So I've been debating with myself for a while on upgrading my Head Unit, but I was reluctant to swap my original unit.

What I considered a must have was Bluetooth, Hands Free calling via my Droid, and Streaming audio, with a minimum of hassles.

After a little reseach I decided on the GoGroove FlexSmart Bluetooth add-on device, mainly because it got a bunch of decent reviews on Amazon, and the price was right ($45 bucks with shipping).

The setup for this device took all of five (5) minutes, it paired with my Droid in a heartbeat, and I was streaming static-free music via my standard radio, with no wires (wireless), and no hassles.

Hands free calling worked as advertized, and the fact that my Droid was seemlessly connected to the radio, I now get the benefit of the Google Navigator (GPS) based on Goggle Maps. This is by far one of the best GPS implementations on the planet (only Garmin rivals it in my opinion).

Did I mention that the GoGroove device supports a wide range of Phones, Devices, and has an MP3 and USB jack, plus charging capabilities.

It also looks pretty kool and compliments my interior, besides being functional.

Check out the pix:



Here's the Amazon Link if interested:

Amazon.com: GOgroove Flexsmart X2 Advanced Wireless In-Car Bluetooth FM Transmitter with Charging, Music Control and Hands-Free Calling Capability for Android, iPhone, Blackberry and Windows Smartphones: Automotive

 

Kodebuster:
I just ordered one for my car. I bought another one a couple of weeks ago, but it was cheap, worked but sound was awful. I was hoping someone would reccommend one that they had used and worked, thanks. Looking forward to install and use.

 

Dtinker, good luck with the device.

So far I'm pleased with its capabilities, and I like the fact that I can continue to keep my radio stock, but take advantage of Bluetooth and streaming audio.

I also have a Ford SUV that comes standard with Microsoft Sync, which is one of the best Hands Free packages I've had the opportunity to use.

The GoGroove doesn't match up feature wise to MS Sync, but for $45 bucks it gave me just enough functional capabilities to make it quite useful.

I'm so used to my Smartphone, Hands Free, and Streaming Music when I drive, I kinda felt lost without it.

The GoGroove was a decent alternative, at the right price...

 

Thanks for the recommendation. I got mine the day before a four day road trip. It is great!!

 

So I'm guessing when you hear your phone ring if your on a radio station - change the station to the gogroove frequency and then push the answer button on it? I've already swapped out to a Clarion, but sounds like this would have been a decent option.

 

I did a similar thing. It's not the same unit but I'm very satisfied with mine as well. It matches the silver console, it has a small screen which shows the somg / artist playing, uses a SD card, you can plug a idpod into it, you can plug a USD stick into it, etc. When the phone rings you just press the phone button and it automatically reverts from the radio to the bluetooth. My only complaiint with it is you have to trun the radio way up to better hear the person on the phone. However, I've been told by those I speak to via this unit that it is clear and no problems hearing me on their end. It cost about $50. It also came with a steering wheel remote control which controls many functions and looks good, and another hand held remote as well, and an ipod connector / charger.

 

I was so impressed by Kodebuster's description that I hopped on EBay and ordered one.

 

I use to have a portable XM Radio receiver that used the same technology being a FM modulator. The sound quality from a modulator is fair to good. What I tended to lose was the base. Also, if you live near a populated area it will down grade the sound.

 

I saw the reviews on this thing and overnighted it yesterday. I don't regret it one bit even though I payed 55 bucks with shipping. Damn this thing is fantastic!

 

I don't get why anyone would want something like this that takes up space and sticks out of your cigarette lighter. Swapping a headunit is very, very, very easy and will be 100x better.. and now headunits are not even expensive!

 

Those of us that chose this direction likely want to maintain the OEM look of the dash. Many of the new head units, while may be an upgrade and look OK, don't match well in color of the unit and color of the lighting in the radio. I've yet to find one that is a great match. I have considered installing a close match aftermarket but given my desire to keep it OEM match, I opted for a plug in FM transitter that offers many great functions without having to swap out the unit.There are a ton of option out there to choose from in all cost ranges. I don't like the something sticking out from the lighter with a long extension either, and mine doesn't. Mine comes out about 2 inches. The facing of the unit is an exact sillver match to the console too. And it does it's job well, with many options as noted in my preivous post. It does everything a new unit would do and all for 50 bucks. I can also take it from car to car, which is a nice bit of flexibility for use. Anyway, there are likely lots of reasons people may choose this route instead of getting a new unit. Heck, I had an early production 04 that had the LED radiio which is hard to see the readout in sunlight and instead of getting a new head unit, I purchased a LCD readout (backlit) from a wrecked 05 that had the newer radio and installed it instead of getting a new unit -- because I wanted to maintain the OME look. For now, I'll still with what I've done because it works well and still looks good.

 

More or less what he posted above is why I've opted for this little addon. Besides, I actually love having a phone dock set up and this unit as well because it gives the inside of the car a more enclosed cockpit kinda feel.

 

Ditto as to why I chose this in place of a new head unit. I love the ease of unplugging the unit and plugging it into the '72 Coupe de Ville and talking hands free. People at lights just stare....

 

I fought changing my HU out for the longest time, so I know both sides of this well.. fm modulators etc. When the Clarion factory refurb with warranty came up on Ebay for 109 bucks.. factory lost the battle .. LOL. Blue tooth..built in mic.. usb.. ipod.. 4 channels with sub controls.. can't say the "mis-matched" look even bothers me now.. you actually notice the other black in the dash and decide it does blend in..to a degree...

 

How can you actually hear a phone conversation with the Crossfire's road noise? Maybe the roads are just super rough/ loud in my area. Does the person's voice on the other end sound 'tinny' with the stock speakers?

 

The only issue from my view with the unit I have is that you have to turn the volume way up to hear the other party, but it doesn't sound tinny at all. The people I'm conversing with say the quality on their end is great.

 

Mines on the way too. Thanks

 

Hey, this sounds great! I came to the forum to get some headlight information and now it looks like I'll be getting one more "mod" for my Crossfire. PNA, your description piqued my curiosity, do you have pics or any other info on your bluetooth unit that you would like to share? I'd like to compare yours and Kodebusters unit, either way for about 50 bucks you can't go wrong, right?

 

As To the Quality of sound on the other end.... I had hiccups while I was talking to my assistant and thought I was keeping them quite. At the end of the call she said to go drink some water...she could hear them

 

I'll post pictures for you soon. I've been having problems with the Forum Website access. It's been horrible since the transition.

Unit has definitely been worth it for me.