I'm not getting much traffic on my thread in the Audio & Electronics section - link so I decided to try here.

My wife and I have a non-navigation 350 somewhere between Japan and here and I'd like to get as much information on the audio system as possible.

In case you didn't read my origninal thread, I want both XM and iPod and the ability to control both with the steering wheel controls. I know I can get that with the factory XM kit or a couple of aftermarket adapter boxes. But the iPod control on the aftermarket adapters emulates XM therefore I can't have both. Has anyone seen an adapter that meets my requirements?

Since it looks like I can't get both XM and iPod control with the factory head unit, I looked into aftermarket models. There are dozens that offer both. There are even adapters to allow the steering wheel controls to work the aftermarket radio. Perfect. But now I need to know if switching the audio to an Alpine, Eclipse or Pioneer model is even feasible. Besides the odd shaped factory radio, what about the electronics behind it? Are the speakers proprietary like the 1 ohm model Bose that are in other cars? Is there an external amp mounted under a seat or in a trunk? Does our new car even have a factory sub? We never test drove a model without nav so I'm not sure what the differences are.

Thanks,
Robert

 

Sorry, I don't have any answers to your questions. One thing for sure, all the connectors in Lexus, even XM sharkfin antenna, are proprietary. But, have you tried asking your dealership for any suggestions? Often, if they don't have an answer they can direct you to their "outside" authorized subcontracting shop that does all kinds of tricky audio work.