My old Alpine was installed before Bluetooth was even a thing, so I was thrilled to get this updated stereo to review. It has very nice connectivity and sound, with a few foibles.
Pros:
– According to my car guy, it was very easy to install in my 2004 Forester. The only hitch was that the bezel in the dash fits very tightly around the faceplate, so the plate isn’t really removable (for me not a dealbreaker). Because the microphone is on the face itself, the installer didn’t have to run a dedicated wire, which saved me some money (but more on that below).
– The controls are pretty intuitive, once you get used to where everything is. The backlights make everything easy to see (they’re almost too bright – bluish white, and slightly brighter than the car controls).
– There is a wealth of source options. CD/MP3, USB stick, SD card, audio-in cable, Bluetooth, and 30 possible presets for the radio stations.
Cons:
– I find the control buttons to be a little small, especially the buttons around the knob. OK if you’re barehanded, but not at all glove-friendly. I would also be happier if the knob itself were knurled, but I have some grip issues.
– Because the microphone is in the faceplate of the box, it does what you’d expect a mic to do in the dashboard of a car – pick up all sorts of random driving noise. Ok for minimal use, or talking when you’re stopped, but if you’re one of those people who talks the whole time you’re driving you’d best have a really quiet car.
Overall, I’m enjoying the music, and skipping the phone calls.