Bluetooth Audio Streaming with ID3 Tag/Metadata

Don't you mean <$220.  (Although if you really meant > and someone had a compatible receiver for $150, I'm sure they'd be willing to charge you an extra $71 to make you happy.)

Anyway - I'm not positive, but I don't think it's really even possible to stream ID3 tag data over BT, so you might be just as well staying with the CX501, but I can't say that for certain.

Hope This Helps!!!

Anyone else have suggestions?

TigerHeli was correct until recently. Many of the latest models of Bluetooth stereos do support Meta-Data Display for A2DP (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile).

Just be sure the stereo specifically states this feature. Some may only do it for specific source content (i.e. Pandora) while others will only do it for music stored on the phone.

Specifically, the 2012 Sony models with Bluetooth will offer this display capability for stored music & Pandora but not for other music applications (iHeartRadio, SiriusXM, Rhapsody, Slacker). In your price range, I recommend the MEX-BT4000P model which states:

Wireless Audio Streaming (with Meta Data Display): The Sony MEX-BT4000P also supports wireless audio playback (AD2P) and control (AVRCP) of a Bluetooth enabled audio player or smartphone. The MEX-BT4000P will be able to control your stored music's basic playback functions; such as Play/Pause, Previous/Next Track, Fast-Forward/Reverse, and Shuffle/Repeat. The head unit will also display your stored music's song information; such as Artist name, Song title, and Album label.   

This model also offers three pairs of 4 volt pre-amp outputs.

While this model offers a microphone built-into the face of the stereo, I recommend adding the optional wired microphone, especially if you have a lot of ambient noise in your vehicle.

HTH!

First, lets start by mentioning  a list of receivers that are Android friendly:

http://www.crutchfield.com/shopsearch/android_car.html

Now, Android capabilities in the car are certainly possible.  Since Android is an operatiing system that spans a number of phone manufacturer's, we have to be cautious and say that not every phone will work the same.  Sony and Pioneer are two of the leading companies who are pushing for full Android support.  Sony is kind enough to provide a compatibility list which will show you the features you can expect their receviers to support.  Here's that list for the MEXBT3000P:

http://esupport.sony.com/US/perl/support-info.pl?info_id=802&mdl=MEXBT3000

This information is pulled directly from Crutchfield's hand's on research of the MEXBT3000P:

Wireless Audio Streaming (with Meta Data Display): The Sony MEX-BT3000P also supports wireless audio playback (AD2P) and control (AVRCP) of a Bluetooth enabled audio player or smartphone. The MEX-BT3000P will be able to control your stored music's basic playback functions; such as Play/Pause, Previous/Next Track, Fast-Forward/Reverse, and Shuffle/Repeat. The head unit will also display your stored music's song information; such as Artist name, Song title, and Album label.

If have have a phone that appears on the list above, then you can expect to be able to control the song, plus see the song information as well. 

I hope this helps to provide some insight.  I understand this recevier is $130, I hope you can understand that for the features you want, you don't have to spend $220 or more to get. 

Does anyone else have an idea/suggestion?

Ryan

Specifically, the 2012 Sony models with Bluetooth will offer this display capability for stored music & Pandora but not for other music applications (iHeartRadio, SiriusXM, Rhapsody, Slacker). In your price range, I recommend the MEX-BT4000P model which states:

Wireless Audio Streaming (with Meta Data Display): The Sony MEX-BT4000P also supports wireless audio playback (AD2P) and control (AVRCP) of a Bluetooth enabled audio player or smartphone. The MEX-BT4000P will be able to control your stored music's basic playback functions; such as Play/Pause, Previous/Next Track, Fast-Forward/Reverse, and Shuffle/Repeat. The head unit will also display your stored music's song information; such as Artist name, Song title, and Album label.   

This model also offers three pairs of 4 volt pre-amp outputs.

This model seems to only have 2v pre-amps. I would still like to have someone with a Kenwood Excelon KDC-X696 and android phone chime in on this. Otherwise, I will probably get either the Sony MEX-BT4000P or Sony MEX-BT3000P. Thanks all.

guy89

This model seems to only have 2v pre-amps.

Which would be a poor reason not to select it, IMHO.

guy89

This model seems to only have 2v pre-amps. I would still like to have someone with a Kenwood Excelon KDC-X696 and android phone chime in on this. Otherwise, I will probably get either the Sony MEX-BT4000P or Sony MEX-BT3000P. Thanks all.

Yes you are right. My apologies for the error.

The Kenwood KDC-X696 is slightly more expensive but offers the same A2DP functionality with Meta Data display as the Sony models while offering the 4 volt pre-outs and a 2 year warranty. The Kenwood also offers a unique feature for compatible Android phones: The Kenwood Music Control App:

Music Control for Android Smartphone: The Kenwood Music Control app for Android organizes your Android smartphone's music, while providing quick and easy search capability from the Kenwood CD receiver. The free Kenwood Music Control App for Android can be downloaded onto your Android smartphone from the Android Market place. Your Android smartphone must be running Android OS 2.2 or later. Once the app is downloaded and has a chance to organize all the stored music on your Android smartphone, you can connect your Android smartphone to the Kenwood CD receiver via USB (your compatible Android smartphone must be recognized as a USB mass storage class device; not compatible with MTP protocol). The Kenwood Music Control app offers the following Android supported functions.

·         Song Management: Music stored in your Android smartphone can be navigated from the Kenwood CD receiver. Songs can be easily selected by searching for a Song title, Artist name, Album label, or Genre.

·         Song Information Display: Song information such as Artist name, Song title, and Album label are displayed on the connected Kenwood CD receiver.

·         Mood Playlist: Playlists can be created by classifying songs into categories by type of mood. Songs are analyzed and classified into the following categories of moods - High Energy (Active/Powerful/Core), Acoustic (Detailed/Simple/Smooth/Easy), Standard (Dynamic/Rockin/Vivid), Stylistic (Cool/Urban/Trance)

·         Intro Skip: This function allows you to choose and listen to only the hook-lines of songs stored in your Android smartphone.

Note: When the Kenwood Music Control app is first downloaded it will require some time to populate all the music, so we suggest doing this overnight.

Music Files Format Supported by Music Control app for Android:

HTH!

Only reason I prefer 4v+ is that I have stock Bose amp/speakers and have to use the preamp out otherwise the 2ohm speakers will blow. I have to crank up 2v stereos volume to 38 whereas I only have to go up to 18 on 4v+ stereos.

I'll go with the Kenwood then since it seems to be a better fit, thanks.

guy89

Only reason I prefer 4v+ is that I have stock Bose amp/speakers and have to use the preamp out otherwise the 2ohm speakers will blow. I have to crank up 2v stereos volume to 38 whereas I only have to go up to 18 on 4v+ stereos.

It might be better to replace the main speakers or add a 2-ohm stable 4-channel amp, but ...

At least you know what you are doing and have a reason for it.

(I've just read a lot of posts in the past where people think they NEED 4-volt RCA's (sometimes when they have no plans to EVER add an amp).  4-volt RCA's let you run the main amp gain lower and are better at not picking up noise, but if you don't have noise issues, there is little audible improvement).

In your case, it seems like it makes sense, though.

Hope This Helps!!!

Anyone else have suggestions?