FM modulator on LC w/factory nav

[2003TLC]

After searching, I read a few positive reviews from LX guys using an FM modulator from iSimple (http://www.isimplesolutions.com) to integrate their phone/player. These hare hard wired to the antenna signal and are supposed to sound better than FM transmitters or tape deck adapters. They also have a bluetooth option. For whatever reasons, I have not had success with the US Spec and Audiovox Mediabridge units, so I'm wondering if anyone in and LC with factory nav has tried one of these iSimple units? If so, how do you like it.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Trunk Monkey]

Search "isimple", found 13 threads, one of them may give you some insight.

 

[2003TLC]

Thanks, but like I mentioned, there are no insights from LC owners with nav in those threads.

 

[Trunk Monkey]

Ah, yep, sorry. Just saw no one had responded and wanted to try to give you a little help.

 

[Sandroad]

Looks intriguing. Mostly good reviews on Amazon and cheap at less than $25 (if you're looking at the same one I found). Installation needs a 12V power source and you'll have wires out the dash or a plug for L/R audio connection (didn't see a Bluetooth option?). Might be worth trying and posting up the results for the rest of us who are looking for audio solutions.

 

[deanfun]

What's been the problem with the audiovox? I'm running a media bridge with zero issues.

 

[2003TLC]

What's been the problem with the audiovox? I'm running a media bridge with zero issues.

Not sure exactly. Followed instructions for both the US Spec and Audiovox and walked through with tech support guys (and Crutchfield support) and neither unit would be recognized in my HU. So, I'm back to looking for another option. Might give this iSimple tranzit blu a try.

 

[maxse01]

If this is a solution I'd be interested for both my trucks. I was going to give the Audiovox or Dice a try, but they're pretty pricey at $170.

 

[2003TLC]

Well, I finally got around to purchasing and installing the iSimple ISFM22 module. Install was easy enough. Connect the antenna wire to the module, run switched power (I did cig lighter gray wire) to module and ground wire (behind shifter).

Conclusion: easy install, pairs perfectly with my iphone 5s and really affordable product $70 on Amazon.

BUT

The sound is horrendous. Much worse than the cassette adapter I was using and even worse than other FM transmitters I have tried. The sound is hollow and static, while reduced, is still there. I tried with preselected stations as well as stations suggested by the downloadable app. Unfortunately, I will be returning it and trying something else.

 

[costalcat]

The sound is horrendous. Much worse than the cassette adapter I was using and even worse than other FM transmitters I have tried. The sound is hollow and static, while reduced, is still there. I tried with preselected stations as well as stations suggested by the downloadable app. Unfortunately, I will be returning it and trying something else.

I'm not sure what you are looking to do but a couple of points and a product that might work for you. First anything I have tried with FM modulation and bluetooth does not sound great. Bluetooth is not a great audio transport medium nor FM modulation combine them and it is always going to be iffy. This LC or past cars I have never found an option that worked well and sounded even decent.

I recently got rid of my 2007 Alpina B7. This had bluetooth for phone but not music and had an AUX port. I got this for 35$

http://www.amazon.com/Rockford-Fosg...?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1427977642&sr=1-15

Great device, The bluetooth was compatible with the existing bluetooth, charge port and mini jack... So I moved this over to the LC and I am just using the tape deck with an adapter to plug into this. Yes of course I could just plug in the tape adapter to the phone but the length on the cable made it a little hard to manage the phone from its cradle and now I can use the speakers when I get a call and the phone mic. Also this works well with my bluetooth head set and then switches back to the audio stream once i end the call on my headset. Kids can stream music from their ipads in the back seat or stream the audio of a movie if they want. There may be a newer version of this out there with updated bluetooth

 

[jayLC1]

I wish the bluetooth profile could just be updated to allow a direct Bluetooth connection. Mine is a 2004 and jumps in to talk during Nav over music. The only catch is that the phone hangs and mutes the music occasionally.

 

[TriArcher]

I have the isimple in mine, I'm kind of a big fan, but in the LX I think that's the only easy option.

 

[crimsonaudio]

I've put USA-Spec adaptors in three vehicles now - great audio and trickle charging for your phone = winner...