happy with it I have the inbuilt, or if I lose signal I can use the "offline" maps. Also the capacitive screen is superb, I compared them side by side and the resistive screen looked very washed out and "plasticy" to the touch. Lol well the non capacitive displays are plastic so I'm not sure what else they could feel like. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
B1978J Posted July 4, 2014 Report Share Posted July 4, 2014 I bought the 8000 because of the capacitive screen. Other considerations, though not exclusive to the 8000: - 13 band EQ - dual USB - large screen Quote Link to post Share on other sites
DiuSee Posted July 4, 2014 Author Report Share Posted July 4, 2014 Thank you all so much for replying to my post. All of you have brought up very important points for the 8000 and for the 4000. You all have brought me to not only know but understand why you choose the way you did. Also the discussion on Apple Maps has been very interesting, as my only experience with Apple Maps is when I used my friend's phone when it came out, and it was horrible. The last iPhone that I have personally owned was an iPhone 4, and I chose to leave the iPhone community because of the particular and overly restrictive design of the iOS. At that point, I decided to leave the iPhone community to join the Android community. Unfortunately I would need to wait for Android Auto to come to fruition before I am going to be able to use my phone as part of my stereo. Therefore, I will need a head unit with navigation. I appologise that I did not forewarn that I am an Android user, however the discussion in regards to Apple Maps and Apple CarPlay has been very informative and intriguing. Just to recap (the following information has been compiled with the consideration that the functionality of the 6000/7000/8000 NEX are exactly the same except for screen size and other differences listed): 4000 NEX Pros: Most economical Removable Screen Apple CarPlay ready 7" non-capacitive screen Display is not as bright as 8000 NEX Remote control Utilises Full Size SD Card Cons: No Navigation - designed to be used with Apple CarPlay Neither: Optional Navigation with AVIC-U260 (opinion based pro or con - you will lose HDMI input for this) 5000 NEX Pros: Navigation included Removable hard buttons Apple CarPlay ready Cons: Loss of HDMI connector in the rear More expensive than 4000 NEX Less desirable design (subjective) Hard buttons feel cheap (subjective) Display is not as bright as 8000 NEX Neither: 6.1" non-capacitive screen Utilises MicroSD card 6000 NEX Pros: Navigation included Removable hard buttons HDMI included (compared to 5000 NEX) Apple CarPlay ready Cons: Less desirable design (subjective) Hard buttons feel cheap (subjective) Display is not as bright as 8000 NEX Neither: Middle range device for a middle range price (Half way between 4000 NEX and 8000 NEX - CDN prices) Utilises MicroSD card (up to 32 GB) 7000 NEX Pros: 7" screen Navigation included Motorized screen Utilises full size SD Card More desirable design (subjective) Hard buttons has better tactile feel (subjective) Apple CarPlay ready Cons: Non-capacitive screen (compared to 8000 NEX) Price is set too high compared to 8000 NEX No removable components for security Display is not as bright as 8000 NEX 8000 NEX (Flagship model) Pros: 7" Capacitive screen (allows for multi-touch for zooming and other functions) Apple CarPlay Ready More desirable design (subjective) Hard buttons has better tactile feel (subjective) Navigation included Utilises full size SD card Brightest screen available in the NEX line-up Cons: Most expensive No removable components for security Please feel free to correct me if I am incorrect about any of the information posted. If you can, please verify that I am correct in saying that the screens are not removable on the 8000 NEX, and if possible the 7000 NEX as well. Once again, thank you all so much for your participation in this thread. Your input has been very informative and has provided me with the insight require to make an informed decision. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
MarketSqHero Posted July 4, 2014 Report Share Posted July 4, 2014 The 8000 doesn't have a removable screen. Although after a discussion with my mobile audio store guys it seems that cat stereo theft isn't as big an issue as people think. Most people who steal them want a quick sale, most people who buy units like this want the reassurance of warranty etc and are unlikely to buy a stolen one possible without wiring looms, GPS unit etc which are too much of a hassle to get out of the car if you're after a quick grab and run. My wife had her car broken into the other week, they didn't even bother trying to get the quite expensive Kenwood out, they just rooted through the glovebox looking for satnav, iPods, phones etc. quick and portable and easy to sell. $1000 stereos are not easy to sell Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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