Which Alpine unit?

[DJ_B_Easy]

Apple/Broadfield,

Rather than send PMs to each of you thought I would start a thread so we can all talk as a big happy family!

So it turns out I cannot get my free AVIC-Z120BT so I'll be purchasing an Alpine unit with my BB discount. On both of your recommendations Im leaning toward the INA-W900BT but had a few questions:

1) Can I stream music from my phone via Bluetooth to the head unit? Didnt see this noted anywhere
2) How is the sound quality WITHOUT the add on Imprint module? Do I need to buy the Imprint as well or think I can get by without it? I like things sounding nice....really nice.
3) Any issues with nav? Good service and maps?
4) I know it comes with an iPod USB cable, but I also saw an optional cable offered. Whats the advantage of the optional cable? I want the iPod seamless to the headunit, on screen control with video, the works.

Now through my research, I came across the IVA-W505/PI and unless Im being a ritard could not find a difference between the two other than Bluetooth not included on the IVA. What gives?

Appreciate your help guys...

[KA24JEF]

do you mean? best buy? lol cuz if you do i work thir too and im a installer and to me i really dont are for alpine head units i whold go pioneer lol but agin thats me

[AppleBonker]

1) Can I stream music from my phone via Bluetooth to the head unit? Didnt see this noted anywhere

I don't have music on my phone, so I'll have to transfer some over and try. I believe so, but definitely don't quote me on this.

2) How is the sound quality WITHOUT the add on Imprint module? Do I need to buy the Imprint as well or think I can get by without it? I like things sounding nice....really nice.

The imprint module doesn't make anything sound better, per se. What it does is give you more tuning options. To be honest, you'd probably be fine without it (unless you want to get into a crazy setup of running active or something more advanced like that).

3) Any issues with nav? Good service and maps?

I've only had one issue with mine since I got it (about 3 months ago?). The time on the head unit is set by the navigation. There was about a 12 hour stretch of time where the time just bounced all over the place. This only happened once (though it was for about 12 hours) and that was nearly a month and a half ago. Other than that, I've had no problems. The maps have been accurate for me for the most part. There may have been one exit in Baltimore that was new where my map pack was outdated, but other than that it's been spot-on.

4) I know it comes with an iPod USB cable, but I also saw an optional cable offered. Whats the advantage of the optional cable? I want the iPod seamless to the headunit, on screen control with video, the works.

The optional cable is for head units that DON'T have the USB connection, I believe. What comes in the box is what you want to use. Integrates well and will allow you to playback video from the iPod. I have had a few issues with my iPod freezing (not sure if Apple is to blame here or Alpine), but that's an easy fix. When this happens, I just need to reboot the iPod (press and hold the menu and center buttons at the same time for abotu five seconds - instructions on Apple's website).

Now through my research, I came across the IVA-W505/PI and unless Im being a ritard could not find a difference between the two other than Bluetooth not included on the IVA. What gives?

The W505 is the previous model. It does not have built in nav. The boot time is longer. The nav is FAR FAR FAR worse with the add-on. It is basically identical to what I had in my previous head unit - the IVA-W205 (which was replaced by the 505). I would not be able to recommend the W505 over the W900BT. It's not even close...

[DJ_B_Easy]

@ KA24JEF: Yes Best Buy. I tried getting on the Pioneer MEL auction and I didnt realize I needed like 800,000 points to do anything at all. I dont even know how people have that many points, I already did all of the videos and lessons and I only have like 58,000. I was also looking at the Kenwood accomodation, we can get the DNX7160 for about $750 so Im going to look into that one too.

@Apple: As always thanks for the input. Bluetooth streaming is kind of high on the list now with almost every smartphone carrying Pandora. Its funny that you mention the freeze on the iPod, this is what happens in my Clarion unit, I'll have to try the reset thing you mention above next time it does. As far as that extra cable, I think I mixed that up with the IVA.

Still dont know what I want to do here...
INA W900BT: $738 or Kenwood DNX7160: $750.
I hate decisions like this...

[AppleBonker]

I will check at lunch on the bluetooth streaming using Pandora. I was able to stream media on the phone over bluetooth, but I didn't even think to try Pandora. I'll give you that response this afternoon. Also, keep in mind that mine is the W900 with the external BT module. While I'm pretty sure it is identical to the W900BT, there may be some minor differences. However, I would expect that anything that functions on my setup would not change with the 900BT. And, for reference, I've got a Motorola Droid 2.

[KA24JEF]

the kenwood isent bad just installed that one yesterday from experince that one takes like 6 years to bot up lol its bad but once it does its not bad but i whold go with alpine over kenwood i just dont like how kenwod works, lol agin thats just me, but ya i have no idea how people are getting points that high i gave up a long time ago havent done one in like 3 years lol

[DJ_B_Easy]

i have no idea how people are getting points that high i gave up a long time ago havent done one in like 3 years lol

See thats what I thought...it has to have been around forever, I thought it was a new thing and I thought I had that AVIC-Z120BT on lockdown. Little did I know that the 7,500 point bid on it was actually 750,000 points versus my 58,000. Crazy man...

Apple I think if you are able to stream media via Bluetooth, Pandora should be no problem. I dont think it really matters what application, just that it is actually capable of streaming media period. Either way let me know, thanks again.

I had one Kenwood head unit and the past and to be quite honest I loved it. BUT it was only cassette with CD changer control, no nav or iPod (this was my first car long time ago). I guess a lot of companies fell off once the iPod was introduced and Alpine kind of locked it up. I can also buy the AVIC outright for around $950 I think, the voice command is insane and Ive seen a few videos of its operation (through the MEL website) and it seems pretty legit. However, last night at BB I was unloading truck and we got a fresh new W900BT...might have to go get it Friday!

[AppleBonker]

Apple I think if you are able to stream media via Bluetooth, Pandora should be no problem. I dont think it really matters what application, just that it is actually capable of streaming media period. Either way let me know, thanks again.

This is exactly what I think, but I'd like to confirm it since I can easily. Again, unless there's some compatibility issue with your phone I would think if it works for me, you should be fine. If it is an iPhone you have, I believe you can actually plug the phone in to the Apple dock connector and stream pandora wired while charging the phone (but don't quote me on this as I recently sold my iPhone and dropped AT&T). Also, I was pleasantly surprised that the unit can browse my entire phone book on the Droid. Especially considering with facebook-imported contacts that list is like 200 numbers long.

[AppleBonker]

Pandora over BT is fine with the Droid 2. Head unit can control track forward and play/pause. But I was not getting any on-screen info. I'm not sure if that is a setting anywhere, but I will try to look into it more closely.

[DJ_B_Easy]

Excellent, thanks man.

Well looks like Ive got quite a bit of number crunching to do...

[AppleBonker]

Such is life in the electronics world. I know exactly what you're going through. Anything else you think of that you want an opinion on, let me know and I'll try to check it out.

[DJ_B_Easy]

Yeah man, doesnt help that I have a somewhat feminine shopping addiction, its kind of sad actually. I'll get it figured out and let you all know the results.