USASpec PA20-toy vs. Vais

[GranolaJoe]

I swear I've spent the last couple of hours trying/searching to figure out which interface to order. I'm still confused. Has anyone looked at this recently to be able to tell me what are the main differences between the PA20-TOY and the VAIS? I need to get one ordered to have any chance of getting it up and running before my next trip. I can't take the cassette adapter for another long drive.

My apologies if this has been discussed recently - It seems like I've seen discussion before but I couldn't find it.

 

[mtnracer]

I have the VAIS iphone / ipod adapter in my 2003 and I love the fact that I can maintain my DVD changer. I always thought that USASpec requires DVD disconnect.

There are lots of great options for your 2007 from VAIS including the video output and a hard drive option.

 

[Oakleyguy]

I wouldn't mind also hearing some people's opinion on the Vais vs the USAspec. I hate my tape adapter with fury of a thousand suns.

Here's to you tape adapter!

 

[LTrain0800]

I just put the Blitzsafe adapter in my truck and I love it! If you aren't using an iPhone it's perfect, just a line out with amazing sound. I'm impressed with it to say the least.

 

[Oakleyguy]

I just put the Blitzsafe adapter in my truck and I love it! If you aren't using an iPhone it's perfect, just a line out with amazing sound. I'm impressed with it to say the least.

Not trying to thread-jack, but do you have the Factory CD Changer installed along side the Blitz product?

 

[LTrain0800]

I don't have a changer but the Blitzsafe has a plug for it.

 

[TrekboxX]

Just for info, I recently installed the usa spec in my 03. Great for music, not great for phone calls. Sounds like **** to the person you're talking to, and the call volume is so low that when your call is over your radio will blast when you turn it on. It's cool that it stops the music when you have a call, but it also turns the radio off. Antenna goes down, etc. You crank the volume to be able to hear, then blast yourself when you turn radio back on. Also, Usa spec said I needed the cas-whatever cable. I didn't.

 

[Grundletaint]

I have an 05 with Bluetooth and nav. The pa-20 works perfectly, there's a small volume drop compared to CD volume but it's only a couple of volume numbers lower. Super easy to install, DVD still functions, and I have no complaints. No experience with vais but I'd do this one again if I needed to.

 

[garlicgabe]

I have an 03 with dvd,disc changer. Trying to find out if the Blitzsafe will work and still be able to keep the changer? Has anyone installed one of these and kept there changer functional?

 

[DomSmith]

I have an 05 with Bluetooth and nav. The pa-20 works perfectly, there's a small volume drop compared to CD volume but it's only a couple of volume numbers lower. Super easy to install, DVD still functions, and I have no complaints. No experience with vais but I'd do this one again if I needed to.

^^
X2. I added the USA-SPEC to my 2004 because I could keep the changer and run an added XM unit. I have the VAIS XM kit and if I remember correctly their iPod interface wouldn't allow me to use both.

The interface is a little clunky for my taste but adding integrated XM, and iPod while keeping all the other stock options is hard to beat. I too have no experience with the VAIS iPod kit.

 

[Grundletaint]

Also something to note is that with an 07, I think it has mp3 capability, so the interface will be a bit better for you because it can display more information. Ours is a bit dumbed-down because it doesn't process as much track info.

 

[LC100 Scotty]

High end shop installing the USA-Spec device today in my 05 along with new speakers, Dynamat through out, NAV and DVD and Phone lock out over ride system, sub and amp, CB, can't wait. I will let you know how it all turns out.

 

[Crazycruiser45L]

I have the VAIS I-pod hook up in my 04 LX. It works great and the sound quality is great. No difference compared to the cd changer. It also displays all the song names on the nav and you can use the steering wheel buttons to control it. easy to install as well.

 

[GranolaJoe]

I haven't seen where anyone has tried the Vais MML. So, I took a chance and ordered it. With luck, I'll be installing it this weekend. And, with more luck, it will work as advertised. It's supposed to be digital instead of analog and has a USB input instead of the standard apple connection. Fingers crossed.

 

[CohibaDream]

I haven't seen where anyone has tried the Vais MML. So, I took a chance and ordered it. With luck, I'll be installing it this weekend. And, with more luck, it will work as advertised. It's supposed to be digital instead of analog and has a USB input instead of the standard apple connection. Fingers crossed.

Please post results, I've read about this option as well. It seems to be the best option IMO, that is if it works. Makes sense to just have a simple USB input as opposed to apple connections that can change from phone to phone. Where are you going to put it though?

 

[GranolaJoe]

CohibaDream, good question. I have a couple of days to figure that out. I figure that sometimes I'll want to plug in a large flash drive and have it hidden away. Other times, I'll want to plug in my phone (to charge it / pandora/ etc) and have access to it. So, it's going to be a tough decision.

 

[Oakleyguy]

Please post results, I've read about this option as well. It seems to be the best option IMO, that is if it works. Makes sense to just have a simple USB input as opposed to apple connections that can change from phone to phone. Where are you going to put it though?

Granola,

I would also love to see how it works out. I've been strongly considering the MML myself since I have an Android phone. Using Spotify/Pandora/Flash Drive seems like a great option.

Nate

 

[OilHammer]

I have the VAIS iphone / ipod adapter in my 2003 and I love the fact that I can maintain my DVD changer. I always thought that USASpec requires DVD disconnect.

There are lots of great options for your 2007 from VAIS including the video output and a hard drive option.

Was their a model number on the one you are using?
I talked to their tech (they are local to me) and they said they don't have any products that work with the 03 landcruiser NAV.
I'm looking for the ipod connectivity (not tape adapter) as well as being able to add a camera. As far as I know, the Nav-tv RGBLex is the only thing out there that will do the video feed.

 

[GranolaJoe]

I'll get it installed this weekend and let you know how it works. I'm excited to have something to contribute to this forum that I've referenced so often.

 

[GranolaJoe]

I got the MML installed. Works great. I ran the USB out cable into the center console box. There, I can either plug in a flash drive or plug in a phone cable - which I routed back through and out the side to my phone holder. A couple of things to note if it's not already known.....The control box is large. I had a difficult time finding a place to mount it. Second, the MML disables the annoying GPS warning. It still comes on, but only for a few seconds.