Well, I just got back from CES tonight, and boy was it good!

I thought I'd be holding out for at least a few months... I'd been checking out many of the upcoming (bluetooth) options from all the big names. Pioneer stated their unit would be delivered some time in April, Alpine wouldn't give a firm release date for their AI-net add-on... No luck there.

So just by chance I passed the Parrot sales room/booth at the end of my day. It was nowhere near all the car stereo booths in the north hall. I started up a conversation with one of their sales reps about their Rhythm & Blue head unit, and asked if he could provide a product brochure... He walked in to his office and returned with... A BRAND NEW IN THE BOX HEAD UNIT! I almost crapped my pants. He was super cool and said that he'd love for me to email him with my experience with his product... No problem! I know that there will probably be better options in the near future... I have to admit the new Alpine DVD head unit (It'll play MP3's burned on a DVD!) w/ AI net bluetooth would have been my first choice, but who can argue with free and now?

I've already purchased the Acura DIN kit, Bus harness, and AUX3 adapter.... Made an appointment with my installer and it all goes down on monday.

So, basically I'll have bluetooth + MP3 CD playback via the Rhythm & Blue Head Unit, tapped in to the XM pre-amp. I'll have an AUX under the center arm rest switched by the AUX3. Now I know this solution isn't as elegant as what I'd have gotten in an '06, but I'm pretty excited about it. It'll beat what I have now.

I'll be sure to post pictures and comments after the installation on Monday.

Parrot Rhythm & Blue

Soundgate AUX3

 

definitely give us pics and a review once finished.

I just saw this headunit on their site last night. The only thing it lacks is XM/Sirius capability...

 

Not an issue, as I already have XM on the factory head unit, which will be switched via the AUX3. The only downside to this configuration will be that the bluetooth functionality won't work when I'm listening to XM, or the factory 6-disc. I'll have to switch the AUX3 to take a call. Not perfect, but better. I'll probably switch the DIN in a Year or so.

 

Damn, I talked to a guy there regarding their 3200LS, but should have asked him for a sample! UGHHHHHHHH!

 

Yeah, I lucked out. I've been enjoying the unit, with the exception being the problem with the RCA pre-out. here's a link to some pictures of my install if you're interested:

LINK

 

nice hu