It appears to be an issue with these phones and not bluetooth modules as I've had the same on two headunits.

Phone support was faultless even though for some reason with Sony Ericsson phones it doesn't automatically connect when you bring the phone in range. I previoulsy had the Pioneer DEF-P75BT, the 85BT is the revised model. You have to way up what's most important to you. There appears to be no perfect solution on the market, I have been holding out for a few months but saw the Alpine unit at the CES show and for me it was the holy grail of IPOD integration. Think you may be after the headunit that doesn't exist yet. Unit will be fitted to a 2003 Passat W8 that has a single din Gamma and a single din 6 disc changer mounted in the dash. Handle as a minimum WAV, AAC, MP3, WMA - not bothered about DRM as I don't use it and also have a 24bit D/A converter.

scan phone book and both make and receive calls without needing to handle the phone to initiate or accept calls (Sony Erricson K800i), reception and voice must be A1 in BOTH directions.įull Speed iPod interface (I have a 5G 80Gb Video), must charge iPod and provide FULL control on head unit.Īs few interfaces as possible - preferably none (iPod cable excepted) So I'd like to get more ideas from the AV Forums members who may have experience of such matters.Īble to handle Bluetooth for Handsfree use, full control of phone i.e. I am also interested in the Clarion VRX868RD but the interfaces to get iPod etc on this add £150 to the price which is already high. muffled and echoey sound and there is no point having a hands free if the other party cant understand a word you say. Right now I am leaning towards the Pioneer DEH-P85BT or the Sony MEX-BT5000 although from what I have read the Sony's microphone (built into the unit) means that those receiving your call get a poor experience i.e. I've also looked at JVC and Panasonic but their interfacing is poor and MEGA expensive.

Pioneer DEH-P85BT ( Needs only a cable for the ipod - no interface needed ) Sony MEX-BT5000 ( Needs interface for iPod )Īlpine 9885R ( Needs Interfaces for all )Īlpine iDA-X001 - ( No CD - oh come on plus needs interface for bluetooth ) Kenwood DPX-501U, DPX-701U ( either needs interfaces ) I'd prefer a double din but I'd also prefer not to have six million stupid boxes that need hiding and wiring behind an already cramped dash Been searching and researching for a while now and am only getting more and more undecided and the project cost is rising and rising, head unit must have full bluetooth / phone capabilities, must also support iPod full speed.

Alpine s-w8 review forum