Pioneer DEH-P88RS - £449.99 inc VAT

Pioneer Car Audio MP3 Tuner DEH-P88RS

DEH-P88RS The DEH-P88RS CD Tuner Head Unit

Pioneer's latest research in powerful DSPs and incorporating the best components available has produced a competition-grade CD tuner that delivers the purest in sound.

The DEH-P88RS offers two primary configurations:

• Classic car audio set-up: comprising front and rear channels and subwoofer output.
• A 3-way set-up: which integrates both a high and low range channel, combined with a subwoofer. The network settings feature 11 cut-off points for each of the high, mid and low range high pass and low pass filters. Slopes can be adjusted in at least five steps and the phases can be reversed if necessary. The configuration enhances sound staging and imaging and is likely to be the preferred option for the most demanding audio experts.

To optimise sound image, staging and frequency response, the DEH-P88RS uses automatic time alignment and equalisation to adjust the audio settings.

Time alignment compensates for the off-centre seating position in cars by adding delays to the output channels, thereby optimising sound imaging and staging. On the DEH-P88RS the time alignment can be adjusted in 1.25cm steps, and can be used in either the standard full-range mode or the alternative 3-way mode.

The digital equaliser offers 16 bands, with the possibility of adjusting the left and right channels independently if necessary. Whether you’re an experienced or novice user, the automatic time alignment and equalisation are extremely convenient and, once completed, the settings can be fine-tuned manually to ensure that the sound is pure and accurate to your liking.

The audio components have been selected for their uncompromising quality. From the direct digital transfer from CD to DSP, through high-quality resistors, circuit boards and operation amplifiers, to the high-quality capacitors used in the power supply component selection, the DEH-P88RS is appointed to create exemplary sound quality.

The Burr-Brown Advanced Segment Type DACs that use a combination of multi-bit and 1-bit processing offer extremely low noise performance. This is complemented by the low-noise and high dynamic range of the specially-designed 5V Hi-Volt pre-outs. Where external amps are being used, the internal power amp can be switched off, further optimising performance and noise reduction.

The unit’s refined aluminium face plate provides a refined aesthetic appearance in keeping with the exclusive nature of the product. It’s also easy to use, with a white OEL display and an intuitive turn-and-push user interface.