I've been using the same radio for about 4 years now... which to some of you guys probably seems too long, but it was a present so I've felt obliged! Recently it has started playing up a bit, and I've decided I'd like something different. Here's a list of what I'd like my new radio to do: -

1) It needs to cost no more than about £175, preferably looking at about £150.

2) I would like handsfree calling included in the price.

3) Streaming of music from my phone via bluetooth as well, and preferably access to the music library on my phone through the head unit.

4) Access of phone book on the radio head unit.

5) Might be getting an iPod touch for xmas, so should be compatible with that too, although I don't know if I'm getting it or not.

6) Would prefere a single din, if I had double din it would have to have sat nav, but I know I can't afford that - if there's something which could be upgraded later to having full sat nav (and 1-4) then I would be very tempted to go for that!

For more information, I have a Sony Ericsson Vivaz, so the bluetooth should be compatible with this! I'm currently using a kenwood, and would probably prefere kenwood/sony as I know these are fairly good brands, any others I should look at or avoid?

Thanks for any help or advice you guys can give me - even if it's just a list of trusted/best place to buy websites!

Edited 30 November, 201015 yr by Bezzy

I've been using the same radio for about 4 years now... which to some of you guys probably seems too long, but it was a present so I've felt obliged! Recently it has started playing up a bit, and I've decided I'd like something different. Here's a list of what I'd like my new radio to do: -

1) It needs to cost no more than about £175, preferably looking at about £150.

2) I would like handsfree calling included in the price.

3) Streaming of music from my phone via bluetooth as well, and preferably access to the music library on my phone through the head unit.

4) Access of phone book on the radio head unit.

5) Might be getting an iPod touch for xmas, so should be compatible with that too, although I don't know if I'm getting it or not.

6) Would prefere a single din, if I had double din it would have to have sat nav, but I know I can't afford that - if there's something which could be upgraded later to having full sat nav (and 1-4) then I would be very tempted to go for that!

For more information, I have a Sony Ericsson Vivaz, so the bluetooth should be compatible with this! I'm currently using a kenwood, and would probably prefere kenwood/sony as I know these are fairly good brands, any others I should look at or avoid?

Thanks for any help or advice you guys can give me - even if it's just a list of trusted/best place to buy websites!

I had an Alpine CDE-113BT fitted in my old Mercedes E Class and it was fantastic, full iphone 4 intergration with the lead, bluetooth hands free calling, USB interface, AUX cable in etc

Pity my VRS and the wifes car are both double din units so I can't install it.

....Thanks for any help or advice you guys can give me - even if it's just a list of trusted/best place to buy websites!......

Check out the spec. of this Alpine media player and see if you are happy with it......All 6 points in your post get the green light.

The price fits and Alpine quality knocks Kenwood & Sony into a cocked hat.

RRP of £230 reduced to £154 from a trusted and highly-recommended supplier.....

http://www.caraudiod...-cde-113bt.html

Edited 30 November, 201015 yr by BOBAD

Check out the spec. of this Alpine media player and see if you are happy with it......All 6 points in your post get the green light.

The price fits and Alpine quality knocks Kenwood & Sony into a cocked hat.

RRP of £230 reduced to £154 from a trusted and highly-recommended supplier.....

http://www.caraudiod...-cde-113bt.html

I have been considering this one, or the Parrot RKi8400. I can get the Parrot for £162 from Halfords. Do i need to get an aerial connection as well, as my current radio signal is very poor (with aftermarket radio). I've read some threads regarding this, but unsure if I have this problem or something to do with the aerial base.

Does anyone have a comparison of the two units and which they would prefere given the option of the two? I think the Parrot one looks nicer on pictures for me, but I'm unsure how they look IRL.

EDIT: just checked and both retail at similar prices. I'm unsure which to go for. I like the idea of the Parrot having the hole in the fascia, and would like to empty my glovebox of CD's. I'm currently using mp3 CD's, with 10+ albums per disc, but still find space short! I have a lot of music!

Edited 30 November, 201015 yr by Bezzy

......... I'm unsure which to go for. .........

I found this review of the Parrot which you might find useful.

If I was having to choose, i would go for the Alpine.

Do not buy this until they update the software!!!, 28 April 2010 By R. JenkinsThis review is from: Parrot RKI8400 Bluetooth Headsfree Kit with iPod and iPhone Control (Electronics) I've edited this review as since Apple updated the OS to 4.0 and 4.0.1 customers ,including myself, have found out that Parrot have not come up with a suitable update to coincide with Apples release. Therefore the unit doesn't work properly in many menus, even non-ipod related functions, and mine seems to be getting worse on a daily basis! When working my review stands as below, but please wait till Parrot pull their fingers out!!! Check out their forum to see if the update is available/other customers problems.

Having read the reviews on Amazon and other sites I plumped for the 8400 as it was designed for the iPhone and the price on here was about 40 to 50 pounds cheaper than anywhere else.

Having installed the head unit I have found it to be user friendly, quick to load and pair with Bluetooth devices and also has awesome sound qualities. My 32gb iPhone is three quarters full and by the time I had plugged it in, replaced the fascia, turned it on and entered the correct menu it was loaded onto the Parrot. The same was true with my Bluetooth iPhone, which has to be done outside of the compartment, but I literally didn't notice that it had loaded my 150+ phone book list.

Possible cons, depending on taste, is the mixture of shiny and rubberised finish on the fascia which may not fit in with all car interiors, but I like it. And the whole fascia extends out of the unit instead of sitting flush like most other head units.

I also like the fact that when you remove the fascia it leaves the head unit looking very boring and inexpensive, and you can only tell it's this model as it has the hole for your iPhone/MP3 player.

In summary I would recommend it to anyone looking for head unit to compliment their iPhone. I haven't used it with a hard drive or MP3 player, however other forums insist it's just as easy to use. Well done Parrot! "

Your money -- your choice !

I found this review of the Parrot which you might find useful.

If I was having to choose, i would go for the Alpine.

Your money -- your choice !

Very true that part!

I have read that review before, and to be honest it didn't really put me off, because I don't have an iPod, or iPhone, and would not anticipate that I'll get one anytime soon. I think it all comes down to the appearance because there aren't many differences between the two units - apart from whether it plays cd's, the 'cubby' hole, and that review.

It's a difficult choice, and the offer ends at Halfords tomorrow so I need to hurry up and choose!!

check this one: http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/PIONEER-DEH-6200BT-CD-MP3-BUILT-BLUETOOTH-/110615985484?pt=UK_Audio_TV_Electronics_In_Car_Entertainment_GPS_In_Car_Audio_Players_PP&hash=item19c139fd4c