Pioneer MVH-s300bt Review

A car’s sound system is something we take for granted. A high-quality car stereo head unit gives you optimum control over your music including how deep, crisp and loud it sounds. There is a wide variety of media receivers to choose from and selecting the best one matching your requirements and preferences can be confusing.

Today, we review one of the best options for a single DIN head unit chosen by many car owners. Pioneer is one of the leading players in the market of car audio. The Pioneer MVH-S300BT is one of the most popular single DIN digital media receiver available today.

Read on to learn more about the features, offerings and benefits of this head unit to decide whether it works for you.

Pioneer MVH-S300BT Review

The all-new, short-chassis Pioneer MVH-S300BT is a single din Bluetooth digital media receiver designed to stream music from Bluetooth-enabled device in crystal clear audio quality. Loaded with a plethora of exciting features, this stereo unit is sure to take your music experience to the next level.

Specifications

Receiver Size – Single DIN

Peak Power Output – 50W x 4 channels

RMS Power Output – 17W x 4 channels

Weight – 4lbsF

Design

Pioneer MVH-S300BT in-dash receiver is a standard single din head unit with a fully detachable front panel. It features a user-friendly wide-angle VA LCD display with LED back-light. It comes with illumination timer, 10-level brightness control and dimmer setting to let you view and use the functions the way you like.

The front panel has an auxiliary input, illuminated USB input and a wired remote input. The display supports multiple languages including English, French and Spanish. It comes with a remote control for easy use.

Bluetooth

This media receiver is designed specifically to let you stream music from your devices in superior audio quality. Built-in Bluetooth and Advanced Sound Retriever work together to provide crystal clear, impressive quality of music from any Bluetooth-enabled device including smartphone and audio player.

The unit also lets you make and answer calls and carry on a hands-free communication while driving. You can even store your contacts and assign buttons for easy, quick dialing.

It features an external microphone for clear, comfortable, distortion-free hands-free conversation. The receiver allows connecting two Bluetooth devices at the same time. You can connect any device wirelessly to stream music, search songs, view info about artist and album.

Smartphone Connectivity

The Pioneer MVH-S300BT receiver features Android compatibility to allow connecting any Android smartphone to stream music stored on the device. With iPhone Direct Control, the unit allows controlling your iPod or iPhone directly from the dashboard and stream the music from the device in superior sound quality.

Audio Quality and Controls

The receiver allows connecting iPhone, Android smartphones and USB devices using the auxiliary or USB input. It also lets you tune into your favorite radio stations with the AM/FM tuner. The built-in MOSFET 50Wx4 channels amplifiers deliver pure and prove power to provide impressive sound quality.

You can even use the two RCA pre-outs to connect an external stereo component such as extra amplifier or subwoofer for rear speakers. The stereo supports common audio file formats including WMA, MP3, WAV, AAC and FLAC.

Dynamic Bass Enhancer delivers a better bass experience by harnessing the frequencies of bass notes within the music and amplifying them. There is also a customizable 13-band graphic equalizer and crossover network. Apart from the standard audio controls, the unit allows controlling subwoofer, loudness, listening position and sound level.

Karaoke

By connecting the microphone into the Aux-in of the Pioneer stereo, you can start mixing the voice with an audio source from Bluetooth or USB connected device.

Pandora and Spotify Integration

With support for Pandora, the unit allows creating Pandora stations for seamless music experience. Use Spotify from your smartphone to browse your favorite tracks, albums and artists right from the head unit.

Quick Charge

Pioneer MVH-S300BT features a charging downstream port that provides up to 1.5A to charge your Android smartphone quickly when connected.

Advanced Remote Control App

The most attractive feature of this receiver is its compatibility with the Advanced Remote Control App that coverts your compatible Android smartphone or iPhone into a powerful touchscreen remote control to be able to manage and customize features of the car stereo system in an intuitive, convenient way.

Siri Eyes Free

The head unit allows using your iPhone’s Siri function through the external microphone and the car’s speakers.

Pros

• Detachable faceplate for anti-theft security
• Multiple connectivity options
• Android and iOS compatibility
• Voice control available
• Battery charging for compatible phones
• Dual-phone connection
• Superior quality sound
• External microphone included
• Steering wheel remote input
• Support for a variety of music file formats
• Simple installation
• 1-year manufacturer warranty

Cons

• Display color cannot be changed
• Bluetooth pairing can be difficult sometimes
• Cannot play CDs or DVDs

What’s In the Box

• In-dash receiver
• Wiring harness
• Detachable face
• Mounting sleeve
• Radio removal tools
• Microphone with cable
• Batteries
• Trim ring
• Remote control
• User manual
• Mounting bracket
• Screws
• Warranty card

Summary

With advanced playback and control functions, smartphone connectivity and built-in Bluetooth, the Pioneer MVH-S300BT offers everything one would want to get a seamless music and smartphone operation experience while driving. If you are looking for a truly fulfilling stereo that fits in your dashboard without taking up much space, this unit is a perfect choice.