Evo - Car Audio, looking for the best Bluetooth solution

[LikeAChampion3]

I am looking for some suggestions on streaming audio and doing hands-free calls through my car radio. I have a 2000 VW Passat (Monsoon system) that is still rocking the stock cassette deck. Now that Howard has re-upped with Sirius and my Sirius radio is on the fritz, I want to finally integrate my Evo into my car radio so that it is the only portable device in my car. It has already replaced my Garmin Nuvi, now I can get rid of my S50 too. My biggest concern is that I won't be able to pause the live radio anymore.

I know that I am going to have to install an after market car stereo, so first of all I need to know if the Evo has any known connectivity issues with a particular brand of stereo. Does anyone use an after market stereo to stream music and do hands-free calling from their Evo that can recommend a unit?

I have found a few at Best Buy that claim Bluetooth connectivity, but I would prefer to get some advice from the folks here before buying one.

Thanks in advance!

 

[LikeAChampion3]

I went to best buy today and was more or less disappointed in the options available. Suggestions are most welcome

 

[truslide]

Hey man, I haven't heard much about connectivity setups for something like smartphones. For an iPod or iTouch, for sure... If you did decide thats better, you could always run wireless tether and connect your iTouch (if you have one), and then stream radio. Then use bluetooth for your calls.

Other than that... You'll most likely have to connect the phone using the Axillary port. I guess you could connect the USB port but I dont know if any head units will recognize the Andoid system so that you could control the device from the headunit. iPod integration is the primary component of removable car audio...

Now... what WOULD be dope... is if Samsung made a head unit so that the tablet could plug into and you could mount it in your car.

I know... Im a genius. Go ahead and admit it. And if Samsung does it... you're all my witnesses to claim royalties.

 

[LikeAChampion3]

I don't want to add a device to my car, I am trying to run everything through my Evo, so the iPod recommendation won't work though I appreciate the input. Bluetooth connectivity exists for smartphones, but it is certainly less widespread than iPod functions for car stereos.

Other than getting it down to a single device, I want it wireless.

Now that I have done some research, it really looks like it is going to cost me a few hundred bucks to get a stereo that does what I need it to do and will be reliable. There is a DUAL brand unit that is the right price, but the reviews are very bad.

Anyone who has purchased or uses a car stereo for these purposes I would love to hear how you do it and what system you use!

 

[chico71]

bluetooth connectivity

Im running stock evo with my 2007 chevy avalanche that has onstar but no bluetooth capability through my factory radio. I stumbled across this site Scosche Industries while browsing, desperately trying to find some way to make phone calls through my factory system. I bit the bullet and purchaesd the unit through best buy. And let me tell you, I couldnt be happier with it! The blue fusion unit makes phone calls using all the factory controls on the steering wheel and radio and even displays the incoming phone number on my factory radio. Im not sure about bluetooth streaming audio though. Installation was a cinch and it only took me about 10 minutes to install myself. The downside is the unit was pretty costly at $299, but does beat the alternative method of upgrading to a factory radio of over $1000 with all the capabilities I needed. I didnt go aftermarket because I wanted to be able to still use my onstar. Please leave feedback and let me know if anyone else has tried this product.

Jim

 

[Dave Blake]

I use a Motorola T-505 Bluetooth adapter it will do everything you guys are looking for and use the stock equipment. Basic it connects with your EVO then broadcasts everything over FM. Only drawback is that at times it can have a little static especially if you are in a big city where the FM bans is full of stations can be hard to find an empty spot. I got mine from th Android Central store I use it all the time when I am driving and I love it.

Hope that helps
Dave

 

[eldub1]

Don't be so bent on bluetooth. It's not going to be the best sound quality. Hard wire to aux port is the way to go.

 

[LikeAChampion3]

I appreciate the additional comments!

I am not super picky about sound quality, but wireess is a must. Using an aux input won't work for this reason. I'll look into the fm transmitter, but usually those just don't cut it as the transmitters are too weak.

On the recommendation above, I checked out this site and I think I found what I was looking for.

Bluetooth Accessories BlueFusion Bluetooth Handsfree & Streaming Audio Car Kit