Buying Car Head Units from US/Amazon

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wasabi2k

2092 posts

Uber Geek

#154848 10-Nov-2014 13:20

Hi All,
Had a quick look - hope this isn't a repeat question.

Are there any drawbacks (beyond warranty/returns) with importing a head unit from the US using Amazon/Youshop?

I'm just going for a Pioneer with Bluetooth, the 2014 model in NZ is around 300, while it is $150 + Youshop from Crutchfield/Amazon.

The model numbers are slightly different (NZ = X6750BT, US = X6700BT) but otherwise look the same.

I believe the US FM Frequencies and spacing are the same - am I missing something here?

ubergeeknz

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Vocus

#1172192 10-Nov-2014 13:23

The step between FM stations in the US is 200kHz and here it's 100kHz meaning you can't get most of the stations.

wasabi2k

2092 posts

Uber Geek

#1172194 10-Nov-2014 13:27

Right - did a bit more digging and found that same info. What a shame.

The Pioneer manual actually states that frequencies are for US only.

Arse.

ubergeeknz

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Vocus

#1172196 10-Nov-2014 13:29

wasabi2k: Arse.

You could of course eschew FM completely. But then why even have a head unit at all.

sbiddle

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Biddle Corp

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#1172205 10-Nov-2014 13:45

AM is also different, the US use 10kHz whereas most of the world (incl NZ) used 9 kHz

wasabi2k

2092 posts

Uber Geek

#1172211 10-Nov-2014 13:51

ubergeeknz:
wasabi2k: Arse.

You could of course eschew FM completely. But then why even have a head unit at all.

It is largely going to be podcasts over bluetooth anyway - not fussed about AM - but seems a bit silly to have a head unit with no radio at all...

richms

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#1172253 10-Nov-2014 15:27

Some are selectable by holding buttons down when powering them on. See if you can get the manual online.

Just be sure its not the manual for the south american model, as they have that option on many down there, and those are often a good price which is why the parallel importers like to bring them into NZ from there.

Richard rich.ms

wasabi2k

2092 posts

Uber Geek

#1172257 10-Nov-2014 15:37

richms: Some are selectable by holding buttons down when powering them on. See if you can get the manual online.

Just be sure its not the manual for the south american model, as they have that option on many down there, and those are often a good price which is why the parallel importers like to bring them into NZ from there.

Thanks I had a look - the Pioneer US models don't appear to be switchable.

martyyn

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#1172699 11-Nov-2014 11:01

If it's just for podcasts then I assume you aren't all that worried about audio quality so there would be much easier methods to do this.

I've put aux-in cables into most cars I've had simply by bypassing the cd player, if the headunit hasnt already got an aux-in. I've then either used a 3.5mm cable or a bluetooth adapter on that. The cable is peanuts and the BT adapter $15 from TM.

Surely there are local head unit which can give you what you need. Why the Pioneer in the first place ?

ilovemusic

1326 posts

Uber Geek

#1172709 11-Nov-2014 11:16

you're better off buying an nz spec unit from a local seller.

shop around and you'll eventually find a suitable unit in your price range.

Poll

328 posts

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#1172713 11-Nov-2014 11:24

Quality car audio has that model for $238 on their website from what i can see on pricespy, tried using the geekzone search but it doesn't seem to cover car audio.

paulspain

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#1172718 11-Nov-2014 11:28

I've grabbed a couple of JVC Bluetooth headunits from USA for review purposes in the past. In both cases I was able to adjust the FM settings to suit NZ.

wasabi2k

2092 posts

Uber Geek

#1172747 11-Nov-2014 12:01

Pioneer because I have existing wiring harnesses in the car and like the brand - the X6650 is the 2013 model, was keen to get the 2014 model (X6750).

Bluetooth integrated because I can't be arsed with extra bits and wires - I already use AUX IN and a cable - which does the job. I don't really want a cable and another thing sticking out/around somewhere.

So basically I am being picky and wanted to save $100.

I will more than likely just end up buying it from parallel imported or trademe.