Regardless of the vehicle in question, mobile electronics has taken itself through leaps and bounds over the past few years. It’s no longer about mere MP3-capability. The new generation of headunts offer a myriad of audio and video sources to choose from – CD (regular, MP3, AAC, WMV), DVD video / audio, FM / AM radio, iPOD, XM / Sirius satellite radio and so on. The list simply does not stop. And depending on what your budget limitations and music platform preference may be, today’s headunit is designed to accept them all.

This certainly is the case with the Pioneer AVIC-N4 multimedia navigation receiver installed in Project Evo. The single-DIN headunit is gadget freak’s dream, compatibility with all audio and video formats. And it offers further flexibility with add-on modules that can be thrown into the mix depending on what your mobile audio needs may be.

The greatest benefit of the AVIC-N4 is the navigation functionality. I tested a number of OEM, aftermarket in-dash, and PNAV (portable navigation) devices before making a decision on what option would be best for Project Evo. After consideration, PNAVs are definitely at the bottom of the barrel. Actually, most of them suck.

Why? The window suction mounts provided are poorly made and sometimes fall off. Can you imagine driving in the freeway and having your PNAV fall in your lap all of a sudden? Imagine the kind of distraction that would create.

Second, some PNAVs don’t come with a charger cable to plug into your cigarette lighter so the darn thing turns off completely after a few hours. You have to spend more money to have one. That’s a scam on the part of PNAV manufacturers, in my opinion. And speaking of the power cable, although it’s necessary, it sure doesn’t do much for the look of your interior. That long pigtail cable adds a hideous level of clutter to your dash.

Finally, since PNAVs aren’t bolted down to anything, you constantly have to remount then remove it every time you get in and out of the car. One day when you forget, the PNAV screams, “Bust the window and take me!” to any passing smash-and-grab thief.

With all that being said, upgrading the headunit is one of the best bang for the buck upgrades to any car. Even if a great OEM sound / navi system is offered, the aftermarket offers better, more powerful solutions for less money. Sure, you can finance that often overpriced OEM system, but do you really want to overpay AND pay those finance charges?

Beyond the great sound, multi-format compatibility and navigation prowess, the AVIC-N4 can be outfitted with a number of add-on modules. For Project Evo, 3 great ones were selected:

Pioneer CD-BTB200 Bluetooth adapter – With new state and local laws banning chatting away on the phone while driving, Bluetooth is becoming more popular than ever. But rather than sticking on a rather unfashionable earpiece to your noggin, this Bluetooth module allows you to keep your hands on the wheel and yap away limitlessly. And whenever you make a call or receive one, music is automatically paused or muted.

Pioneer GEX-P10XMT XM NavTraffic digital satellite tuner – Truth be told, regular radio falls short in many areas. Too many commercials, not enough choices based on music genre, censored songs (aka “clean versions”) and if you take road trips, the drive is burdened with stations that you don’t care for. Satellite radio tackles all these shortcomings and shines through with an almost unlimited range of aural pleasures. With our particular choice of tuner, however, you get a bonus. For 5 bucks more per month, the AVIC-N4’s navigation system can display instant traffic information on major roads and highways and create a new route to your destination based on traffic conditions. Rather than driving in circles trying to get around that jam, you can truly be the smart driver with this awesome add-on module and service.

Pioneer CD-I200 iPOD direct control cable – The iPOD is an almost ubiquitous electronic device. Considering its usefulness, why leave it at home? This simple cable plugs directly into the hideaway box module and you’re good to go. With an interface that looks very similar to that of the iPOD and quick controls, this $40 cable is worth every penny to any music lover.

With this mobile audio system upgrading the rather paltry stock stereo, things are really beginning to shape up for Project Evo. In the next installment (3.2), we’ll replace the stock Recaro seats with the newest offering from the German seat manufacturer – the Sportster CS.

Sourcebox

Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc.
Long Beach, CA
www.pioneerelectronics.com