^ My initial thought when deciding between the SL2iC and ML+ was that the SL2iC is a more "elegant" solution, not having to deal with a bulky piece of hardware in my glove box (is there anywhere else an ML+ would go?). I currently have the same setup as you - SL2i-UP and PS override, and budget is of no concern in this particular case.

The SL2iC was appealing to me because it was an all-in-one solution, and I can clean up that wire clutter behind my head unit since I would no longer need the PS override. Additionally, I can tuck the tiny little modules for the SL2iC underneath my shifter plate, so it's almost like they're not even there. However, after looking at the feature set of the ML+ more carefully, and checking out the awesome GUI it has, I'm beginning to question myself.

I look forward to your review of the ML+, and am particularly curious to know what you think of the sound quality, having come from the same setup as me (I also have Mark Levinson btw, but with an upgraded subbass setup).

 

If you do keep the SL2iC, would you care to sell me the PS Override you'll be pulling out? My ML+ is supposed to ship Thursday, and I can't afford the $350 to purchase a new Ps Override to be installed at the same time as when my installer puts in the ML+. Being able to purchase a used PS unit would be a great solution, if the markdown was significant. I apologize if it isn't appropriate to ask a buy/sell question in this forum.

 

I was under the impression we wouldn't be locked out of IPhone video functions via The Nav touch screen, while in motion, if we installed the ML+ -- that just the Nav and BT features would continue to be locked. *What's the point of advanced Nav touch screen display / control if you can only operate it sitting still!!*

 

Okay, I think I found the answer from a previous posting by Vtech on the Vaistech forums. I think what Vtech is saying below is that unlock is not required for Ml+ iPhone / iPod functions, because it is running off it's own software program and just utilizing *the Nav screen to display its output, *Let me know if you disagree with my interpretation of what he is saying:
***begin QUOTED material from Vtech:
The reason why NAV and BT unlock was included in the SL2iC initially is because SL2iC emulates your factory DVD changer and all functions are locked by Toyota when the car is driving, so in order to make this interface we had to unlock all those features. With ML+ we work as the navigation screen, which means we can be ON all the time just like the nav screen is on all the time. So with ML+ there was no need for NAV, BT or Video unlock. But since demand is growing and customers are demanding this additional feature, we will make it available next year as an add-on.
***end of QUOTE

 

I think you're right. You can control the music with the ML plus so you only miss out on the nav and bluetooth unlock.

BTW I got my PS kit brand new on ebay for $200. It was called the Datasystems Japan TV/Navi Override. It's the same thing, it's just that the US importer is called Prestigious Society. The ebay kit didn't include English install instructions but I can share those if you need.

 

My ML Plus arrived today, but I wasn't able to install it. It turns out Vaistech does not supply a Component iPoD AV input cable with the ML Plus so while they could install the Vaistech, I would have no way to connect my iPhone to it.

Was able to complete the install the day after, buying the cable from the Apple Store.

 

^ Wow, that's REALLY disappointing. You can't reuse the cables from your SL2i-UP?

I was really looking forward to a review from you too.

 

No because the SL2i cable is a proprietary cable with a dock connector. This needs a component cable with a dock connector.

I could just go to apple store and get this, but a few things are disturbing me:
1) There is only 1 USB port, so if I connect the iPod to that then I can't extend a USB port into the cabin to swap between iPod and USB stick. Also the USB port would be permanently occupied, so would be difficult to do firmware updates without taking apart the dash.
2) I suspect the audio is going over RCA instead of through USB because I'm pretty sure the USB cable that is part of the Apple component cable kit is only for power.

Note these concerns have been addressed - see next page. Audio is going over USB and is very high quality.

 

Sorry about the USB extension cable, we forgot to enclose it. Our apologies.
As for Apple component cable, it's not included. This cable isn't included with any devices on the market where it may be required. We do offer equivalent cable for $35. It is used for iPod Video Out only (for audio and video), iPod Out Audio goes through USB.

Thanks again for your business Batman75.

 

thanks for clarification, vaistech. on the vml i installed, there is the usb extension cable. when i install the units in people's cars, i always hide the unit and run the usb extension cable to somewhere accessible (glove box, center armrest, etc...). that way, you can put in usb for song or for firmware updates. and if you want to use ipod/iphone, then you just put in the apple cable and connect your apple device and you are good to go

 

does any of them play music from a usb flash drive?

 

ML Plus does play music from flash drive. File formats supported are MP3, WAV and FLAC.

 

Henry,

If I use just the USB port, can I see coverart, and also play music videos from my iPhone?

I was told by Vaistech tech support that I need the Apple Component AV cable for that.

Mitesh

 

FYI I was able to buy the missing cable locally and Vaistech reimbursed me for their mistake. This was settled quickly.

 

Look at Page 9 of ML+ manual. Audio from iPod Out - digital (USB Audio) and Audio from iPod Video Out is Analog. Video Output has analog audio because Apple having issue on most iPods and iPhones with synchronization between Analog Video and Digital Audio (it was post about this on clublexus.com or vaistech.com).
So, in order to have both iPod Out and iPod Video Out you must connect Analog Audio, YPbPr (Component Video) and USB (for power and USB Audio) to ML+.

Apple Component AV Cable is pretty expensive, but quality product. My RocketFish AV cable (from BestBuy) came apart after 3 month and was only 10$ cheaper.