Kansas

There isn't much to see in these photos other than the flawless installation of a push-button on/off switch for the aux-in to the right of the fader **** and the 3.5mm aux-in port (included 6 foot 3.5 mm audio cord plugged into it) installed at the back of the head unit. http://factoryradioservice.com/index.php

Edit: The radio must be set to either FM1 or FM2 for the aux on/off switch to work.

The cost of this deluxe version of the several aux-in formats offered by Factory Radio Service was $85 not including shipping ($15 each way via FedEx) between Kansas and Rancho Cucamonga, CA.

Sound quality is excellent. Although the aux-in is connected to the FM section, sound quality is closer to CD quality. I'm hard pressed to tell the difference between playing my favorite "test song" from a commercial CD and from my phone's memory ... and I've listened to that tune a few hundred times on vinyl, CD and MP3 since the 60's.

I was particularly impressed when how great Pandora sounds through the aux-in connection -- definitely going to have to get a higher capacity data plan for my phone.

The service by Factory Radio Service was fast - they received my radio on a Thursday and shipped it back to me the following Monday. I couldn't be more satisfied.

There were a couple of issues that have nothing to do with the aux-in install: The output level of the audio-out jack on my Samsung Galaxy S3 "Infuse" charging cradle is too low to supply the aux-in. Instead of plugging the aux-in cable permanently into the charging cradle, I instead have to plug the aux-in cable into the top of my phone each time I want to stream audio from it. Not a huge problem but I was looking for "perfect".

And so far, most of the time, my car's electrical system has been emitting too much EMI and/or RFI to charge my phone while listing to audio from it. I've tried ferrite chokes on the phone's micro USB charging cable with no improvement. Any suggestions for suppressing this interference would be appreciated.

Regardess of the current phone charging issue, sliding the charging portion of the cradle downward and away from the phone makes the audio crystal clear.

Lavrishevo

iTrader: (1)

Great job!

I've been debating on installing something like this or just using an FM modulator. Maybe .

RA40

iTrader: (6)

Nice job! Local, we can have PD go over there and take a factory tour.

Your audio system buttons look clean. Mine are shiny due to the years of pushing on them.

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

From what I understand they're basically using a switched 3/8" stereo jack to reroute some board traces to allow for the aux tap.

When you run it do you have to have the headunit set to tape/FM/CD?

door331

That looks nice and clean! This next year I am trying to decide what I want to do with my stereo and this just gave me another option.

DertyDOH

interesting....cheaper than a new aftermarket headunit

Kansas

The radio must be set to either FM1 or FM2 for the aux on/off switch to work.

I thought about using a splitter on the aux-in to accept a Bluetooth A2DP adapter in order to stream audio wireless but came to the conclusion there is not much benefit in doing that.

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

I'm surprised they didnt tap the traces for the CD input, but whatever works for them I guess.

Kansas

By the way, Factory Radio Service replaced the two backlighting bulbs in my Nak head unit display for an additional $10. The right side bulb was starting to flicker until it warmed up but is now steady even at the lowest rheostat setting.

Kansas

Attached is a "how-to" for removing the radio in a 2000 LS400 -- also applies to the 98-99 LS400 and probably to the 95-97 LS400 if they have retaining clips holding the center air vents in place. All this information has been supplied before on this forum.

rishi

im thinking of doing this, but incorporating this...
in the install....

sweet job by the way. i've been seriously considering something regarding audio this past few weeks...

McPierson

iTrader: (3)

I think that would mean the CD player is always spinning while the aux-in is in use/ wouldn't work w/o CDs in the player.

Sounds pretty doable for someone that had some sac to try it out. Anyone want to send me their OEM headunit? lol j/k I don't have time to jack with it, pardon the pun

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

i've been running my Aux-input mod with this much cheaper one from monoprice (http://www.monoprice.com/products/pr...seq=1&format=2 ) for the last 6+months without a hitch

mspearl95

i have the flex smart, and while it works like it says it does, i was not happy at all with the sound quality. The sound itself is ok, but you have to turn the volume way up, and it really lacks any oomph. I'm liking this aux mod- may have to pull my stereo and send it off.

rishi

That is sweet... the belkin had the phone option though... This is essentially the same thing you worked up on... i have everything to do, just wanted to know about wiring diagrams... check your PM!

thanks!