Oh, the BT on this car!
On the one hand, it's pretty cool that a car at this price point came with BT as standard. On the other hand, it's a pretty cheesy implementation! But, I have to say that it does work reliably, without much thought. Kind of like the rest of the car, it's "more than good enough."
That said, here's my problem.
I hate listening to the repetitive crap they play on the radio. I prefer to listen to music podcasts on my phone. Hence the Bluetooth.
Related to this, I have a couple problems, and a couple complaints. Maybe y'all can help with some of this?
Complaint: The stupid BT system streams music through the stereo speakers, but doesn't control volume through the head unit. Who thought this was a good idea? (the implementation almost makes sense if it was JUST for hands-free phone use)
Problem 1: The volume of the BT system is insufficient. Some of the podcasts I listen to are mixed at a slighlty lower-than-normal level. Some of the more normal ones are "okay". But, for the lower-volume ones, I can max out my phone volume, AND max out the BT volume on the Mirage, and still strain to hear the music. Really wish there was both more volume AND it was adjustable via the head unit rather than a button hidden under the steering wheel.
Problem 2: The volume of the BT system always defaults to a set level. So, if I'm listening to a podcast, and I set the volume on my phone and on the Mirage BT to a good level... and then I turn the car off for a bit... when I get back in the car, I have to fidget with the BT volume again. Annoying!
So...
Anybody know any secret settings or tricks that would affect any of this? I doubt it, but worth asking.
And, what other solutions might there be short of shelling out for a new BT capable head unit? I'm not an audiophile, I don't need super hi-fi, or really high volume. I just want to be able to hear what I'm listening to without a fuss!
I've been thinking about maybe hijacking the BT output and amplifying it on its way to the speakers. I'm assuming that the BT module doesn't go through the factory stereo at all, but maybe it does. Regardless, a 4-channel amp with a volume knob somewhere in easy reach would do the trick.
Lay some knowledge on me!