2008 stereo/Bluetooth question...

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yondermountain

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Hi all, getting close to pulling the trigger, was at one point thinking I'd buy a newer 2013-16 but have opened my search to a good deal on a 2008,2009. First question is about the audio/nav. Does a 2008 have Bluetooth streaming from my iPhone ability? And obviously, phone calls etc through the audio as well?
In other words is the system in a 2008 fully hands free or do I need to be in a 2011 or 13 and up for that type of system?
I found a nice 2008 that I could buy outright which I like the idea of, but was previously looking at 2013s and up, but having to finance. Mostly a mom/kids car that will take some thrashing and miles, so I like the idea of not spending too much. Any insights appreciated again, hoping to purchase this week,
J
 
Phone works thru the system via Bluetooth. Streaming audio not so much, I just use the aux input for that. It's a beating but not enough to make me spend more $$ for a 2013+
 
$40 iTrip device adds streaming audio bluetooth on my 2008. Excellent, cheap, 1-minute fix. I'm happy.
 
I believe 2010+ added bluetooth audio streaming and all US market 2008+ can do full hands-free calling.
 
My 2011 streams Bluetooth audio just fine.
 
TeCKis300 said:
For $499 (or $460 x'mas deal through tomorrow), you can take the '08/'09 a leap ahead of the technology that the '13 or even the '16 bring.

Look into the Grom VLINE - Lexus Toyota 2006-2009 GROM VLine Infotainment System Upgrade Video Interface

There's a huge thread on this system I think in the 100-series subforum.
Click to expand...

Has anyone installed this on a 200? It lists being compatible with the LX570 but doesn't list the LC. Do the 2008-2009 LC570 have the same head units as the 2008-2009 LC?
 
Narkhelek said:
Has anyone installed this on a 200? It lists being compatible with the LX570 but doesn't list the LC. Do the 2008-2009 LC570 have the same head units as the 2008-2009 LC?
Click to expand...

I emailed GROM. They didn't have any specific information on if the LC is compatible. They asked me to send them some pics. If I get the time to rip out my head unit I'll send them some pics and see what they say.
 
This doesn't answer the LC200 compatibility question. Though I did install a vline the last couple weeks in my LX570. It did show glimpses of incredible capability. Given the maturity of the product, I'm choosing not to stick with it at this time.

I'll be swapping it with a GROM USB3 w/BT option adapter. I've not seen this particular adapter talked about at all, but it will do USB plug-in interface with Android and Apple, USB stick with saved music files, and BT A2DP.

Note for those that consider them audiophiles... The highest quality interface you can use for audio into the system is the one that has the least amount of DACs and conversion. Even the highest quality BT implementations sound dull and flat to me since it's converting to A2DP within the sending and receiving devices. I've found this true in several car systems and my home systems, though I am an audio nut. It's especially pronounced on high quality audio systems like the LX570 Mark Levinson reference system.

The vline had incredible fidelity (which is why I choose it) for its native streaming audio sources (Spotify, local, etc.)

I'm hoping the GROM USB3 when plugged into my phone will have equally good audio quality. BT is a backup for convenience, but since I plug in for power anyways, that will be my preferred mode of use.

Another detail you guys might be interested in, Android will allow connection to multiple BT devices. So it can continue using the OEM BT for phone, and BT adapter for A2DP music. Apple will only connect to a single device, so your phone and music will be handled by the add on BT adapter
 
Another option for BT connectivity. I decided to go with the NEO Car Audio unit, since I've used this brand before in a previous 2012 Chevy Tahoe, and it worked great. Install is very straight forward, and even comes with an external mic, that I mounted on the top left A-pillar. Website is below.

Neo Car Audio :: The leader in OEM integration.

I purchased the Model# BTY4V9

$220 shippped to my door.

The unit also has direct connect to your iphone with charging capabilities. I ran the charging cable to my phone through a gap to the right of the gear selector. Works perfect!





 
Installed the Grom-USB3, part#TOYNU3 over the weekend. With the BT option. Sure, I don't get any fancy video related capabilities like I did with the Vline, but it works perfectly for its intended purpose.

It also looks exactly like the unit Hanzo installed. Perhaps these are all rebranded devices from some OEM manufacturer.
 
TeCKis300 said:
Installed the Grom-USB3, part#TOYNU3 over the weekend. With the BT option. Sure, I don't get any fancy video related capabilities like I did with the Vline, but it works perfectly for its intended purpose.

It also looks exactly like the unit Hanzo installed. Perhaps these are all rebranded devices from some OEM manufacturer.
Click to expand...

How does the Grom Module and BT dongle function with the factory BT for phone calls, or have you switched to using the GROM module for hands free calling too?
 
It partially depends on whether you have a Apple or Andriod device. As I understand it, the Apple is incapable of syching with two separate devices for audio (A2DP) and phone (HFP) simultaneously. I have a Android, which is capable of this. So I continue to use the OE handsfree capability while using the GROM BT for audio. I did wire up the GROM hands free mic and have tried that. It seems to work seemlessly as well. So perhaps that would be the case for an Apple device too.
 
TeCKis300 said:
It partially depends on whether you have a Apple or Andriod device. As I understand it, the Apple is incapable of syching with two separate devices for audio (A2DP) and phone (HFP) simultaneously. I have a Android, which is capable of this. So I continue to use the OE handsfree capability while using the GROM BT for audio. I did wire up the GROM hands free mic and have tried that. It seems to work seemlessly as well. So perhaps that would be the case for an Apple device too.
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Thanks for the feedback! I am using an Apple device, but for my use I think I'll be fine. I plan on using a Kuda Mount with a Lightning Charge Cradle so the phone will be hardwired to the GROM-USB3 for Audio leaving BT solely for the stock HFP connection.

If not I guess I'll add the Grom BT module and mic and use that for hands free.
I'll report back with my findings.
 
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TeCKis300 said:
Installed the Grom-USB3, part#TOYNU3 over the weekend. With the BT option. Sure, I don't get any fancy video related capabilities like I did with the Vline, but it works perfectly for its intended purpose.

It also looks exactly like the unit Hanzo installed. Perhaps these are all rebranded devices from some OEM manufacturer.
Click to expand...

Hello,

Have you used the navigation on your android with this, and how well does it work?

Thanks,

Michael
 
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