DISCLAIMER: A lot of reading, but can be summed up in the last portion... Thanks for your interest if you decide to help

***Background***

So I called up Pioneer a few weeks ago to see if my HU does support adjusting of the Crossover slopes and come to find out, my HU does not support it at all, however, the website clearly states that it has adjustable crossover cutoff frequencies and slopes. So, after an hour on the phone and traveling through customer service -> complaints dept -> customer service -> operations -> complaints dept, they finally decided that I am indeed correct and because of the false advertisement and me paying for something that I thought would be there, but turned out not to be, they're going to try to offer me some kind of compensation.

I told them I was interested in upgrading to the 880PRS and they said that they may be able to give me some sort of credit toward the new head unit since this one was falsely advertised.

After a week or so, they call me back and tell me that I can get an 880 for $100 with return of my 6900, or a 9800BT for $160 and return of my unit. I say sweet deal, but then notice that the 800PRS hits the website, looks a TON better, and supposedly features USB input, which I use 95% of the time in my car. So I call up Pioneer and inquire about a possible upgrade to the 800 over the 880/980..... and that's where the fun begins.

***Present***

So after asking about the 800, I'm informed that Pioneer management REALLY prefers to close complaints within 30 days and that the 800 will not be out until late March/April. So essentially, they want the 800 to be out of the question and for me to take some of their old stock that they're offloading and be happy. However, the two models offered do NOT include USB, a necessity for myself. So I sent Pioneer a few emails asking if the 800 DOES include USB-input and all they have to say is that the manual/website doesn't say much about it apart from a USB adapter being an accessory ($120, need separate power, stupid).

However, one search for "800prs usb" on google shows me websites with coverage from CES showing that the 800 and all new Pioneer units include USB built-in. So someone is lying... I think Pioneer Customer Service is just misinformed or dumb.

So moving on, I get a call today essentially saying that I can either take the 880 or 980 for the offered prices, or take a full refund of my 6900 ($230) and just wait for the 800 to be in stores/online. My dilemma... My entire system is run off external amps, so the stock head unit offers ZERO use. I have NO substitute units. And I'd be without music for two months. SUCKS! I've been offered an ultimatum on it, and I really doubt much fighting it will be of any benefit, and what REALLY blows is that had I called two months from now, I'd have an 800 no sweat.

So I come to you guys asking... any ideas?!? I don't know what to do here

If anyone could help it would really be appreciated... I need some other opinionsrap:

 

get the 880 and be done with it. i don't see what makes the 800 worth and extra $100.

 

Well for me, the USB does. Considering the 880 + USB adapter would be $20 more than the 800 by itself. IF the 800 has USB, it's the better bargain for me.

 

well it looks as if it doesn't have the usb either.

 

Yea I know.

Pioneer just released the 800's owner's manual AND pics of the rear of the unit and no USB input.

So now I might as well just take the 880 and be done with it and possibly ask if I can pick up a USB adapter for less than retail to make up for it :-\

Damnit damnit damnit, I wanted USB!

 

So lemme ask you guys this: Are there ANY units (high end) that support USB and have as many adjustments and features as the 880/800?

I want USB, but I'll go without if I must, but I'll also take the cash and buy another brand if I need to.

 

http://www.eclipse-web.com/cd/cd7200overviews.html

 

Yea I'm already looking into that one. But I can't wait more than one or two weeks to make my mind up :-\

So it needs to be ASAP on the release date, to market that is.

 

why not just take the refund for now? And get what you want later on?

 

Get the refund for now!!. Go by sone deck fora hundred bucks from a local store, return it within 30 days. Hell got to wal mart they havea 90 day return policy. Then you will have music for 2 months . Return it. Get your full refund then buy your new deck. Problem solved