Hello. New Member today. I tried searching, but the little info I found came from posts 10 years old. I have a 2007 LS460 that I would like to upgrade the audio system. Don't care about CarPlay necessarily but Bluetooth, Satellite, and sound quality. Willing to spend what it necessary for quality and expertise. Is there a shop in Texas or anywhere which is regarded as true experts with these systems and the options available? No matter how simple or elegant the solution is, I want it done right. I have spoken to folks locally and had no confidence. TIA.

 

There is a separate forum for special interests and audio. Go to menu at top left of the page.

 

I did look at that as well. Thanks.

 

Most here use GROM Vline upgrade. Not much available for the LS compared to a Toyota Camry as an example. Do you currently have the Mark Levinson stereo?

 

Thank you. I was going to call Grom tomorrow to inquire. The 460 does not have the ML. The only thing I am concerned about is bluetooth. However, if I found the right shop I would upgrade anything and everything I could. Just not will to experiment or use Chinese stuff.

 

Smart to avoid generic Chinese. For Bluetooth, Amazon has many adapters that work well. They typically plug into 12v receptacle and work thru the FM radio frequency. Recently, some members upgraded their main amp in trunk. If you scroll back a few pages on this forum, you should see it. Some have also replaced dash speakers and added powered subs to their trunks. Both of those upgrades are fairly easy. If you must do doors, front is all you need. I'm sure we have TX members here, what city are you near?

 

I did go through those posts. But, I do not have the bandwidth to figure all of this out. I like to do my own "builds", but in this case, I just want to buy. I'd like to find an expert and let him handle it. I'm familiar with the FM Bluetooth transmitters. Have tried several. Thanks for offering even the most basic solutions without torching me. I had the respect for the group to use "search" and review threads, but at the end of the day, I need to be lazy on this project and stay focused elsewhere. Need a pro installer. Appreciate you taking time to reply.

 

I get it, I have other things I need to focus on as well.

 

Hi

you might try soundwerks. If you live in the D/FW area, there is a really good one in North Richland Hills,TX. I have used them several times and they are very knowledgeable.

Good luck.

 

Helix has a nice amplifier/DSP combo- the v-eight. I have the v-eight MKII in my LS. It has 8 channels, enough to amp the dash active, front doors, and rear. You can go with another amplifier for subs as the V-eight does processing for up to 10 channels. That was the setup I did in my non-ML LS. With the Bluetooth chip, you can stream directly to the Helix and with the director you can control your sound there. That is what I do, I can't recall the last time I turned up the radio to listen to it, but when I do, it switches seamlessly to the stock system just by me turning up the volume on the radio. Phone calls still come through the radio and play through the speakers. There are a few other manufacturers that do similar things, but the Helix is pretty damn good and compact.