Avoid the PA50-VETTE like the plague!
 

Hey guys,

Just spent the last couple of hours taking my interior apart again to upgrade my PA15-VETTE (which I highly recommend) to a PA50-VETTE that I bought from SolidSignal here. First off, that package doesn't include the optional Bluetooth module. That module doesn't exist anywhere--I've checked.

Anyway, the PA50-VETTE turned out to be a flaming pile. Not only did one of the power connectors feature a high impedance fault (almost wrecked my battery), the Ethernet cable that the unit uses to connect to my iPhone is several orders of magnitude worse than the crappiest Ethernet cables I've gotten from Comcast or bundled with junky wireless routers. I had to wrap the connection to the included Ethernet extension cable with electrical tape to maintain a solid connection.

Once I recharged the battery and locked down the connectivity, I discovered (to my dismay) that the audio quality on this thing is miserable. Not only was there a persistent, high-pitched whine, but when the unit was in anything except direct mode, the PA50-VETTE would emit bursts of static at 1-2 Hz. Adding insult to injury, despite advertising 2004-2007 CTS compatibility, the PA50-VETTE's interface required me to use buttons that were hard-coded to other CTS-V functions, making it nearly impossible to do what the PA15-VETTE does with ease.

In summary: don't buy this thing. Ever. I tried calling USA Spec for support, but they didn't answer the phone, and their answering machine is set to record for approximately 10 seconds. Screw them. Back to the PA15-VETTE.

So the USA Spec and PA50-VETTE are both junk?

Thanks!
 

Sounds like the PA15-VETTE is the way to go then...FYI, they are both USA-SPEC.

Thank you very much for this informative post.

I received a PA15-VETTE for Christmas, which I returned, in hopes of getting the PA50-VETTE instead, but I too, couldn't find any info on the Bluetooth module.

I've yet to order the PA-50 VETTE, so I guess I'll be ordering the PA-15 again.

Thanks again for saving me a lot of hassle.

Damn and I was holding out for this model.

Quick update: Solid Signal's product manager just called me to offer a full refund/RMA outside of their 30 day return window (the unit I ordered had been sitting in a box for a while at my place). Good on them.

Apparently she got in touch with a couple of people from USA Spec (who are hard to reach) and claimed that a) they've never had any problems with the PA50-Vette, b) the misleading advertising is the result of USA Spec's product title, and c) the USA Spec intends to develop the Bluetooth module at a later date.

The PA15 is solid--granted, I've had to order replacement soft key buttons from Luke @ Lindsay once because I chipped F4 and F5 (right side) hammering the Direct Control option every time I start the car, but at least they tested the interface on the CTS-V (unlike the PA50). The sound quality is excellent.

What's this gadget your speaking of?