Parrot MKi9100 in a Vanatge

[livinthedream]

I don't have bluetooth or any iPod integration but after searching apart from the Paralight solution this seems to be a way to get both in my 06 Vantage.

Has anyone had any experience with anything similar being installed?

Thanks

[Murph7355]

Are you sure it'll work? I think they wire in, and the Aston has a fibre optic system that makes this awkward (without going to the likes of Paramount - there are a few fitting the kits now, but all are around the 600 quid mark).

My other half's dad had that exact model installed in his brand new A4, and tbh I wouldn't bother. Looks gash. With proper integration kits available, having bits and bobs sticking out of gaps in the dash and/or double sided sticky taped onto parts of the console would irritate me every time I saw/used it!

[livinthedream]

There's some photos on the Paralight site of a fairly stealth install

http://www.paralight.co.uk/IpodBluetoothforAstonMa...

You connect it using a ISO to SOT connector. SOT is Sound on Top

http://www.bluetoothcarkitdirect.co.uk/Accessories...

Edited by livinthedream on Thursday 27th May 17:13

[Murph7355]

livinthedream said:

There's some photos on the Paralight site of a fairly stealth install

http://www.paralight.co.uk/IpodBluetoothforAstonMa...

As these go, it doesn't look bad.

If you haven't already, have a chat with them. I believe they can do bluetooth connectivity with their general iPod interface as it plugs into the MOST bus...which I would think would give neater integration (unless that's what this is!).

[livinthedream]

I may be off the mark here but I think blue box that the Parrot screen, microphone, controls and iPod/USB stick connect to has an amp in it. This then connects via the ISO adapter over SOT and comes out of the speaker?? I could be talking rubbish though.

[dafydd2008]

Got a Parrott in mine since i bought it and its spot on.
I have been in others and got to say the bluetooth isnt great however the Parrott never seems to let me down, well not yet anyway...........

[livinthedream]

So after a bit of digging the cable required for the standard stereo is:

Kram 86130 Approx £12+vat

Parrot MKi9000 is about £115

Edited by livinthedream on Monday 31st May 19:13

[handyman 1417]

I'm thinking of getting the Parrot fitted to my 06 V8V, more for the the iphone/ipod but with the bonus of hands free phone. Was going to call Paralight until I saw this thread, but I've found a well established local firm that will do exactly the same job for less than £300. Going to see them on Tuesday to agree on install(don't want a caller ID screen etc welded to dash!). I'll let you know how I get on.

[livinthedream]

Thanks handyman that would be great. The screen should fit in the little centre console pocket and the ipod/usb wire could be routed to the glovebox or the cup holders in the arm rest.

If you do go ahead some photos of the during and after the install would be great.

Edited by livinthedream on Sunday 30th May 12:26

[Murph7355]

Also interested to see how this goes, and how it sounds.

My understanding was that the feed into the Aston audio system is fibre optic. If this is simply hooking into the speaker wiring and using it's own amp, will be interested to know how I sounds for playback of the iPod...

[rick-derby-]

this seems really interesting and I am also curious to how well it works as the price is really good

[handyman 1417]

Murph7355 said:

Also interested to see how this goes, and how it sounds.

My understanding was that the feed into the Aston audio system is fibre optic. If this is simply hooking into the speaker wiring and using it's own amp, will be interested to know how I sounds for playback of the iPod...

I know what you mean, thats why I'm taking the car to him on Tuesday to tell him what I want. If he's priced as you describe, I'll not bother and go with Paralight. When I spoke to him about the install, he said they'd done numerous high end cars including Astons and seemed to know what was needed ie fibre optic leads. I'll let you all know tommorrow.

[livinthedream]

Look forward to hearing what your installer has to say. You could mention there could be a number of us wanting this kit installed so it could be worth his while

If needed by anyone the MKi9100 user guide and wiring diagrams:
http://www.parrot.com/documents/en/support/mki9000...

Not sure if any wires have to be cut or if its just a matter of plugging it all in with the Kramer lead.

And here is a link to photos of the MKi9100:
http://www.sonicelectronix.com/pictures_new.php?id...

I've just found out the Parrot blue box shown above does act an an amp as well so my theory above is correct. The Parrot setup connects directly to the speakers via the SOT cable.

Anyone had experience of getting to the back of the stereo system? How much trim to remove and how hard is it?

Edited by livinthedream on Tuesday 1st June 10:57

[V8VKK]

I had Paralight install an ipod for me and already had a Parrot fitted so if I can answer any questions I am happy to

[handyman 1417]

Took the car in yesterday to agree on the installation and the guy already had the technical info needed. The small screen will go in the little cubby under the flip lid, ipod/usb lead into the cup holder at the back of the armrest.The ipod will be wired via a fibre optic lead into the cars amp, so the sound will be as good as existing cd's and radio. As caller ID and play list will be displayed on the parrot screen and toggled using the small bluetooth thing, I couldn't see the point in complicating things by wiring it so it's displayed on the head unit as well(and it's easier to use than small console buttons).The mic is going above the mirror on the black plastic cover, so won't be seen. £295 all in.

[livinthedream]

Sounds good.

Can you let us know what its like when its installed and the the installers details.

Thanks

[Murph7355]

livinthedream said:

Sounds good....

Indeed it does.

Presumably they could just wire in the iPod. I guess you do away with being able to control the iPod from the std head unit controls, but for half the price it seems like a reasonable compromise.

Presumably the CD changer can still be used...?

Would be very interested in photos of the install and notes on use once done

[livinthedream]

I'm not fussed about see the tracks on the stereo's screen or using the controls on the iPod as I tend to leave it on shuffle. I assume when the car ignition is off the iPod goes off and does not continue to be charged.

[handyman 1417]

They could just wire in an ipod but it seems to be easier to do it through the parrot. Once ipod is either disconnected or on an iphone, not selected, the radio and cd work as normal. The install is next Tuesday, but dropping it off, so won't be able to take install pics. Will update you on Wednesday about how it works/looks and of course will post some pics of it finished. It's being done by Preston Car Radio.

[sharky67]

Hi Just phoned the guy at preston car audio , seems switched on, I will wait till yours is done fella... Then go for it.. Let me know how you get on...