Pioneer DMH-1500NEX
Summary
Overall, the Pioneer AVH-2550NEX is a great car stereo that comes with many features including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Its installation is not as difficult as thought, making it perfect for those wanting to update their audio system without spending a fortune.
Pros
- Easy to-ready display and has a responsive touch.
- Hand Free Calling works flawlessly.
- Excellent Audio Quality and many apps supported, such as Spotify and Pandora.
- Direct USB Control for iPhone makes it easy to connect and use your iPhone feature in the head unit.
- HD Radio works without any problem.
- Many equalizer settings available
- Bluetooth connects very quickly and has a strong connection.
- Useful Parking Assist Guide Line available
Cons
- No Wireless option for Apple CarPlay or Android Auto
- Small menu and volume buttons
- It might be challenging to install for some people.
- No Offline navigation is given, but you add it by buying AVIC-U280
If you looking to upgrade your infotainment system then, should give your five minutes to this Pioneer AVH-2500NEX Review.
Pioneer AVH 2550NEX can give you all these features at a reasonable price.
Let’s check out what other things you will get after buying the AVH-2550NEX.
What’s in the Box?
- Head Unit Receiver (11 x 11 x 7 inches)
- External microphone with Visor Bracket
- Wiring Harness for the installation
- USB Cable having a size of 58 inch
- Double-Sided Tape
- How to start Guide
- Wireless Remote Control with 3V Lithium Battery
- 12 Screws consists of 6 Pan Head ISO and 6 Countersunk
- Warranty Card and a User Manual
Design and Features
Pioneer AVH-2550NEX comes with a massive 6.8” touch screen display. The touch is clear resistive means that the contact is sensitive, and you do not press the show hardly to use anything on it.
Five Display color is given in which you can change the color of buttons located at the left of the screen. You can also customize the clock design and change the background color. You can enjoy YouTube videos of good quality.
Built-in CD/DVD Player
A CD/DVD player is given at top of the receiver in which you can play videos of good quality and can support many audio/video formats such as MP3, WMA/WAV/MPEG 1<2<4, AVI/DVIX, and more.
This head unit is best for iPhone users because it takes very few seconds to connect the iPhone to the stereo. Built-in Bluetooth is available which allows you to connect two devices at one time. Also, Simple Secure Pairing helps you to connect your devices with the unit very quickly and securely.
There are so many features available in this stereo, probably it takes you around a week to know and use its full function. But Apple CarPlay is something that everyone wants in their car. Unfortunately, wireless CarPlay is not available in this stereo however, you can use this feature via connecting your phone with the receiver through a USB cable.
You can also use GPS Navigation through Apple CarPlay via Waze, Google Maps, Apple Maps, and all other Apps. Pre-built Navigation is not available but, there is an option to connect an external GPS antenna. Pioneer recommends using the AVIC U220 add-on for this radio.
It has a built-in amplifier that has a good power output and RMS. A built-in equalizer is also available, which is another cool feature of this unit. In the equalizer settings, it has two customs and five options as Natural, Vocal, Flat, Powerful, and Bass.
So many other customization settings are available such as Fader / Balance, mute level, source-level adjuster, subwoofer, and many more.
Built-in HD Radio
It comes with pre-built HD radio with a tuner. There are about 18 FM and 6 AM Presets channels available. In radio settings, a quick EQ button is given on the right side so that you can change the equalizer setting according to your taste. Also, a quick call button at the right end of the screen is given to make calls quickly.
Hands-Free Calling
With AVH 2550NEX, you can do hands-free calling without any problem. It takes a few seconds to connect the phone to the unit. You can enjoy making calls from your head unit, which is very helpful when you are driving. Typically, while driving in an open car, the call quality sucks, but you will not face any issue with this radio.
Siri Eyes Free Works Great
It can support Siri Eyes Free in which you can play songs, sends messages, makes calls, and do other kinds of stuff with your voice control. While driving, this feature is extremely useful as you don’t need to touch the display.
Web-Link Support
The function of WebLink is pretty much the same as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto; also, you can use it with your iPhone or Android device. You can use Web-Link for using the apps on the unit, which need to be already installed on your phone.
Specifications
- 6.8” Capacitive Touch Screen with LED Backlight
- Resolution: 800 x 480 WVGA
- CD / DVD Player
- 13 Band Graphic Equalizer
- Power Output of 50 watts x 4 Channel
- 14 watts RMS per Channel
- Full Dimension: 11 x 11 x 7 inches
- Bluetooth with hands-free profile V 1.6
- Dual Phone connection supported in Bluetooth
- HD Radio having 18 FM and 6 AM channel
- MP3 Audio and RDS
- Dual Connection for front and rear Camera
- USB Input with direct control for iPhone
- FLAC Supported
- Sirius XM Ready
- iData-Link Maestro Ready
- Web Link Compatible
- Video Output for six channels
- Supports MPEG 1-2-4 Video Playbacks
- Other formats like WMV, JPEG, AVI /DivX
- 12 Months Warranty
Compatibility
Pioneer AVH 2550NEX is compatible with all types of car accessories, such as
- Dual Backup Camera
- Steering Wheel Control
- OBD2 Scanner
- Parking Assist Guideline
- iDataLink Maestro
- Sirius XM tuner
Installation
I was dreading the installation of this head unit. It looked like a lot of wires and I was worried about messing something up. However, the installation went smoothly and the head unit works great! The only thing I had to figure out was how to connect the blue/white wire to the amp turn-on lead.
Overall, I am very happy with the Pioneer AVH-2550NEX head unit. The installation was not as difficult as I thought it would be and the unit works great. If you are looking for a new head unit, I would highly recommend the Pioneer AVH-2550NEX.
Pioneer AVH-2550NEX Problems
The Most commonly reported problem with the Pioneer avh-2550 Nex head unit is its long boot-up time.
If users want to start up and go, the reverse camera may not be available for 10 seconds or more after the vehicle is started.
Additionally, some users have complained about how small the side buttons are, making them easier to use for larger hands.
The auto connection to an iPhone is also inconsistent, meaning that users must double-check before driving if the connection is manually established.
Furthermore, some buyers have complained about a need for more details from different sellers regarding product information and specifications, such as input jack size for the AUX mini jack, HDMI output capabilities, and compatibility with apps such as Apple CarPlay.
Finally, the head unit can suffer from glare in certain vehicles due to its placement within the car. This can make it difficult to read the screen at times.
All of these problems can be addressed by consulting with a car audio installation professional and reading online forums and troubleshooting guides for this product.
FAQs
Below are some questions people asked related to this head unit.
Will this head unit fit in my car?
If your car’s dashboard has space for a double din (2-Din) radio, then this radio will surely fit in your car without any problem. But If your car has a single din dash (1-Din), then a manual adjustment should be required.
Is this head unit actually worth it to buy?
There is no doubt that Pioneer AVH 2550NEX is one of Pioneer’s best car stereo. You will get a CD/DVD player, which most other head units do not provide with the latest features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Can I watch videos on Pioneer AVH-2550NEX?
There are multiple ways that you can videos, such as CD drive and YouTube via Apple CarPlay. Also, you can directly play movies through the USB input.
Can I pair more than one phone in AVH-2550NEX?
Yes, you can pair two devices at a time due to its dual Bluetooth support feature.
Will I get a free backup camera with it?
No, Backup camera is not given in the box, However, there are two inputs available to connect a rare view camera and a dash camera.
Does this stereo support USB Charging?
Yes, it does support USB charging for both Android as well as iOS.
What is Web-Link in?
With WebLink, you can use all of your phone’s apps on the stereo like YouTube, Google Maps, etc. But to connect, you also need to install a WebLink application on your mobile device.
Where can I download the user manual for AVH 2550NEX?
You can download the user manual for 2550-NEX from here.
Pioneer AVH-2550NEX – Final Verdict
Pioneer did a superb task of making this radio. AVH 2550NEX is one of the pioneer’s best car radios for the money. In 2021, no stereo provider will give all the unit features at this price. The serious evaluating makes this unit a phenomenal starter in-run beneficiary with enough highlights to get you by satisfactorily.
If you are serious about upgrading your audio system, then this is the unit, you must purchase. Otherwise, you can also check our Pioneer DMH 1500NEX review which is also a nice head unit however, it does not come with CD/DVD receiver.
This stereo will be an excellent choice for those who want an Apple CarPlay and a DVD player even though it is a bit costly but worth every penny.
The Pioneer AVH-2550NEX connects very quickly with iPhone as well as Android. The only drawback in this head unit is no wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. Otherwise, it’s a great car stereo.
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I just bought and installed a 2550 nex, along with the Idatalink maestro. I have found the audio settings to be inaccessible, regardless of the Ebrake position. I even went as far as to install a PAC TR1 to ensure that the e brake was not holding up the menus. Now it will allow movies to play while driving, but the menus are still inaccessible. Pioneer tech support says its the maestro and nothing could be wrong with their product(verbatim) people at ADS say the maestro is for interface only, and does not involve audio signals, or prevent menu access. And I’m regretting my purchase. I wish now I had gone with my gut and purchased the kenwood 9907.
Sorry to hear about the audio access issue with your Pioneer 2550NEX and Maestro.
Both Pioneer and ADS point to the other for blame. Here are some next steps:
Double-check Maestro settings: Ensure Maestro configuration doesn’t block audio menus.
Contact Maestro support: Explain the issue and see if they have solutions.
Consider a firmware update: Check if updates for the head unit or Maestro might fix it.
If troubleshooting fails, consider returning the Maestro and using the head unit standalone.