Upgrading the car audio system can make a world of difference, and I recently experienced this firsthand. After years with a Kenwood DNX7120, it was time for a change, specifically something that integrated seamlessly with Android devices and offered modern features. My history with Pioneer head units led me back to their lineup, and the Pioneer AVH-X4800BS quickly became the frontrunner.
The Pioneer AVH-X4800BS is, in short, an outstanding double DIN receiver. The improvement in sound quality compared to my old Kenwood is immediately noticeable. The jump from 2-volt pre-outs on the Kenwood to 4-volt pre-outs on the Pioneer is significant. This stronger signal translates to a much cleaner and more powerful audio output that you can genuinely hear. While considering options, the X5800BHS, with its HD Radio feature, was on my radar. However, HD Radio wasn’t a priority for me, making the AVH-X4800BS the more sensible and economical choice, especially at a price of $269.99 on eBay. The additional 10% eBay Bucks I earned practically covered the cost of a bypass module, also sourced from a reputable eBay seller for just $11. It worked flawlessly, simplifying the installation process.
Currently, my complete car audio setup, powered by the Pioneer AVH-X4800BS, includes:
- Pioneer AVH-X4800BS DVD Double Din Receiver
- Four Pioneer 1″ Component Tweeters
- Four Pioneer TS-D1602R 6 1/2″ 2-Way Speakers
- One 12″ Orion XTR PRO12 1000 Watt 4-ohm DVC Subwoofer (Old School, USA-made Orion) in a Sealed Box
- One Orion HCCA 225G4 2-Channel Amplifier (Subwoofer Amplifier, Old School, USA-made Orion)
- One Rockford Fosgate Punch 200a4 Amplifier (Old School, USA-made Rockford, powering tweeters and 2-way speakers)
- Lanzar 3 Farad Capacitor
- Yellow Top Optima Battery
- Monster Cable Pro 6-Channel RCAs
Despite being labeled as a 1000-watt system, the perceived power and clarity often lead people to believe it’s significantly more potent. This setup truly showcases what true wattage, combined with quality components like the Pioneer AVH-X4800BS, can achieve in car audio.
So, what kind of audio setup are you currently running in your vehicle?
