What are they for? Easy to hook-up? How will this improve system HOW?

 

They are to easily add amplified sound to your system, and there are two advantages:

- first and foremost, you don't want to take an amplified signal from a head unit, and then add another amplifier on top of that, it's bad for sound quality among other things.

- second, there's no splicing into the wiring harness. it's just plug and play.

Most people will simply add an amplified subwoofer to the system. However, swapping out the door speakers with higher quality, and adding a small amplifier for them will be extremely good for the system. So you can have an extremely nice sound system with minimal investment.

 

That's exactly why I feel the Premium is nice: has the OEM look, feel and integration but lets you add amps and better speakers all around with minimal fuss.

 

The standard oem head unit also has pre-amp outputs. From a functional standpoint, the premium HU adds video capabilities and looks a bit better.

 

OK......So I can just add a Subwoofer by plugging in?? That simple The Radio sounds pretty good now......................But you know we gotta mess with it anyway

 

Are you sure? I'm rather certain there have been pictures taken of the rear of the radio head unit and it shows NO pre-amp outputs whatsoever.
Here: https://www.scionlife.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=176119

The black oval on the lower right hand corner is where the pre-amp outputs reside on the Premium HU.
I have also not heard anything of video capabilities on the Premium HU. Would you mind posting some links up to that info please?

 

Fred is not correct.

 

exactly... no RCA outputs on the base unit.

 

I just bought my xB2 a couple weeks ago and I regret not getting the Premium Pioneer HU. I went back to the dealership this week though and they said that since it's pure pricing, they would still give it to me at $389, or whatever price it is. Sucky thing now is I have to pay for install. Oh well, I guess that that's the price of making my ride sweet. Gotta say though, up till now, I don't have any complaints! I love my box!

 

install it yourself... takes about 10 minutes, 4 bolts a socket with an extension... easier that you can imagine

 

How do you take the head unit out? And... After I take the original HU is out, is there anywhere I can sell it (other than eBay, of course)?

 

Pop off the panel around it and the vents... really easy, just pull with your hands... there are four bolts. remove those the unit pops right out.

The back has quick connect plugs, can be a little frustrating sometimes, but just find the spot where you push in and the plugs will remove....

take the brackets off the side and put them on the new stereo and reverse the process.

I sold mine on ebay got about $80, saw someone elses go for over $100

 

I stand corrected on the standard HU's lack of pre-amp outputs (much to my dismay). That's what I get for listening to a Scion salesman... However, according to Scion, the premium HU can display downloaded images and short video clips.

Pioneer Premium Audio System $389

disclaimer
Its got all the same features as the standard Pioneer system: a standard iPod connector and an AUX port for alternative digital music players, six speakers (two tweeters and a full-range speaker in each door panel), Automatic Sound Levelizer (ASL), Sound Retouch (SRT), and MP3, WMA, and AAC capability. And Scion Sound Processing (SSP) can be tuned to the individual acoustic characteristics of xB, xD, or tC, plus a fourth setting built in for owners who add external amps to the Premium system. All Scions offer available coast-to-coast satellite radio coverage with the accessory satellite radio tuner, antenna, and paid monthly Sirius or XM subscription. ***Pioneer's Premium audio lets you download images and video to play on the OEL faceplate display.Pioneer's Premium audio includes the same features as the standard audio system.

 

No worries ScionFred. There's another thread going on right now about dealerships, and one of my points in that thread is this very happening, that we the customer get bad info usually from salespeople. The important thing is that now we have both verified this with the pictures supplied by another member. Knowledge is wonderful.

These little video clips etc can be found here:
http://pioneer.jp/car/oel_screensaver_studio/
You can also use the software to make your own animations and more but the graphics aren't all that. Either way, I think the Premium HU is still a decent value due to the fact that you can upgrade everything around it quite easily due to those pre-amp outputs while keeping a nice factory look in your dash. Opinions vary and for my uses I think it's fine.
Enjoy in good health sir.

 

side note...how would one hook up a sub to this head unit?

 

easy hookup all you need it an amp hook the RCA cables coming out of the head unit into the amp... then hook your speaker up to the amp. pretty simple stuff.

 

That's the advantage of the Premium HU right there, in a nutshell.

 

wonder how easy the back seats come out.. and if there could be speakers recessed in the plastic "storage" bins... b/c we all know they are not good for storage. could be kinna cool under there huh? the bass should sound good coming up from there. not to mention im sure the girls would love sitting in the back ... hell i might even enjoy it! lol ...

humm... just an idea..

 

i meant the stock non premium unit :p sorry :p

 

ah for the stock unit... you would have to splice off your back two speakers and and a converter to RCA outputs to hook up to amp and so on..