Pioneer FH-P8000BT + Sony RM-X4S Remote

[Synomenon]

Have any of you tried using Sony's RM-X4S wired, rotary stalk remote with the Pioneer's FH-P8000BT? I've read on a number of websites that this remote works with some of Pioneer's HUs.

It's a really convenient accessory, especially for cars that don't have steering wheel audio controls (I installed one on my previous car's steering wheel column).

 

[Synomenon]

Got my Pioneer FH-P8000BT today. Hooked it up and plugged the Sony RM-X4S into it. Yes! It does work! All functions of the remote EXCEPT for the button which is used to access the audio options menu (bass, treble, etc.) in Sony head units, work. That button does nothing on the P8000BT. All of the other buttons on the RM-X4S functions with the P8000BT identically as they do with the Sony CDX-GT920U (which is the only Sony head unit I've owned).

 

[sjwaste]

Wow, nice HU. Hard to find a double-din with at least 4V preouts at a decent price, let alone w/ bluetooth and built in ipod support.

How's the interface? Do you like it, overall?

 

[Synomenon]

So far I like it. The UI is simple and straightforward. The analog AM/FM tuner source disappears once you've hooked up the HD tuner module. That's something that annoyed me to no end with the Sony. You'd have the HD tuner module hooked up, but then you had the dead source (the analog AM/FM tuner source) that did nothing once the HD tuner was connected. On the Sony, the analog AM/FM tuner source selection stayed there even with the HD tuner hooked up.

The sound quality is much better than my stock HU's even though I'm still using the stock speakers. I've installed a 10" sub. in my hatch / trunk floor and it rounds things out nicely for now. Still trying to decide on what I should get for the front (I want components) and for the rear (3-way or 4-way coax. set). Front and rear speakers need to be 6.5". I have a separate thread on that though.

A nice feature of the P8000BT is that you can connect a USB flash or hard drive to it OR an iPod. When the iPod is connected, the P8000BT takes over its control and you control the iPod through the P8000BT. One of the neat features of the P8000BT is that once is has taken over the iPod's controls, there's an option to let the iPod be controllable on the iPod itself at the same time the P8000BT has control of it. Sort of a dual control option.

 

[Throckmorton]

That remote is clever. I wonder if it works with my cheap Sony HU

 

[Synomenon]

Check your HU's manual if you still have it. Usually their manuals say something about the RM-X4S if it's compatible with the HU.

 

[dimaloma]

You mentioned in your first post that
"Sony's RM-X4S is a really convenient accessory, especially for cars that don't have steering wheel audio controls"

I just bought Sony MEX-BT5100 that has connector for RM-X4S. My car has on-wheel volume control. Do you know how to make on-wheel buttons to control HU?

 

[Synomenon]

The RM-X4S has nothing to do with your car's built in steering wheel controls. You'll need to find a Sony steering wheel adapter made for your car.

 

[dimaloma]

For those who are interested in connecting on-wheel controls to Sony or Pioneer : look at http://forums.anandtech.com/me...adid=2266036&forumid=1 thread