Pioneer DEH-8300SD

September 2011

Price: £189.99
Contact: 01753 789789, www.pioneer.co.uk

Could this new single-DIN head unit be the perfect partner for your Apple iPhone? To find out, we put the Pioneer DEH-8300SD to the test over a couple of weeks.

It provides a range of inputs, allowing users to play their music from CDs and SD cards, as well as from an MP3 player thanks to the 3.5mm auxiliary port. But plug an iPhone into the front-mounted USB socket, and the Pioneer offers hi-tech features such as iTunes tagging and App Mode.

The former lets you download a song you hear on the radio; when your iPhone is connected but not playing, you can ‘tag’ the track in question. The stereo then sets a reminder, and when you next hook your mobile up to your computer, Apple’s iTunes software recommends that you download the song. Only trouble is, it’s not 100 per cent accurate, and not every song can be tagged.

App Mode works well, though. It lets you play music services such as Spotify or Garageband via the stereo, without reverting to the iPhone’s iPod mode, as rivals do.

Add slick menus and an easy-to-use dial, and the £190 Pioneer is a fine choice. We just wish it incorporated a DAB radio.