[Dan]

I'm looking for ideas for a new head unit.

It must have the following (don't mind if it's by optional accessories):

1. 4 channel preout
2. Bluetooth Handsfree Phone BUILT IN (don't want to have to install my parrot if I can help it)
3. iPod direct control (plug in ipod and control it through the stereo, a 3.5mm input will NOT do)
4. Removable front panel
5. Single din (no flip up screens etc)
6. Reasonable price (<£150 really)

So far I have found:

A. Pioneer P85BT £220 (bit fancy and bit pricey really)


B. Sony GT50UI £120 (lacks bluetooth)


C. Sony BT2500 £85 (lacks iPod direct control)



Do sony make a BT accessory compatible with the GT50UI or an iPod direct accessory compatible with the BT2500, I can't find anything

Any other ideas?

This post has been edited by Dan: 10 February 2008 - 11:30 AM

[eldoodarino]

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Sony-MEX-1GP-GIGA-PA...7QQcmdZViewItem

think this will be my next purchase..... very nice 1gig storage in the flip down too

[Dan]

Thanks Chris, but it doesn't seem to have bluetooth OR iPod direct control

[Dan]

Hmmm, just found out that the BT2500 doesn't have preouts, so that's that one scratched... shame, I liked the price of that one

The next BT model up has preouts, but in my opinion looks ugly as hell:

[Dan]

There is of course the Alpine X001, which is £220


Again, a little ugly... but has everything I want.

[daveyo32]

why not buy a double din head unit, twice the size as a standard one but wtih a screen and other features

[BOK]

I have a MEX-BT2500, like you say no iPod control...the bluetooth works well but the call quality is very poor as the mic is behind the front panel, couldn't use it today when going along at speed.

I had a MEX-BT5000 with iPod interface for about 24 hours, went straight onto eBay enough said.

Keen on the Alpine iDA-X100 with KCE-300BT bluetooth adaptor (no built in bluetooth but at least the kit has a separate mic), be aware the USB ipod connection only works with 5G iPods or newer, you'll need a KCE-422i iPod lead for older models. The IDA-X001 is going cheaper as the X-100 replaces it, main difference is a much improved interface. Also consider the X-200 and X-300 with less functions and a simpler display. None of these has a CD player.

May also wait for the Parrot RK8200 that seems to have EVERYTHING (no CD player though but exceptional Bluetooth performance apparently) but only one pre-out and should be around £150. It looks a bit nasty though but got my name down for a preorder pending some reviews!

But I'm probably going to get the X-100 if the deal is good, Alpine are pricey but for good reasons (had a £400 Alpine in the Honda and it was impeccable).

This post has been edited by BOK: 23 February 2008 - 07:52 PM

[Dan]

why not buy a double din head unit, twice the size as a standard one but wtih a screen and other features

And a new car to put it in?

I've decided on the BT-2600. Same as the BT-2500 except it's got preouts. Plus sony do an ipod direct control unit for it. Everything I want wrapped up in a neat little package

[BOK]

I've decided on the BT-2600. Same as the BT-2500 except it's got preouts. Plus sony do an ipod direct control unit for it. Everything I want wrapped up in a neat little package

Just be aware of the poor mic for hands free- not usable when driving above about 40mph...possibly less with your Puma as it's noisier.
There is no option to add an external mic either.

This post has been edited by BOK: 23 February 2008 - 08:04 PM

[Dan]

Maybe the 2600 has improved handsfree?

[BOK]

Maybe the 2600 has improved handsfree?

"The unit features an integrated microphone to allow easy fitment without the hassle of an external mic."
So I doubt it.

[BOK]

I just returned my MEX-BT2500 for a refund after owning it for 10 months.
The final straw was yesterday afternoon helplessly shouting "HELLO!" at least as loud as Dom Jolly in Trigger Happy with my head about an inch from the dashboard whilst heading up the A34 at speed. Could clearly hear the caller but they couldn't hear me at all. Not only dangerous but other drivers probably thought I was some sort of schizo shouting at the Puma...

Proceeds will help pay for the new Alpine

This post has been edited by BOK: 24 February 2008 - 09:46 PM

[swipedizzle]

to be honest with you, i think if you'd be willing to put an extra 100quid on top of the £220 head unit u showed up at the top, you could get a pioneer indash monitorized flip out screen, allows you to play dvds cds, and has direct link and control to your ipod trough the touchscreen technolodgy and also looks amazing with its glassy look

[spenspuma]

What about this..



Has everything you required and is only £204 at InCarExpress.

This post has been edited by spenspuma: 09 March 2008 - 09:24 AM

[dave007]

i am looking for a bluetooth for my new car and from the reserch i have done the DEH-P65BT from pioneer is about the right spec for me and bang on for price. have looked at the alpine iDA X001 and i have been told by people who have it that the bluetooth is flaky to say the least. at the min i am still looking but i think for me the pioneer will be the one

This post has been edited by dave007: 15 March 2008 - 08:22 PM

[Spike]

I cant see whats wrong with one of these!



he he he

[dave007]

well it wouldn't fit in my car

[spenspuma]

I cant see whats wrong with one of these!



he he he

Some people are put off with having green lights all over the dash and then bright blue ones on the cd player that dont match.

[Dan]

No preouts... that's what's wrong with that - I already had a 6000cd converted to blue.

[eldoodarino]

not to mention the amp is only good enough to run the basic oem speaker setup.....

thats the problem with upgrading the sound.... you have to start again and buy everything