Robert_J

I've answered a few stereo questions here and after seeing a double-din installation kit, I'm finally going to take the plunge. The kit is available on Ebay but they have no completed installation pictures. Looks like I'll be the first.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Lexus...d=253915023729

I will be installing a Pioneer AVH-P3300BT along with an XM tuner, an adapter to retain the steering wheel controls and an adapter to use the factory amp. I haven't decided on the front door speakers yet. I'm leaning towards MB Quart components if the tweeters will fit.

I already have the sub and amp to power it. The sub is the Soundspliter RL-p 12" with a dual 2 ohm voice coil in a 1.2 cubic foot, sealed box. Powering that will be a Powerbass ASA-1000.1 1Dx amp wired at 1 ohm.
http://www.soundsplinter.com/rlp15_s...formation.html
http://www.powerbassusa.com/asa-10001dx-1-ch-amplifier

As items come in and product decisions are firmed up, I'll update this thread. Installation is tentatively scheduled for Labor Day weekend.

MadMax96

Nice - looking forward to your results. That price seems steep for the adapter - hopefully you got a better deal.

Robert_J

I did submit a "best offer" and it was accepted. Compare the price of that to doing custom fiberglass work and it is a very inexpensive option.

I decided on the speakers and have them ordered. Phoenix Gold components. They are an older model but they have received great reviews for the last two years. http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_...s-RSd65cs.html

I'll have the Radio ordered in the next day or so. Prices differ by up to $150 based on the seller and specials.

flipp4

I just purchased the fly audio nav system for my 2008 es350, I saw the piece your gonna buy and I cant wait to see it installed, i'll post pics of mine too as soon as I get it installed. It should be here in about a week or so

Robert_J

I've seen the Fly NAV system page and thought about it but it didn't address my (really my wife's) quality issues.

All parts ordered.

PAC SWI-PS steering wheel control adapter for Pioneer & Sony head units - http://www.pac-audio.com/productDeta...&CategoryID=29

PAC TATO to retain the factory amp - http://www.pac-audio.com/productDeta...&CategoryID=26

I ordered the head unit and TATO from Crutchfield due to their excellent installation help. They say the TATO adapter will work with the 2007 ES-350 even though PAC doesn't list it as compatible. Other reviews I've read about the adapter say it works with other Lexus models not listed on the PAC site so that is comforting. The biggest complaint was low volume levels. Most people recommended a head unit with 4v pre-amp outputs which is one of the many reasons I went with that Pioneer model.

I also ordered Scosche 6x9 to 6.5" speaker adapters as well as Metra speaker connectors for a Toyota. The Pioneer XM module and the Pioneer microphone came from a 3rd company. That mic was difficult to find at a decent price.

Speaking of the mic, that's the biggest reason I went with the Pioneer. That and I have used Pioneer head units in my cars since 1988. That mic allows the system to use an auto EQ function similar to Pioneer's MCACC system on their home theater receivers (which I also have).

flipp4

If you dont mind me asking, what issues did have with the fly audio unit? I mean i know its not name brand like pioneer. Before I bought it I did some research and went with the fly audio for three reasons, I can keep all the steering wheel remotes, I get to keep the factory look, and its just plug and play, no other special adapters or anything. I got the unit for $899 on ebay, the price was right so I went for it. Its supposed to get here on the 16-17, the day I get it I will install it and post pics that nite. I cant wait to see yours when its done, I hope I made the right choice, lol

Robert_J

Is this the one? http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_...xus-ES350.html What happens to the original radio? Is it just sitting dead under the nav screen?

There were bugs in earlier models - https://www.clublexus.com/forums/es3...50-2010-a.html

You sound like thought it through and it fits your goals. I hope it works. But I see no XM and that was a requirement. After reading about the auto EQ on the Pioneer, that was a huge reason to get it as well. Finally, the sub output. I can filter the bass out of the front / rear pre-amp outputs will will allow the factory amp to play with less distortion and power the main speakers. The Pioneer's sub output will feed the new amp/sub combo. If I need the room, I remove the new sub and turn off the high pass filter and the audio goes back to the old format where bass is fed to the "sub" in the rear deck and the front doors.

Based on price, there isn't much difference between either route. I hope both work to give the members here two options for upgrades.

Robert_J

My total cost is $626.47 for the Radio, XM, the PAC adapters and the installation kit. I could have saved almost $100 by going with different sellers but I know that Crutchfield offers great support after the sale and I wasn't 100% sure the PAC TATO adapter would work. If it works for me, then others can buy from a less expensive seller.

You can also save money by going with a single DIN unit and a single DIN compartment below it to fill up the double DIN opening. I do that with my older Maxima.

flipp4

I agree, crutchfield is def worth the extra $$$, they warenty everything and have great tech support. Now that I see your going for pretty much a full custom audio setup I think you went the best route. I'm not so much interested in aftermarket amps and subs like I used too. I will probably chang my factory speakers to something a little better but thats about it. And i'm not sure about about the original factory radio, I hope it doesnt sit dead there, I guess i'll find out. And since ive been using the pandora radio I havent even bothered with XM. Money isnt really the issue. I just wanted to keep it simple on the interior
<a href="http://s1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee459/peterfilippi/?action=view&amp;current=005.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee459/peterfilippi/005.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

<a href="http://s1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee459/peterfilippi/?action=view&amp;current=043.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee459/peterfilippi/043.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

Robert_J

I forgot about that. I listen to it sometimes and the Pioneer will interface to the iPhone and control Pandora from the touch screen.

I really hope both projects work because the radio is the only complaint I have about this car. Both of these options are cheaper than the Mark Levison option.

flipp4

I just checked the UPS site and my radio is gonna be in tomorrow afternoon, I should have it in the car that nite, im also gonna turn my ashtray into an ipod dock too, I will have the pics up and the 411 on how the fly audio operates, ease of the install and any things that go wrong, till then...

dustind

I'm excited to see someone post some pics of what the ebay part looks like installed. I've got a double-din unit I'm dying to put in my Lexus, but have been hesitant because of the work involved fiberglassing otherwise.

Robert if you don't mind me asking, how low of an offer did they accept on that adapter?

Robert_J

I don't feel comfortable stating how much I paid for it here. But compared it a custom fiberglass setup, it is a bargain.

I can't wait to get it installed either. I'm just waiting until this weekend to start the process. There's a cold front moving through so it will only be about 90 in the garage.

I'm breaking up the install into steps. First will be the head-unit. That will involve XM in the trunk as well as running RCA cables and the turn-on wire for the sub. The PAC adapters look like it will make it pretty simple to plug into the factor wiring harness. The TATO amp adapter also came with the plug for the steering wheel controls. No need to connect the appropriate wires and solder a resistor in the middle. All of the manual Toyota/Lexus work is done. All I need to do is program each button on the steering wheel to the appropriate command on the PAC box. Looks simple.

I'll listen to that for a few days before moving to the second step - replacing the front door/dash speakers. I want to get a feel for the upgrade so I can comment on people who just want a new radio. Third step is a sub. At least I'll have the RCAs run. I have pictures of the grommet location for the 4ga power wire. Mounting the amp will take the longest. I have no idea where I want it. Then I have to choose a sub. I have an assortment from 8" to 21" to choose from.

flipp4

I'll listen to that for a few days before moving to the second step - replacing the front door/dash speakers. I want to get a feel for the upgrade so I can comment on people who just want a new radio. Third step is a sub. At least I'll have the RCAs run. I have pictures of the grommet location for the 4ga power wire. Mounting the amp will take the longest. I have no idea where I want it. Then I have to choose a sub. I have an assortment from 8" to 21" to choose from.I think I want to replace all my factory speakers now, can you tell me all the exact sizes I will need to get, thanks

flipp4

screwed that last reply up. ANyways, I want to replace all of my factory speakers now, can you tell me all the speaker sizes I will need to get and corresponding locations for them, thanks