I just ordered a Kenwood Excelon DMX907S when I saw that Pioneer released their new 2770NEX headunit and now I'm thinking it might be worth getting it instead. It's $300 CAD cheaper (and seems to offer the same features) but the fact that it's new and has next to no information on it kind of scares me...
Posted Jul 21, 2022, 4:18 PM UTC · edited
They haven't hit our shelves yet.
Darn. Looks like Canada got some early...
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The 1770 and 2770 are the first significant redesign in Pioneer double-DIN units in years. The 1770 has wired Android Auto and Apple CarPlay while the 2770 adds wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Otherwise from what I can tell the two units are the same in function and capability.
They do not have the same capability as the older NEX units and are clearly value oriented.
They most definitely have a different audio section, which has been driven by semiconductor shortages and DAC factory fires, but I haven't seen any tests to see if that is a deal breaker. The back looks totally different. Multiple wiring harnesses for inputs and outputs is new for Pioneer and might be useful for cramped installations, but it's another part to lose if you don't install them right away due to not needing them for your current application. The interface has been simplified which might be a good thing or bad thing depending on your view. There isn't a big heatsink and fan on the back any more. They have 2V preouts instead of 4V.
Personally I don't think the more expensive units are worth it just for digital time alignment. Both the Pioneers mentioned above are perfect for adding AA/CarPlay into an older vehicle. If you're looking down the road to expanding your system with amplifiers, a subwoofer, or multiple cameras, then a more expensive unit could be worth the money. There's a risk you acquire the aftermarket audio upgrade bug!
I'm "attempting" to maintain my 2nd screen in my car (2014 accord touring) so that my cameras will not need to be plugged into the headunit. I say attempting as the wiring harness seems to be iffy.
I've got a powered sub already and I am upgrading my speakers and plan on getting a 100RMS / channel 4ch amp as well. I was just told the Kenwood is backordered (even though the store claimed to have them in stock). Think it's worth going for the 2770 instead?
Also thank you very much for the write-up.
Looking at the product comparison page (below) with the previous 2660NEX, there is some interesting choices of things they seem to have downgraded somewhat while adding some newer "refreshed" features for 2022.
Following this thread to see if others have additional insight into what's good/worse with the new offering. The biggest thing is the 2770 seems actually in-stock while the 2660 is much harder to locate at this point.
The features are really interesting. Adding wireless Carplay and Android Auto are great, but they removed HD Radio. And no iDatalink Maestro, either.
Just as a quick update, I ended up going with a Kenwood DMX957XR. Hopefully installing tomorrow.
Why would it scare you? It’s almost exactly the same as their other radios that do have reviews on them. They’re a reputable brand and I’ve had two different Pioneer radios similar to that one and they both worked perfectly.
I don't like buying products without being able to do research on them. New products don't have reviews, product tests, etc. While I agree that it's a good and reputable brand, that doesn't mean they can't make an oopsie every once in a while.
Looking at the specs though, it looks like I'll be sticking to the Kenwood. The 2770NEX doesn't seem to have a second camera input, nor does it have time alignment.Just realized that I don't even plan on plugging my cameras to the headunit anyways so I guess the question is, is time alignment worth $300...
Even the cheaper Pioneers have time alignment, it's just not adjustable. I run time alignment and it makes the sound better, but I could live without it also.
Oh ok. I was looking at the Pioneer website and comparing the specs page of the 4660NEX and the 2770NEX and while the 4660NEX had a section for time alignment, the 2770 didn't.
Now I'm really stumped. Seems like the 2770 is just a great deal...