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Haven't posted for a while, but other than regular maintenance and factory recall repairs, I haven't done any mods to my wife's RX, until now.
I just installed a Grom Audio USB3. Thanks to all the tips here, installation was a breeze.
I've had this 2004 non-nav, non-Levinson RX for 6 years and have been wanting to install an interface. I couldn't decide on a Vaistech or a Grom unit.
Chose the Grom because it's a good price for a mod that’s going into a 12 year old vehicle. I got a Vaistech box for my newer IS. I didn’t want to go through the trouble and costs with an aftermarket headunit and the extra harnesses needed. I like keeping stuff OEM.
Now that law enforcement is coming down on phone use in cars, I wanted the wife and daughters to be safe while they drive this rig.
Steering wheel controls, artist/song text info displayed on radio screen, CD quality sound…Why did I wait so long?!
I’m going to install the bluetooth kit for it this weekend.
For you guys on the fence about adding an interface, get one!
signed,
bloody knuckles
Last edited by willdogg; 02-24-17 at 03:43 PM.
Reason: added pics
I'm looking to do similar but maybe you can point me in the right direction, if I have none ML car just like you a 04, is it just as easy to add a bypass kit? (does our cars have amps even when none ML?) and just add a after market double din, with BT? as I am looking to hook up a reverse camera but there's no stock looking location for me to add a lcd screen. If the Grom Bt module that I was looking at is roughly $150 already. I might as well get a double din and add the reverse camera too for a little bit more, and get more updated features all at once.
is it just as easy to add a bypass kit?…and just add a aftermarket double din, with BT?
Yes, you can add an aftermarket double din with BT by bypassing the factory amp. If you wanted to use the factory wiring, then you'll need a bypass kit or a special harness. Keep in mind, your new double din aftermarket headunit will need a Metra or a Beatsonic dash kit as well.
Originally Posted by AVSRacing
(does our cars have amps even when none ML?)
Our non-ML cars DO have an amp. It’s located under the rear seat (right side).
Originally Posted by AVSRacing
I am looking to hook up a reverse camera but there's no stock looking location for me to add a lcd screen.
The large screen of a new double din aftermarket headunit (radio) would be the new lcd screen for your reverse camera.
Originally Posted by AVSRacing
If the Grom Bt module that I was looking at is roughly $150 already. I might as well get a double din and add the reverse camera too for a little bit more, and get more updated features all at once.
I agree. The Grom Bt module is for factory radios. Alpine, Kenwood, Pioneer make great double din headhunts with lots of features and the latest tech, but I just wanted to keep my dashboard looking OEM.
Last edited by willdogg; 02-20-17 at 08:45 AM.
Reason: typo
^^ Thanks I'll be looking to keep the Oem amp and speakers for now, any directions to which harness I need to add the deck but keep everything else oem?
The Beatsonic SLA-82A kit would work for you. It's a double din dash kit that includes the wire harness so you could retain the use of your factory amp. It's a little expensive, but it's totally plug-and-play, no splicing needed.
I did a very similar mod using the GROM audio system, and I have a few recommendations: 1.) Leave the system behind the factory head unit (I find having too many electronics in the glove box just looks unprofessional) 2.) The Bluetooth audio system (at least the attachment) has horrible audio quality compared to the wired connections... It is VERY noticeably worse and louder (even for non-audiophiles like myself) 3.) Use an adapter to make the install look clean (like the OP) 3.5.) I would recommend placing the adapter in the small plastic tray by the 12v outlet (the one with the cap). I did this, and while it is a pain to install, I find it is much cleaner than where the OP put his. The plastic tray also works as a makeshift cord holder when I leave the car 4.) Measure twice; cut once... I messed up when cutting the hole for the adapter, and it was a royal pain to fix. Learn from my mistake and take it slow. There is no reason to rush
2.) The Bluetooth audio system (at least the attachment) has horrible audio quality compared to the wired connections... It is VERY noticeably worse and louder (even for non-audiophiles like myself)
Can't speak specifically to this GROM interface but with bluetooth in general I recommend carefully researching to determine which codecs are supported by the interface and your smartphone device. Both have to support a given codec in order to use the codec. In other words,if one supports a better codec and the other does not then the better codec cannot be used and a lower quality codec will be used instead. Don't assume that all bluetooth is the same as different devices may support different codecs. The SBC codec, for example, is a lossy and poor quality codec. However, codecs such as AAC and AptX offer much higher quality.
If the info for the product(s) you're considering isn't readily available on the product's site then contact the manufacturer and ask.
Can't speak specifically to this GROM interface but with bluetooth in general I recommend carefully researching to determine which codecs are supported by the interface and your smartphone device. Both have to support a given codec. If one supports a better codec and the other does not then the better codec cannot be used and a lower quality codec will be used instead. Don't assume that all bluetooth is the same. SBC, for example, is a lossy and poor quality codec. However, codecs such as AAC and AptX offer much higher quality.
If the info for the product(s) you're considering isn't readily available on the product's site then contact the manufacturer and ask.
GROM definitely isn't AptX.. i think they are still using BT v2.1 ....
It's interesting though.. GROM bluetooth in my older cars sounds better than BT music on my 2015 GS..
I don't know why.. I always wire up in the GS, but BT in other cars sound fine...
02-16-17, 09:34 AM
finally added an interface
