I just recently purchased the Grom Audio BT3 adapter kit and I felt that it deserved a review / write up. It is a bluetooth adapter that plugs into the back of our factory radio and allows us to stream from our phone and also hands free calling. I had the Isimple before this and it worked well when I had my iphone, but now I have the Galaxy S4 and I got tired of using the Aux cord and the factory bluetooth drove me absolutly crazy. Here's my review on it so far.

Installed on an 07 Tl Type-S
Phone: Samsung Galaxy S4
Adapter: http://www.gromaudio.com/store/bt3_a...e_adapter.html
Firmware: CDC

Pro's

Streaming quality is the best Ive heard for bluetooth
Works with steering wheel controls
Hands free calling is pretty good. (They can tell its bluetooth)
No other adapters needed
Works for Apple / Android
Works well with Pandora and my Music app on my phone
There customer support has been very helpful.
Firmware upgradable (Micro Sd Slot)

Con's

Currently does not display song info or phone call info on screen
So far it seems like you have to be in the bluetooth tab to answer / recieve calls.
Can be difficult install on our cars because of the amount of time to get behind radio (but it is plug and play)

So far I am very happy with the unit. Ive only had it in my car for a few days now and so far no problems. Feel free to ask any questions and Ill answer when I can.

 

I have the newest isimple (hd651) and it seems the same but the song info displays over the radio screen using bluetooth...but yes being in bluetooth mode for the calls is the same and annoying...try hitting the voice control on your phone and see if that kicks it into phone bluetooth mode...that's what the isimple does

 

With the grom, phone number will display on the screen if you're using the xm firmware. Also you can install the unit without removing the radio.

 

Thanks for the review. Any reason you didnt go with the Grom USB2? I'm about to pull the trigger on it. Seems it does it all including txt display.

 

I believe I couldnt go with that one because I have a type s and the configuration is a little different because of the xm traffic.

I actually bought it with the XM firmware but it still was glitchy and cut out quite a bit, so I switched over to the cdc firmware and its been great since. They said they are working on the xm side of it so it will display more stuff, but its not there yet.

I didnt go with the USB2 because I didnt need any of the other hook up's, and the bluetooth is additional. I believe the text display would only still work with the wired connection.

 

Yeah, wired only with the USB2. So is there any product on the market that will display text via bluetooth from an android that you know of? I'm leaning towards this model now.

 

Someone mentioned the Isimple ishd651 earlier in the thread but the problem is that it wont work with the TL-S. So as I know of, there is nothing yet. I was deciding between the bt3 and the dice mediabridge. I got good support from Grom when I was buying so thats when I went with.

 

Thanks for the review. I'm new to this and just got a TL Type-S and was wondering about iSimple and Grom. This post seemed to answer my questions. Thank you!

 

Grom pushed a new firmware a couple of weeks ago that displays song info on your radio from bluetooth. I have the usb2

 

Do media apps like pandora, spotify and slacker work via USB from an android?

 

Not to hijack the thread but would a Acura Music Link 30-Pin to a Bluetooth adapter work for getting music over Bluetooth? Looking at buying the below guy if so.


Thanks!

 

It's a cheap device so if you don't mind losing the $14 to buy it, it may be good for you- what I don't know is if it allows advancing the tracks using steering wheel controls or radio controls (somehow, I doubt it).

The Grom looks like it has potential instead of doing the BT via the Aux route from a USA Spec or iSimple

 

Yeah worst case scenario it doesn't work I can give it to my daughter who got a iPod dock for Christmas that doesn't work because she has the lighting connector. I'll report back when I get it on Friday. Thanks!

 

Were you able to find the answer out to this? Or does anyone know the answer? I mainly need to know if that the USB2 unit can support Spotify and such and display song names over the Nav? If not I'm assuming the BT3 will do that. Thanks for the help in advance!

 

From what I gather, Grom will soon be releasing a firmware update that allows apps like spotify to show txt on screen via bluetooth. If using the USB2 and connecting via USB, you can only use Groms music app. I plan on going the BT3 route because I mainly use spotify and slacker, want steering wheel control and text on screen. I hear bluetooth quality is pretty darn good as well.

 

Thanks a lot Chuck! I appreciate the quick response. I think I will go with the BT3 as well. If you happen to get it and install it, would you mind posting your experience/review? I'd greatly appreciate it. I'll do the same, I just have to wait till my car is shipped out from Cali.

 

Yeah I will, or I will PM you my experience with it. I am actually holding off until autotoys.com puts back up the $15 off coupon, since i am in no rush tbh.

 

Thanks man. Didn't know about autotoys.com either, thanks for the heads up.

 

so im looking to go the BT3 route and I dont have NAV - can this do text on the car display? what about when you shut the car off - does the phone stop playing?

im looking for feed back on what you wish you knew before you jumped in - anything is appreciated!

 

Does your car have Navi? and if so how did u disable the XM radio without disabling the navi system?

 

Unplug the XM in the trunk. It shouldn't affect the navi.

edit: saw in you other thread it is affecting the navi. Im not sure. Hopefully someone can offer some advice

 

yeah i disconnected it but it disabled the navi as well.. says the dvd box or something is open.. i got to double check everything if not ima go down to some stereo shop and see if they can help

 

Did you unplug the cable from the silver box with the UPC looking sticker on it?

 

yeah i did, i heard it was the bigger connection. correct??

 

I would like to buy the BT3 and would much rather have song and call info displayed. Also is there a way to charge my iPhone5 if at the same time?