Hi all! I'm a brand new 2013 Fit Sport owner and am trying to figure out the best audio solution in terms of performance and bang-for-the-buck.

I've got the non-Navigation head unit currently and am trying to figure out the best way to integrate a smartphone in order to play music and make calls. My wife and I both have Android phones (her: HTC One S; me: Samsung Galaxy S3) and our primary music source is Spotify. I'd also like to be able to use Pandora.

It doesn't appear that either of our phones is able to connect to the stock HU via USB. I have an old iPod Touch which I was able to connect via USB and access music on, but most of the music I listen to is in "the cloud" with Spotify, so the iPod doesn't seem like an ideal solution.

As far as connectivity, Bluetooth seems like a natural so that we can avoid having to plug the phone in each time we get in the car.

I've looked at the USA Spec BT-35HON which I learned about on this forum, but I read that some (most?) are unsatisfied with the sound quality of this unit when streaming audio.

Next I started looking at replacement HUs that include Bluetooth support. I really prefer the look of the double-DIN models and I found the Pioneer FH-X700BT which I could get for $220 (including the steering wheel control interface). This is less than $100 more than the cost of the BT-35HON.

Of course, the more I dig, the more I find, with each successive item being just a wee bit pricier than the last. Before long I'm looking at the JVC KW-NSX1 ($470) with something called MirrorLink and soon I'm trying to justify the cost of an over $1,000 full blown DVD/Navigation receiver (like the Alpine INE-W927HD).

Back down to earth. I don't really need a DVD player in my Fit (at least not in the dash). I also don't have much need of navigation and when I do, Google Maps on my phone is generally sufficient. So I guess what I'm really trying to figure out is which solution is best:

1. Leave the stock HU and connect my Android phone via the 3.5mm "Aux" port and control my music on my phone. Cost: basically $0 (since I already have everything I need)
2. Install the USA Spec BT-35HON and hope the audio quality is sufficient. Cost: around $125
3. Rip out the stock HU and replace it with a low-end double-DIN CD receiver with integrated Bluetooth like the Pioneer FH-X700BT. Cost: around $220
4. Spend more on a replacement HU in search of some other feature I have missed or glossed over. Cost: $400 and up

As you can see I'm pretty confused. I'll probably stick with option #1 for the time being, but would love to have a more elegant solution. I'm looking for any feedback you can provide about any of the solutions I've considered. Are there any other considerations I am missing? Which brands of car audio equipment do you like best and why?

Sorry for the sprawling debut post, but my head is spinning and I just need some advice.

 

Option 1 works while you continue to search. I did that (plus the tape adapter) in my old LS430 and it sounded acceptable. I would go straight to option 3 if you can't hear this USA spec device in person and want better sound quality. I myself prefer the all in one Pioneer just because I had a few of them in the past and was happy with the product.

 

I use the aux port all the time for spotify. Im planning on getting a nice GPS double din unit,JVC KW-NT500HDT. Id go with the double din option if you have the budget. There are some headunits out there that have native integration with the spotify app. But bluetooth is good enough.

 

Thanks for the replies. For now I'm just sticking with using the aux port and it's working well enough, though the plugging and un-plugging of the phone is definitely an annoyance, particularly when running errands where I'm getting into and out of the car often.

Does anyone else have experience with any of the options I presented? Are the reports of poor audio quality with the USA Spec BT unit overblown?

 

Not sure about how compatible it is with your version of android but this might be worth a consideration, especially the 2nd generation price is very affordable.
http://www.crutchfield.com/S-E87rOgi...-AppRadio.html



3rd generation
http://www.crutchfield.com/S-E87rOgi...ppRadio-3.html

 

If you want the best bang for your buck then the Pioneer DEH-80PRS is your unit. Granted it is not a double din, but it has more features than ANY unit in its price range, single or double din.

DEH-80PRS - CD Receiver with 3-Way Active Crossover Network, Auto EQ, and Auto Time Alignment | Pioneer Electronics USA

Can be found online for less than $300.

 

Thanks for the suggestion. It looks like one heck of a head unit.

 

Anyone use iSimple products? I'm looking at the inSeam as I don't want to replace the stock radio at this moment.

Thanks,
Dawn

 

I haven't tried it but it's a cool device, thanks for sharing. Hopefully one of the audio gurus can provide some pros and cons of this type of setup. It got good ratings on Amazon. Might be helpful if you list out some of your connectivity requirements. The pioneer unit Fit4SPL recommended is pretty awesome.

 

Whoops good idea.

I'm looking for something that will have to be installed (not by me, I would break things and I know my limitations) and not just be a line in/plug in device with the Aux hole. I would like something that can let me make phone calls and stream audio via bluetooth. I would prefer for it to all be contained behind the dash vs another screen that is mounted onto the radio area. Since I have the steering wheel buttons and deemed the cancel cruise control button useless I would love for it to utilize that button. I realize there are other solutions but since I have the buttons I figure I may as well use it.

I've heard about the Parrot CK3100 but I'm not too keen on that display thing that gets mounted (ie potentially coming off and getting lost) plus it's more expensive anyway. My coworker used to work for iSimple (he no longer does) and was the one who recommended the inSeam and also the Tranzit Blu HF if it seems to be a problem to get the steering wheel button modified with the iSimple. I don't mind a small little button but definitely don't want an added display. Maybe in the future I'll upgrade the stereo to a fancier in dash receiver but I don't need it now.

PS Anyone figure out how the heck to scroll names on the display (non nav is what I have)? I plugged in my usb drive and the music plays fine but it seems it can only display a few letters of the folder/file/artist name but doesn't scroll/switch to show the full name. I was just curious.

Thanks!!

 

Hold the "Title" button for 2 seconds or so. It moves the display to the next line of text. Hold it down for another two seconds and you go back to the first line.

 

Awesome thanks - too bad it doesn't do it by itself but it's something