There hasn’t been a recent thread on this topic, the few out there are around three years old. Is this mainly just personal preference at this point? I have an iPad that I want to run audio from into my 2007 LC w/NAV and I need to be able to charge it as well. At the same time I wanted to BT my Android cell phone but haven’t been able to verify if this is possible. We are leaving on a long road trip in ten days so I was going to try to get this done before.
VAIS vs Grom vs USASpec vs... (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter Dparo
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I have the BT-45 TOY from USA-Spec and its definitely one of the best upgrades i've done so far.
Install was very straight forward, pull the trim out, undo 4 screws, plug the adapter and route the cables.
I have it hooked up to my 2001 LX w/ Nav and ML.
Install was very straight forward, pull the trim out, undo 4 screws, plug the adapter and route the cables.
- Streams BT audio perfectly from my iPhone and AUTOMATICALLY STARTS PLAYING. Audio quality does not have interference, hisses or weird noises
- Microphone for making / receiving phone calls. Quality was fantastic.
- includes an AUX cable (car didn't come with one from factory) for passengers to use
- USB outlet for charging (albeit not hooked up in my car yet but a tremendously good feature for long trips)
I have it hooked up to my 2001 LX w/ Nav and ML.
$ vs $$ vs $$$
I have the Grom Vline- which is at the high end of add on BT system options, but it provides interface for Apple car play and many other features ( that I currently don't use) to bring your entertainment system closer to current model usability. I was an early adopter at $299, which was a near step up from the Vais product. At $499- I probably would chose another platform unless you have to have internet, CarPlay etc.
If all you want is BT functionality for your iPhone/android to play music Vais or USA spec are fine options.
I have the Grom Vline- which is at the high end of add on BT system options, but it provides interface for Apple car play and many other features ( that I currently don't use) to bring your entertainment system closer to current model usability. I was an early adopter at $299, which was a near step up from the Vais product. At $499- I probably would chose another platform unless you have to have internet, CarPlay etc.
If all you want is BT functionality for your iPhone/android to play music Vais or USA spec are fine options.
- Thread starter
- #4
Grom may be more than I really need. I just want to have my iPad run audio through the lightning cable and charge at the same time (one cable). Vais MML can do that according to their customer service rep that I spoke to yesterday. USA SPEC does not have a number listed to call and I am still waiting on the return email. My LC has factory Bluetooth for phone calls so I wanted to retain that.
I have a VAIS in my 07' LX. Install was about 30 min, the unit tucks in on the side of the air vent in the center stack, and you can run a charging cable from it to charge your phone if you want.
It picks up bluetooth from my Samsung phone every time, and the it displays the song on the Nav screen. All steering controls also work to control the phone, volume, track etc.
Essentially the VAIS has been flawless for me.
It picks up bluetooth from my Samsung phone every time, and the it displays the song on the Nav screen. All steering controls also work to control the phone, volume, track etc.
Essentially the VAIS has been flawless for me.
With the BT-45, did it interfere with the built in BT system or is it best just to disconnect your phone from that and run everything through the BT-45 to avoid systems fighting each other?
Grom does offer an integrated solution closer to what you're looking for ($145), and maintains functionality of the factory BT-to-phone interface and steering wheel functions.
SKU: TOYNU3 for 2002+
02-12 Toyota Scion Lexus USB Android iPhone car kit, Bluetooth capable
SKU: TOYNU3 for 2002+
02-12 Toyota Scion Lexus USB Android iPhone car kit, Bluetooth capable
That is exactly what I need and cheaper! Nice! Thanks for the heads up. I have one of the older non-bluetooth boxes that came with my 100. It only works with the original IPOD connector and I've gone through (3) Ipod to USB Micro adapters already and am having trouble finding a 32 pin Ipod to USB C.
- Thread starter
- #10
I believe this is the route I am going to go, VAIS MML.
And then I see this other Grom option.
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I've been researching these options recently, and leaning towards the VAIS system. It has a great track record for reliable bluetooth streaming, AND it has the option to disable the annoying "I agree" message every time you start the truck. The Grom system has had many documented issues and a very high price tag. The cheaper Grom option linked above does not include bluetooth. The USA system is also reported as being reliable, but no option to disable the "I agree" message.
Add another vote for the VAIS system, have been very happy so far ('06 LC).
I have the BT-45 USA Spec for my 01 LX. works well considering i had the NAV and this seemed to be the cheapest option to add bluetooth / handsfree calling, aux, and a USB cable to the vehicle.
Do you have any issues with yours? A friend installed his and said it only works after he makes a call through it. Otherwise it won't play music from his iPhone 7. Any chance you remember what order the pins were in?
No issues with mine but I did have to buy the CASLEX adapter from USA SPEC. I have the nav with ml and left the pins on default setting. It connects the phone automatically when the car turns on and starts playing music. I have an iPhone 7 Plus on iOS11. I don’t recall having to do anything special to get it work, just plugged everything in and the Bluetooth was very straight forward. Maybe his phone settings need to be checked? I play my music through Spotify. If not I would reach out to USASpec, possible he has a defective unit
USA Spec Lexus Adapter
Thanks for the response. We had it set to the factory pin setting, but then changed them because it didn't seem to be working well. Can't remember what the factory settings were, but I'll tell him to call grom.
Which model do you have?
The SL3B-t, works just as advertised and audio quality is good.
