Hey guys,

I made a mistake when I had an iPhone and bought the Vais Tech MML, I took the Vais Tech out, tried to sell it for $50, no bites, so binned it.
I'm now using an android phone and whilst I've found a few solutions, I'm after advice on a RELIABLE solution for my LS.

What are peoples thoughts on getting audio from an android device to the OE ML setup, with bluetooth, without any of the exorbitant cost and reliability issues associated with the Vaistech stuff?
Appreciate any advice

If you're wondering about my experience with the MML, here's that story: https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls-...-04-430-a.html

 

Check out GROM. They have various audio solutions that integrate with the stock system. I believe they offer products for both the Mark Levinson with nav and the standard non-nav setup. Don't 100% quote me on that but I know for a fact they have ML and nav solutions. I personally bought a #TOYNA1 which cost me only $67.99 USD. Note that mine does not do Bluetooth, it only provides an AUX input but frankly, Bluetooth audio streaming should really only be used in emergencies, like when you forget your cable.

Bluetooth quality just isn't good enough for regular listening. Don't waste the ML system on BT audio lol. That said, if you have a device that supports aptX, I hear the quality is actually pretty good. But I'm not sure if any of GROM's products support it. Plus, you will need a phone that supports it as well.

The #TOYNA1 is a great, cheap option to get sound to your ML system. It plugs right into the factory harness and all you do is go go to CD 2 on your system to get the sound. Sound quality is really good, although to get optimal quality you will need a good DAC. Some phones have better DACs than others. You'll just have to do research on your device. You may want to buy an external one. I had to buy a better one for my Pixel 2 XL as the one that comes in the box is utter crap. Sigh, I miss using my HTC M9 sometimes. That had such good sound quality, but I digress.

Here is the link: https://gromaudio.com/store/aux1_ada...apter_kit.html

I would actually recommend stepping up to the #TOYNB3. It has an AUX input, BT audio streaming for emergencies (note that you can control tracks through the steering wheel controls), and hands free calling over BT. I actually wish I had bought this model as I have had a few times where I've left my usb-c DAC dongle at home for my Pixel 2 XL so it would have been nice to have a backup way to play music (this is one reason why it is always good to leave the CD changer full lol). Mainly I wish I had bought it for the hands free calling as the Lexus BT hands free leaves much to be desired from a sound quality standpoint. It even comes with a new mic.

It costs $135.99.
Here is the link: https://gromaudio.com/store/bt3_adap...e_adapter.html

Then there is the #TOYNU3. This adapter will basically allow you to plug in your phone via USB to your system. This is probably the best option and I regret being cheap and not getting it. I'm under the impression that his will get you the best possible sound quality although I'm not sure what the exact method GROM is using so I could be wrong. Maybe the AUX adapter with a really good external DAC is the best but I can't say for sure. You can once again control your tracks through the steering wheel controls.

You will lose the ability to stream BT audio or calls over the last adapter. You will need to buy GROM's BT adapter to regain it, which costs, like $50.

It costs $145.99.
Here is the link: https://gromaudio.com/store/usb_adap...interface.html
BT adapter link: https://gromaudio.com/store/accessor...eless-btd.html

I forget to mention that the last two units will allow you to get HD radio with a tuner that is sold separately through GROM. It cost $89.99.
HD tuner link: https://gromaudio.com/store/accessor...adio-hdr1.html

Hope that helps!

 

I have the Vais Tech SL3B-L bluetooth streaming unit. No issues with it, just play whatever from my Galaxy. Uses the MD Changer source and displays song info + steering wheel controls still work.

 

Thanks NYAA, I'll check that out, I want Bluetooth purely for calls and stuff like podcasts where the quality isn't an issue. I lost all Bluetooth functionality with the VAISTech and it was very annoying, I recently received a penalty for using my phone to answer a call which was AU$400 (about US$300).

PMESFUN, I'll never purchase anything from VAISTech again.

 

BT45-TOY Bluetooth Music & Phone Interface

Look up your specific model LS: https://www.usaspec.com/p-322-bt45-toy.aspx

Easy-peasy, shows songs/artist on Nav screen, and you can use your steering wheels controls for volume, change song, answer/hang up phone

 

Same here, no issues whatsoever

 

GROM seems like a pretty good solution. i ended up trying to get one for a volvo i have. but their customer service rep gave me a part number but then after i installed it and couldn't get anything to work. comes to find out that it was not compatible since i had a 2004.5 S40. but now that my wife got a new truck, having her car, i wanted to play music from my ipod. so i ordered the GROM unit for the lexus. looks like it is a very easy install. can't wait until it comes in.

 

 

I believe they mean a ticket. It's illegal to talk on the handset in many locals. You have to use a handsfree solution.