audio panel question--pma450 vs 8000bt

[rbridges]

I've been talking about a new audio panel and my wife surprised me for our anniversary.  She bought an 8000bt.  The only problem is that I was considering the pma450 and was actually leaning that direction.  She told me it was fine if I wanted to trade, but I'm not sure if it's worth it.  It has a few extra features and is easier to set up, but would you keep the 8000 or get the 450?  

[N601RX]

Doesn't the 450 also have a USB charging port?

[Marauder]

I've been talking about a new audio panel and my wife surprised me for our anniversary. She bought an 8000bt. The only problem is that I was considering the pma450 and was actually leaning that direction. She told me it was fine if I wanted to trade, but I'm not sure if it's worth it. It has a few extra features and is easier to set up, but would you keep the 8000 or get the 450?

How much of a price difference? I think the big features in the 450 were the sound channeling and the new interface.

[Marauder]

And BTW -- I like my 8000BT

[FBCK]

Had the same debate a couple of months ago and went withthe Avidyne version of the 8000bt, I was installing some other Avidyne equipment. I wss told by a few people the screen on the 450 was not so good and very had to see in any sunlight and I also like deadicated keys as well. Sound quality is thesame i understand, I really wanted the new 3D effect of the audio but the screen though me off.

[slowflyin]

I fly the 8000bt and like it.  However, I'd buy the 450 if I had the chance.  One of the challenges I face single pilot IFR is picking up the atis when the freq is busy.  Lately I started using the monitor feature and it works great but I hear the 450 performs above expectations when listening to two freqs at one time.  That being said, if my wife bought me the 8000bt I'd probably keep it regardless of what she said.   

[rbridges]

I ended up going with the 450.  It was only a $300 difference, and among the other features, I really liked the USB charging port.

[Mscheuer]

Dear rbridges (I looked at your profile but could not find your first name)

 

Thanks to your wife I hope that you too will be a member for our fan club.

 

Just wanted to let you know that with 100's in the field, we have never had a complaint about the PMA450 display from pilots who are flying behind them.

 

There is a user set up page just for the display that allows changes to brightness, contract, and timer out between secondary and primary pages.

 

I sure would appreciate a PIREP from you sometime.

 

Sincerely,

Mark Scheuer

Founder and CEO

PS Engineering, Inc.

[PaulB]

Well that's pretty cool