RX400H Bluetooth music options?

mcruiz · March 28, 2021

Right..apologies first. I’m posting this as I could not find a definitive answer (even though I’m sure there are some good ones that I’ve missed). Sorry for that and this long post.😖

Simply put: I’ve got the Mark Levinson head unit with Nav (pics attached). On my previous cars (Mazda 6, VW passat, BMW etc...I’ve moved up now😎), I used the Parrot MKi9200 to do my music listening and phone calls.

It seem that the Lexus system is not easy to integrate with. (I usually diy but I got negative answers when I called up the pros).

*If I intend to keep the existing head unit, what would the guys here recommend?
*If not possible to keep, what are some recommendations for head unit replacements?
*diy possible?

*anyone tried this: Yatour USB SD AUX IN Kit for Toyota Lexus radio 5+7PIN with Navigation system: https://m.aliexpress.com/i/32627701193.html

ColinBarber · March 28, 2021

Probably the best option is from Vais, either their aux input or Bluetooth input.

https://www.vaistech.com/product/sl3u/

Otherwise Grom make devices compatible with your vehicle.

https://www.gromaudio.co.uk/partfinder/product/result/?make=Lexus&model=RX&year=2007-2009

All are a little temperamental sometimes as the main system wasn't designed for such add-ons.

No experience with the unit you linked to - in theory it should work like the units above and given the price might be worth trying.

mcruiz · March 28, 2021

16 minutes ago, ColinBarber said:

Probably the best option is from Vais, either their aux input or bluetooth input.

https://www.vaistech.com/product/sl3u/

Otherwise Grom make devices compatible with your vehicle.

https://www.gromaudio.co.uk/partfinder/product/result/?make=Lexus&model=RX&year=2007-2009

All are a little temperamental sometimes as the main system wasn't designed for such add-ons.

No experience with the unit you linked to - in theory it should work like the units above and given the price might be worth trying.

Gotcha thanks. The search is on...I’ll have a look at those two.....The one I found looks tempting though🤷🏽‍♂️

Mossypossy · March 29, 2021

This will maybe do the same job for a tenner?

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/373513923889

ColinBarber · March 29, 2021

34 minutes ago, Mossypossy said:

This will maybe do the same job for a tenner?

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/373513923889

It's an easy quick way to gain connectivity but FM transmitters aren't the best quality, and depending where you live it can be difficult to find an unused frequency to use. If you travel long journeys then you will be retuning during the trip to find unused frequencies.

Superduner · March 29, 2021

I have the Vline, and I really like it - when it works. Which is most of the time.

I'll qualify that by saying that it's not necessarily the Vline that doesn't always work, but the apps on it. It's not really a "standard" Android system and sometimes the whole infrastructure doesn't quite gel.

I'm ok with messing about with it, as I'm retired (so lots of spare time), but if you don't have the knowledge/ability/inclination to uninstall/reinstall stuff almost every week, then it may not be for you.

It does mean that you can tailor the apps you use for navigation (Sygic in my case), music (Rocket), and Hybrid Assistant to monitor the car system.

Installation took me about a couple of hours, and of that a lot of time was spent feeding wires into the glovebox and up to the screen (gps antenna and microphone)

Vline help is also quite good - but based in Texas so there is a time difference

rich1068 · March 29, 2021

14 hours ago, ColinBarber said:

Otherwise Grom make devices compatible with your vehicle.

https://www.gromaudio.co.uk/partfinder/product/result/?make=Lexus&model=RX&year=2007-2009

I'd recommend the GROM units too. I've had a few and they're easy to fit. And their tech support/seller is based in the UK and very happy to chat over the phone if you're unsure about compatibility.

Superduner · March 29, 2021

Funny, after the UK office advising me on the actual purchase, tech help has always been from the US. If I remember correctly, Pete in the UK, and Dean in the US!

rich1068 · March 29, 2021

Really? I guess I must have just spoken to Pete. He certainly seemed to know his stuff.

mcruiz · March 29, 2021

So far....

FM transmitters: should be banned. An unnecessary evil😖

Grom VLine: I’ll heed the above caveat, avoid, to have some spare time in my life. Seems like you’d have to sell a kidney 😱. but worth checking...

Vais: haven’t been able to check yet....

No love for Parrot?

ColinBarber · March 29, 2021

1 hour ago, mcruiz said:

No love for Parrot?

My understanding is the Parrot system isn't that easy to install as plug 'n play leads aren't available for all Lexus models and they normally have an issue with a stereo and separate amp system which most RXs have. The other system interface into the AVC bus and pretend they are a CD changer

mcruiz · March 29, 2021

38 minutes ago, ColinBarber said:

My understanding is the Parrot system isn't that easy to install as plug 'n play leads aren't available for all Lexus models and they normally have an issue with a stereo and separate amp system which most RXs have. The other system interface into the AVC bus and pretend they are a CD changer

Ah...I see. Thanks for that explanation.👍🏽

mcruiz · March 29, 2021

Just to be sure....If I go for the Grom BT3, to do audio/music from Iphone (whilst charging), but to retain CD, and Nav, What’s the complete kit I would need? (ie: extra cables necessary or does it come all in?)

rich1068 · March 30, 2021

Previously the units I've purchased from them have come with everything you need for wireless streaming and calls. Obviously you need to make sure you get the correct included cable. I don't have any experience with your year of RX or the Mark Levinson system so probably best to check with them.

You mention charging too but I never optioned that.