I just installed my Z2 and I am very disapointed. For a product that costs way over $2K I expected a quality produt. There is an annoying interference/static that you can hear regardless of the source you choose meaning it happens all the time. It is really terrible if the song gets quiter or between songs. You always hear that interference in the background even while a song is playing. Also whenever you push any button there is a static as well. Has anybody had the same problem? I just want to figure out if the AVIC Z2 is just a POS in general or if it might be a problem with my specific unit?

Also, the soundquality of the microphone is terrible, when I use the HU for a phone call the person on the other end can barely hear me but he or she gets an echo of him/herself.

Anyway, the first issue with the constant background noise is the worse problem. If this is 'normal' then I hope I can return the HU and buy something with a better sound quality.

You might have a ground loop interference issue. Who did your install? Are you using an external amp? The more info you give about your install the better the chances someone can steer you in the right direction.

Hello bridge, thank you for the reply!

I did the install myself and sorry I didn't mention this in my post but I don't think it is a ground loop interference (even though I am not 100% sure). Usually if you have a ground loop interference you would hear more or less noise when you start the car, accelerate etc. But the noise is there even with the car off.

And I do not use any amp, just connected the speakers to the HU. I also installed the IPod interface, XM Nav and Bluetooth adapter (if that matters somehow). Does it matter where you route the Bus cable in the car? I figured the bus signal should be digital and other car wiring shouldn't interfere with the bus?

Thanks again for your help, I hope there is something I can do because I love the features and look of the Avic Z2 but the audio quality is just unacceptable.

I've had the same issue but I have 3 amps(2x1500 and 800 watts), a matrix audio control line driver, all the z-2 bells and whistles, 4 kicker L7 12's, pair Kicker 8's and pair 6 1/2 components. No interference with ANY other units in the past and I just swapped the headunits and added the pioneer extras(ie bluetooth, XM nav and ipod). BTW this is my 2nd Z2 I returned the first one because of the sounds.

You are right, If the sound doesn't moderate when you start and run then I doubt it's a ground loop. Although, if you've got an isolator it wouldn't hurt to give it a try before boxin' her up for a return.

Yup, the bus cable is digital so I don't think that should be an issue. I've got all the same extras you do and mine install is anything but neat, but I don't have any interference. Give all your connections a second look and re-verify them. If everything looks good I'd return it to the point of purchase or Pioneer. I've read a few other posts on here with this issue. Perhaps Pioneer let a few out of the barn with bad internal connections or bad internal shielding. Good luck!

Actually the audio going the the ipbus wire is analog. It also carries the commincation signal between the various pieces hooked up to it. It is by no means digital though.