Stereo Musings

[stevenjj71]

I have been reading lots of threads about stereo upgrades.
From what I have seen of buying a new head unit (I have LX470 2000 with the Nakamachi) it requires an expensive trim kit to make it look OEM - and even then from the pictures I've seen, it is not a look I like.

A lot of the complaints about the Nakamachi seem to be related to CD player issues, I never use CDs so I don't care about that. I also have no need for watching DVDs, or using my stereo for a GPS solution.

So overall I'd like to keep the Nakamachi.

What I would like is some way to feed my existing stereo from an Android phone and/or iPad using bluetooth, or a plug of some kind. Is there a modern solution that allows me to do this relatively elegantly?


Other upgrades I'm considering:

I'm inclined to purchase an AMP like this one...
Pioneer GM-D9500F
and replace the front door speakers (one of which only works about half the time - it goes in and out when I drive over a bump).
Is there any point to buying an AMP if I keep the Nakamachi? Is this AMP overkill and/or deficient?

 

[RobRed]

The LX doesn't have a direct aftermarket adapter like the LC. You could use one for an LC, cut off the radio end and hardwire to the LX radio harness.

The Nakamichi head unit is pretty horrible fidelity wise. I would sacrifice a non standard trim piece for better sound any day. If you are not inclined then swap some speakers (all doors) and go from there. Any change will be positive.

VAIS has some products for your phone connectivity.

This may help in your future. http://tlcfaq.com/main/2012/05/land-cruiser-lx-470-stereo-wiring/

 

[matticus]

I am in the same boat with a 2000 LX 470 & Nakamichi. I've come to the conclusion that at some point in the next year or so, I am going to have to rip out the head unit, amp, and speakers to rewire a more modern solution.

Has anyone tried playing with the cable harnesses that allow aftermarket head units to adapt to the existing wiring scheme?

With Apple's roll out of a Siri Strategy for autos, I am going to wait 6-12 months to see if head units start rolling out with better Apple integration. Also, it's worth noting that some of the early rumors for the next iPhone are speculating that there will be a new dock connector.

Who knows...

In the short term, I am considering ordering an iSimple FM Modulator off of eBay ($40) to override the FM signal on my head unit.

 

[RobRed]

Has anyone tried playing with the cable harnesses that allow aftermarket head units to adapt to the existing wiring scheme?

Yes. It's a waste of time. Snip the connector off in the dash and hardwire your aftermarket head unit to it. You are never going back to stock. For stock - VAIS makes some solutions to the ipod connectivity issue.

 

[matticus]

Saw your article above. Great ideas!

 

[playdrv4me]

It's really unusual to me that with as world class as the Nakamichi system was in the LS400, the LX470 version is so much lower in quality. I guess a hint towards that end should be the fact that just about every single 2000 LX I've ever seen has the Nak system in it, whereas in the LS400 it was a not terribly common 3000.00 option *NOT* counting the nav. Curiously, the individual parts (amp and speakers) for the LX Nak system cost *less* than the base system in the LC and LX, for the rare LXs that don't have Nak, if they even exist.

That said, I find the combination of a cassette adapter with a carefully concealed wire, and a Scosche RF iPod remote control to work fantastically well on the Nak system. The wireless remote can be mounted anywhere (I usually place it behind the left side of the steering wheel), and is not line of sight, so the iPod can be hidden away. It is a common misconception that cassette adapters give poor sound. The bigger problem is actually the number of garbage adapters on the market. I only use Philips (the Wal Mart one) and Sony adapters and with a properly functioning and CLEAN cassette mechanism, the sound quality is on par with the Metal tape formulations of the 80s and 90s.

You do sacrifice some noise floor, but it is better than those GODAWFUL FM transmitters by a longshot. Combine this with a good quality small subwoofer, like an Infinity Basslink or a Polk DXi 108 to fill in the lacking bass, and you have a pretty solid system without spending basically anything at all.

If you DO move up to a different head unit and rip all the guts out, then obviously you'll want a more direct solution. Personally, I detest the way aftermarket decks look and find the stock system just needed a little bit of help.

 

[pman]

Putting in a new amp and speakers but having the nakamichi as your source probably won't work all that well. It will better than stock for sure, but what are you trying achieve in term of sound quality?

Having a good source and good speakers will make the biggest difference in the way a stereo sounds.

Also, it is possible to make aftermarket stuff look good in an LX

 

[RobRed]

Agree with pman.

BTW pman time to hardwire that RADAR detector

 

[stevenjj71]

Well the main thing I'm trying to fix is that the speakers work reliably. Which (from what I read about speakers blowing) I could probably just take care of by replacing the ones in the front doors (no amp required).

I probably wouldn't know good sound from average sound if it kicked me in the butt.

I would like to be able to feed the stereo from my in-car mounted iPad (note I have no NAV). would any of the Tape or VAIS solutions allow that? It would be awesome if I could take advantage of the iPad touch screen to control what was fed to the stereo. I could like to load it up with music, podcasts, etc.. and listen in the car.

 

[RobRed]

Lots of guys upgrade their factory systems so you are bound to find someone selling their old speakers.

Yes the VAIS will take care of the connectivity but when you jump into that you are not far from a basic AV head unit that supports the ipad/ipod/iphone and more.

 

[pman]

Well the main thing I'm trying to fix is that the speakers work reliably.

If thats your main concern, I would just get a set of ______ speakers.

A) JL Audio
B) Polk
C) Alpine
D) you get the idea....

 

[playdrv4me]

If thats your main concern, I would just get a set of ______ speakers.

A) JL Audio
B) Polk
C) Alpine
D) you get the idea....

This is probably the single quickest and easiest upgrade you can do.

 

[mister bean]

I probably wouldn't know good sound from average sound if it kicked me in the butt.

You might be surprised. My wife thought good sound wasn't important when we first met. I had a couple decent (not great, but better than average) systems and after being around those for a few months she started complaining about lower quality ones.

 

[Quick]

Putting in a new amp and speakers but having the nakamichi as your source probably won't work all that well. It will better than stock for sure, but what are you trying achieve in term of sound quality?

Having a good source and good speakers will make the biggest difference in the way a stereo sounds.

Also, it is possible to make aftermarket stuff look good in an LX

What system and trim is this...Looks really good.

Thanks

 

[Quick]

Any idea what trim and the HU ^ is?

Thanks

 

[DirtDawg]

Any idea what trim and the HU ^ is?

Thanks

Cant speak for the HU, but the trim is early LX with what appears to be the ebay special trim ring. I have the same setup.

 

[Quick]

Can you ^ please post a link?

Thanks

 

[DirtDawg]

Can you ^ please post a link?

Thanks

Lexus LX470 1998-2002 Double Din Dash Radio Stereo Installation Kit w/ Brackets