GregoriusM

Hey there!

I don't see any upgrade to the Kenwood KIV-BT901. All their other decks have been upgraded for 2012, and the Bluetooth ones have BT v.3.

Anyone know if the 901 is going to be upgraded. I think it's a nice unit but want to make sure the BT quality with my iPhone 4 is going to be up to par, and also great quality with my Alpine X-speakers up from, S in the read, R sub, 4 x 50 RMS amp, plus 450 RMS sub amp.

So, any thoughts on this deck, and also if you know anything about Kenwood and if they upgrade mid-cycle.

Also, does it bother anyone with this unit that the face is not detachable.?

For the 952HD, do most people have problems seeing the items on the screen because of the glare? I'm debating whether to get the 901 or the 952HD, basically CD with removable front face, versus no CD and no removable front face.

Any answers would be appreciated.

I searched for bt901 and couldn't find anything matching on the site. Thanks. Greg

wasted911

iTrader: (2)

They upgraded tha unit mid last year if I remember correctly. They probably wont make any changes to it this year. Keep in mind you do have to buy the Kenwood specific ipod cable as well with this unit.

GregoriusM

Thanks wasted! Much appreciated.

I went down to compare the two last night, and was assured that they have had great success with the voice quality on the 901, which is what I was worried about, so having Bluetooth version 3 isn't all that important for me. I'm not going to be streaming any music from my iPhone or iPod touch over Bluetooth with a reasonable quality unit like this and the rest of the equipment I have in my car. LowFi at best.

I was also worried about the screen on the 952HD and having looked at it again, I would not be happy with it at all.

And I finally made my decision to leave CDs in the past, which was holding me back from the 901 as well.

And the manager of the audio department said the same thing as you, that they probably won't upgrade it this year since it was a mid year upgrade in 2011.

I just hope I can voice dial from my iPhone 4 from any contact. I'm just reading the manual to see what "Voice Tags" are. Even if it means I can only voice dial 35 names that I configure in the head unit, I think I'll be happy. The Bluetooth is more for incoming calls anyway.

I love, love, love the quality of the screen on the 901. It can be seen from extreme angles and is crisp for a head unit. The only thing better would be a parametric equalizer, but I'm getting the unit for $328 bucks CAD. It's not like I'm paying twice that.

Anyway, I could go on and on. I'll post back when I get the unit. It won't be for a while, until after my vacation, but I'm stoked knowing I've finally made my decision.

Thanks again.

Colton

I've been considering upgrading to the 901 myself the last few days, one of the main things that drew me to it is the extensive DSP and other customization. BT is apparently amazing with it as far as the reviews I've read were concerned.

Just sucks that I'd be out about $750 said and done with the special vid' cable if I bought locally, was only prepared to spend roughly half that..

GregoriusM

Colton: Where did you find the reviews on the 901?

The last thing I'm now concerned about is Voice Dialing. In the new cars, you press a button, usually on the steering wheel, and you can say the name of ANY person in the Contact List of the phone, in my case an iPhone.

It seems to me that with the 901, you have to have set up Voice Tags (only 35) that correspond to people in the Contact List on the phone.

How do you dial the other 2-300 people you have in your list, as I do. Business, friends, local establishments, etc.

Plus, it looks to me by the manual that you have to first Press the Phone button, then turn the **** to scroll down to Voice Dialing, and THEN speak the Voice Tag of the person, and then the call goes through. That is a LOT of time with your eyes off the road for saying it is Hands Free Calling.

Am I missing something. Why load the ENTIRE Contact List every time the phone connects with the 901 if you can't use proper Voice Dialing with it?

I understand you can take your time and put in the first letter, then the second letter, etc. etc. until you find the person you want and then press the button to call them. But that is already a minute or two with your eyes off the road!!!

The newer cars, again, it's just press a button, it uses the Contact List on the phone, and dials the number. ONE BUTTON PRESS.

Is there not a way to do this on the 901. It IS a Parrot Bluetooth setup and they are pretty well the number one in Bluetooth stuff.

Can anyone help me? This is a real stickler for me if I have to load my entire contact list but can only Voice Dial 35 of them and have to press 4 or 5 buttons just to get to Voice Dial them.

HELP????

Colton

No idea man, I'm still trying to decide what I want to upgrade to too. One thing about the 901 I noticed is you have to wait a good 4 or 5 seconds at the beginning of a song if you want to keep going to the next as it processes the song, I imagine it could be something with all higher-end decks though. I just bought new rims and tires today so I've got atleast a good two weeks or so before I consider spending more on vehicle upgrades. xD

GregoriusM

Thanks Colton. I'd love to see your ride. :-)

Anyone else have any ideas about my questions?