Damian@FI

I've searched all the threads and although I found much useful information, I couldn't find anybody who has specifically installed this in their MY '04-'06 430.

There's very little info on the manufacturers website.

Just how much functionality do you have with this installed (if anyone does)?

LudeAEM

I have it installed on my 04. I have an iPhone and it works great with music obviously. It almost always auto plays when i hook it up (as long as the source has remained the same. I think its CD Changer 2). Another nice plus is other apps such as skype come through the speaker as well. Overall, very happy. Oh, and another thing is the 'auto accept' if you have Nav.

Tom57

I have the VaisTech MML installed in all 4 LS's. Plenty of threads. Read these and if you have any questions not answered, ask.

Plays stored music on iPhone or USB drive; full steering wheel and Nav screen functionality and song info display; charges phone while connected to USB port; stream music, iHeart radio, podcast or satellite radio on phone, as examples; exceptional sound quality; this is the audio interface that Lexus dealers install.

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls-...r-isimple.html

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls-...led-yours.html

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls-3rd-gen-2001-2006/775616-vaistech-mml-possible-issues-with-nav.html

https://youtu.be/YSowpqG20fw

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls-...ag-screen.html

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls-...on-stereo.html

https://www.google.com/webhp?sourcei....clublexus.com

OsideTurbo

Just to throw another option out there in case you haven't looked at it yet, is the Yatour: https://www.amazon.com/Yatour-Digita.../dp/B00IYG0H82

I just went through this decision process and I looked at the VAIS, the Yatour and the GROM. I can't remember why, but I didn't like the GROM and it came down to VAIS and Yatour. The Yatour has a few less features, but it is also much less expensive ($75), so I went with the Yatour because it had everything I wanted. You can find some discussion and install pics/vids in this thread: https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls-...-ls-today.html I have been very happy with the Yatour so far.

Tom57

VaisTech typically offers a sale in December, and they are also a sponsor of Club Lexus. (See banner at top of page.) You could also try contacting Eugene directly @ VAIS Technology (phone: 720-733-2348; e-mail: info@vaistech.com) and ask for a CL discount.

Tom57

VaisTech is offering a $40 off Labor Day sale beginning next week.

*I am not affiliated with, and I am not compensated by VaisTech.

BradTank

I definitely don't recommend the GROM kit, I put it in my wife's Lexus, it's junk.

I think VAIS needs to lower its pricing, but people seem happy with it.

Tom57

If you saw only the custom wire harness that connects as a daisy chain between the OE radio and the MML unit*, you'd understand why the higher cost over other alternatives, not to mention the advanced technology, functionality and audio capability inside the build of the MML unit. These are custom designed and engineered for specific Lexus / Toyota models, not a one-size fits all or a generic mini-plug audio connection spliced into a few wires off the radio. The Vais MML is the top of the line in integrated audio technology for the 430 so the list price naturally follows. The old adage applies here: You get what you pay for.

*Even replacement, mass-produced auto wire harnesses (any manufacturer / any model) and for any application tend to be expensive.

BradTank

I disagree, things like a stereo wiring harnesses are a small part of the price. I just pulled a random harness example, but its not much more complicated then that, I have built a custom harness before. Maybe a few more dollars than the example below. I have a harness from a Vais Unit, I got it used for a different model.


Vais just has a niche in the market (nothing wrong with that) that the major manufacturers have ignored and they can charge accordingly. I'm sure they have R&D costs they obviously have to cover, but this tech has been around for a while now and you can find standalone, bluetooth in dash car stereos now for under $40.

OsideTurbo

Similar harnesses are also used for the Yatour - they are also custom and cost between $10-$15on ebay/amazon/alibaba. The Yatour also has models specifically for Lexis/Toyota and the steering wheel controls still work and the nav screen displays song titles, etc.

Tom57

Those are not a VaisTech harness ... Yatour harness and the one pictured are China generic, and far fewer wire connections. (I've seen the Yatour harness, in the other thread.) You've not seen (or heard) a VaisTech MML. No USA-made wire harness is priced anywhere close to what you're showing or what a Yatour wire harness can be had on Alibaba.

You can have a $40 bluetooth "in-dash" after-market radio in a LS all day. I don't like that look. Stock appearance, high-quality audio repro and fully integrated functionality are my criteria, for +$100 over all other options.

Vais MML is far-better than the Grom, Yatour, and any other alternative on the market.

Tom57

Why does Vais need to lower its pricing? Do you mean from a customer perspective, you just wish the Vais units for the LS cost less?

OsideTurbo

I'm glad you are happy with your product. Saying it is "far-better" is an opinion, though. The only difference between the wire harnesses is the black heat-shrink surrounding the VAIS. I could do the same to the Yatour for 25 cents worth of heat-shrink. Otherwise, all slots in the 6+6 are wired in the Yatour. It's a simple copper-wire connection (the magic is in the box - not the wires) and any factory in China can do the job just fine. Mine works, and now that it is connected and securely installed, there is nothing to go wrong with the wires. I promise that if I ever need a new wiring harness, I'll let the forum know . . . In fact, since all of these products work very similarly and are solid state, I would bet that VAIS is ordering their printed circuit boards from China anyway - I doubt they are printing them in Colorado.

The VAIS metal box looks like it was made in someone's garage and is not as refined or functional as the Yatour and must be hidden - plus it is twice the size of the Yatour. (I might have considered the VAIS more if I wanted bluetooth. Since I don't like bluetooth streaming music in cars, I don't see the appeal.) If one wanted to hide the Yatour and install a usb (or aux, or sd card, or iPhone/iPod connect) in the console or glove box, you can do that with the Yatour. I like being able to access all inputs depending on which I want to use. I'm not sure why you think you can't have a stock look with Yatour. Mine looks completely stock - no passengers can see it and if you drove my car, you'd never know it was there unless I showed you. (I exposed it in order to take the pic in my build thread, it is well-hidden otherwise.)

The VAIS is fine, but there are other options. If you don't care about bluetooth, you can have the Yatour for 1/3 the price. Now that I think of it, the Yatour comes with a bluetooth connection and you can pay extra for a bluetooth adapter if you want it . . .

airchomper

I can't imagine Vaistech is pricing their unit relative to cost (or at least the marketer in me prays to god they don't price it that way) and I'd be pretty surprised if they've had to do any new engineering since 2002/2004.

The unit is relatively pricey, but they're just capturing some of the value they create. I installed my unit very quickly and easily, and it took me less than 40 minutes. It's been delightful - great quality, autoplay, and I retained steering wheel controls. I'd pay for the unit again and I appreciate the service they provide. I might buy a non-bluetooth prius in a few months and it's nice to know I can add the functionality later rather than buying a high trim car.

But this is a relatively free market - they've set their price, we've talked about the angles for the good deal. Either the product is worth it or not - and that decision should only be driven by whether you think it's a good use of your money.

Damian@FI

Thanks! I also use an iPhone (6S).

Any way to get video to the screen with the MML, or do I need some other device for that?
I wish the manufactures webite had a proper instructional video or at least a bunch of images on what it looked like and what it does, it's not a cheap product and I'm sure it's good, so it should have better literature to go along with it.


No offence, I found nothing in any of those links about MML on an '04-'06 LS430.
Hence my thread.

I'm in Australia, I'l be paying through the nose for anything anyway
I'm looking at AU$600 for the MML which is about US$460.

I'm not that encouraged by brands with next to no reviews and/or information on them, it's either the GROM or the VaisTech, but most likely the latter.