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No Nav or Mark Levinson required. Works with all models.
Amazon review for reference
Originally Posted by Romanova
Pioneer double DIN, Beatsonic install kit, and a back up camera. $700 and you get all the modern features, Android Auto or Car Play, maps, Bluetooth, etc. Been very happy with that setup...
That is fantastic and solved the one thing holding me back, thanks!
True. However some people, myself included just don't like the look of any non-stock headunit in any car.
The Beatsonic kit is expensive, but you get a true OEM appearance for the mounting. The other options on the market don't look nearly as good.
Would you mind sharing the exact setup you have? This is exactly what I'm looking to accomplish (Beatsonic, head unit compatible for android auto, and back up camera)
Would you mind sharing the exact setup you have? This is exactly what I'm looking to accomplish (Beatsonic, head unit compatible for android auto, and back up camera)
The appropriate Beat Sonic kit for your car. ONLY ORDER from BeatSonic, forget ordering from any other retailer. Pick the headunit you like the best... I only run Pioneer gear because I like their looks and interface. I don't recall the model number of mine but it was under $300. Should be noted that it doesn't actually play CDs, only media files and BT streaming. For the camera, I'm running the Pioneer camera also. Speakers are all Infinity and the sub IIRC is a Kicker.
All said and done, about $800 maybe? The BeatSonic kit is $400 alone, but worth it for the plug and play as well as the fit and finish. Removing everything in the trunk is a challenge for running wires, camera, etc so plan for a full day. Being able to stream music from my phone while running Google Maps for directions is amazing. I love it!
Oh, your success with Android Auto is soley based upon using a quality USB cable... lots of cables won't cut it.
Check my build thread for more details.
Still a fan of the Vaistech systems. I've had an SLi in my LS430 for almost 15 years and the MML in my 600 for 6. Both work flawlessly (one over 30pin one over USB). Plug and play with the stock radio and you don't lose the CD changer like some other setups.
I ran a BT cassette for about a week before breaking down and ordering the BT45-TOY for my 2005 with Nav. Installed easy and works great set for MiniDisc. No lost functions.
I bought one of these B.T. devices off amazon. It plugs into cig lighter and i can play music from my Android phone and sinks up with the stereo. It has to be set on 93.5 and also the stereo has to be set at the same 93.5 station. It works really well.
Jainla, the device only gives you bluetooth connectivity without affecting any other features, right?
Correct. The Vaistech unit will slot in as either a second CD changer or MD Changer depending on which car you have and which emulation you want to run. The controls on the radio and steering wheel work as normal, and the CD player remains operative (just another device in the chain). On my LS430 the MD changer setting lets me change playlists using the steering wheel up/down button (hold). You can change the browse mode (album, song, playlist) and even just use it as a dumb passthrough for the phone.
The BT model will browse playlists and folders on an iPhone just like the OEM integrations of late, the MML sees your playlists like folders on an MP3 CD. The MML will also let you use a USB stick, and obviously it will charge the phone as well when it's plugged in.
The one thing it won't do is allow you to use a BT speakerphone with the OEM speakers and mic but these days I have the phone mounted somewhere to use the nav half the time so it's not as much of an issue.
I've had 15 years with the unit in the 430 and 5 with the 600; personally I like the fact that the integration is completely transparent and invisible (my ipod just lives in my glovebox) and that I can use the OEM controls (I find playing music off my phone in the 560 and SC very distracting). Also you don't cut into the wiring harness and the kit can be removed in 20 minutes if you decide you don't want it anymore.
I am no expret but the currently available Vaistech SL3b-L does not appear to have any more features then the USA Spec BT45-TOY, if anything it has less but is $75 more for 01-03, $100 more for 04+ ($229 vs $125/150). Not sure if the MP3 files display differently between the two but I dont use any files on my phone, Pandora and podcasts only so it was a quick decision for me.
02-19-20, 08:01 PM
