JayBernard

The Lexus dealer wants $995 to hardwire a satellite system that will fully integrate with the car radio (i.e., screen readout, etc). Have any of you had this done by your Lexus dealer? Or, an independent car/audio specialist? If so, how do you like it, and what did it cost? Thanks.

GRAND_LS 4

iTrader: (2)

I thought it was included in the '05+ models? Its really a personal choice, but most of my friends usually sign up, and listen in for a few days, a couple weeks, and its CD's after that.

jhui88

Dealer installed mine as no-cost option in my 2005 LS as part of their dealership
promotion with Sirius. It came with 9 months trial. The sound is great but
you lose signals while in tunnel or passing overhead structure, which is
annoying. The text (which display artist/song title) also is truncated to 10 characters
which is another minus. Overall, we like it. My little ones especially like the Kidstuff
channel. However, we can't justify the $12 a month fee when we listen to CD more than
satellite. It was great while it was free.

JayBernard

Grand LS 4:

Satellite radio is available only as a dealer-install in my LS. I do have an FM-modulated (XM) version in my '96 Honda Accord wx beater, thus I'm familiar with the programming (which offers an alternative to CDs/iPods on long drives). Just wondering -- has anyone popped for the dealer installed hard-wired version in their Lexus?

TreeTops

Yes, we had the dealer install it and the wife was very pleased with the choices of music. I think the dealer did a super job of installing it.

Don from Cottage Grove, OR. USA

dc661

Just had a VAIS Tech device installed in my '06 LS430. Dealer would not install Sirius as they said they had too many complaints. Only XM. So had to go aftermarket. VAIS unit gives full factory integration into NAV screen plus you get the bonus of being able to hookup ipod with direct connection. Much better sound. Plus readout is 16 characters, instead of 10 w/ factory. Unit was about $300 plus $175 to install and local radio shop. Very happy. They make many units including XM units. http://vaistech.com/

JayBernard

dc661,

Excellent input. I phoned VAISTech and was advised which packages would do what. Now to find a professional installer in the San Antonio area.... BTW, where did you have your satellite antenna mounted?

Thanks, again for sharing.

dc661

No problem - I think you'll be very happy. Forgot to mention you also have to buy the Satellite tuner as well - about $99. They mounted the antenna just behind the factory roof antenna. Just above the rear window. Also, they ran the ipod jack into the center armrest.

JayBernard

So, do I understand that you had two aux input adapters installed (one for IPod and one for Sirius)? Also, where do you store the satellite jack? Are wires to both jacks hidden from view?

Thanks, JayB

dc661

No, 1 device has 2 sets of inputs on it. 1 set of aux jacks is uncontrolled (non-integrated to the nav screen) so you could hook up any mp3 device for that matter. You control that device directly. Not through NAV. Then the other set of inputs hooks up to the Sat tuner and you control this device through the NAV/stereo/steering wheel controls. Everything was installed under the glove box hidden away. The only thing you see is the jack for the ipod in the center console or wherever you tell them to put it.

JayBernard

dc661:

Got it! May get back to you to ask for the name/phone of your installer. Apparently, you have the SoundLinQ (SLS) - Aux Input Adapter with a SIRIUS sat radio interface. I haven't yet found any VAIS experienced installers in my area; thus, may have to go with a sound technician who has accomplished other comparable installs on the newer LS models. Bottom-line, I'm most impressed with your set-up as described. Again, many thanks!

JayBernard

dc661:

I sent you a personal to inquire further about your satisfaction to date with performance of the SoundLinQ unit. Also, sought your advice on a related question. Thanks,
JayB

JayBernard

For the record:

I located a Toyota dealership in my area that had installed the VAISTech XM and Sirius kits in Toyota products and was willing to take on the LS job for training purposes. The manager offered an outstanding price to include the VAISTech SLX kit (XM interface with IPod auxiliary connection), and the XMD1000 receiver kit/antenna. The technician carefully researched the Lexus tech data prior to unbuttoning and dismantling anything (he even made print-outs for reference as needed). Since this was the technician's initial effort to outfit a new Lexus LS, he took his time (fortunately it was a slow day at the shop). To save time, I'll tell you this now: the only place the Techie was able to anchor the SLX kit and the receiver boxes was inside the dash, behind the radio. Coming to that conclusion is what took most of his time. Final product: great job! The XM radio interface works identically to the AM, FM, and CD, and can be controlled from steering wheel, touch-screen, and *****. As for the iPod, the business-end of its auxilliary cord is stored in the small spring-loaded slide-out drawer located just to front of ashtray. IPod controls are on the iPod only and it can be heard through car radio speakers on SAT3 setting only (which is reserved for iPod use). Whenever the iPod is plugged in (and the engine running, of course), the iPOD is recharging and ready for operation via the car's sound system.

A special thanks to dc661 for leading me to the VAISTech products and providng some hand-holding during deliberations. Here's the link he provided: http://vaistech.com/

Final price: Half-that requested by the Lexus dealership (whose Lexus product did not include an iPod auxiliary capability).
--JayBernard