Anyone attempted to add XM radio to the Levinson sound system
in the LS430.Clues,tips, or stories.

 

I think the best thing to do would be to buy the sony XM radio thing that either uses a tape or the FM modulator. You don't get the same quality as actually having a XM radio headunit but it is better than nothing and also better than trying to replace the stock Levinson headunit.

 

Yes I agree about replacing the Levinson head unit-
I was hoping someone had figured out how to add the xm unit to existing Levinson .Candidly I had hoped Levinson had made the unit upgradeable- acknowledging that XM is so new I understand why they didn't.

 

I've added the Pioneer XM to both the Nakamichi in my GS400 and to the Levinson in my SC430. The installation was fairly simple. The sound is very good.

 

The way I'm adding XM radio to my LS430 UL is by using a Pioneer GEX-P900XM, AVM-P9000R and a 'Video On My Navi' modification for video on the factory navigation screen. The audio will play on the Mark Levinson system by putting the AVM-P9000R between the tuner and amp. This will not use a FM modulator or seperate dash mounted control unit. All the XM text (station, song information) will be on the navi screen.

What have people done for the XM antenna on the LS430. I'm going to use the Terk TRK-SR2 just forward of factory antenna. Terk tech. support said it needed to have a min. of 4" of wire exposed (the antenna provides ~6").

 

Ask far as antennas I used the Terk trunk mount on my GS and the Glass mount on the front windshield on my SC. Terk indicates the glass mount should not be used on a convertible, but my reception is fine. I think Terk is overly cautious about placement of there antennas. On my GS I put it on the trunk, Terk indicates it should be roof mounted. I've heard of people putting the antenna inside the rear window. BTW is there a way to get Videonav in my SC430?

 

Just give me the keys to your SC430 and I'll (VideoNavi) will be in it!

For video I've posted that I'm testing on my own LS430 for basic video using a slightly modified Pioneer AVC-RGB1 decoder. This product is discontinued by Pioneer, but a few people have found them around for ~ $122. My instructions for Honda/Acura navigation system is on www.acura-tl.com in the electronics forum. All the parts will remain the same for a Lexus, but how it connects to the navi computer will be a little different. I can help you with a Lexus install you feel comfortable with doing the modification.

 

Actually it's a LS430 UL not a SC430 but whatever
Actually I'm in Houston and not that comfortable adding it myself but interested in your work on the LS430 - I looked at the
components and your right about cost but the other component looked like it was around $1100 is that right.
Thanks

 

Well, the Pioneer master unit AVM-P9000R is about $695 and would require modifications to display on the factory navi screen. But that unit is not required for basic (composite video) on the navigation screen, only a stand alone AVC-RGB1 is required. The only time a AVM-P9000R would be required if you wanted to add a GEX-P900XM satellite radio.

 

I had two of the Terk glass mounts fly off, and I think they are large. I had to do the roof mount Terk XM antenna. I just wish my Pioneer unit output more volume to the FM channel.