Bluetooth

[acho7]

I just bought q 2011 Outback and would like to install a hands-free device for my iphone. What has been most successful or popular?

['12 Red Roo]

I'd like the Bluetooth to actually work

[acho7]

I finally decided on the BlueConnect which was recommended to me by my dealer. It is the add-on they use. Truly sucks...folks on the other end think I'm in a windstorm, and they sound to me like they are talking from behind a closed door.

 

Isn't there anything out there worthy of my iPhone?

 

A7

[edrach]

I went through at least 6 of the aftermarket bluetooth devices and all of them sucked big time. I finally bit the bullet and had a Kenwood car stereo installed. I'm liking it for the bluetooth; it interrupts whatever is playing on the radio if there's a phonecall coming in and audio at my end is perfect. I don't have a particularly loud voice but I don't get any complaints other than I should talk louder. I have a Kenwood model #KDC-X994 which cost me just under $300 installed at Car Toys. I love the radio and the bluetooth feature; it has some of the best sound I've ever had in a car stereo (remember this is the most expensive aftermarket radio I ever bought).

 

However, there are some caveats to consider. Radio must have an external microphone; the microphone in the front face is absolutely worthless since it'll pick up more interior noise since your face is so far away from the mike.

 

Next, get a unit which uses the Parrot firmware for the bluetooth; from all the research I did, this is the best for cellphone use.

 

Lastly, except for the simplest functions the front panel controls are exceedingly complicated and not the least bit intuitive. Kenwood has decided that the radio must do everything so the controls become increasingly complicated. Aside from answering the phone, adjusting the volume, and selecting a station for music there's nothing I can do while driving the car! There is a feature for voice controlled dialing of a number but I haven't figured this out yet and likely won't since I don't call out from the car when driving.

 

Oddly enough, my two sons (more techie than I am) both bought the same radio for their cars without consulting me. My youngest got in my car one time and fiddled with the controls (he doesn't like my taste in music--it's a generational thing) and he started to play music stored on his iphone which communicated with my stereo via bluetooth. A function I never even considered.

Edited March 19, 2012 by edrach