Kachra

Need to retrofit kenwood dmx7704s into my 2006 lexus SC 430. Need step by step guide. (video if possible)

Harold57

I don't remember any videos being produced on this forum but a guy named VVTiBob did a head unit replacement FYI a few years ago that has kind of become the reference for everyone to use in replacing their radios. He used a Beatsonic interface to retain his steering wheel controls.

NEWONE1

Here you go: ...this video is installing a Pioneer unit with Beatsonic but is a very good base to use for installation....good luck...

jzdulexus

Before you undertake the effort I just want to share my view/experience. If you like the look of LCD screen that would be the main reason for the upgrade from a 2006. Otherwise, going from a 2005+ radio to an aftermarket you will lose some functionalities of OEM radio compared to the option of adding just a hidden module like Grom (only $116 now during Xmas).
You will lose full steering wheel and antenna controls and others with an aftermarket radio. A pretty screen without internet connection in my opinion would still be of limited use. We will still rely on your smart phone screen to navigate and Bluetooth to car speakers. Having your antenna sticking out all the time would be unsightly too.
Anyway this is just food for thoughts before you take the plunge.

Harold57

The Beatsonic (& I believe other units now also) provides the steering wheel controls but it is not cheap. One could hook up a switch to bring the antenna down it if really bothers them.

jzdulexus

I could be wrong but I think Beatsonic and others only provide volume control thru amplifier which can distort original signal from the radio. Track/station switch and mode switch will be lost and antenna control would require running some drilling and putting a switch in the armrest. Anyway, IMHO its a lot of work just to get some half measures for the sole purpose of having an LCD screen.

Kachra

Thanks guys. I appreciate your advice and input. Mine is MY05, but the dealer advised me it has 2006 features. I took possession in Aug 2005, ( It was earmarked for the Managing Director of Lexus , but they diverted the car to me) I will see the video and bear in mind jzdulexus's experience. The kenwood seems to be more attractive in features, but anything is an improvement.

texsexlex

iTrader: (3)

....with the Beatsonic you do not lose any of the factory options provided through the steering wheel, other than track up/down, when you're listening to cds. The Beatsonic is plug/play also, so no out of the norm wiring has to be done & as Harold mentioned, it isn't cheap. The addition of a new head unit will bring you up to date, with any feature you're looking & willing to pay for...

Caflashbob

Lots of good info. Antenna is a problem no doubt. Up all the time.

Not sure on the Kenwoods actual sound installed but I picked the pioneer instead for the more elaborate equalizer controls. Interesting feature is a “range expander” on the lower face of the unit. Adjustable from off to medium and high.

having the unit set to high expansion and the equalizer itself set to its “powerfull” built in set of adjustments REALLY wakes up blue toothed or corded Apple play music and is very musical.

we are 59/69 year old adults and in September we were sight seeing on Las Vegas blvd on the strip at night and my wife had downloaded the latest Rolling Stones blues recording and we turned it up with the top down until the door panels were jumping and made the up and down ride four times.

The rap people could not drown us out. Turning off the expander and turning the EQ back to flat took all the “liveness” out of the stock 08 factory radio.

the sc’s ML radio GREATLY benefited from this exact system.

my memory of the Kenwood was that it had a simpler EQ and I do not think it featured the range expander.

also no std remote included.

My memory seems to say that the kenwood has a different amount of inputs.

also lots of service issues with the kensood on crutchfield.com from owners finished the selection for us.

have not bothered with the antenna yet.

Pioneer has a internal sd card input. Can’t remember if the kenwood does?

Bgw70

I installed the beat sonic with a pioneer and when I turn the radio off, my antenna goes down. If the beatsonic and radio were not installed correctly the antenna will stay up when the key is turned on.

the steering wheel mode button selects OEM NAV or aux video (pioneer DVD to watch a movie).

the steering wheel, track or arrow buttons are the front rear fader now, the volume is still the volume.

the new pioneer Head unit Equalizer and volume controls are fully functional.

he cut wires in the beatsonic harness, I didn’t. You also do not need to cut any wires on the car unless you want to watch movies while you are moving...then you must cut two or get a pin extractor and you can remove the pin from the connector, then no wires where cut.

i really like it and have no issues...

Caflashbob

can you select and play dvd’s on both screens while moving?

Bgw70

there is only one DVD player and yes, you would see the same movie on both screens, but you can watch the movie on the top screen while you are changing screens on the radio unit.

NOTE: in the video, the guy had the radio hidden while he was showing the movie.
i did a write up on my radio functionality a while back.

Bgw70

Those guys possibly cut or spliced the backup camera power wires and it is not required...I show you how to access the backup camera power in this thread.
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sc4...placement.html

this thread shows the different screen combos...I also later learned that I can have a movie on the top screen and Waze GPS app running on the lower screen.
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sc4...with-pics.html

its not perfect but my wife and I like it.

Bgw70

One more note on the video, those guys did not remove the vent registers correctly. There is a tab you release on the inside of the vent and they come out very easily.

jzdulexus

Just a headsup for a Pioneer option on sale at BB that may work on SC430:
https://www.bestbuy.com/site/pioneer-avh-x391bhs-6-2-bluetooth-in-dash-cd-dvd-dm-receiver-geek-squad-installation/9999288800050015.p?ref=8575135&loc=ca711284d5ff11e7a49ec258c79c70910INT&acampID=ca711284d5ff11e7a49ec258c79c70910INT&skuId=9999288800050015
and with professional installation, all for $199 according to BB, with life warranty, etc etc... For 2004 and prior SC430 its certainly worth a try IMO.