Bluetooth Head unit for defender 2002

**5teve** · 2nd May 2016, 09:33 AM

Hi Guys

Was debating whether or not to drop this in the electronics section, but as its fairly specific to Defenders - i decided on here.

I currently have a nice high end JVC head unit with Bluetooth (KD-R926BT) sounds great works well.. but the bluetooth is dire with incoming and outgoing calls I think down to the luxury soundproofing that the 2002 defenders have

callers have echos and noise - wind noise especially.. if the window is open (have the microphone facing me directly on the visor)

I'm now looking for another head unit that may be able to cope with this environment a little better, with echo / noise reduction more effective than the JVC - and looking for tried and tested solutions. Was looking at the parrot asteroid smart double din (shallow so will fit with mods) but cant justify the $1000 for it! Also looked at the Alpines as they have parrot - but the parrot equipped units seem to be made for iphone - not for android..

So.. recommendations please

Steve

**Ashleylipus** · 2nd May 2016, 11:10 AM

I had a parrot alpine system in my nissan patrol and had a hard time getting it to work. I could hear perfectly but my callers had background noise and echo like you said. I now have an alpine head unit with inbuilt bluetooth and it doesn't work properly either. Ive seen people with those dedicated Bluetooth devices with their own speaker have better success. I should mention that i also had problems with syncing as i enter the car and turn on the unit. Sometimes it would sync but mostly not. iPhone 4.. 4s and now 6

**Tote** · 4th May 2016, 08:49 PM

I've got a couple of Alpine units, one in my XT ute and one in the 130. Both were woeful until the firmware was upgraded, the one in the Defender ended up getting replaced as the update that Alpine UK recommended bricked the bluetooth module.

Both units work pretty well now as streaming and handsfree units.

I've also got a Parrot MKI9200 in my Falcon ute which is a better user experience than the Alpine decks as it has its own screen and control unit rather than fiddly buttons on a deck. It needs to be wired into the stereo though and your stereo needs both an audio input and a phone input to work best.
The MKI9200 has been faultless for over 4 years now. http://www.parrot.com/au/products/ha...arrot-mki9200/

Regards,
Tote

**roverrescue** · 4th May 2016, 09:23 PM

Recently pronged a fusion mech less BT unit into the 2010 130. Much smaller than the useless factory unit ... Easiest install ever Oem lr plug just plugged in and done. BT works seamlessly. Is a little bit Blingy but nothing like some head units...
Very happy unit was recommended on here by another tdci user...

S

**5teve** · 4th May 2016, 10:16 PM

Thanks Guys

I actually ended up going with a Sony MEX-XB100T with reward points.. Class D amp (4x 100w! (40w rms))and apparently good BT - works seamlessly with my phone - not sure on call quality yet as I havent been anywhere

I'll let you know. Its very blingy but can be toned down but came highly recommended

Bit of a different install as it required a direct feed (15a) from the battery and the ignition on controls the head unit on or off.. there is also a power conditioning box external to the unit which makes it a bit of a squeeze.. as I have my UHF mounted under the Head unit (hacked dash) so its wires galore in there!

Steve

**manic** · 4th May 2016, 10:53 PM

I got one of those last year. BT connection has been reliable and the android app for control is not bad. Extra power was the main reason I got it. Drives a decent pair of 6x9s without having to locate an external amp. Only annoying thing is the unit loses its memory on battery disconnect and the app could so easily have a feature that saves and restores settings, but it doesn't.

Thread: Bluetooth Head unit for defender 2002

Thread Tools

Bluetooth Head unit for defender 2002

Bookmarks

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions