Confirming I am screwed for most aftermarket Radios

[tymeboy]

So i finally pulled the trigger on a nice 2006 lx 470 with 106k on the clock. Little did I know that because of the integrated climate control and audio our aftermarket radio options are limited? I understand through browsing some posts that bluetooth streaming is the only route? BT35 and Vais units seem to be the best? Does one of the inputs have to be removed to make room for the streaming unit? IE cd player unplugged etc. I am a newby at this stuff but, 3 days of crappy cd's and I am ready to use my iPhone 6 for music.
Thanks Guys

 

[boostincoupe]

The VAIS SL3B is perfect for streaming Bluetooth audio from my iPhone. Factory steering controls handle the phone calls and they work together just fine. It's around $250.

I bought a set of Polk 6.5" components and 6.5" coaxial speakers for the front & rear for $165 shipped on Amazon this weekend. Installing them this week.

 

[jLB]

I have the VAIS SL3B in an 06 LX and it works just fine. You don't have to "remove" any inputs.
(Well you do and you don't... You physically remove a connection on the back of the head unit and insert the SL3B harness between the head unit and the cable you removed but you retain all current functionality.)

 

[arcteryx]

I thought th NAV units had Bluetooth already, do they not?

Sounds like you two are pleased with the VAIS, I'll need to get one for sure.

 

[jLB]

I thought th NAV units had Bluetooth already, do they not?

Sounds like you two are pleased with the VAIS, I'll need to get one for sure.

The factory Nav may have (depending on year) Bluetooth for phone calls, but no support for streaming audio. The VAIS box adds the streaming audio (music) over Bluetooth function by emulating a CD or MD changer. Your phone sees 2 Bluetooth connections (1) for phone (to the original Nav) and (1) for music (to the SL3B)

A thread with an install documented Installed Vaistech SL3b on 05 LC

 

[arcteryx]

Ah gotcha, thanks for that.

 

[TwiceWithHair]

I just pulled a sat radio something rather that I wasn't using (box) out of my center console deep down below the cup holders. Completely out of sight. That is where I'd like to install my theoretical sl3b. Is the cord long enough to put it down there? Is the glove box the only option? I use my glove box for other things...

Sorry for the thread jack.


...via IH8MUD app

 

[bucfl]

The VAIS SL3B is perfect for streaming Bluetooth audio from my iPhone. Factory steering controls handle the phone calls and they work together just fine. It's around $250.

I bought a set of Polk 6.5" components and 6.5" coaxial speakers for the front & rear for $165 shipped on Amazon this weekend. Installing them this week.

Sorry to step on your thread. Do you mind posting the model of the speakers? I'm buying a HU and Infinity's this week but would like to know what Polks you purchased.


Thanks!

 

[tymeboy]

Thanks for all the great info. I will be purchasing the VAIS unit.

 

[TwiceWithHair]

MY polks are db 651 and 6501. I like the component speakers up front. The coaxial ones in back sound far worse... With the stock amp anyway.


...via IH8MUD app

 

[tymeboy]

The vais sl3b is on sale currently for 229 on their site. Just FYI

 

[boostincoupe]

I have the same Polk's, DB6501's up front and DB651's in the back. We'll see how they sound tomorrow.

 

[TwiceWithHair]

Boost! How long is the cable to connect head unit to sl3b??


...via IH8MUD app

 

[jLB]

I just pulled a sat radio something rather that I wasn't using (box) out of my center console deep down below the cup holders. Completely out of sight. That is where I'd like to install my theoretical sl3b. Is the cord long enough to put it down there? Is the glove box the only option? I use my glove box for other things...

Sorry for the thread jack.


...via IH8MUD app

Length? I don't remember. I can lift mine about a foot out of the glovebox.

The glovebox isn't the only option, it was just quick and easy

I think it might be a little short to make it to the bottom console bin (where the CD changer goes)

Under the front seat cupholders maybe.

Under the middle row cupholders probably not, without making or buying an extra long cable.

 

[TwiceWithHair]

Let's just keep the thread jack going! I sent off two emails last night. One to a third party amazon seller and one to vais tech. I asked "how long is the cable connecting the sl3b to my nav unit."

Amazon seller responded "about 18-24 inches"

Vais tech responded "about 4 feet."

So I call vais this morning and asked the same question to the sales guy who replied "about 36 inches." Now I got three different answers. The sales guy told me that the email response from vais tech was from the OWNER and it was probably most accurate. With their 30 day return policy, I ordered one up over the phone since a 2004 land cruiser didn't seem to be an option on their website. Hopefully I can post some pictures of this successfully installed in my center console sometime next week. I know how a tape measure works, so I'll get a definite answer on cable lengths as well.


...via IH8MUD app

 

[TwiceWithHair]

The damn booklet that comes with it says the cable is 36" long. Why couldn't anyone read me the booklet!? That being said, it's about 40-42" long...

Setting it up was easy. Just follow the instructions. A few quirks though. My unit never made a "confirmation beep." I followed the timing instructions and hoped for the best and it all setup fine. I'm set up as an MD emulator for my iPhone 5. Works great! No more wires. I put it in my glove box like most others. It's small enough and I was in too big a hurry to drill holes in my center console. A operation quirk... Phone calls come to factory Bluetooth fine. But I listen to pandora mostly. And after a phone call, it goes and plays my iTunes playlist after hanging up. I have to go into pandora and press "play" again to bring pandora back. I plan to get an iPhone 6s soon. I wonder if that quirk will still exist. Otherwise I'm very happy with the unit. Makes my truck a little more modern.

I couldn't GIVE away my cassette adapter. Nobody has a cassette player anymore. Kinda funny how old my truck is getting, yet still nicer that most of my friends newer cars. Love the cruiser!


...via IH8MUD app

 

[Manhattan]

I installed a Vais system about 4 years ago (don't remember the model). I have never gotten the music to stream via bluetooth. Did I A) set it up wrong or B) install a system that doesn't support streaming music? Hoping the former... guessing the later.

 

[TwiceWithHair]

What did you get from installing your vais? An expensive metal box that does nothing? The company sells all kinds of stuff. You might've gotten one that DOESNT stream music...

Streaming music and bypassing nav warning is all my vais does.
...via IH8MUD app

 

[Manhattan]

Looked at the stuff just now - Vais SL2xD2 (XM Interface) and SL2i UP (iPod Integration). So two expensive metal boxes and no Bluetooth streaming.

 

[SS100]

I just installed a GROM IPD-4 (TOYNI4) unit on my 2003 LC. I'm very happy with the way it works (it's only been one week so I can't talk about longevity).
Got the optional In-Car Bluetooth Extension (BTD) also... The cable is 10 ft.
The unit connects through the CD changer. It is both iPhone and Android compatible. I can now listen to music via bluetooth or by connecting the phone through a cable. I can use the steering wheel controls for volume and skip songs and I can answer phone-calls with the steering wheel controls.
Bought directly from their web site. $179,98 total.