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- First reviewJuly 1, 2015
- Last reviewJuly 1, 2015
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Chevymac's Reviews
Take hands-free phone calls and listen to music while on the go with this iSimple BluStream ISBT52 module that utilizes Bluetooth technology to connect compatible mobile phones and tablets to your vehicle's factory radio.
Posted by: Chevymac
Verified Purchase:Yes
I purchased my iSimple Bluestream Bluetooth device in frustration with my aftermarket in-dash Bluetooth stereo not providing satisfactory sound reproduction at the other end of my calls; the folks I was calling were complaining they just couldn't hear me. Rather than spend another $300-$500 to replace the stereo, I decided to look around. First, I picked up a common BT earpiece - we all know how terrible those are, and I hated having the thing stuck on my ear all the time while I was driving. I next chose an in-ear stereo BT ear bud device. This worked better (provided better sound), but it, too, had to stay stuck now in both ears while I drove. I started looking for other solutions. I came across the Bluestream while browsing my local Best Buy; the sales associate had previously purchased the same product, and highly recommended it. Minutes later I was in my car, plugging the device into the aux power port and the aux jack on my radio.
Wow! I finally had something that worked exactly the way I wanted it to - with excellent sound reproduction on both ends of my calls. I was very pleased with my purchase.
Of course, once you buy something like this - and live with if for a while - one learns the drawbacks of it; and this device does have drawbacks. First, with the length of the cabling, there appears on your dash a lot of wire. It just falls all over everywhere. I finally decided to dedicate some time to re-routing the wire, and hiding it behind my dash bezel (2002 Tahoe). After about 30 minutes I was able to get all the wires discretely hidden, and was happy again. Second, and this is the biggest problem I've discovered; the device is incredibly sensitive to interference from the vehicle's engine and it's electrical system. This appears in the presence of static - but only when the device is not actually handling a call; it's only annoying when it's idle. I was able to reduce this effect somewhat by going to Radio Shack and purchasing a pair of radio interference filters that snap around the cable from the aux plug to the microphone/controller. These didn't completely remove the static, however, they did significantly reduce it. I'm not sure I can make it all go away without making serious modification to my vehicle's ignition system. Finally, and this is just a function of how this device works, the stereo must be set to the aux function to operate. This makes it difficult to switch from radio or cd - or for that matter XM, USB, or other aux input devices, back to the Bluestream.
These drawbacks are minimal, considering the utility and performance the Bluestream device provides. It works perfectly, every time I use it; that is so much more than I ever had with any of the other options I tried. Simply because of this, I am very satisfied.
Some other reviews I've read have indicated difficulty with the device automatically pairing to the host cell phone when the user gets in the car. I have found that it will not pair automatically, however, all I have to do is touch the button on the mic/controller once, and it pairs within five seconds. I find that to be a simple inconvenience. Especially since I would need to touch that button to make a call anyway. Even other reviews have voiced complaints that it is difficult to make a call by voice through the device. I have an iPhone, and all I have to do - once the phone is paired - is to touch the button and wait for the Siri sound to come through the vehicle speakers. Once that tone sounds, the mic will pick up the "call . . . ." instruction and the call is placed. I've not had any difficulty with this function.
Do I recommend this device? Yes, unreservedly!
My Best Buy number: 0417323938
My Best Buy number: 0417323938
I would recommend this to a friend!
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