DISQUS

HighTechDad Blog: Sounding Out! Sony Xplod MEX-BT5700U versus Parrot RKi8400 In-Dash Bluetooth Car Stereos

  • Iván · 1 month ago
    excellent review!


    now I want to buy the PARROT RKi8400 and thanks to your review I rush!

    thank you very much.
  • sukhjit · 1 month ago
    Thanks for taking a look at the Xplod MEX-BT5700U, Michael. Your reviews are always appreciated. I'll be sharing this with our Sony electronics facebook community too!

    Sukhjit Ghag
    Sony Electronics
  • Julian · 1 month ago
    if i have a classic car and i use the parrot device, can i also use my cd disc changer and navigate the information threw the Parrot RKi8400
  • hightechdad · 1 month ago
    I believe you can connect an AUX device to it but I don't think you can control it.
  • connorp · 2 weeks ago
    Thanks for doing this review! It's really helpful since these are two of the three head units I am considering purchasing. One question. How does it handle podcasts? In the iPod connector of my Acura's stereo (not the car i will be putting this unit in), it doesn't even show podcasts. To get them to play, I have to unplug my iPhone (since you can't operate it with the iPhone, only the car) and start the podcast playing thru the speaker. Then plug it back into the car, where it will pick up. Obviously this is a huge inconvenience.

    Thanks,
    Connor P
    http://connorp.me/
    http://impodcast.tv/
    http://twitter.com/connorpj1
  • hightechdad · 2 weeks ago
    I have tested podcasts on both devices using Bluetooth streaming. Both worked great. In terms of hooking up an iPod or iPhone for podcast playback, my wife uses the Xplod with her iPod and plays podcasts just fine with it. I have tried the Parrot with podcasts via the connector on my iPhone and it works fine as well. So, from what I can tell, both decks will be fine for podcasts when your iPod/iPhone is directly connected.
  • connorp · 2 weeks ago
    Sweet. Thanks!
  • connorp · 2 weeks ago
    One more question…

    I have seen in some reviews that the screen on the Sony is difficult to see, especially in sunlight. What are your thoughts on the issue?
  • hightechdad · 2 weeks ago
    That depends on the placement of the deck. The lights are bright and I haven't had many issues with viewing. With just about any deck, you will have some difficulties viewing in direct sunlight. The Sony's screen is not a big as the Parrot but it works fine. Once you get used to it, you should be able to get through the screen pretty easily.
  • connorp · 2 weeks ago
    Alright, thanks!