McIntosh PF-2551i Bluetooth Handfree?

by **wastegate** » Tue May 07, 2013 11:20 pm

Guys,

Anyone know if it's possible to connect a McIntosh PF-2551I with Bluetooth? I have a Parrot MKI-9100 that I'd really like to use but it seems because the car has an AMP, I'm buggered..

Any pointers? Need to get handfree into the car, the standalone unit suck. I'm a bit confused with all the different models and experiences from other members on forums.

Car is a MY06 SpecB Wagon

by **wastegate** » Wed May 08, 2013 10:29 am

Ok, so looks like I have the EF-1208l Amp.

There is next to 0 info I can find, which is odd being 6-7 years old now.

I'm thinking of using the steering wheel mute for mute control, but this looks like it might need a resistor to work correctly.

The Parrot can then wire into the speaker outs on the amp, post amp if you will. Otherwise I'd need to chop into that 20 pin DIN and fark that.

I'm suprised there isn't a list of the different subaru mcintosh head units anywhere with pinouts. Like a Wiki.

by **ssstahly** » Wed May 08, 2013 11:55 am

I have the 9100 in my car and it works awesome. Is somehow hooked up in between the HU and AMP. You do need another piece of hardwear which the name escapes me, costs about $130 from memory.
If you want to just get someone to install it, I would give 'the car kit company' a call.
They supplied and fitted mine.
Mick

by **ssstahly** » Wed May 08, 2013 12:00 pm

Found it.
ISO adapter harness for subaru - $32.
Hifi interface for Mcintosh - $130

by **wastegate** » Wed May 08, 2013 12:11 pm

Do you have any more info on this HiFi adaptor?

Also, you have a facelift model right? You sure this will work on a PF-2551i?

Edit: So I gave the Car Kit Company you mentioned above a call. Since I did not buy the Parot from them they have refused to install. wow..

by **ssstahly** » Wed May 08, 2013 12:51 pm

Nah I'm sorry I don't have anymore info, just what's on my invoice from them. Mine is post facelift but I'm sure it will work seeing as it connects at or around amp, not the HU.
Haha wow that's mental. If you we're in Melb I'd be able to give you a blokes number.
I'd maybe have a google if I were you and see what smaller companies you can find that might be able to do it.

by **wastegate** » Wed May 08, 2013 2:50 pm

Man this is trying...

See I don't think this HU has AUX inputs. Not that that really matters for phone duties only.

So options I seem to have is;

1. Hack speaker outs from AMP for front speakers for Parrot to control, somehow getting mute to work, maybe steering wheel mute button.
+ Most likely to work
+ Cheap
- Splicing Wires
- Untested
- Trial and Error for mute

2. Hack into the AMP feed from the HU, eg the 20 Pin connector
+ All things will work fine on the Parrot
+ Better sound quality
- Difficult, need to build circuit with 20pin DIN male and female connectors, relays.
http://i01.i.aliimg.com/photo/v1/291200 ... ng_DIN.jpg
- Costly

3. Replace McIntosh with Aftermarket HU, AMP
+ Everything just works
+ Can use Parrot or even better HU Bluetooth.
+ Expandability
- COSTLY! Double DIN converson, new HU, new AMP, possibly even new speakers?
- No more nice McIntosh

Booo, my wife really loves the car but really wants Bluetooth handsfree.

by **ssstahly** » Wed May 08, 2013 3:31 pm

It doesn't use aux. it simply overrides the headunit. (Because its first... HU - PARROT - AMP - SPEAKERS.
So if your listening to the radio and someone calls, the parrot cuts off the radio and takes over. Same with music. If I press play on my phone, it stops the radio and plays my music. All this via bluetooth and don't have to push any AUX or CD buttons like others. The calls are crystal clear too.
Trust me, I'm 99% sure it will work. I couldn't be happier with mine.

by **ssstahly** » Wed May 08, 2013 3:35 pm

Here's so e codes for those parts. Not sure if there useful but worth a crack.

by **wastegate** » Wed May 08, 2013 3:38 pm

Yeah what you describe is option 2. BUT there is no cable available ready made. I'd say this Car Install mob have this gadget that plugs into the 20pin cable. But the buggers don't want my business. So their magic gadget is not available.

by **ssstahly** » Wed May 08, 2013 3:41 pm

Spew. Ill have a look at my amp tonight and will let you know if I find anything that could help you.
If you we're in melb I'd show you.

by **wastegate** » Wed May 08, 2013 3:46 pm

ssstahly wrote:Here's so e codes for those parts. Not sure if there useful but worth a crack.

Awesome thankyou!

Rang them up and quoted that number, $160 for the HiFi Interface.

by **ssstahly** » Wed May 08, 2013 5:51 pm

Great news

Might need the adapter harness too, but to be honest I wouldn't have a clue.

by **psy** » Thu May 09, 2013 7:55 pm

viewtopic.php?f=22&t=15424&hilit=parrot

by **wastegate** » Fri May 10, 2013 8:50 am

psy wrote:http://forum2.liberty.asn.au/viewtopic.php?f=22&t=15424&hilit=parrot

Thanks for just posting a link, I'd seen that a number of times, but this is where the information breaks down.

For one is that link states it's for a MY08, which is a different model McIntosh to <MY07 systems. Different plugs etc, also has AUX in.
As noted in that above link, you needed a AUX in.

The seller of that cable (MUSIC-SOT-7463-AM-a) states it's only for MY07+ McIntosh units.

I do suspect that the "HiFI Interface" is infact this MUSIC-SOT-7463-AM-a.. I will wait till I get it and post pictures.

The way Subaru have chop and changed models and options through the years have left fragmentation. So that a solution for one year might not be the solution for another.

The internet is full of half truths. Because people only report what worked for them, not that it would work for other years. It relies on people taking a gamble and testing it.

So I guess we will see how well this cable does with the MY06 McIntosh. If it doesn't work then I will put the Parrot up for sale with the harnesses along with the McIntosh/AMP for scrap and go aftermarket.