Grom Audio + Bluetooth Adapter?

[nobodeuno]

I'm curious has anyone used/installed a Grom Audio using the CD Changer port in the trunk with their Bluetooth module. If I'm reading things correctly it seems as though this could replace my phatbox and provide stereo input via bluetooth -> CD Changer input. So I could have my iPhone up front with me, Grom in the trunk.

My concern is that I have custom installed (using Car kit wiring) a Sony Bluetooth kit already so I wouldn't want the two to interfere since I would potentially have two paired bluetooth kits at the same time. I'd like to continue using my Sony BT Kit for handsfree but use the Grom unit for A2DP Stereo audio input into the changer port. Based on Grom's website they are also saying you can use our head-unit controls to control the iPhone which is interesting...not sure its necessary but interesting none the less...

Does this sound feasible? Any thing I should be aware of before hand that I'm not thinking about? Any reason I shouldn't buy the GROM.

Thanks in advance!

[1thenaton1]

bluetooth transmits at shitty quality for audio

[Cobra Commander]

I used the grom, but behind the Symphony and was not happy with the unit at all, in fact I replaced it with a Dice and couldn't be happier.

[jbogli]

What else do people do for Bluetooth hands free? The Grom unit seems easy to install in an Avant with CD changer, has bluetooth and is inexpensive. I'm currently not answering the phone in the car, which is also nice and using a tape adapter to play music, which is also nice, but I'd love to have a more integrated solution. Other options: Grom, RNS-E, Aftermarket HU with bluetooth, USA spec and DICE don't seem to have Bluetooth for the Audi.

[Gaki]

I'm planning on getting an aftermarket headunit with Nav and bluetooth integrated. After having bluetooth for the phone in my B7, it's a convenience that I can't live without (esp with the cellphone driving laws here).

If you're looking for audio, dice is going to be your best bet. Audio over BT sucks and plugging in a cable isn't that far away from what you're doing now.

[Samulis]

I used the GROM unit with bluetooth and it sounded horrible. I ended up returning it and am currently using a tape adapter for the time being. Which actually sounds better...

[jbogli]

Funny, I just used my tape adapter for taking some calls today and it worked out quite nicely.

Can I make a tape adapter with a mic on the cord...

[nobodeuno]

Thanks for the feedback....It is interesting because I've used my phone with Bluetooth and a Logitech Bluetooth portable speaker and it really sounds great I think. So I wonder if something is wrong with the Grom hardware or maybe its not stereo or something? Those who said they used it with the Grom can you say what phone you used with it and what the sound problems were? In any case I appreciate the feedback...I posted this on three different forums and this is the only one I got any responses on!

[nobodeuno]

I used the grom, but behind the Symphony and was not happy with the unit at all, in fact I replaced it with a Dice and couldn't be happier.

Also meant to ask about the DICE...do you have a web link to the unit that you are using?

[Wheream_I]

Wow lucky you. I had just read this thread and was browsing around for a head unit, and found the DICE adapter!

http://www.ecstuning.com/Audi-B5_S4-...reo/ES1896537/

[BASARAB]

Wow lucky you. I had just read this thread and was browsing around for a head unit, and found the DICE adapter!

http://www.ecstuning.com/Audi-B5_S4-...reo/ES1896537/

ECS hidden advertising troll

[Wheream_I]

No, just trying to do someone a favor.

[Sales@EPL]

I used the grom, but behind the Symphony and was not happy with the unit at all, in fact I replaced it with a Dice and couldn't be happier.

Agreed. I run the DICE kit in both my cars and love it. Works perfectly, sounds great, installation was a breeze and it's easy to use. Another plus is you can set it to be controlled either through the radio or iPod directly

[jbogli]

Agreed. I run the DICE kit in both my cars and love it. Works perfectly, sounds great, installation was a breeze and it's easy to use. Another plus is you can set it to be controlled either through the radio or iPod directly

Does the Dice unit work for phone calls? Mostly I need a hands free solution.

[emmwhat]

i got a Motorola T605 and wired it in to the factory db25 connector in the trunk (diy - http://www.audiworld.com/tech/elec141.shtml) and then ran the audio streaming out from the T605 to a blitzsafe hooked to my cd changer wire in the trunk. The audio sounds amazing going through blue tooth, basically it's all digital from the phone to the T605 so there's no static or distortion, and then analog from the T605 to the head unit, but same quality as the cd changer. Then you get blue tooth calls through the factory mic / driver door speakerphone, and music through the whole stereo, plus voice commands if your phone allows it.

[mattcr]

This is my first post here and I thought it was warranted because I almost returned what turned out to be a very good product.

I bought my Grom adapter with bluetooth accessory for my C5 A6 right before Christmas. I didn't touch the stuff for a month. When I installed I had a problem with the adapter. They sent me a new one that was an updated version. It worked finally. I actually now think the adapter was fine but I needed to completely remove the radio from the harness and plug it in again (long story).

When I hooked up the bluetooth adapter it sounded TERRIBLE! Music was over modulated with a computerized sound. Telephone calls sounded fine though and people told me the microphone connection sounded very good. They sent me a new bluetooth dongle that was, once again, an updated version. It now sounds perfect! The bluetooth quality of music is identical to the wired connection. One other thing though, I had to manually pair the phone with the old bluetooth dongle, the new one connects automatically which is awesome.

Be careful though, you need a really good ground connection for the whole Grom system to work. I tapped into the radio harness after viewing some installation tips on various sites using a 't-tap'. It was a little scary but I got it done and the connection should be rock solid.

If you buy the Grom call them or online chat with them. Don't buy the bluetooth accessory unless they can guarantee that it is the Feb. 2012 released version. Think it was coded F 1.5. You should also make sure the firmware is updated by them because doing it yourself is a pain but certainly not difficult as long as you have a micro SD card available.

It the end all the hassles were worth. I am pleased with the device.

Good luck.

[somebody5788]

This is my first post here and I thought it was warranted because I almost returned what turned out to be a very good product.

I bought my Grom adapter with bluetooth accessory for my C5 A6 right before Christmas. I didn't touch the stuff for a month. When I installed I had a problem with the adapter. They sent me a new one that was an updated version. It worked finally. I actually now think the adapter was fine but I needed to completely remove the radio from the harness and plug it in again (long story).

When I hooked up the bluetooth adapter it sounded TERRIBLE! Music was over modulated with a computerized sound. Telephone calls sounded fine though and people told me the microphone connection sounded very good. They sent me a new bluetooth dongle that was, once again, an updated version. It now sounds perfect! The bluetooth quality of music is identical to the wired connection. One other thing though, I had to manually pair the phone with the old bluetooth dongle, the new one connects automatically which is awesome.

Be careful though, you need a really good ground connection for the whole Grom system to work. I tapped into the radio harness after viewing some installation tips on various sites using a 't-tap'. It was a little scary but I got it done and the connection should be rock solid.

If you buy the Grom call them or online chat with them. Don't buy the bluetooth accessory unless they can guarantee that it is the Feb. 2012 released version. Think it was coded F 1.5. You should also make sure the firmware is updated by them because doing it yourself is a pain but certainly not difficult as long as you have a micro SD card available.

It the end all the hassles were worth. I am pleased with the device.

Good luck.

Good info, I started a thread about this last week and didn't find this when I attempted to search. I hate wired connections for my phone so this seems like a sweet setup.

[mattcr]

I reposted this in another thread and added a bunch more info. Think the thread is called bluetooth factory radio. Maybe you can just search my name for the other post. I HATE wired connections too I went through about 8 different devices and the GROM is the best out of the box for me. The guy there who helped me with all the exchanges was named David. Seemed like a good dude.

[Kevintb7]

i got a Motorola T605 and wired it in to the factory db25 connector in the trunk (diy - http://www.audiworld.com/tech/elec141.shtml) and then ran the audio streaming out from the T605 to a blitzsafe hooked to my cd changer wire in the trunk. The audio sounds amazing going through blue tooth, basically it's all digital from the phone to the T605 so there's no static or distortion, and then analog from the T605 to the head unit, but same quality as the cd changer. Then you get blue tooth calls through the factory mic / driver door speakerphone, and music through the whole stereo, plus voice commands if your phone allows it.

Can you explain this method more and what is required?? That DIY doesnt sound like it will allow streaming music, which is the most important part to me. Would I be better off with the Grom unit?