What car stereo is perfect for iPhone?

If I understand correctly what you're asking, the answer is yes (at least for the Alpine iDA-x100). If I'm listening to the iPod on my iPhone and I go to Maps or some other non-audio app, the music will continue playing just fine. If I go to Simplify, Pandora or the audio portion of the MLB At Bat App, the iPod music will fade out and the audio from the app will play.

Does that answer your question?

Yes it does perfectly. Sounds like that may be the head unit Im looking for then. Thnx
 
The Alpine IDA-X305 is a great unit. It's the only headunit out there that makes the ipod interface convenient instead of irritating. It sounds great (connects through USB) and charges your iphone as well. I got it for $241 shipped from compuplus. You need a separate component if you want Bluetooth, I think it's $100 or so. I'm very happy with it.


http://www.compuplus.com/i-ALPINE-A...VER-IDAX305-1088636~.html?sid=2q9a134vckr8f7y

http://www.crutchfield.com/p_500IDAX305/Alpine-iDA-X305.html?tp=5684

so wait you need to buy another BT component to make this work???
 
Okay I just got off the phone with Crutchfield and found out some more info on the Alpine which is kind of a deal breaker for me. I guess in addition to the $330 price tag you need to buy the BT adapter for $150!! kind of pricey IMO Also the Alpine doesn't have passenger mode, meaning that I can't control through my phone if I wish, is this true? can anyone confirm?

I asked about another head unit within the same price range that they recommend and the sales person said the Pioneer DEH-P7100BT. Seems like the one with everything I need and for about $330. I'm kind of torn since the Alpine seems to have had stellar reviews and I like the display better than the Pioneer. Also can anyone comment on how good the Ipod controls are with the Pioneer DEH-P7100BT?? scrolling through menues etc
 
I would say to go with the Premier DEH-P710BT. Its sleek, has iTunes tagging for AM/FM stations (not just HD Radio), built in bluetooth with a double microphone, two USB ports so you can plug in an additional iPod, flash drive or portable hard drive and an OLED display.

It is also the newest headunit on the market.
 
I would say to go with the Premier DEH-P710BT. Its sleek, has iTunes tagging for AM/FM stations (not just HD Radio), built in bluetooth with a double microphone, two USB ports so you can plug in an additional iPod, flash drive or portable hard drive and an OLED display.

It is also the newest headunit on the market.

yeah I saw that, what are the main differences though? some of the things you mentioned are also included on the DEH-P7100BT
 
This is the stereo I have. I love it. About $250 on ebay.

http://www.alpine-usa.com/US-en/products/product.php?model=iDA-X305

Demo of the interface.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebH-19BF2to

The x305 is what I'll be buying next month when I get my drum set paid off. It will be my third alpine hu. The first one was stolen because my dad left my car unlocked. The one I have now my dad bought because of the stolen one. I'm also going put in some alpine type-r speakers to replace my old type-s ones.
 
I have the head unit from the original post(pioneer). I've had it for about 6 months now and it's been pretty decent. Every once in a while it does some weird things like putting my iphone into shuffle mode for no reason. Other than that and a few other quirks it has been a good purchase.
 
I would say to go with the Premier DEH-P710BT. Its sleek, has iTunes tagging for AM/FM stations (not just HD Radio), built in bluetooth with a double microphone, two USB ports so you can plug in an additional iPod, flash drive or portable hard drive and an OLED display.

It is also the newest headunit on the market.

Ok so I think I'm definitely going with the DEH-P7100BT. Did you actually purchase the DEH-P710BT?? Can you confirm if it's fully compatible with iPhone 3GS?? The guy I talked to @ Crutchfield said it's not since they haven't done all the testing. I know they just say that to cover their ass so I'm curious if anyone knows if it's compatible or not????
 
I really want to get the MEX-BT5700U from Sony. It's only just come out in the USA for about $300 although it can be found for less - I think I'm going to import it to the UK.

34211577264dd2cc3de4b1.jpg
 
Ok so I think I'm definitely going with the DEH-P7100BT. Did you actually purchase the DEH-P710BT?? Can you confirm if it's fully compatible with iPhone 3GS?? The guy I talked to @ Crutchfield said it's not since they haven't done all the testing. I know they just say that to cover their ass so I'm curious if anyone knows if it's compatible or not????

anybody?? bueller? bueller?
 
p113MP642U-f_mt.jpeg


I have the Kenwood KDC-MP642U installed in my car. The retail price on this $250US. I've owned Pioneer, Alpine and Sony receivers, but this Kenwood receiver blows them all away. The deal-breaker for me was the built-in HD tuner. For those, who haven't heard or experience HD Radio, it's like CD-quality radio. The iPod/iPhone USB hook-up in my car plays my iPhone with no issues. I highly recommend it to those that want iPhone playback and HD Radio.

b0050c87ad407d83df1fdc9bc829cf91


I also bought a Kenwood KDC-MP342U for my fiancee's car. It's $139US. It also has USB iPod/iPhone playback. I recommend this unit for those on a tight budget.
 
Does anybody know of a double-DIN car stereo that's decently priced? I like the looks of these, but my car stereo section in my dash is double the size of these...
 
Does anybody know of a double-DIN car stereo that's decently priced? I like the looks of these, but my car stereo section in my dash is double the size of these...

My Jetta's factory stereo was double din, but I bought a single din Sony xplod and converted the top space to a storage compartment (pretty standard practice -- wasn't like that was my idea or anything).

The Pioneer I'm about to install today is also single din, so you aren't limited to only single din receivers.
 
p113MP642U-f_mt.jpeg


I have the Kenwood KDC-MP642U installed in my car. The retail price on this $250US. I've owned Pioneer, Alpine and Sony receivers, but this Kenwood receiver blows them all away. The deal-breaker for me was the built-in HD tuner. For those, who haven't heard or experience HD Radio, it's like CD-quality radio. The iPod/iPhone USB hook-up in my car plays my iPhone with no issues. I highly recommend it to those that want iPhone playback and HD Radio.

b0050c87ad407d83df1fdc9bc829cf91


I also bought a Kenwood KDC-MP342U for my fiancee's car. It's $139US. It also has USB iPod/iPhone playback. I recommend this unit for those on a tight budget.

Thank you so much for not saying that HD Radio = High Definition Radio, as that is NOT what the HD stands for.
 
Does anybody know of a double-DIN car stereo that's decently priced? I like the looks of these, but my car stereo section in my dash is double the size of these...

Check my post #65 in this thread. I have this unit on order and will let you know how it works. It has excellent reviews.

41P%2Bezz9hQL._SL500_AA280_.jpg
 
Hearing phonecalls and ringtones over USB

I wish I had read this thread 1 week ago.

I bought a Pioneer DEH-P4150SD which is almost same with 4100UB except the missing IP-Bus connection and +SDCard option.

PIONEER-DEH-P4150SD-SD-USB-LI-2009-MODEL__17887348_0.jpg


It has direct connection support over usb for both iPod and iPhone 3G but no bluetooth connection.

Charging iPhone3G over USB (iPhone OS 3.0) is working flawlessly but as mentioned above iPod application is locked while connecting over USB (deck control). It is not a big problem since I'm always listening manually created smart lists in shuffle mode.

All other features and applications are working normally (not locked)

My problem is that I can't receive ringtones or phonecalls over direct-USB connection. While I'm listening to music, when I get a call, sound fades out and phonespeakers itself starts ringing. But I want to hear the ringtone and also the phone call to be directed to car speakers. I don't expect BT-like contact lists control or dialing from deck options but this is silly not to hear sound when it comes to phonecall.

Do you have any idea? what should I do to direct phonecalls to in-car speakers. (I'm aware of the AUX option but I dont wont to use several connections and have a cable-mess around the dash)

Help appreciated, thanks in advance..
 
Had Pioneer DEH-P6000UB for a years now, just bought iphone 3gs, everything works like a charm... Pioneer is really good company for car stereo ;)

More info about it here
 
woohoo!!

Just installed a Pioneer DEH-P3100UB to replace a Sony Xplod unit that has failed for the second time in 4 years (and only had an AUX in port). The Pioneer has a USB port in addition to the aux, and I can verify that the USB charges my iPhone 3GS and the sound is terrific.

I soldered all the connections too. Looks great and sounds great!

I'm so happy to get also get rid of the Kensington LiquidAUX charger/aux combo I was using. It sounded muddy and always had this annoying whine in the background. The Pioneer has absolutely zero background noise (which I attribute solely to my soldering skills!)

I can't believe Best Buy wanted $50 for a geek squad install plus additional money for all the VW-specific accessories to make it fit. Crutchfield sold me the head unit for $20 less than best buy and its included instructions were more than adequate. Saved myself around $90 :)
 
I wish I had read this thread 1 week ago.

I bought a Pioneer DEH-P4150SD which is almost same with 4100UB except the missing IP-Bus connection and +SDCard option.

PIONEER-DEH-P4150SD-SD-USB-LI-2009-MODEL__17887348_0.jpg


It has direct connection support over usb for both iPod and iPhone 3G but no bluetooth connection.

Charging iPhone3G over USB (iPhone OS 3.0) is working flawlessly but as mentioned above iPod application is locked while connecting over USB (deck control). It is not a big problem since I'm always listening manually created smart lists in shuffle mode.

All other features and applications are working normally (not locked)

My problem is that I can't receive ringtones or phonecalls over direct-USB connection. While I'm listening to music, when I get a call, sound fades out and phonespeakers itself starts ringing. But I want to hear the ringtone and also the phone call to be directed to car speakers. I don't expect BT-like contact lists control or dialing from deck options but this is silly not to hear sound when it comes to phonecall.

Do you have any idea? what should I do to direct phonecalls to in-car speakers. (I'm aware of the AUX option but I dont wont to use several connections and have a cable-mess around the dash)

Help appreciated, thanks in advance..

On my 3100 i have the option to control the iPhone's music through the iPhone itself or through the deck. I set it to let me control the music via the iPhone.

When a call comes in i don't hear the ringtone through the speakers. The music fades out nicely and then I can pick it up with my BT headset.
 
Check my post #65 in this thread. I have this unit on order and will let you know how it works. It has excellent reviews.

41P%2Bezz9hQL._SL500_AA280_.jpg

That's a sweet looking stereo. Please let me know how this one works for you, hell for the price that's not bad. I think what was making me get into the expensive stuff was the GPS functionality, but w/ the iPhone, I don't exactly need that now. If I could get one w/ XM capability, I could basically eliminate the need for my Harmon Kardon iPod thing and my XM, although I could still keep that option there just in case. Either way that thing looks nice, let me know.

stevenlangley1 said:
as far as double dins go I have the JVC KW-AVX820 installed in my truck and I love it. It has built in Bluetooth that sounds great with my iPhone and i also have my iPod connected to it through a cable.

http://www.amazon.com/JVC-Multimedia.../dp/B001PLDZI2

This one looks really great too, I'm going to look into this one also and compare between the two. Bluetooth is intriguing...can you charge via the 30-pin cable on that one? I looked at the pics but wasn't sure, maybe I was overlooking something simple.
 
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