petethemeat

iTrader: (6)

I don't have much knowledge on the ICE front so I am looking for suggestions, my requirements are;

- double DIN
- iPod connectivity
- Bluetooth to allow handsfree mobile use (external mic not a built into the headunit one where you need to talk into the HU )
- under £150

Any suggestions ?

Thanks

Hellbilly

Ive been looking at this, and come to the conclusion that you can save yourself a hundred quid and buy a single DIN with more functionality, more development behind it, and gain a cubby hole to put yoyr phone in....

petethemeat

iTrader: (6)

Ah ok , I quite like the look of the big units however it's no big deal. Which ones have you been looking at ? (single din)

Pete

Hellbilly

Just ordered a Kenwood KDC BT52U on the basis of its functionality, and that it had the aux and USB in the front panel. If you prefer a rear loader, Kenwood do a next model up which I think is a BT92?

petethemeat

iTrader: (6)

Thanks for that, I have stumbled across the alpine BT133 unit which seems a similar spec (on paper) to the kenwood

http://www.alpine-usa.com/product/view/cde-133bt

petethemeat

iTrader: (6)

Also found this, Pioneer DEH-6400BT - SD card slot, 3 Pre outs etc. £124.90 delivered from Amazon

http://www.pioneer.eu/uk/products/22...0BT/index.html

Any thoughts?

mrgoat

iTrader: (2)

Hi, looks like a lot of features for the cash. I'm a big Pioneer fan myself and am also looking at changing the head unit in my WR1.

The 4volt pre-outs are useful if you want to add external amps at a later date, to have 3 of that voltage on a unit at this price point is impressive.

Add the fact that it has bluetooth and comes with an ipod/cable makes it a steal I reckon.

Cheers,
Dave B

mrgoat

iTrader: (2)

Slight edit, according to the Pioneer website (specification tab) you need an additional cable (CA-IW.51) for ipod/iphone connectivity. Might be worth clarifying with your retailer of choice before parting with the cash as Pioneers website is a bit misleading if you ask me.

Hellbilly

Those are both good looking heads for the money, but I needed to prioritize Android compatability

tubbytommy

iTrader: (20)

i have a pioneer f930bt double din unit.
i know this is out of your price range but the cheaper single din units have most of the features(not sat nav obviously) and work great.
you will need an additional i pod cable but you can get non genuine ones from ebay for a couple of quid that work fine.
i have used one for ages, the cable is only ipod one end and usb and 2.5 jack at the other.

petethemeat

iTrader: (6)

thanks for the input, i have a spare USB cable in my scoob for charging my phone, this is the cable i need isnt it?

tubbytommy

iTrader: (20)

the cable i bought is this one.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-iPOD-i...ht_3818wt_1166

i think the usb part is to control the ipod from the head unit and minjack for the sound.

works fine and far cheaper than 35 quid for a pioneer item.

the single din units are great, personally i would go for full ipod control and handsfree phone built in.

that way you will have everything you need.

the sd card is a great feature too

petethemeat

iTrader: (6)

^ cheers for that tommy . So is the pioneer one the one to go for?

Do I need to plug my phone in to the cable in order to use handsfree of will it be done automatically if I have Bluetooth enabled ?

ScoobyRalph

I am also interested in this and been considering the new headunit from Parrot -

http://www.parrot.com/uk/products/car-stereos/

Does anyone have any experience?

Si

tubbytommy

iTrader: (20)

i cant comment on any other unit than the one i have but i assume the bt is the same.

once you have paired the phone and the headunit,everytime you get in the car it automatically connects and this activates both the handsfree phone part and also music streaming.

its all connects within 10 seconds and requires no buttons to be pressed or cables to be plugged in.

i honestly cant fault it, mine has sat nav,phone,ipod control all in one unit so has everything you could want and no wires all over the place.

Hellbilly

Experience, No...

I was quite excited when I discovered the Asteroid, but a quick read through Parrots own forums (and others) will soon inform you that its firmaware is very buggy, the apps available for it are woeful and the audio quality is a bit iffy.

It seems to be a great concept, rushed to market then poorly supported?

What do I know

petethemeat

iTrader: (6)

Thanks for the advice people, i am taking a trip to Halfords to view the Pioneer 6400BT it in the metal and will take it from there.

petethemeat

iTrader: (6)

trip to Halfords was a waste of time, didnt have the Pioneer 6400Bt or Alpine BT133 unit on display.

A late entrant but i stumbled across this JVC double din unit

http://www.jvc.co.uk/product.php?id=...E&catid=100179

I am struggling to see if there is an external MIC but for the price online (£156) i suspect not being a double din unit (therefore automatically more ££), it does look good though.

Hopefully i will have made a decision today so i can get a HU ordered

EDIT: it appears to have an external MIC
http://answers.halfords.com/answers/.../questions.htm