Need an aftermarket stereo with Bluetooth

[notfarnow]

My 911 currently has a pretty decent JVC stereo with bluetooth, but the call sound quality is terrible. I brought it to a car audio shop, they changed the mic, and it still sucks. In researching the issue, I came across a software upgrade that I ran, and it still sucks. I've tried all the different settings for the bluetooth connection, mic quality, and sound filtration, and it STILL SUCKS.

I can hear just fine, but the folks on the other end either hear feedback, echoes, their own voice plaiying back to them, or all 3. It's bad enough that I can't use the voice-dailing on my phone (blackberry curve), because the phone can't figure out what the $%#^$ I'm saying.

It's essentially unuseable, which is no good, because I make 15-30 calls per day in my car.

As an alternative, I picked up a Motorolla T505 bluetooth FM transmitter for about $50. The sound quality is AWESOME, calls are crystal clear, everyone hears me great and it is easily transferred from car to car.

Problem with it is this:
- it is an absolute PAIN IN THE A$$ to use when you are in & out of your car frequently. It can be friggy to reconnect to the phone after turning off. Also, it will frequently, and without warning, change the FM signal that it's sending to the radio. It works fine for "now and then" commuter use, but not for CONSTANT calling all day long, in & out of the car.

WHAT I NEED:
1) an aftermarket stereo with bluetooth that WORKS WELL. I don't want a link to online reviews... I've seen enough of them to ignore them altogether. I need a recommendation from someone who OWNS one, USES IT A LOT, and can vouch for it. Sound quality is VERY important, and it must be good on BOTH ends of the call

2) as a runner up, a bluetooth FM transmitter like my Motorolla t505, but one that connects/reconnecsteasily, and will remain on a FIXED station.

I am getting really tired of screwing around with this, and would love to find a more useable setup. Appreciate any thoughts, but 1st person advice is what is really useful to me.

[Hydrocket]

Ok...we used a Pioneer DEH-710BT when my wife was a community nurse. The car was essentially her office, so call quality was important. The mic that comes with the unit can either be mounted on the visor, the mirror or in the A pillar as we did. It comes with a remote control too, which is pretty convenient. The calls play through the stereo speakers, so sound is as loud or quiet as you want. There was NEVER a complaint about sound quality on either end. The only down about the unit (mind you there are newer versions of this one) was that only one phone could be connected to the head unit at any given time. Excellent unit. Cost was $309 installed and out the door. Pics below.

Another option for you to try, and what she uses now is a top shelf ear piece with noise cancelling technology. She then got a custom ear mold for it. The sound is amazing. Even with the window DOWN, I can't hear any wind and sound quality is truly exceptional. I have no idea how they do it, but this earpiece is small, does voice dials/voice answer and sound clarity is exceptional. The one she used was a Jawbone ICON..she then had her earpiece custom made here: Jawbone Bluetooth Custom Molded Earpiece from AverySound.com

If you have further questions, please ask.

[Gogar]

Jake,

I hate to break it to you, but it's not gonna happen in a 911. If you have to make calls just put a Bluetooth thing in your ear and just make sure no one sees it.

[Hydrocket]

Oh..she used this too and said it worked very well. It is self contained, and has it's own speaker. She said she would be in/out of the car 10-20 times a day and it always re-connected upon getting back in the car. Relatively cheap too!

Hope this helps.

S4 True Handsfree Voice Controlled Car Speakerphone - BlueAnt Wireless

[notfarnow]

thanks Hydrocket! Just the type of info I'm looking for!

Gogar, you'd be surprised how well a good handsfree setup will work in a 911. Even with my windows & sunrook open, my calls are clear using the Motorolla t505. If it wasn't for the usability issues with it, it'd be perfect!

[89911]

Originally Posted by Gogar

Jake,

I hate to break it to you, but it's not gonna happen in a 911. If you have to make calls just put a Bluetooth thing in your ear and just make sure no one sees it.

Come on. There's nothing wrong with the look. You look all business.

[onewhippedpuppy]

Jake, I know you said no reviews, but have you checked out Crutchfield? They are the Tire Rack of audio equipment, it's a good way to shop around.