Added A2DP music streaming (bluetooth) - checkout my setup
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Joined: Oct 2006
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From: TN
Added A2DP music streaming (bluetooth) - checkout my setup
Have an 07 IS 250, and been jealous of my wife's '10 RX music streaming capability for a while now. This solution may not be new to most of you, but I was looking for the cleanest "integrated" solution I could come up with, and get rid of the coiled up aux cable in my center console.
1) Started with the Griffin BlueTrip Aux - it's a low profile all-in-one receiver that plugs straight into the accessory power outlet. Once paired to your phone it automatically connects everytime you start the car. It does have the ability to make bluetooth phone calls, but luckily it doesn't interfere with the car's built-in bluetooth phone system.
2) The BlueTrip includes an aux cable, but its too long for my needs and I wanted one with a right angle. So I bought the FiiO L8 cable below. It's a high quality cable made in Japan, and the right angle works perfect considering the center console layout.
It was $70 bucks for both, but so worth it!
1) Started with the Griffin BlueTrip Aux - it's a low profile all-in-one receiver that plugs straight into the accessory power outlet. Once paired to your phone it automatically connects everytime you start the car. It does have the ability to make bluetooth phone calls, but luckily it doesn't interfere with the car's built-in bluetooth phone system.
2) The BlueTrip includes an aux cable, but its too long for my needs and I wanted one with a right angle. So I bought the FiiO L8 cable below. It's a high quality cable made in Japan, and the right angle works perfect considering the center console layout.
It was $70 bucks for both, but so worth it!
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Joined: May 2013
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So you don't experience alternator whine/interference with this setup? I have this setup and it works great when the car is in acc mode. However, when I turn it on the whine/interference is too distracting. I've purchased a PAC SNI-1/3.5 MM JACK GROUND LOOP ISOLATOR NOISE FILTER and it did take away the whine. However, it also took away much of the audio. 
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Driver School Candidate
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From: TN
No whine or interference during normal play while driving - I think the cable may be helping some (or at least I think I read this particular cable helps isolate). Now if I have nothing playing and turn up the volume I definitley hear noise coming through, but I have to turn it way up to produce this. Also I don't feel I have to turn up the volume any higher than I normally did when just going straight in with an aux cable.
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No whine or interference during normal play while driving - I think the cable may be helping some (or at least I think I read this particular cable helps isolate). Now if I have nothing playing and turn up the volume I definitley hear noise coming through, but I have to turn it way up to produce this. Also I don't feel I have to turn up the volume any higher than I normally did when just going straight in with an aux cable.
I had purchased the Blackberry Music Gateway but I have to say that I wasn't impressed. Like cruller mentioned, I also experienced a drop in sound level. I also noticed a significant loss in sound quality compared to connecting straight through the AUX port. I ended up giving it to my girlfriend...
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I'm no audiophile, but I honestly can't tell a difference between streaming and plugging straight into the aux jack. Of course I guess it also depends of the quality of the file you are playing. The device had overall favorable reviews at the link I originally posted. I looked at the Blackberry device as well - but I like how this one doesn't leave anything sitting inside the console.
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Joined: Oct 2012
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From: California
I also have the BlueTrip, and it does a great job with my A2DP needs. I only wish it also sent the play/pause commands upon startup and shutdown like the newer factory Bluetooth systems. The first unit I received was faulty, with the audio cutting out several times a minute. Upon receiving proof that my existing unit was sufficiently mutilated to prevent any future function, they promptly sent me a replacement. 6+ months of nearly flawless audio playback later, this unit is still going strong. Also, my '07 has not had the AUX whine TSB fix, but I have had zero problems with this setup.
Now, to purchase this elegantly short cable as a solution, as I hate the extra coil of cable in my center console!
Now, to purchase this elegantly short cable as a solution, as I hate the extra coil of cable in my center console!
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Driver School Candidate
Joined: Oct 2006
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From: TN
I do have regular bluetooth that came with the car, and there is no interference or issues at all. I still use the Lexus bluetooth for voicecalls, and the BlueTrip device for audio. The music is silenced when I receive a call, and starts playing again as soon as the call is disconnected.
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Joined: Dec 2011
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From: California
I'm no audiophile, but I honestly can't tell a difference between streaming and plugging straight into the aux jack. Of course I guess it also depends of the quality of the file you are playing. The device had overall favorable reviews at the link I originally posted. I looked at the Blackberry device as well - but I like how this one doesn't leave anything sitting inside the console.