Pioneer aims at the tech savvy car audio enthusiast with introduction of new flagship models DEH-9300SD and DEH-8300SD

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Pioneer completes its new in-car CD-tuner line-up with the introduction of the DEH-9300SD and DEH-8300SD models, designed for those who need the latest advanced features and high-grade audio. They allow you to listen to music stored on an iPod, iPhone, CD, USB device, SD card or portable MP3 player; all of which seamlessly connect to these new top-of-the-line Pioneer SD/CD/tuners. And both models offer complete flexibility when it comes to connecting extra amplifiers, speakers and subwoofers for those who are looking to add some extra power.

The new units have an SD card slot discretely hidden behind their front panels, compatible with SD and SDHC cards and capable of playback of a host of file formats including MP3, WMA, WAV and AAC files. The DEH-9300SD features a flap-type front panel that flips open at the touch of a button to reveal the CD and SD slots. Once a format is inserted, the panel is easily put back into place to maintain a clean dashboard look.

Both new models feature a front USB input, allowing the user to easily and immediately enjoy a selection of tunes. The DEH-9300SD comes with a Music Browser function, which automatically reads the music from an SD/SDHC memory card or USB device and lists tunes alphabetically by artist, album, song or genre, using audio tag information.

With iPod Direct Control, the DEH-9300SD and DEH-8300SD allow users to connect their iPod/iPhone straight to the tuner's front USB terminal, via an optional CD-IW50 cable, and enjoy superior sound free from the static of an FM transmitter, whilst also charging the connected device.

A new "App mode" enables users to listen to music from various iPhone and 'iPod touch' Apps, including games, internet radio, and musical instrument simulators, provided the app supports analogue audio output. An improved "Control mode" allows users to browse through songs with the rotary knob while the iPhone or 'iPod touch' displays the song list, or browse songs from an iPod classic while the device shows the cover flow.

With 'iTunes Tagging' on the DEH-8300SD, users can tag music on their iPod or iPhone as they listen to FM. To save information about songs they hear and like, listeners simply have to press a button — no pen or paper required. The unit will store the song information or immediately write it to a connected iPod/iPhone. When the iPod/iPhone syncs to a computer, iTunes builds a tagged playlist so listeners can preview, buy, and download their selected songs (note that iTunes Tagging is currently only available in the UK on selected radio stations).

Full-dot OEL Displays, blue on the DEH-8300SD and white on the larger display of the DEH-9300SD, make searching and selecting tracks from various sources more convenient. OEL technology also allows for wide viewing angles, active 3D visuals and high contrast and brightness, even in sunlight. The DEH-8300SD comes with two pre-installed OEL movies - dolphins and a street/DJ scene - which displays with amazing vividness. All functions are managed through the optional IR remote or Pioneer's single Rotary Commander.

Both CD-tuners have a MOSFET 50W x 4-channel amplifier built-in, a digital 5-band Graphic Equaliser (GEQ), Advanced Sound Retriever (ASR) technology to help restore musical detail lost in the creation of compressed music files, as well as built-in crossovers and flexible audio connections utilising three pairs of pre-amp outputs (4-Volts output level).

The DEH-9300SD and DEH-8300SD are available right now (from January 2011) at Pioneer car audio dealers across the UK.