Need some stereo advice

[sbbamafan]

I have an '06 with the JBL, steering wheel buttons and the Rear overhead Entertainment System. Though it is certainly not audiophile quality, I can live with it except for 2 exceptions. I need bluetooth as I talk on my phone constantly and I also want to be able to stream music from my phone. I also want an auxillary jack for my kids MP3 player. I want the steering wheel buttons to remain functional. I am not sure what the input format is coming from the RES (it is the Toyota model).

I was looking at the Alpine 103BT but found out it cannot accommodate the steering wheel controls. Other Alpine choices were too costly. I heard good things about the Pioneer 6200 but dont like the way they look and also the knob is hard to grip / awkward. Salesperson told be Sony is not very good. Saw some JVC and Kenwood stuff too, but no models where I was with BT. I like the Pioneer 8200.

I dont really think that my needs are that unique or special. What do any of you suggest?

 

[kicksave98]

I just recently had the 6200 installed in my 07 SE and you're right, the knob is very difficult to use. I use the steering wheel controls whenever possible. But be advised, there's a special adapter needed to be able to use the steering wheel controls with that unit. On the other hand, the sound is very good, miles better than the factory JBL system, even using the factory speakers.

 

[li_runner]

All aftermarket radio units other than certain Eclipse ones (which is not actively produced anymore) require the use of an adapter unit to utalize the steering wheel controls. Pac-Audio

 

[sbbamafan]

No I am heavily considering the Kenwood BT945U. Any knowledge out there on this one? It seems that there are 4 things I will need:

The head unit
Wiring kit to send to the JBL amp
The new dash face kit
The steering wheel adapter

All I can say is it isnt what it used to be in the old days (the 80's) with all the stuff interconnected. It used to be much simpler.

 

[c17flyer]

Check out my post on the 30% off at AMAZON ... If you're still interested in the Pioneer 8200 ... You can get it right now for WAY CHEAP!