Pioneer AVH 1550NEX Review – Are You Ready to Enjoy Your Commute With Perfect Sound?
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Am I sitting in my car?
Let me just double-check. That’s what my buddy said when we had swapped his car stereo. The car sounded like a concert hall. So what did we change beside the head unit?
Nothing. Nothing.
Now I know how overwhelming it is to find a good stereo. I mean, there are so many products out there. The list seems to be endless. From cheap to expensive from brand to no brand, there are hundreds to choose from.
This is why I’ve decided to write this Pioneer AVH-1550NEX review. I will share with you the experiences I had with this car stereo.
Besides the great sound quality, it has everything that you will need. Hands-free controls checked. Backup camera checked. SiriusXM ready tested. As you can see, all these features can modernize your car.
As a gift to you for reading the whole review I’ve included a pros and cons list at the end. Don’t miss it because there’s important info you want to consider before buying.
Let’s get this Pioneer AVH-1550NEX review started.
Who is the Pioneer AVH-1550NEX for?
There are two types of people who buy this head unit. Anybody who wants to enjoy quality sound at a fair price is a customer — the second type of person who wants to get a car stereo that upgrades the car.
For those who are interested in music, you have a lot to choose from. There’s the usual FM/AM radio plus CD/DVD player. Thanks to the built-in Bluetooth, you can stream music or listen to podcasts.
If you are a fan of podcasts, you can enjoy your daily commute. I’ve noticed that I spend the commute with something useful I’m in a better mood. I got bored with the radio and music, and now I listen to audiobooks and podcasts.
Now, if you are more interested in safety features, the Pioneer AVH-1550NEX has that as well.
We all know how important it is to keep our eyes on the road all the time. With Apple Carplay, you can enjoy free texting. Siri is there for your help.
What can the Pioneer AVH-1550NEX do for you?
I love two features of this car stereo. Let’s talk about the touchscreen display. It’s 6.2″ wide. Most of the car stereos use capacitive screens; this one is different. The Pioneer AVH-1550NEX has a resistive touchscreen display.
It responds fast. No lag was no pressing for hours.
The second feature that I love is how fast built-in Bluetooth is. It connects right away. High-end stereos messed this up bad. It takes up to 30s or more to find my phone. I would rather avoid waiting.
The screen is simple and intuitive. You don’t have to watch the screen to hit the right option.
If you want to watch DVDs, you will have to hack the system. In a bit, I will tell you more about it. By default, you can only watch movies if the car has stopped, and the e-brake is pulled. Also, certain settings can be applied only then.
Apple Carplay works perfectly. Siri does a great job with dictation. Now I can phone and text from my car with this hands-free option.
Last but not least, you can connect a backup camera to the Pioneer AVH-1550NEX head unit. The rear view camera is not included you will have to purchase it separately.
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Pioneer AVH-1550NEX shortcomings
The Pioneer AVH-1550NEX has its flaws. Let’s see if they are a deal-breaker for you.
There is no front USB. I have no clue why they make these units. If you use an extension cord, then it’s dangling and looks ugly. Yet other brands then Pioneer are guilty of this as well.
For me, FM radio was a bit laggy. It took too much time to find the stations.
The Pioneer documentation is thin. If you want to do a DIY install, then watch YouTube. Many people have managed to install their head units with the help of videos.
I have to admit I have a 1st world problem. The Pioneer AVH-1550NEX only allows 2 phones to be connected at the same time. Well, I have two phones, and my wife has one as well. Decisions, decisions.
Last but not least, you need to hack the emergency brake, or you won’t get much done. As time goes by, it gets harder and harder to do so.
- Detachable Face Security: Fixed
- Remote Control Included: Yes
- Multi-Language Display
How To Get The Most Out Of Pioneer AVH-1550NEX?
The Pioneer AVH-1550NEX works great. But for this, you need to make the install flawless. I’ve seen many people complain that this and that sucks and doesn’t work. Well, if the install has been done correctly, they wouldn’t be complaining.
This is why I recommend getting a pro install. While you’re at it and you want to keep your steering wheel controls, you might get the Idatalink Maestro. This little advice helps you keep your stock steering controls. Installing this unit might add an extra step in complexity, but it’s worth it.
You can personalize the look and feel of your new car stereo. You can choose from 5 display colors and 112 key colors. I tend to match the interior, so it doesn’t scream aftermarket.
It’s one of the best double din radios so single din cars can’t use it. You are speaking of DVD players you need to do an e-brake bypass if you want to watch movies on the go. There are many solutions for this. Do remember as time goes by, it will get harder and harder.
To get the best sound quality you will need to tweak the 13-band graphic equalizer. Now I know not everybody has the time to invest hours with the 13-band graphic equalizer so there’s the option of choosing one of the presets.
Spotify and Pandora are there for your liking. Connect your Apple or Android phone, and you can start the music streaming.
Here’s the bird’s eye view for this head unit.
- Fast and responsive resistive touch screen
- Apple Carplay works great
- Brings your car into the 21st century
- No front USB
- Only two phones can be paired
Pioneer AVH-1550NEX Review Conclusion
All in all, the Pioneer AVH-1550NEX head unit works great. The Bluetooth connection is good. Whoever I talk over the phone, they can hear me. There’s a huge selection of music. If you are a fan of SiriusXM radio, then connect with your account, and you’re set. Plus it’s Apple Carplay compatible.
This is the end of the review.
What did you think? Do you have the same stereo? Share your experience with us.
Thanks for Mike. I’ve done this review. If you would like me to review other units, let me know.
Catch you next time.
Does it fit in my car? Click Here to Check
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Frequently Asked Questions:
Does this Pioneer DVD receiver have audio video input or video output?
Yes with this DVD receiver you are getting both audio video input output. So you can enjoy Apple Carplay built-in Bluetooth connection.
Does this Pioneer DVD receiver comes with advanced sound retriever tech?
Yes this Pioneer DVD receiver has advanced sound retriever enabled.
Is there a remote control for the Pioneer AVH-1550NEX DVD receiver?
Yes, matter of fact the AVH-1550NEX DVD receiver has a remote control in the package. If for some reason this remote control is not for your liking you can buy your own separately.
Does this unit have a SiriusXM tuner?
Yes it comes with a built-in SiriusXM tuner.
What kind of camera input this HU delivers?
With this car stereo you are getting dual camera input. With dual camera input you can mount a dash cam and a backup camera.
What can iDatalink Maestro do for the AVH-1550NEX DVD receiver?
The iDatalink Maestro is an extra device for the AVH-1550NEX 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.
Is the Pioneer AVH-2550NEX a good alternative for the Pioneer AVH-1550NEX?
One of the best alternatives is Pioneer AVH-2550NEX. The Pioneer AVH-2550NEX review will explain it detailed.
Does this stereo come with both video input and video output?
Yes you can utilize both video input and video output. So you can enjoy Apple Carplay built-in Bluetooth system.
What are the top two features of the Pioneer AVH-1550NEX?
Features Apple Carplay built-in bluetooth; Hands-free calling and audio streaming
How to sum up this stereos biggest features?
It’s quite simple actually: it has Apple Carplay built-in Bluetooth device, it brings hands-free calling and audio streaming; You can plug in android devices; It’s Apple Carplay compatible;
Last Updated on November 3, 2023 by Brian Beasley
