Wireless Bluetooth FM Transmitter vs new stereo

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Dec 1, 2015 | 10:34 AM

tradosauru

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Joined: Nov 2015

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From: Texas

Wireless Bluetooth FM Transmitter vs new stereo

After looking at the cost of replacing the stock stereo with a double din stereo I found a gadget that seemed interesting.

I really just wanted the ability to have Bluetooth with hands free phone capability.

Amazon.com: [Newest Release] SolidPin Wireless Bluetooth FM Transmitter Car Mp3 Player Kit with Hands free Calling for iPhone, iPad, Samsung Galaxy Note, Motorola, LG, Google Nexus, Andrid Cell Phone, Silver: Car Electronics

The reviews seemed good and for $20 I won't lose much if it doesn't work out. If it does work I won't have to spend about $500 for a stereo upgrade.

Last edited by tradosauru; Dec 1, 2015 at 11:49 AM.

Dec 1, 2015 | 11:20 AM

KING

Lexus Test Driver

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From: OR

Bluetooth FM transmitters has gotten way better over the years.

I remember buying one, almost 5 years ago, and it sounded horrible! Bad quality audio.
But I also just recently grabbed one from autozone for my ES, and let me tell you that the quality of the audio stream has significantly increased.

It is near aux-cable territory, not quite there yet. But I guess it does the job done. It's not high quality note for note audio, but again, it gets the job done.

Unless you really enjoy music, and demand high quality audio, you should be fine with the Bluetooth transmitter.

Dec 1, 2015 | 11:41 AM

Lavrishevo

Lexus Fanatic

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From: NJ

I would personally go with a Grom or VAISC unit.

Dec 1, 2015 | 02:00 PM

e60bmw

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From: texas

I use a casette aux adapter but I hate having the wire. I've been looking at doing a bluetooth unit myself. I used a FM transmitter for years on another car and always had frequency issues on it.

Dec 1, 2015 | 03:03 PM

BradTank

Racer

Joined: Jan 2011

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From: AZ

I had good luck with the GoGroove Flexsmart,

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls-...ry-stereo.html

but it's not great for using it to talk through, I use it to listen to music/podcasts through my ipad or iphone.

I had tried a wireless FM transmitter like 10 years ago and had completely written them off because it was so bad, but this one got good reviews so I decided to roll the dice. Works amazingly well, not perfect, but I would easily guess most people couldn't tell the difference with this and something that was wired in. The real key is experimenting with different radio stations.

What's ironic is I installed a Grom Bluetooth unit in my wife's Lexus, and the GoGroove actually has better sound quality through the Bluetooth.

If money is no object, get something like a Vais, but I've been happy with the Go Groove. I was just looking for something quick and easy to hold me over, but I no longer have much incentive to get a nicer unit

Dec 1, 2015 | 08:28 PM

lsdude

Pole Position

Joined: May 2013

Posts: 214

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From: FL

I bought this along with a cassette adapter:

Amazon.com: Kinivo BTC450 Bluetooth Hands-Free Car Kit for Cars with Aux Input Jack (3.5 mm) - supports aptX: Cell Phones & Accessories

Siri works. I can pause, rewind and forward songs. Phone calls work well too. I hid the wires along the trim and into the ashtray. The power adapter also fits in the ashtray compartment and I keep it closed.

Last edited by lsdude; Dec 1, 2015 at 08:29 PM. Reason: Grammar error