[k2max6]

Pioneer has finally launched the USB only HU for India.
Its the MVH-1490UB. MRP 4,490/- Available at stores for Rs.3,400/-
Will surely eat into JBL X-333's market. Lets see what does it offer on SQ !


It is designed to play music from solely portable devices like your iPod/iPhone, USB device (including MP3/WAV/WMA files) or on a phone or music player which you can connect directly via the front auxiliary connection.


Specifications
Main Features MVH-1490UB
Max. Power Output MOSFET 50W x 4
Tuner AM, FM (24 pre-set stations)

Plays
• Your iPod or iPhone via optional cable CA-IW.51 • MP3, WMA compressed audio files on USB
• Other music devices via a front auxiliary input

Front Panel Removeable
Display Illumination White LCD (showing 1 line with 10 characters)
Button Illumination Red
Displays Cyrillic Characters Yes



Connectivity MVH-1490UB
Aux-in Front
Hard-wired Remote Input Yes
iPod Direct Control Yes
RCA Preout 1
USB Input Front
iPod Compatibility MVH-1490UB
iPod Ready Yes
Works with iPhone Yes

Tuner Features MVH-1490UB
Radio Data System (RDS) Yes
Traffic Announcement Yes
Best Stations Memory (BSM) Yes
Auto Alternative Frequency Search Yes
Auto/Manual Frequency Search Yes
PTY Search Yes

Audio MVH-1490UB
Advanced Sound Retriever Yes
Bass, Mid, Treble Yes
Source Level Adjuster (SLA) Yes

[SushantV]

I think it makes sense. The time of CDs is gone already. I wouldn't even mind pending 20K on a system that encapsulates a decent DAC chip and can read FLACs off the thumb drives. Digital is the future and glad that big brands are relying on the fact.

[mayankjha1806]

Good move, in the new age no one plays CD's, even mp3 CD's and DVD's are rarity. Now as @Sushant said they should start supporting loss-less formats like FLAC etc and we have Audio CD equivalent high quality music in the car.

High quality mp3 (320 KBPS and above) sounds good and a human ear will not be able to make out if FLAC or high quality mp3 is being played, especially in a car.

[sajands]

Originally Posted by k2max6

Specifications

Traffic Announcement Yes

How will this work, Does it sync with radio stations or any other means? and wish if this feature works in India.

This is a good move from Pioneer, I have not used CD on my Pioneer since very long time, felt USB is much better.

-Sajan

[k2max6]

Originally Posted by sajands

How will this work, Does it sync with radio stations or any other means? and wish if this feature works in India.

This is a good move from Pioneer, I have not used CD on my Pioneer since very long time, felt USB is much better.

-Sajan

No the traffic thing won't work in India. The international version MVH 1400UB has it.

[fine69]

JBL's x333 & x555 have 3 pre-outs, this one has 1. Also, does it have sub-level control?

With just 1 preout I don't think this'd cut it for audiophiles, but it being Pioneer would definitely appeal to general public at this price.

[GTO]

USB-only sure as hell works! I haven't used the CD or tape inputs of my head-units in ages. Good move and a great price, I must say.

Can you control the iPod from the HU? The one in my best friend's Ikon cannot (despite having USB connectivity). Also, how much does the optional cable cost? It had better be reasonably priced...the one for my Honda City Vtec had cost ~1K back then.

[Fordmanchau]

Now, that's called keeping up with the times.
The HU in my Ikon is USB enabled, got it at the time of delivery of my car three years back and I have not used the CD all these times except may be once or twice. USB drives makes a lot of sense today. A lot more convenient to carry than the CD's along with their cases.
The two thing I use is the USB port and Radio tuner, which are present in this pioneer HU.
The cost seems reasonable too.
@GTO: I have connected my phone through the aux cable and I was able to change tracks through the controls on the HU. I have a sony Xplod.

[esteem_lover]

Originally Posted by GTO

It had better be reasonably priced...the one for my Honda City Vtec had cost ~1K back then.

Yes, I think it still costs 1.3k ~.

Originally Posted by Fordmanchau

@GTO: I have connected my phone through the aux cable and I was able to change tracks through the controls on the HU. I have a sony Xplod.

. Aux cable ? Is that true ? How ????

[k2max6]

USB Direct Control for ipod/iphone.
iPod/iPhones can be controlled from the HU itself although requires the optional cable CD-IU51.The price of the cable should be reduced now.Buying an HU for 3.5k and spending another 1.3k on just the cable doesn't seem justified.

Originally Posted by Fordmanchau

@GTO: I have connected my phone through the aux cable and I was able to change tracks through the controls on the HU. I have a sony Xplod.

I don't think that its possible because AUX-IN is a one way sound input and nothing more .The HU cannot send any data signal to the connected device, other than the 'connected signal'.

[Fordmanchau]

Originally Posted by esteem_lover

. Aux cable ? Is that true ? How ????

Originally Posted by k2max6

I don't think that its possible because AUX-IN is a one way sound input and nothing more .The HU cannot send any data signal to the connected device, other than the 'connected signal'.

I think I am getting confused. I have a two way aux cable. I'll check it and confirm.
But with phone connected through USB cable to the HU, the track change and all definitely works.

[amohit]

I wish it had supported bluetooth connectivity as well. It would have enabled me to play music right of my mobile phone.

Btw, will this model support steering remote?

Regards,

[mzone]

How does this compare to the JBL x333? They're both in the same league but I heard that the JBL has some teething issues, and Pioneer being a more trusted brand (HU wise) would it be a better buy for my nano?

[k2max6]

Originally Posted by mzone

How does this compare to the JBL x333? They're both in the same league but I heard that the JBL has some teething issues, and Pioneer being a more trusted brand (HU wise) would it be a better buy for my nano?

Certainly, the pioneer HU is the way to go for your nano.

[mzone]

Originally Posted by k2max6

Certainly, the pioneer HU is the way to go for your nano.

Are you saying it after hearing them both in action or is it just the Pioneer name that makes it worth it?