"Closer Look
The Supertuner IIID+ Enhanced Performance Tuner’s enhanced design improves the cancellation of FM multi-path noise and AM noise. You can store up to 18 FM or 6 AM stations or let the DEH-P7700MP pick the stations with the BSM feature. The Pioneer DEH-P7700MP is rated to deliver a maximum power of 50 watts per channel (22 watts, continuous) on the front and rear speaker outputs. The DEH-P7700MP also has front, rear, and subwoofer RCA outputs rated to deliver 2.2 Vrms to power external amplifiers. To control that power, the DEH-P7700MP has a built in high-pass and low-pass subwoofer crossover that work on both the RCA and speaker outputs. Nice feature. To finish the unit off, Pioneer includes a full-function, 23-button remote that allows you to control all of the basic functions of the DEH-P7700MP.

Want more? The Pioneer DEH-P7700MP is XM Satellite Radio-ready and can have either Sirius Satellite Radio or an iPod added to the unit. Being this flexible is great. Using a CB-IB100 (a $140 dollar option), you can connect an iPod to the DEH-P7700MP, or you can connect an auxiliary input to the unit if you have a different MP3 player or source unit. For maximizing the sound quality of compressed files, the DEH-P7700MP uses BMX (BitMedia eXpander) digital enhancement. When MP3 or WMA files are compressed, the sound can be thin, dull, or can even lack depth in the soundstage. The BMX technology takes the audio file and recreates the sound, restoring depth and width to a soundstage as well as increasing the lively ness of the program material.

Ease Of Use
I found the Pioneer DEH-P7700MP extremely easy to use. The 7-way rotary commander control knob works like a combination joystick and dial and can access nearly all of the functions of the DEH-P7700MP. With it, I was able to access track selection, audio functions, display functions, and Track navigation when using a disc of MP3-encoded files. By incorporating so many functions via the rotary commander knob, the rest of the unit was very clean and uncluttered, a must for good ergonomics. With a little practice, you can control the functions without looking at the unit. Great job!

Installation
The installation of the Pioneer DEH-P7700MP went well. Installation is typical from what you would expect from a source unit. There were no external boxes required to install for the unit to function. The RCA jacks are located on an external pigtail on the back of the unit. Hidden by the power connector is a 10-amp fuse. With all head units, proper installation will yield maximum performance. For the best results, it’s recommended to have an authorized Pioneer dealer perform the installation.

Manuals/Web Support
There are two manuals for the Pioneer DEH-P7700MP. The installation manual covers all of the basic information needed to install and wire the unit. It’s simple and easy-to-read. The operation manual covers the functionality of the unit. It covers all of the basic functions of the DEH-P7700MP as well as the not so common. It’s necessary to read the manual to learn how to control the non-common functions of the Pioneer unit.

The company’s Web site, www.pioneerelectronics.com, is well laid out and easy to navigate. I was able to quickly find information on the DEH-P7700MP — I found basic information, specifications, and accessories for the unit. I was also able to download a PDF of the installation manual and the operation manual. Well done.

Sound Q & Performance
The performance of the Pioneer DEH-P7700MP is good. With the tone controls set flat, the RCA produced a maximum unclipped output of 1.89 Vrms at 61 on the volume control. At the maximum volume setting of 62, the DEH-P7700MP delivered a slightly clipped 2.32 Vrms.

On the speaker outputs, results were similar. At 49 on the volume, the DEH-P7700MP produced a clean 18.5 watts into 4 ohms. Raising the volume to 50, the output increased to 21.6 near 1% THD + Noise. Setting the volume to maximum produced a square wave output generating 39.9 watts per channel.

The sound quality was above average. The sound was open and detailed. Noise floor specs on the unit match my test: undetectable. On my test speakers, the speaker outputs were a little bright. However, a quick adjustment of the tone controls fixed that. In fact, the adjustability of the tone controls allowed me to really fine tune my system, yielding awesome sound — a very useful feature.

Summary
The Pioneer DEH-P7700MP is a very good head unit for mid- or entry-level systems. The DEH-P7700MP is extremely capable, allowing the control of nearly all types of media, including iPod encoding. With the extremely flexible controls, cool display, and ease of use, the Pioneer DEH-P7700MP would make a fine addition to your system. "

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