MSRP: $310
It's almost dizzying thinking about all that you can do with this sleek single-DIN CD receiver in Pioneer's Premier line. The DEH-P700BT seems simple with its modern and eye-catching cosmetic design, as if were more flash than substance. But under the surface there's a lot of functionality. Maybe more than enough! What do they say, too much of a good thing can be detrimental to your well-being, right? Of course, on the other hand, no one ever said that about money. So if you're the kind of car audio nut that loves to connect everything you can to your system and constantly adjust your audio depending on the song (but don't have the space for one of those luxurious double-DINs), well then, you're probably going to dig the 700BT.
The unit has a lot going for it. It has built-in MOSFET 50 W x 4 power (I used a separate amplifer for the review), three hi-volt RCA preouts (front, rear, sub), a direct iPod connection, Bluetooth and a good audio adjustment menu that includes separate high and low pass crossover settings. Plus with its Advanced Sound Retriever
(ASR) you will notice an improvement when listening to compressed audio files, be they MP3, WMA or AAC files. According to Pioneer ASR enhances audio reproduction nearly all the way up to 20 kHz frequencies.You can connect a memory device or, of course, your iPod to the 700BT. Note though that the direct connect for iPod applies to models that are 5th generation or later/Firmware Version 1.2 or later/iPod nano Version 1.2 or later. Third or 4th generation iPods require the CD-IB100II adapter. The most essential function on the 700BT though is the Bluetooth feature. Considering that more states like California are legislating against mobile phone use while driving--you need it! Starting this summer in the Golden State you cannot hold your phone to your ear or dial numbers. You probably will be able to hit single buttons, such as answer or end call or what have you, but that may be the extent of it. So without Bluetooth you better pull the car over to talk.