Hello everyone, I'm a new member, but I've been lurking as a guest for a while now doing my homework. I'm considering purchasing a 2006 LS430 Modern Luxury, flint mica with the ash interior. I've got the car in transit now. I can't wait It's got a few more miles than I'd like (94,000), but I registered the VIN on My Lexus, and it's got an impeccable service history. From the pictures I saw on the carmax web site, this thing looks to be mint. I should be picking this thing up in the next week or 2, providing that it's really as nice is at looks in the pictures.

Anyway, after weeks of reading threads until I'm cross eyed, I think I've narrowed my audio options down to 2 choices: the VAIS Tech SL2u or SL2Vu. I haven't been able to find as much info on here as I'd like, so I figured i'd ask. I'm an android user, and most of the info I've seen pertains to the iPhone units from VAIS Tech.

I know that the SL2u will only give me an aux input, which is all I really want. However, it would be nice to be able to program my navigation while driving, and to bypass the requirement to press agree every time I start the car. Can someone who has the SL2Vu help me out? Does the SL2Vu allow for this?

I did see the thread on hacking the wiring harness to bypass the in motion lockout, but I'm not too crazy about the idea of cutting wires. I'm not rich, so I can't afford any 4 digit repair bills if I mess something up lol.

Also, I've heard a lot of mixed opinions on the Mark Levinson stereo. Lots of people say "garbage in, garbage out". Others just say "garbage". I almost exclusively listen to Slacker Radio cached content, which is stored in a fairly low quality format. I also listen to mp3s, most of which are encoded at 192+ kbps. It sounds great on my home stereo over Bluetooth and the base radio in my 2009 Ram crew cab via the aux input. I mainly listen to classical, jazz, country & bluegrass. Can anyone who has either of these 2 devices chime in and give their opinion on how good the sound quality is?

Any help will be greatly appreciated!

 

Congrats on getting your 2006 LS430. I have a 2004 LS430 that just passed 90k miles and it's driving wonderfully. I recently added a VAIS Tech SL2u to my Mark Levinson stereo (w/ Nav) and the sound quality is excellent. I researched several other options before getting the SL2u and I'm glad I bought it.

I also have a Mark Levinson stereo (w/ Nav) in my 2004 GX470 and the sound quality is great. The FM antenna in it doesn't receive signals as well as the one in my LS430, but the actual sound quality and frequency response of the stereo is very good. Based on your musical preferences, I think you'll be quite happy with the Mark Levinson unit in your new LS.