johnnyboy

i'm looking at trading my tacoma in for a new xb. i've got a nice system in my tacoma and would like the same in the xb. I havn't been able to find any specs on the Premium head unit. Does anyone know what the difference is between the the premium and standard head units or is the premium just a prettier version i'd just need to swap out anyway to get decent sound? mainly is it worth the money for the sound quality it puts out?

AAG

iTrader: (1)

From what I've heard is that the premium sounds better than the base model. I personally got the premium because it looks soooooo much nicer than the base but it does cost you quite come $$$. I could have bought something much better for that price aftermarket but I didn't want the hassle and wanted it factory.

The only thing I'm not impressed with is the speakers. They don't sound that great maybe that's because my previous car had upgraded speakers in it .

draxcaliber

premium sound systems offered by auto makers are never worth it.

sure it probably does sound better than the base sound system, it is over priced compared to what you could get in aftermarket units.

uberspeed

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He's right. Take the $400 and get something better. Pioneer Avic-D3 seems to be quite popular.
The Premium HU just gives you a nicer screen and the RCA pre-outs.
Another member here, xbFred IIRC, did a great sound system upgrade using the Premium HU. He was quite disappointed in the results and was looking to replace the HU after all, the source just makes too much of a difference.

jetboater

the scion "build it yourself" site has the details--the premium radio has the same power and settings and uses the same speakers as the base radio----just the faceplate is different--you can change the background on the premium including downloading your own backgrounds. The sound is exactly the same.

RockBlocker

Sound si the same. But you get a video skin on the face of the unit. You also get pre amp outputs from a factory radio. Other than that its yours choice

johnnyboy

thanks, i'll probably just save the $400 and buy something after market then. hopefully i can find something that fits the look of the xb

masterbassist

the newpioneer system upgrade also has the ipod adapter, thats primairly the reason i got it, it sounds 1000 times better than the system in my last car, maybe becasue my speakers in my last car were blown haha

but yeah im happy with it, maybe in the future i might get an amp and a sub installed

jetboater

the base radio also has the ipod adapter as well

midgethearsexb

Take the $400 and go find a dealer for Pioneer. If you smooth talk him, he might think about ordering you a D3 for the discounted dealer price of $400 that's good through the month of October. If not, you can pick one up online for around $700. Definitely worth it! Nivi, DVD, iPod, steering wheel control integration, satelite radio, satelite traffic updates, back up camera... for a couple more $$$. Definitely worth it!

XD40tC

Im happy about choosing to upgrade to it! And at the last minute too. I just got a new iPod too so Im stoked about it! You could definitely get something better for the price but I like that it says Scion on it and the neat features. I dont regret it.

golfbiz

I listened to both the reg and premium during test drives, no difference in sound so didn't seem worth the extra money just for preouts and cosmetic looks. In addition, you can find the premium on ebay in some cases for $100 from owners that got it and didn't like it and bought aftermarket. For a little more $$ I upgraded to the D3 which IMO is a no brainer if you want something better than stock!

Highlander1976

If you want an incredible Deck. Buy the new Kenwood DNX 7100. It is a double-Din deck with a 6.95" screen and has Garmin built in for the GPS without the need of a DVD. It has a 2 Gig internal Flash memory that can be updated each year. Plus the system has Bluetooth, HD Radio, CD Changer & Ipod options you can add.

ToFu_Blk

Does anyone know if the wiring from the basic to the premium headunit is the same? Right now i have a basic if i buy a premium unit, can i swap out the units? are the plugs the same? ipod functionally will remain?

Highlander1976

The Ipod connection on the back of the Pioneer Unit is unique only to the Scion Decks. You can re-pin the connection, but I have heard this is a major pain in the A##.

ToFu_Blk

But if i'm switching from the basic scion pioneer deck to the premium scion pioneer, will the plugs be the same? Can i do just a clean swap without cutting or adapting?

Highlander1976

Sorry I misunderstood the question. Yes if you go from the basic Scion Deck to the Premium Scion Deck, the plugs will work without a problem.

ToFu_Blk

Awsome, off to ebay and or Graigs list, for someone that wants to get rid of their stereo cheap