bluetooth head unit for car

[kdh325]

hey guys, i'm looking for a new head unit for my wrangler (jeep). because i keep the top off all summer, my radio is installed in my center console instead of the dash, for security purposes.
-I want a new radio that can stream music directly from my phone instead of having to hook up USB or AUX and have wires all over the cabin of my jeep. however, i want to retain the option of usb and aux.
-next, are any of the units that meet the above specs capable of streaming pandora from my droid. i've done some looking online, and everything i've seen is made for icrap products
-lastly, what about the bluetooth calling capabilities of these headunits. are there any that will stop the music and let me answer a call (using my car speakers to hear the caller and picking my voice up through a mic?)

thanks for all the help guys. i've primarily looked at kenwood stuff, but am not in anyway locked onto any brand

 

[Demache]

1) Your going to want to look for a headunit that supports the "A2DP" Bluetooth profile then. Many headunits have Bluetooth built-in, but not all of them support A2DP. These units are usually in the mid-high end so they will normally include USB and AUX as well.

2) A2DP basically just forwards sound from your phone to a Bluetooth audio device so Pandora will work (actually, any music app will work). I'm not sure if you can use the control on the unit for pausing and skipping, but Pandora will definitely play music.

3) Just about any headunit that supports Bluetooth does this, so there are no worries about that. However, if at all possible, you should get one with an external mic, as the internal mics on headunits aren't always very good (aren't very sensitive, pick up lots of background noise).

I would have suggested my Kenwood unit as its pretty solid, but it doesn't support A2DP out of the box (requires a separate Bluetooth module, damn you Kenwood).

 

[kdh325]

thanks for the reply, esp the heads up on the mic. i THINK i'm going to to with the kenwood KDC-BT852HD, i was looking at the 752 model, but it has a built in mic. The unit will be locked in my console, so that mic would be worthless. if not for that, it would be perfect. i dont need the HD radio, or the sirius ready, but o-well, its the only way to get everything else i need. also, i'm not concerned with not being able to control anything from the faceplate. i'd rather do volume and next song and all that from the phone (again, unit installed in console)

do you happen to know if i can upgrade the external mic to something like a handheld CB type mic or something? jeep w/ top down, i'm afraid the small mic it comes with will pick up way too much background noise

 

[goinfiishin]

I've got a 2000 Silverado with stock Radio. Does anybody know if there is a radio that will connect wirelessly with my Samsung SII for, music, navigation and blue tooth phone... or a way to connect to my existing radio for these functions? If not it seems to me that an opportunity exists for a new product, given the hands free laws etc.

 

[chrlswltrs]

I just bought this and installed it in my wrangler yesterday. The audio quality over Bluetooth is amazing! I couldn't be happier, especially for only $99.

It also has a remote and it does work with Pandora app. Also comes with a microphone for hands free calling.

I highly recommend it to anyone that wants Bluetooth streaming.

 

[Demache]

thanks for the reply, esp the heads up on the mic. i THINK i'm going to to with the kenwood KDC-BT852HD, i was looking at the 752 model, but it has a built in mic. The unit will be locked in my console, so that mic would be worthless. if not for that, it would be perfect. i dont need the HD radio, or the sirius ready, but o-well, its the only way to get everything else i need. also, i'm not concerned with not being able to control anything from the faceplate. i'd rather do volume and next song and all that from the phone (again, unit installed in console)

do you happen to know if i can upgrade the external mic to something like a handheld CB type mic or something? jeep w/ top down, i'm afraid the small mic it comes with will pick up way too much background noise

That must be the updated version of the model I have, because its literally the same thing, but that one has Pandora/Bluetooth audio. You suck.

At least you know your getting a good radio.

EDIT: Yep, I have the KDC-BT848U. That must be the updated model they just released.

Anyhow, my radio does a pretty good job of filtering noise even on the interstate with the window down (you can configure the noise reduction settings). Though I also mounted my mic just behind the steering wheel, so my voice goes directly to it.

And I don't drive a Jeep as you can tell. So I don't know how having the top off would affect it.