I've got a 2005 sc430 and love the mark levinson sound system except that it does not offer iPod connectivity. Also, it has the cassette player that I will never use. Is there an upgrade to the system that will still allow me to use the hand controls and not mess up any other of the cars electronic functionality?

 

Kkaser - below is an older post of mine that I believe will answer your question:

As posted previously, I purchased a MultiMediaLinQ - High-End Digital Audio Interface Adapter from Vais Technology and had it installed. Here is the link to the adapter: http://www.multimedialinq.com/vml.php. I’m very happy with it’s performance.

Rather than put in the glove box, they ran the USB cable into my center consol where it cannot be seen and easily accessed. More specifically they ran the cable through right next to the charger, a very clean installation. Now I can play digital music from a memory stick and also an Ipod.

It essentially functions as a second CD player, seeing the same interface as when playing a CD. You can use the hand controls for volume and switching tracks, as well as changing modes. You will not see any text, but see the folder and track number from the USB or Ipod. It's a great fix for someone that does not want to mess with the ML system and play MP3's.

 

Awesome...thanks! So, where is the actual box installed? Who did your installation?

 

Kkaser, I had a small shop in Thousand Oaks, CA, named "Auto Essentials" order the part at cost and do my installation. I spoke with owner, Rich, quite a bit before I pulled the trigger. It took them about an hour and a half to do the install. I do recall Rich saying he would attempt to put the box behind the unit itself somewhere, which I think they did. However, I never did ask after it was installed where they put the box, but it's sealed well with no rattles nor scratches, great work. There was no mark-up on the part that I can recall and the out-the-door price was about $450.

 

Thanks again!

 

One more question...I watched the video clip for the device and it shows interactive software on the gps screen of a Lexus. Is yours like that? In other words, can you select your music via the exixting touchscreen on your sc 430?

 

Unfortunately it does not work with the touchscreen on SC430 ML/navigation system. It will only work on interactive screens of other newer lexus model cars that do not have the ML/navigation system or perhaps an SC430 newer than 2006. My experience is only with 2006 and I've assumed years earlier than mine would respond the same.

 

Unless you need the memory stick/USB input, you could get the SoundLinQ SL2i-UP which would save you about $150 and is smaller.

There is no touch screen display and only the track number is displayed on the ML. I think "voice command" may have started in 2006, but if your model year has "voice command," that will work with the unit.

A side benefit to the SoundLinQ SL2i-UP is that it automatically presses the "I AGREE" button for the nav unit. I don't know if the MultiMediaLinQ unit does that or not.

If you do an iPod search, you'll find a bunch of threads regarding installation and placement.