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- Verified Buyer
I have been pretty happy with this receiver and don't miss fumbling with CDs or paying for a CD player I won't use. I have a iPhone 5s. I'm very happy with the MVH-X560BT's Bluetooth integration for iTunes music streaming, Pandora, and making and receiving handsfree phone calls. I also found I can use the iPhone's Google Maps app with turn-by-turn navigation and it integrates flawlessly with this unit. I can stream music and it automatically mutes down the volume when the Google maps app is talking. The included handsfree mic was mounted on the top of the steering column facing the driver and does a very good job of echo cancellation. I've not had a single complaint from the other party on my handsfree calls. Including my very picky spouse.On the MVH-X560BT, the AUX input jack is located on the rear of the chassis with the USB port. In these days of Bluetooth capable phones and iPods, folks may not miss having the AUX input jack on the front. For me, this wasn't an issue. I have a Cobra 75 CB unit I use when off-roading. It has a miserable built-in speaker. I ran its AUX SPKR out through a small potentiometer attenuator and into the AUX input of the MVH-X560BT. It works great and is clutter free!The display is bright enough and offers your choice of colors including a mode where the colors cycle. At night you may find it too bright. Not to worry, you can turn on dimmer mode. Then it will be better at night, but impossible to read on sunny days. Sigh.The content of the upper and lower lines of the display are settable by independent means. The display button (far right, bottom) cycles through option choices on the larger sized upper line display. I prefer scrolling broadcast info (song, artist, etc.) To set the lower line display content, you go into the MENU mode -> System Menu -> Information Display and select from options like signal strength, source name (radio, aux, bluetooth, etc.) and clock. I prefer clock.Now for the cons:The MENU mode on this unit is assessable by pushing the volume knob. Lightly. Very lightly. In fact, I think Kreskin could do it just by thinking about pushing it. Turning the knob scrolls the menus and pushing it while in menu mode acts like a select button. If you're driving, more often than not, when you reach for the knob to adjust the volume you're going to also push the knob inadvertently and be scrolling menus rather than adjusting the frigging volume. Worse, if you're clumsy like me, you may be unintentionally reprogramming features while recalling curse words from your misspent youth all the while unable to hear the news story that just flashed by about your FFL quarterback being injured. Because you couldn't turn up the frigging volume. AAAAGGHHHHH!!!!The only way to get out of menu mode hell is wait awhile and let it time out. Or find and push the little bitty "back" button enough times to get it out of the layered menu mode. Remember now, you're supposed to be driving while you do this.This is a classic example of taking a seldom used feature (MENU) and making it too assessable and even worse, too accidentally assessable. Bad job, Pioneer.Seek mode is implemented with paddles placed on the menu (oops, I mean volume) knob. Again, while driving it's easy to bump the knob while fumbling for these paddles in the dark and end up in menu hell.Perhaps the most annoying "feature" of this unit is the way the faceplate is removed. It doesn't just come off with a push of the release button. Instead, it swings out on one side and you need to fiddle with it endlessly to get it to actually come off. Add to that there is no included sleeve in which to store the faceplate as you carry it around with you. This isn't just a Pioneer thing either, everyone is getting skimpy.A cynic may conclude that the industry has apparently colluded to no longer include a sleeve in which to store the faceplates. Perhaps they think going sleeveless - coupled with the tricky removal technique - will make folks less likely to take the faceplates off for fear of getting them scratched when sharing a pocket with your phone/coins/pocket knife/cheese grater/whatever. So with the faceplate attached, the receiver is more attractive to the thief and the manufacturer gets to sell you a replacement unit. But that would be cynical, wouldn't it?Things to improve upon:1. See cons above.2. Add the ability to rename the inputs like home receivers do. I'd like to call AUX "CB" and Bluetooth "iPhone" for example.3. Add a security code feature that activates after loss of battery voltage to deter theft.4. Make a version of this receiver with the same spectacular Bluetooth/iPhone integration AND add HD radio.5. Include auto dimming using a faceplate sensor to detect ambient light.Whew! Hope this is helpful.I used to have a JVC Bluetooth Stereo in my car which I purchased for under $100 and I liked it very much. When my car was totaled in an accident I purchased this as a replacement for about $12 more than my JVC unit so this review might have a lot of comparisons since they are similar units at similar price points.You would think a Unit that costs the same but is 2 years newer would be more advanced or sophisticated but sadly that was not the case. Just to make sure that this review doesn't just come off as a list of complaints I will note some of the pros of this unit upfront.+ It does a much better job of syncing/connecting to my Bluetooth devices than my old unit did. I am sure it is running a more current version of Bluetooth software, but to be fair to JVC I never really looked into updating firmware or even know if that is possible (I am pretty sure it is possible). In two years of ownership I had a few instances where a device no longer connected the the JVC and I had to re-pair it to the head unit, but that was rare. I have not had this new unit anywhere near that long yet but have not had any issues pairing, it typically connects to my devices about 30 seconds faster than my old unit, and the pairing process is much easier on this Pioneer unit.+ this unit is better at answering and ending phone calls. the old unit required you to hold the button down for 10 seconds to hang up. This is difficult to do while driving and if you try to hang up before you have to leave a voice-mail you will often find yourself not ending the call in time. This unit is way more responsive which is better and safer. the whole point of Bluetooth in the car is to make using your mobile device easier and safer while driving right?+Controlling my android device using the buttons on the head unit instead of the mobile device is much better too. There was always a slight lag on my old unit this one is much quicker.+Detachable face, Ok so this is not a plus to me, but it is a feature it has and I am sure some people will think its a plus. Last time I owned a detachable face radio it came with a carrying case for the face though. this one doesn't soooo...I'll call this a wash.Ok so here is the bad parts.- The screen is way too dim. at first I thought I didn't install it properly but I checked it and triple checked it and the screen, even on its brightest setting is underwhelming. In daylight, even on an overcast day, the screen is difficult to read. The screen and button colors can be adjusted to match your dash panel lights. I tried it on all available colors and its just dim no matter how you set it- Clunky User interface. To be fair The user interface on the JVC was pretty poor too. I travel a lot in my work and I always try to get a rental with Bluetooth when it is available and even most of the OEM radios with Bluetooth have a tendency to be less than intuitive. This pioneer is a little worse than most though. Navigating the menus is clunky like the others, but they name their features and settings weird names instead of what normal people call them so it is easy to get lost or confused in the menus. You pretty much have to have everything set when you are parked because adjusting any setting while driving is nearly impossible unless you are really familiar with the menu and most of the menu settings are not used enough to remain familiar with them for more than a few days. So most likely you will have to retrain yourself the next time you want to change a setting.- The USB port and AUX input are both in the back of the unit. If you choose to use them you have to install extension cords to them and have a place to land them like a space in your console or a glove box. This is an awful design and might have been a deal breaker if I noticed this at the time I purchased it. Luckily in my car I have a place to run the cables to but I would have prefered not to. Most other units I have seen have the AUX and USB ports right in front. My JVC had one in the front and a second you could land in the glove box if you wanted to, but at least you had the option. This is a terrible flaw as far as I am concerned. It should be noted that this is true of the Microphone too, however, in fairness this the case for most Bluetooth radios, Most require an external mic and most connect the mic via a port in the back of the unit.As far as the sound quality I cannot complain. the EQ presets are pretty darn good and unlike the JVC I had, this unit does have an option to set your own custom EQ setting. The output to the speakers is more than adequate for an average head unit and It also comes with the Mintrax feature and you can download the supporting app for it. Personally I really don't get the Mintrax feature or who it would appeal to, but it is a feature people might want to learn about and Pioneer really goes out of their way to sell the idea on their website so if you like nonstop continuous music played like a never ending mixtape without pauses or changes in tempo...maybe you might like this feature.Pioneer outdoes it's competition again with better and easier to use intuitive controls, better fitment, and generally looks nicer than a JVC or Sony. I really likesld the integrated mic, and the answer button sold me. The Bluetooth connects automatically every time, with no need to pull out your phone. Seamless. The amp has a little bit of fuzz however, even when the volume is up high. The display is not dimmable, there is not even a dim wire from the unit to dim with headlights, which is fine because it's kinda dim already.Excellent product. Only one complaint which is the volume control is very sensitive. Other than that, I'm happy with this purchase.I like it. Shallow mounting depth. Reliable bluetooth connectivity. Good range of audio adjustments & outputs. The appearance is a bit bling for my tastes tho. Just note that there is no CD player in this unit.Arrived on time and as expected. Works great!Great unit.Great sound and easy to use
