Hi guys -
Just wanted to post a few thoughts on GROM BT3 install in my 2003 LX470 with Nav and Mark Levinson.
Sorry this is a long post but hopefully some useful info for those with this combination (it is indeed a curse to live with a ~15 year-old Nav system, but it is what it is).
Usual disclaimer: I don't work for GROM or have any financial interest, but I do believe they deserve this positive feedback.
My intent was to remove the glovebox 6-CD changer completely and install a CB radio in its place. I emailed GROM support asking if they make a patch cable that allows you to plug the BT3 in at the CD changer instead of removing the radio (my goal being to avoid unnecessary removal of interior trim panels and radio - in my experience any screwing around with the original fitment results in new squeaks and rattles).
At the outset I knew this was going to be an experiment (everyone simply plugs in at the radio).
They were very helpful right from the get go and Jason B. from GROM support patiently worked with me throughout the process. They recommended a patch cable (C-LEX) with the caveat that they hadn't tested it specifically at the CD changer plug, but were 95% sure would work.
Well guess what, it didnt. The two connectors were very close but did not mate, and would likely have worked if I filed down the plug in a couple of spots. I didn't want to risk it not knowing the pinout etc.
Anyway, at that point I gave up on installing the GROM at the CD changer and decided to install at the head unit. All of their website documentation suggests a C-TOY1 cable as the right one for a 2003 LX470, so I requested one. Jason said that he thought the LEX cable would work at the radio, but I was quite surprised when they simply mailed me what I requested with no questions asked, and a return label for the LEX cable.
As it turns out, Jason was right! The LEX cable indeed plugged in right away, and the SQ is really quite good, good enough for a non-audiophile like myself. I'm just happy that I now have Bluetooth hands-free, an aux-in and the ability to play FLACs off my phone.
So there you have it: If you are unsure what GROM cable or product to buy per their website recommendations, email their support first 'cause they're really good.
Just wanted to post a few thoughts on GROM BT3 install in my 2003 LX470 with Nav and Mark Levinson.
Sorry this is a long post but hopefully some useful info for those with this combination (it is indeed a curse to live with a ~15 year-old Nav system, but it is what it is).
Usual disclaimer: I don't work for GROM or have any financial interest, but I do believe they deserve this positive feedback.
My intent was to remove the glovebox 6-CD changer completely and install a CB radio in its place. I emailed GROM support asking if they make a patch cable that allows you to plug the BT3 in at the CD changer instead of removing the radio (my goal being to avoid unnecessary removal of interior trim panels and radio - in my experience any screwing around with the original fitment results in new squeaks and rattles).
At the outset I knew this was going to be an experiment (everyone simply plugs in at the radio).
They were very helpful right from the get go and Jason B. from GROM support patiently worked with me throughout the process. They recommended a patch cable (C-LEX) with the caveat that they hadn't tested it specifically at the CD changer plug, but were 95% sure would work.
Well guess what, it didnt. The two connectors were very close but did not mate, and would likely have worked if I filed down the plug in a couple of spots. I didn't want to risk it not knowing the pinout etc.
Anyway, at that point I gave up on installing the GROM at the CD changer and decided to install at the head unit. All of their website documentation suggests a C-TOY1 cable as the right one for a 2003 LX470, so I requested one. Jason said that he thought the LEX cable would work at the radio, but I was quite surprised when they simply mailed me what I requested with no questions asked, and a return label for the LEX cable.
As it turns out, Jason was right! The LEX cable indeed plugged in right away, and the SQ is really quite good, good enough for a non-audiophile like myself. I'm just happy that I now have Bluetooth hands-free, an aux-in and the ability to play FLACs off my phone.
So there you have it: If you are unsure what GROM cable or product to buy per their website recommendations, email their support first 'cause they're really good.