Head unit suggestions?

[Jim27]

I want a head unit that can:

- automatically 'see' my mobile phone (via bluetooth) when I get in the car, and then route all calls through the head unit/speakers (including music mute during calls, caller display, etc.)

- play music from a solid-state storage medium (my car has a -ahem- 'firm' ride so CDs tend to jump, plus they get scratched just hanging around inside the car) so I'd be looking for something that has a hard-drive possibly? Or alternatively can connect to an iPod but allows you to access all the iPod controls via the headunit (as the iPod would be stashed away somewhere hidden).


I suppose in a nutshell it's easier if I state the problem - CDs skip and jump alot due to the firm suspension. I have no room for a CD changer or anything so whatever solution I use has to be single DIN. I hate bluetooth earpieces and dangly earphone wires so would like a head unit that can handle bluetooth call management and recongise my phone as soon as I get into the car. I also hate having anything on show so a removable face panel is a must. Any suggestions?

[Grinder]

I was considering this http://caraudiosecurity.com/shop/pro...s_id/7010.html but went with a different one on cost grounds in the end.

[s2gtr]

I can supply these:

DEH-P85BT Pioneer Car Audio - CD Player - Car Entertainment

DEH-P7900UB Pioneer Car Audio - CD Player - Car Entertainment

DEH-P65BT Pioneer Car Audio - CD Player - Car Entertainment

Dave

[mifn21]

How much did you want to spend? The Pioneers tend to have the best bluetooth functionality but they don't do a head unit with USB AND bluetooth (you have to buy the BT module seperately)

If you already have an ipod then you have MUCH more choice as nearly every unit has either ipod connectivity or the module as an add-on

I'd look at

http://caraudiosecurity.com/shop/pro...s_id/6257.html

http://caraudiosecurity.com/shop/pro...s_id/6463.html

http://caraudiosecurity.com/shop/pro...s_id/7010.html

This one is your best bet for under 200 quid but only has USB+bluetooth, you have to buy the ipod adaptor
http://caraudiosecurity.com/shop/pro...s_id/6581.html

[SmigzyGTR]

Ive got the clarion music catcher and its pretty good, got about 3 albums on the hard drive with no probs at all. It also has an aux in via rca cable for other inputs. What phone do you have Jim? the nokia bluetooth kit is bang on, thats if you have a nokia though.

[Jim27]

I've got two - Nokia 6233 (work phone) and my own Orange SPV M3100.

I know absolutely bugger all about this sort of stuff

Which is best out of:

Pioneer DEH-P85BT £250 http://caraudiosecurity.com/shop/pro...s_id/6463.html
JVC KD-AVX33 £340 http://caraudiosecurity.com/shop/pro...s_id/6257.html
Alpine IDA-X001 £290 http://caraudiosecurity.com/shop/pro...s_id/7010.html

??

[mifn21]

The Alpine will sound brighter, the treble is almost harsh IMO

Haven't heard the JVCs but that one doesn't come with an Ipod adaptor built in, you have to buy it which makes it quite pricey

Personally I'd go for the Pioneer, its damn good value for money

I have to say my Clarion hasn't skipped once in my CRX, the ride in that is so harsh it feels like the only suspension the car has is in the tyres

[Day VG]

I've got the Pioneer DEH-75BT, the predecessor of the 85BT. I would thoroughly reccommend it for the Blue Tooth functions and the music quality is consistently good as you would expect from Pioneer. You can also use the Blue Tooth to play music tracks directly from your phone whilst it is connected for the handsfree phone bit too, but you have to control the music from the phone. Alternatively, you can buy an ipod module to plug in to the Head Unit and control your i-pod remotely.

Dave

[Jim27]

I can't see it mentioned anywhere but does the Pioneer have a removeable front panel? That's an absolute must, in my mind. Too many scrotes around these days who won't bother damaging your car to get a head unit out

[s2gtr]

Originally Posted by Jim27

I can't see it mentioned anywhere but does the Pioneer have a removeable front panel? That's an absolute must, in my mind. Too many scrotes around these days who won't bother damaging your car to get a head unit out

The DEH-P85BT has a motorised front panel the DEH-P65BT a removable.

Dave