GS430SE2

I have a 2004 GS430 (2nd generation; Mark Levinson audio system with integrated Gen01 Satnav).

What is the best way to play MP3 music through my system, without appreciable loss of quality (which I'd suffer if I used a cassette adapter, even a Sony one)? Yes, I've already read through the forum FAQs and used Search.

Connecting to the FM aerial in the rear of the car? Or dismount the head unit from the dash (I've managed it once and guess I could manage it again)?

I'd prefer a controller/adapter which will allow me to directly plug in a USB stick or drive containing MP3 files, rather than have to use an ipod or similar.

The added ability to plug in an Android, ipod or iphone could be a plus.

Recommendations needed, please! Thanks.

(P.S. I looked into getting a GROM unit, but in the small print they say that if one has a Mark Levinson audio system (as I do), one should contact them first. I did, and they basically said they didn't know if it worked!)

FNR32

Are you looking for something that will interface with the OEM nav unit or are you looking for something that basically allows you to control the audio with your phone/ipod? I think there is a device that plugs into the back of your OEM radio and basically takes the place of your CD Changer.

1QWKGS4

iTrader: (3)

I did a Custom setup exactly what you want on my '05 GS430. (I have the Ipod/iphone 30 pin connector and have the mini-jack plug for other devices) and I have Satellite radio hooked up thru my interface though I use a Satellite interface that is now discontinued which gave me an extra Aux plug. I have NO degregation of sound or compression of sound, its almost CD quality or CD quality (I can't tell the difference) because the interface wires through the CD changer input which what is what the Interface does. I can give you some tips to point you in the right direction but because the I use one component that is discontinued, you may not be able to get the extra mini-jack plug (AUX).

I just re-looked into it and If you want Ipod/mini jack you should be good with this, I went the extra mile because I integrated SAT radio into this also which forced me to get another component but if you only want Ipod and mini jack AUX this will work out for you nicely. Look up --> USA SPEC or goto this link -- http://usaspec.com/product.php?ProductID=17

GS430SE2

Thanks to both!

FNR32, I'm open-minded and flexible about what I want the system to do, but I really would like it to be able to play MP3 files from a USB mass storage device (a USB pen drive/stick).

1QWKGS4, the USA SPEC PA15TOY your link points to unfortunately seems to have no ability to deal with drives directly (only ipods and the like). Still, it is worth considering.
btw, does your '05 GS430 have the Mark Levinson hifi system? I'm not sure the PA15TOY works with ML systems...

1QWKGS4

iTrader: (3)

If you want USB drive setup, I would try VaisTech. they have such interfaces including Ipod/USB with alot of options but not sure of there compatibility with the 2GS, you can look them up and call them. Alot of people on this forum use their products -- http://www.vaistech.com/dev/home.php

1QWKGS4

iTrader: (3)

Actually, All of '04-'05's have Mark Levinson with Nav, In 2004, Lexus started build all GS430 all the way loaded.. so YES, my '05 has NAV, ML Everything..

GS430SE2

Thanks, 1QWKGS4! I've already emailed VAIS TECH for an answer on compatibility, and am waiting for an answer.

I am in the UK, not the USA, and here at least the changeover from 2nd gen to 3rd gen had, AFAIK, a strict Dec 31, 2004 transition date. So when you mention the "2004-2005" GS's which are 3rd gen, in the UK that would be just the 2005 ones that are 3rd gen.

My car is definitely a 2nd gen one ("161"), albeit from the last months of production.

I asked about ML for the following reason:

The USA SPEC online product selector says the PA15TOY will work with GS430 models going back as far as 2001. So, it should work with my 2004 one.

However, when I downloaded the product manual for the PA15TOY from their site, its "Section 4 (Application & DIP switch setting)" has only three entries for the GS430 - one for the "05-06" model, and two for the "07-09" model (with and without Satnav).

There is no mention at all of the 2004 model (which is significantly different from the 2005 and later models).

There doesn't seem a way to email USA SPEC for clarification, as both support@usaspec.com and help@usaspec.com give bounce messages.

1QWKGS4

iTrader: (3)

Both the PA15TOY and PA20TOY will work. I have PA20TOY because their tech suggested this "20" model cuz my car has NAV the "15" model is for non-Nav from what their tech people say, but either will work. LOL

My 2005 is a 2nd Gen GS (161) also. For the U.S., Lexus built them until July/Aug of 2004 which is the last of the 2GS but sold as an 2005 model, though they already start producing 2006 3rd Gen GS after August 2004 and sold in the Spring of 2005 as an '06 model. So the '05 was like a half-year deal cuz they only built 422 units for 2005 GS430's. Its confusing but makes sense once you have all the facts, I'm just lucky to find one of the last 2nd Gen GS to partner with my '99 GS400.

So, from what you told me, If you go with USA Spec, I would get a PA20TOY like mine cuz, mine works and we have pretty much same car (my '05 was built in late '04) so there no difference in '04-05 GS430's..

GS430SE2

Thanks! Now, over to decision - VAIS or USA-SPEC - and logistics of ordering from Europe.

SprtDesign

iTrader: (21)

Will PA15TOY work on 98-00 GS's w/o Nav?

1QWKGS4

iTrader: (3)

Unfortunately, No.

1SWTGS

iTrader: (2)

will this workhttp://yatour.net/shop/?type=detail&id=46 http://www.ebay.com/itm/Yatour-Car-Digital-CD-Music-Changer-USB-SD-MP3-for-TOYOTA-Scion-Lexus-Highlander-/200904324221?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item2ec6d4b47d&vxp=mtr

Cartune

iTrader: (3)

i had grom audio on my lexus is, sound was great, easy install, cd quality, no wires, love the bluetooth. plan to get one for my gs

op maybe this video will help you


grom audio is sold in various place, amazon, ebay, autotoys etc

http://www.autotoys.com/x/product.php?productid=14142


http://www.gromaudio.com/store/all-toy.html

NYGS3ANDY

I am liking all of these options.... Now its just to choose???

1QWKGS4

iTrader: (3)

Looks like it should, it all depends on the Harness to your radio.. After looking at Specs - it mostly works for 2004-up GS's..

Edit: you can read up where I found this -- http://www.yatourcarkits.com/newer-l...our-p-154.html