Car stereo advice

[Ranga]

I'm looking for a new head unit for my Defender and the wife's Vitara.

Features I'd like are:

BT handsfree
iPhone 3GS connectivity
USB in
AUX in
CD player


I notice some stereos have a distinct cable for iPhone, where others simply use a USB cable. I think the USB cable would probably be more convenient, but I'm not sure whether they also charge the phone, which would be a must.

Also, I was wondering if any stereos allow you to stream from the iPhone via BT. Is this possible?

I was thinking about am Alpine 103BT. Any other recommendations on what stereo to look for?

[big guy]

I recently put in a Alpine head unit with inbuilt bluetooth and every attachment possible.
My ipod sits in glovebox and gets charged via dock.
I have a little microphone near sun visor and musik cuts when call is received and plays back via all speakers etc.
If upgrading, you will probably find the speakers which are in the car are if standard are not up to the task any more.
I also upgraded to some Focals where I put splits inthe front with external cross over where I can change the setting at which they are set and a pair in the back as well.
Under the passenger seat is a Focal powered slimline amp which is wicked as the little speakers in the door are not really up to delivering much bass at all.

All up, I think it was around $1300 which I think is pretty good.
Sounds great, not Duff Duff style but very clear and easy to use.;)

[rogan]

If buying Alpine, only look for headunits with the features you want built in. Alpine accessory interfaces tend to blow the budget.

One option is JVC. They're doing some pretty reasonable low-mid end headunits: KD-R716 and KD-R816. 816 has more rca preout, a nicer screen and variable illumination
JVC Products Australia : Welcome (http://www.jvc-australia.com/JVC/client/c_products_group.jsp?id=27)

[VladTepes]

I'm looking for a new head unit for my Defender and the wife's Vitara.


Features I'd like are:

BT handsfree <-- useless on a Defender -too much cabin noise - no-one will be able to hear you.
iPhone 3GS connectivity <-- I have no dea what that is No doubt it'll cost heaps.
USB in <-- I rarely see USB and AUX in on the same unit - usually one or the other.
AUX in
CD player <-- what ? You don't want a tape Player ?

I notice some stereos have a distinct cable for iPhone,
mate there are heaps of threads on here re iPhoen connectivity and a) It's not easy to come by, and b) is expensive.

where others simply use a USB cable. I think the USB cable would probably be more convenient, but I'm not sure whether they also charge the phone, which would be a must.

Also, I was wondering if any stereos allow you to stream from the iPhone via BT. Is this possible?

I was thinking about am Alpine 103BT. Any other recommendations on what stereo to look for?

It's a Defender, not a RR or something. I just got one thats ipod compatible with a cd player in it. Nothing fancy. Will have to instal it sometime... and then get an ipod !

[Ranga]

Fitted a Sony today.

Bluetooth works fine, wife could hear me well over hands-free.

At least half of the models in store had both Aux in and USB.

iPhone streams music beautifully via Bluetooth, and automatically mutes the sound when a call comes in.

Has a remote, NFI why!

All for under $300. I'm very happy with it.

[VladTepes]

Fine I'll just go crawl back into the corner....




By the way - were you drivig the Defender at the time ?

[Ranga]

Fine I'll just go crawl back into the corner....




By the way - were you drivig the Defender at the time ?

I was driving. Admittedly, only 80kph with the window down, but I reckon it would be OK at 100.

[Signal1]

Fitted a Sony today.
Bluetooth works fine, wife could hear me well over hands-free.
At least half of the models in store had both Aux in and USB.
iPhone streams music beautifully via Bluetooth, and automatically mutes the sound when a call comes in.
Has a remote, NFI why!
All for under $300. I'm very happy with it.

A remote is the best feature.
Scenario:
You've set up camp, you're now resting in your favourite chair knocking back a coldie, a song comes on the radio playing in the Fender you're just not in the mood to hear...change tracks with your remote. Cool song comes on, crank it up all from the comforts of your camp chair!!!

[5teve]

and similarly while in the back (looking out of the rear) watching a film at the drive in - i can alter the volume without getting over the seats....

See.. its an important feature! :D

Steve

[Tombie]

A remote is the best feature.
Scenario:
You've set up camp, you're now resting in your favourite chair knocking back a coldie, a song comes on the radio playing in the Fender you're just not in the mood to hear...change tracks with your remote. Cool song comes on, crank it up all from the comforts of your camp chair!!!

And when bouncing your arse around offroad its easier to hold in the hand and adjust than trying to fiddle the controls on the head unit...

Plus my remote has the DVD functions on it :cool:

[dmdigital]

And when bouncing your arse around offroad ...
...just remember to turn of the "Shake to Shuffle";)

Couldn't work out why the iPod Touch was skipping tracks at first:o

[VladTepes]

DVD's ?
Listening to stereos while in camp ?

You people are doing this "camping" thing all wrong !

[SWH]

Has anybody had any experience with the Disco 4 sat nav and ipod connectivity? Does it work with an iphone?