advice on bluetooth and audio upgrade

[tlw00dy]

I just purchased a 2010 Vibe base. I have the following objectives: 1. Improve the sound quality without spending a lot of money. 2. Get hands-free phone calling with my Palm Pre. 3. Get stereo bluetooth from my Palm Pre. (It gets Pandora on it, which I love.) 4. Plug in an ipod (my kids and my wife all have one. Good for long trips)For me, 1, 2 and 3 are essential. 4 would be nice, too.Here's the skinny… 1. Other posts here suggest that the factory head unit is ok. Seems fine to me, and looks good. I like that it has XM for 12 months, though I vastly prefer pandora on my phone. The factory speakers are junk, though. I'm thinking of replacing them with 4 Polk DB651 speakers (also saw on this site). I'm not sure if I need the regular or the slim mount. It was suggested that I also pick up an amp to drive them. I could use a recommendation on an inexpensive power amp.Unless it turns out that I would need a new head unit to accomplishobjectives 2 and 3. 2. I bought a stick shift in part because this will be my kids car one day and I wanted to be able to discourage them from texting while driving. Of course, that means that I have to curb my own bad habits. But, I do need to talk on the phone while driving, so I need a good hands-free solution. I want something that is easy to use and works well with the Pre. I have low tolerance for things that are a PITA to use. I don't know much about the available equipment for this. I think Parrot makes some stuff that can be adapted to any head unit. Or, I could get that new Pioneer DEH-P7100BT. The reviews I've read don't make it sound so great. Maybe theParrotwouldbe better, but I think these might be just for phone use and no audio from the phone device. Which leads me to… 3. I want to be able to listen to Pandora on my phone when in the car. I could do this with a bluetooth receiver, or an adapter. I can already plug the phone in because the factory receiver has an aux input on the front. It doesn't bother me to much to have to plug it in. I'll have to plug in the charger anyway because the Pre's battery life kinda sucks even before I start listening to online radio. I would probably only bother plugging it in on longer trips. One advantage to getting a new receiver could be HD reception. I know I'm not going to pay the $10 per month for XM. The problem with plugging it in is just that I want the phone to work AND the internet radio. So, I'm kind of thinking that means I have to go fully with a bluetooth hookup, but I’m not too clear on this. 4. If I do get a new receiver, I'd like for it to have an aux input so that the kids and my wife can plug in their ipod.Maybe I should just get a bluetooth headset for the phone and plug in thephone to the stereo when I want to play Pandora. It already has the correctjack for that. I was hoping not to have to fiddle with the headset everytimeI get in the car, but maybe I should reconsider. The headset might be usefulat other times.Here are some options I'm considering: - Parrot RKi8400 - Parrot CK3000 Evolution Bluetooth Car Kit for Palm Pre - Mr Handsfree BlueSmart for Palm Pre (highly rated) - Boss Audio 745BA - LiquidAUX™ Bluetooth® Car Kit - K33428US -KensingtonPlease share your thoughts and opinions if you have some.Thank you for your time, interest and expertise in car audio.Loving this forum,

[ou.grizzly]

This is the unit I have and love it...http://www.crutchfield.com/p_1...=5684

[Sublimewind]

I think for all that you are after, you should consider a unit like the one that OU mentioned... Or even a Navi unit.. Speakers would be cool... Check this thread I made, out for some interesting deals... http://forums.nasioc.com/forum...13000BTW, if you purchase through Crutchfield.com, it costs more, but you get full manufactures warr... AND everything you need to install, including instructions..!!!

[ou.grizzly]

Quote, originally posted by Sublimewind »I think for all that you are after, you should consider a unit like the one that OU mentioned... Or even a Navi unit.. BTW, if you purchase through Crutchfield.com, it costs more, but you get full manufactures warr... AND everything you need to install, including instructions..!!!Adapter for the OnStar is an additional $140 and then have to purchase a HD receiver which costs another $130.00 - if he is wanted those features.

[northvibe]

not to hijack, but I'm looking for a HU for my escape that has bluetooth and a usb port for a ipod. any ideas?

[ou.grizzly]

Quote, originally posted by northvibe »not to hijack, but I'm looking for a HU for my escape that has bluetooth and a usb port for a ipod. any ideas?Get a Pioneer. Mine has a USB in the back and works flawlessly with my iPod and he BT works well.

[tlw00dy]

Hmm. Pioneer Premier FH-P800BT at $350 plus $140 to get it to onstar and still not hd? Kinda pricey, but I'll consider it.Know any good installers, OU?Also, would I still need an amp?

[northvibe]

Quote, originally posted by ou.grizzly »Get a Pioneer. Mine has a USB in the back and works flawlessly with my iPod and he BT works well. what price though? I was thinking 200...but I feel I may have to give up BT to get that cheap with usb.

[Sublimewind]

Quote, originally posted by tlw00dy »Hmm. Pioneer Premier FH-P800BT at $350 plus $140 to get it to onstar and still not hd? Kinda pricey, but I'll consider it.Know any good installers, OU?Also, would I still need an amp?I'm a good installer, but I think i'm 2-3hrs north of you..

[tlw00dy]

Ah, just noticed the hickigan! nice to meet another neighbor from the north. i'm a stone's throw from the D. Are you in TC? Or, 2-3 hours puts you maybe midland area? I'm thinking you are probably the best installer, and my new little gas sipper would get me out there in no time!