Member Since: 14 Dec 2014
Location: Chinnor
Posts: 531
Excellent cheap Bluetooth solution
I have had problems with my built in bluetooth since buying the d3 about a month ago, nobody on here seemed to have experienced the same issue, and it is basically unusable.
I bought a parrot minikit, which clips on the sun visor, and although it does what it says on the tin, the sound quality is poor and you have to move it every time you want to push the visor against the window.
I also had issues with it occasionally not connecting automatically. That cost £48
Kinivo BTC450 and I have to say it is absolutely brilliant.
Plugs into the aux, and even comes with right angled extension cable which allows the flap over the aux to close (so the kids cant kick it out!). It also plugs into the 12volt socket.
Looks great, and allows audio streaming of music from your phone as well as excellent quality handsfree calling.
It automatically reconnects to the phone every time you turn on the ignition, which some other models do not - which is a real bonus.
If you dont have bluetooth (or even if you do and you want to stream music) then this is the best £25 you will ever spend.
Probably the only downside is a slight difference in volume level between CD and streaming audio, but you get used to that.
If the phone rings and you are already on aux it will interrupt music and you just press the big round button once to answer the call.
If you are on CD or radio, then you just press and hold your steering wheel button to change to Aux, and press the button on the kinivo to answer the call.
It really is very simple and just works.
You can also skip backward and forward music tracks on it using the buttons at the top if you so wish.
I have mounted mine as shown. Managed to hide all the wiring easily enough, really happy with it, and for the money its a no brainer. I dont need a phonebook display or anything like that, just want to be able to safely answer calls.
And the streaming audio makes it a better system than the built in one for me, only downside is I cant use the phone steering wheel buttons, but thats not a big deal.
Hope someone finds this useful
PS if anybody wants to take the Parrot minikit+ off my hands for £30 delivered then give me a shout.
Click image to enlarge
Click image to enlarge
Last edited by Johnny Oxford on 10th Jan 2015 4:30 pm. Edited 1 time in total
10th Jan 2015 4:26 pm
mathewdowns
Member Since: 31 May 2013
Location: Bournemouth
Posts: 207
I use exactly the same and its brilliant..... Also use the built in USB adapter to power a QI wireless charger which I have under the radio that charges my phone.
10th Jan 2015 4:30 pm
Biker Pete
Member Since: 23 Jan 2014
Location: Gateshead
Posts: 513
Awesome! Thanks for posting
I am ordering one now
10th Jan 2015 6:10 pm
bluebarchetta
Member Since: 25 Oct 2005
Location: Aylesbury
Posts: 524
I was looking at one of these vs the Mpow one.
I prefer the look of the Kinivo one but the Mpow version has a volume control.
How does the Kinivo one compare to the CD volume?
bb
23rd Feb 2015 8:04 pm
Johnny Oxford
Member Since: 14 Dec 2014
Location: Chinnor
Posts: 531
It is lower than the cd volume but you soon get used to it. To be honest I rarely use cd now I can stream music from phone2014 D4 HSE Facelift Corris Grey
Previous :
Discovery Sport SE (awful)
56 plate D3 HSE TDV6 Zermatt Silver
Defender 90 200tdi
Last edited by Johnny Oxford on 20th Jan 2022 11:36 am. Edited 1 time in total
23rd Feb 2015 8:47 pm
Johnny Oxford
Member Since: 14 Dec 2014
Location: Chinnor
Posts: 531
CD that should say2014 D4 HSE Facelift Corris Grey
Previous :
Discovery Sport SE (awful)
56 plate D3 HSE TDV6 Zermatt Silver
Defender 90 200tdi
23rd Feb 2015 8:48 pm
bluebarchetta
Member Since: 25 Oct 2005
Location: Aylesbury
Posts: 524
Thanks - my main concern is being blasted by the Satnav when I'm using that.
Have you had any issues?
23rd Feb 2015 8:58 pm
Johnny Oxford
Member Since: 14 Dec 2014
Location: Chinnor
Posts: 531
that might be a problem, I use a standalone tomtom as I find the built in satnav dreadful in comparison2014 D4 HSE Facelift Corris Grey
Previous :
Discovery Sport SE (awful)
56 plate D3 HSE TDV6 Zermatt Silver
Defender 90 200tdi
Last edited by Johnny Oxford on 23rd Feb 2015 10:03 pm. Edited 1 time in total
23rd Feb 2015 9:35 pm
bluebarchetta
Member Since: 25 Oct 2005
Location: Aylesbury
Posts: 524
Thanks. Tempted...
23rd Feb 2015 9:53 pm
Trantorman
Member Since: 12 Feb 2011
Location: Aberdeen
Posts: 193
where did you buy your one?
Thanks
26th Feb 2015 3:17 pm
maplecottage
Member Since: 01 Feb 2011
Location: Norfolk
Posts: 3171
I've just ordered one from Amazon - hopefully will save me having to rewire the D3 mic
UPDATE: Mine's been despatched
Last edited by maplecottage on 26th Feb 2015 6:34 pm. Edited 1 time in total
26th Feb 2015 3:29 pm
Johnny Oxford
Member Since: 14 Dec 2014
Location: Chinnor
Posts: 531
i got mine from Amazon too, was about £25 including postage.
Shop around as I have seen them up to £45 on ebay.2014 D4 HSE Facelift Corris Grey
Previous :
Discovery Sport SE (awful)
56 plate D3 HSE TDV6 Zermatt Silver
Defender 90 200tdi
26th Feb 2015 4:00 pm
Trantorman
Member Since: 12 Feb 2011
Location: Aberdeen
Posts: 193
Thanks I will have a look
26th Feb 2015 4:15 pm
DSL Keeper of the wheelie bin
Member Since: 11 May 2006
Location: Off again! :-)
Posts: 73089
Me too, looks like it might be good for SWMBO's Jazz.
26th Feb 2015 4:33 pm
blue meanie D3 Decade
Member Since: 04 Aug 2005
Location: Newbury
Posts: 6861
I went for this NFC equipped one which is good too
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