Upgrading your car’s audio system can dramatically transform your driving experience. After extensive research into double DIN systems, I recently installed the Pioneer AVIC-Z130BT, and after several days of use, I’m ready to share my detailed review. My aim was to replace my factory Becker220, seeking a touchscreen interface of at least 6 inches, Bluetooth connectivity, navigation, HD Radio, SiriusXM compatibility, and seamless integration with my iPhone 4. The Pioneer AVIC-Z130BT emerged as the ideal choice, offering all desired features except built-in SiriusXM.
To kickstart the upgrade, I purchased the Pioneer AVIC-Z130BT and the necessary Pioneer 51V iPhone cable from Amazon. For a seamless fit in my car, I opted for a double DIN installation kit from Euro Motorspeed. Recognizing the importance of balanced audio, I also invested in a rear speaker upgrade kit from Harvey on eBay. Lastly, to address the practicality of everyday use, cupholders from Ultimate Cupholders were added, replacing the less functional factory ones.
The installation was entrusted to a local, reputable installer with over 20 years of experience working with cars like mine. The entire process, encompassing the head unit and speaker upgrades, took approximately 4 hours. The Euro Motorspeed double DIN bezel proved to be an excellent choice, providing a near-factory aesthetic. The Bluetooth microphone was discreetly placed on the A-pillar, and the GPS antenna was hidden under the dash, behind the alarm sensor. The installers noted that the rear speaker kit from Harvey was straightforward to install, thanks to clear instructions. Importantly, everything was configured to run through the existing factory amplifier. The iPhone cable was routed to the center armrest console for convenient access. The installer ensured that the original USB cable from the radio was extended to the console, allowing for connection of other USB devices as well. The final result is a clean, professional installation with no visible wires, maintaining a factory-integrated appearance.
Sound Quality: A Night and Day Difference
The improvement in sound quality is nothing short of transformative. The audio is remarkably crisp and clear, and the addition of rear speakers makes a substantial difference, creating a much richer and more immersive soundscape. Concerns about Bluetooth call quality have been raised by some users, but in my experience, calls have been clear and without issue. I’ll be testing with the top down soon to further assess performance in various driving conditions. Overall, the sound quality upgrade alone is a significant enhancement to the driving experience, easily deserving a 9 out of 10 rating.
User Interface: Intuitive with a Notable Flaw
The Pioneer AVIC-Z130BT boasts a user-friendly interface. The iPod audio interface stands out as exceptionally well-designed, surpassing even those in my BMW and Ford vehicles. Navigating through songs, artists, and playlists is intuitive and efficient. The Pandora integration is seamless and has quickly become a frequently used feature. Entering destinations into the navigation system is as straightforward as it can be, and the system has accurately located addresses and points of interest. The maps are clear and easy to follow. Similarly, the phone interface is user-friendly, and the voice recognition (VR) has been surprisingly reliable, accurately interpreting every command, although the initial VR loading time can be slightly lengthy.
However, there is a significant drawback in the interface: the radio presets. Presets can only be saved as “Preset 1,” “Preset 2,” and so on, without the ability to rename them to reflect the station. This limitation severely impacts the usability of HD Radio, as remembering preset numbers for various HD stations becomes cumbersome. This design flaw significantly detracts from the overall interface experience. Furthermore, without performing a parking brake bypass (which is planned), entering new destinations while driving is disabled. While safety considerations regarding video playback are understandable, restricting destination input while in motion is an unnecessary inconvenience, especially considering iPod, Pandora, and Aha Radio browsing are still accessible. Due to these interface issues, particularly the preset limitation, the interface receives a 7 out of 10. Addressing these two concerns would easily elevate the interface rating to a 9 out of 10.
Overall Assessment
In conclusion, I am extremely satisfied with the Pioneer AVIC-Z130BT. The leap in sound quality is remarkable, and despite the identified interface shortcomings, the overall user experience is positive, especially considering the potential for improvement with a preset naming update. I wholeheartedly recommend the Pioneer AVIC-Z130BT to anyone seeking a significant upgrade to their car audio system. My overall rating: 8 out of 10.
