Pioneer AVH-1330NEX Review in 2024 – Does it deliver?

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It feels like a brand new car without breaking the bank…

A brand new car is out of the question. And there’s no guarantee that a new car would have a superior sound system. I’ve seen people upgrading their stereo in cars that are two years old.

Don’t get me started with dealerships. Let’s say you have an older car and the car stereo died. The amount they charge to get you a new one and install it wow. I know a friend of mine went down that road. It wasn’t pretty.

Luckily there are aftermarket double din head units that outdo stock every day.

This is the reason why I’ve written the Pioneer AVH-1330NEX review.

If you pick the right stereo, you will save a lot of money and frustration. Who else wants this?

Here’s the preview for the Pioneer car stereo.

It works as advertised, and it delivers. That’s not enough for you, right? Well, there’s more to it than that.

You can have Siri ride along with you because this HU supports Apple Carplay. That’s good news. Now the bad news is that it’s wired connection only.

There are many sources of great music. For example, there’s Pandora and Spotify. The list doesn’t stop there HD radio, and it’s SiriusXM ready. It has a built-in Bluetooth for hands-free phone calls and audio playback through streaming apps.

Also, you can mount a backup camera, so parking becomes easier. One final thing that I will mention is that you can customize the colors and the background.

Let’s get this Pioneer AVH-1330NEX review started.

Here’s the bird’s eye view for this head unit.

Does it fit in my car? Click Here to Check
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Who is the Pioneer AVH-1330NEX for?

The Pioneer AVH-1330NEX car stereo is for people who enjoy entertainment while driving. There’s a huge source for this. It doesn’t matter that you like radio or you have an iPod this HU will deliver.

The biggest selling point is Apple Carplay. Siri will be with you as a virtual assistant.

Also this digital receiver has video input. You can mount a backup camera. I’m always pro for safe driving.

It is so hard to get a decent mic for these stereos. This is where the Pioneer shines. Anybody who I’ve called says that my voice is crystal clear and the sound quality is superb. Maybe I can do some cold calling while driving?

What can the Pioneer AVH-1330NEX do for you?

Let’s start with Apple Carplay. You have to connect through the USB port. But look at the bright side your phones are getting charged through the USB cable.

At the moment, this unit doesn’t support Android. But Pioneer has head units that do. If this is a deal-breaker, check them out.

Siri Eyes Free is amazing. I can take calls and get text messages to read. Not only that, I can dictate to Siri, and she will reply. It’s so good to have a virtual assistant.

Do you love CD-quality radio? Now the Pioneer AVH-1330NEX supports HD radio. Are you a fan of SiriusXM? All you need is to plug in your account, and you can enjoy your favorite show wherever you are.

The display has improved a lot from the last generation. I quite like it.

Finally, the screen brightness has been fixed. You can easily see it during the day. I’ve almost forgotten to mention that this double DIN DVD receiver comes with a 6.2″ touch screen.

My last idea about the unit is that it’s great to have a backup camera. If I have installed it earlier, I would’ve saved myself from a few scratches.

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Pioneer AVH-1330NEX shortcomings

For some reason, this is the most read part of my review. Well, I won’t disappoint you. It’s my civic duty to let you know the drawbacks. And the Pioneer AVH-1330NEX HU has a few that I will mention.

Now Pioneer does one thing well is that they produce great videos. Why on earth have they gotten into the app business? The Appradio is horrible. This is an actual warning. Use it at your own risk. There are better solutions out there.

There’s no way around this unit you need to plug your iPhone in. I hope that one of these days they will release a car stereo in this price range with the wireless connection.

I know this is a first-world problem, but it takes around 1s to switch between songs. That’s a lot of time wasted. Maybe in the next firmware, it can be fixed?

I get that there’s a law for not watching movies while driving, but this is ridiculous. You need to stop the car put it into the park and then you can dim it. Luckily there’s a bypass for it.

For some reason, this unit rubbed me the wrong way the graphics weren’t that sharp.

And lastly, it doesn’t have an HDMI port. No hooking up an Xbox to it.

Similar product reviewed: Pioneer AVH-W4500NEX Review –Wireless CarPlay?

How To Get The Most Out Of Pioneer AVH-1330NEX?

Full disclaimer here I’m not good with tech. This is why I leave the install for the pros. It saves me money, and I avoid headaches.

After you have the installation is done to make the necessary firmware update. I would recommend getting the iDatalink Maestro. This will help you keep your steering wheel controls not only that you can get vehicle diagnostic information (tire pressure, voltage, etc.). The iDatalink Maestro doesn’t come with this package you have to buy it separately.

I know that there was a law passed that forbids watching videos while driving. I’m all for safe driving. But Pioneer went too far. You can’t dim the head unit while driving. You need to pull over put it in the park. Now there’s a bypass for it. That’s an extra install, and it’s so worth it.

Don’t forget about the backup camera. If you have a big car, it’s a must. You can save time by fitting into tighter spots than usual. You won’t have to circle the block.

I love to tweak the music until it’s perfect. With this satellite radio you are getting an amazing EQ. It’s a 13 band graphic equalizer. Also there are seven presets to choose from if you don’t want to tinker.

Last but not least, I want to mention that you can personalize your head unit. You can upload a custom background. Plus, you can change the lighting, so it matches the interior so it blends in.

Another quality Pioneer head unit: Pioneer DMH-1500NEX Review – Is it for you?

Pioneer AVH-1330NEX Review Conclusion

The only thing I can say about this stereo that it delivers. Let it be the Apple Carplay or the music sources. It’s a solid stereo.

We have reached the end of this Pioneer AVH-1330NEX review. I hope this clarified everything you needed. Are you ready to install it?

I’m doing some custom reviews. Reach out, and if there’s enough interest, maybe I will create on.

Catch you next time.

Does it fit in my car? Click Here to Check
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

Does this Pioneer DVD receiver comes with advanced sound retriever tech?

Yes the Pioneer AVH-1330NEX DVD receiver has advanced sound retriever enabled.

Does the AVH-1330NEX satellite radio audio video remote control profile?

Yes the AVH-1330NEX HD media tuner has the audio video remote control profile feature. Thanks to the built-in Bluetooth you can remote control audio streaming and video playback. Also you can play pause songs.

Does this Pioneer DVD receiver come with a built-in Bluetooth device?

Yes with this satellite radio you are getting built-in Bluetooth. You can make hands-free phone calls and do audio streaming. Not to mention the sound quality is excellent. The audio playback is without lag.

What can iDatalink Maestro do for the AVH-1330NEX  HD radio tuner?

The iDatalink Maestro is an extra device for the AVH-1330NEX DVD receiver. With it connected you will be able to retain steering wheel controls. Not only that with this device you can get vehicle information such as tire pressure, voltages, temperatures, etc. The iDatalink Maestro is not included you need to buy it separately.

Is this Pioneer nex head unit is Apple Carplay compatible Appradio mode?

Yes with this Pioneer nex head unit you get Apple Carplay compatible Appradio mode and of course Android Auto.

Last Updated on November 2, 2023 by Brian Beasley