Review: Parrot MKi9200
The MKi9200 is a Bluetooth hands-free music system that combines a 2.4-inch TFT colour screen and a wireless remote control
The MKi9200 is a Bluetooth hands-free music system that combines a 2.4-inch TFT colour screen and a wireless remote control.
It is compatible with a wide range of Bluetooth phones, iPods, the iPhone and more. Straight out of the box and the MKi9200 is a mass of wires and components. Far too complicated for mere mortals, but Parrot do recommend installation by a professional and so do we. However, this will add another hefty wedge to the price bumping the price up to around £300 for the unit and installation.
Alternatively, if you are feeling brave there is an installation diagram included. The installation is screw free so at least the dashboard doesn’t get a battering when the unit is removed. The remote control sits on the inside of the steering wheel, giving access via a thumb.
It looks like an add-on and is something that will surely attract unwanted attention.
Once installed and powered up the first step is to pair up your Bluetooth phone. This is a simple and swift experience with visual assistance from the LCD display. Once connected using the unit is simple and intuitive.
The MKi9200 automatically synchronizes contact details (name, number) so when an incoming call is received the name appears on-screen letting you know who’s calling. To make a call it’s simply a matter of using the remote, press the green button and the voice recognition kicks in and dials the desired number.
The voice recognition is not perfect, for example, if you state the wrong number, it dials it anyway. A command like ‘confirm’ at the end could eliminate this.
For music the unit is adaptable for a host of popular digital and analogue music players. There is a iPod connector, USB connector and line-in. The sound quality was good with control over playback being via the remote control.
The MKi9200 is something that we really liked but struggled to get to grips with the high price point. Plus, the fact that there is the extra cost of installation. For these reasons we found it hard to give the unit a high score. If you have the cash buy it, but there are cheaper options available.
Web: www.parrot.com
Price (as reviewed): £229.99
Verdict: 6/10
Popularity: 6% [?]
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No need to spend £300, I just went into Halfords today and ordered one for £229 including fitting though I may need a special loom cable for another £20 because of my vehicle, though because I already have THB handsfree kit installed (which I am removing) the necessary loom may already be there.
I’d guess if it can be installed at that price at Halfords, those able and keen enough would be able to get it installed for less.
I have had one of these installed. Nice kit and easy to get to grips with. One big gripe though regarding music play back. As the unit has it’s own amp, the cars native stereo controls become redundant. That’s fine, but I can see no way of adjusting speaker balance or fade, so all speakers seem to get an equal volume of music. As the driver, all I can really hear is the drivers speaker. Not great….