Parrot RKi8400 Bluetooth Car Stereo for Digital Music and Hands-Free Driving

by Parrot

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 11 x 3.3 x 8.9 inches ; 2.5 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 4.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B002Q8HMLY
• Item model number: RKI8400
• Average Customer Review: 2.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #86,995 in Cell Phones & Accessories (See Top 100 in Cell Phones & Accessories)

Product Description

Equipped with a 200 W MOFSET amplifier, the Parrot RKi8400 can offer you a new musical experience. Totally integrated into the vehicle’s audio system, conversations and music are transmitted via the speakers for maximum listening quality. To make the experience even more enjoyable, the RKi8400 has a built-in equaliser and includes sound effects that can be adapted to any style of music. The Parrot RKi8400 also provides instant access to your music. Thanks to its special cables, it can support any musical source you want: iPod, iPhone, USB flash drive, and even SD cards, Bluetooth stereo (A2DP) peripherals or any other analogue player. You can easily browse through your music library and view the playlist and album covers on the colour screen. A highly practical storage compartment is located behind the RKi8400’s removable front panel, ideal for hiding your phone, MP3 player or USB flash drive. A special cover provides your devices with excellent protection, whatever the circumstances. To access your devices more quickly, use the autoinsert mechanism on the front panel. The insertion process is quick and you only need one hand to do it. The very first time you connect the Parrot RKi8400 to your mobile-phone, it automatically copies the contacts in your mobile’s phonebook. To make a call, use the voice-recognition function (by pressing the green button) and say the name of the person you want to call. Alternatively, access the phonebook and listen to the RKi8400 read out the names. Confirm the person you want and dialling begins. To pick up an incoming call, just press the green button.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Waited for months for this to come out in the US -- only to be disappointed!, January 10, 2010

By 

J. Teeples - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Parrot RKi8400 Bluetooth Car Stereo for Digital Music and Hands-Free Driving (Electronics)

I had done all my research on stereos that work with the iPhone. I thought this one would be perfect. Here is what I have found:

1. the buttons feel very cheap
2. my iPhone barely fits in the compartment behind the face.
3. a 4gb SD card takes about a minute to initialize every time I start my car
4. did not come with a face cover to car the face around or store in.
5. the voice that talks to you when someone calls, etc cannot pronounce anything -- even the basic features of the device (let alone someone's name!)
6. the speakerphone does not pickup my voice very well at all in my car (have tried several different locations
7. having my iPhone stored behind the face is annoying and barely used -- as you have no access to your phone and you have to shut down the stereo if you need to pull it out.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Such promise, yet disappointing, January 12, 2010

By 

Victor J. Garcia (Jackson, TN USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Parrot RKi8400 Bluetooth Car Stereo for Digital Music and Hands-Free Driving (Electronics)

I agree with earlier reviews that mention the odd size and cheap buttons. I bit the bullet and had an installer alter my console. I can also add that the interface isn't terribly intuitive. To shuffle my entire library take 5 or 6 clicks. Bluetooth with my unit has never worked flawlessly - audio keeps cutting out intermittently for a half second at a time. Customer support is terrible, I've emailed and called about these problems and no one has ever tried to contact me.

Maybe they can work out the bugs, but if you buy this product now - you're an alpha tester.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Pleased So Far, April 8, 2010

By 

Larry E. Huhn (Oregon) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Parrot RKi8400 Bluetooth Car Stereo for Digital Music and Hands-Free Driving (Electronics)

I just installed my new RKi8400 and I am impressed so far. I was concerned about the installation because I have read reviews talking about the oversize face (?) and other installation problems. The actual installation could not have been easier. I had my old one out and the new RKi8400 in my VW Eurovan in about 15 minutes. It does stick out from the face of the dash a little more than the previous unit but I don't that as a problem.

UPDATE: I just sent my RKi8400 in to the warrant center for replacement. I still like the concept and functionality of the unit but I have had multiple issues. The unit will not reliably sync with my iPhone, it will not boot up if it is too warm or too cold outside (below 40F or above 80F), I can't control the iPod, and sometimes it does what I can only describe as "freaks out". I understand that I have a new unit on the way so I hope I have better luck.