Ipod For Sc 430?

[ChrisG]

Has anyone come across a kit for fitting an iPoD into the cars stereo system - an mp3 player is the one thing that is missing in this otherwise perfect car?!

[on_chrome]

yeah, i got my iPod hooked up into my stereo, but it is an aftermarket Pioneer headunit. it is hooked up via monstercable, and it sounds better than cd quality. word of advice, before i had my after market headunit, i got a line splitter for the cd changer installed so i could switch between the iPod and cd changer, and it sounded horrible!!! Also the fm transmitter is terrible too. I don't know if the sc430 headunit has audio input in the rear of the headunit, if it does that would be the best route to take other than getting a better aftermarket headunit, but i don't think it does. Try an audio specialist store and ask them.

[redsully]

As hard as Lexus tried to put a decent stereo into the new SC, they once again (like all OEM vendors) failed miserably. Sure, it sounds great for a stock system, but it still is stock paper/vinyl crap!

I recently finished putting an AWESOME stereo system in one of my SC's (all Cerwin Vega equipment) that hooks up ONLY to my ipod (now that I have 5000 songs, the radio is useless). The iPod plugs directly into the amp while resting in the cup holder (I ran the wire through the little rubber plunger hole so it is entirely hidden from view). The iPod remote is in the process of having its logics put into the stock stereo spot's position, allowing for easy music navigation.

Although this setup was expensive AND time consuming, it is truely the best way to go: get rid of that OEM bllsht.

PS: Believe it or not, the iPod's sound quality is NOT better than CD unless you have manually gone in and changed the MP3's bitrate settings. But it's still pretty nice, and this setup still sounds better than the stock CD player : )

[Sean_a]

As hard as Lexus tried to put a decent stereo into the new SC, they once again (like all OEM vendors) failed miserably. Sure, it sounds great for a stock system, but it still is stock paper/vinyl crap!

I recently finished putting an AWESOME stereo system in one of my SC's (all Cerwin Vega equipment) that hooks up ONLY to my ipod (now that I have 5000 songs, the radio is useless). The iPod plugs directly into the amp while resting in the cup holder (I ran the wire through the little rubber plunger hole so it is entirely hidden from view). The iPod remote is in the process of having its logics put into the stock stereo spot's position, allowing for easy music navigation.

Although this setup was expensive AND time consuming, it is truely the best way to go: get rid of that OEM bllsht.

PS: Believe it or not, the iPod's sound quality is NOT better than CD unless you have manually gone in and changed the MP3's bitrate settings. But it's still pretty nice, and this setup still sounds better than the stock CD player : )

←

I just installed a Vaistech AIC-100i iPod interface (www.vaistech.com) for the factory installed head unit. It works fine for the most part. The unit was about $360 and plugs right into iPod's docking connector where it also charges the unit.

Just encountered a problem with their software, where when you turn on the ignition, the key sequence goes to ACC, then ignition, then back to ACC with the engine on. During this process, the stereo unit gets turnd ON-OFF-ON (normal.) The Vaistech's AIC-100i for some reason gets "lost" sometimes and doesn't show as a MD1 changer unit. I actually have to turn the engine OFF and back on again to see it.

They told me that they have fixed it and I need to send the unit back so they can upgrade it and send it back to me. I'm not sure if I'm up for that. I did ask them to send me a fixed unit and I'll send the old one back to them. I don't think they'll listen.

[rskillic]

As hard as Lexus tried to put a decent stereo into the new SC, they once again (like all OEM vendors) failed miserably. Sure, it sounds great for a stock system, but it still is stock paper/vinyl crap!

I recently finished putting an AWESOME stereo system in one of my SC's (all Cerwin Vega equipment) that hooks up ONLY to my ipod (now that I have 5000 songs, the radio is useless). The iPod plugs directly into the amp while resting in the cup holder (I ran the wire through the little rubber plunger hole so it is entirely hidden from view). The iPod remote is in the process of having its logics put into the stock stereo spot's position, allowing for easy music navigation.

Although this setup was expensive AND time consuming, it is truely the best way to go: get rid of that OEM bllsht.

PS: Believe it or not, the iPod's sound quality is NOT better than CD unless you have manually gone in and changed the MP3's bitrate settings. But it's still pretty nice, and this setup still sounds better than the stock CD player : )

←

I just installed a Vaistech AIC-100i iPod interface (www.vaistech.com) for the factory installed head unit. It works fine for the most part. The unit was about $360 and plugs right into iPod's docking connector where it also charges the unit.

Just encountered a problem with their software, where when you turn on the ignition, the key sequence goes to ACC, then ignition, then back to ACC with the engine on. During this process, the stereo unit gets turnd ON-OFF-ON (normal.) The Vaistech's AIC-100i for some reason gets "lost" sometimes and doesn't show as a MD1 changer unit. I actually have to turn the engine OFF and back on again to see it.

They told me that they have fixed it and I need to send the unit back so they can upgrade it and send it back to me. I'm not sure if I'm up for that. I did ask them to send me a fixed unit and I'll send the old one back to them. I don't think they'll listen.

←

Thanks I am going to get the same unit. two questions 1) how do you like it and how does it sound, and 2 - where did you find (or did you use) dash removal instructions.

thanks

[scionlife]

This past week I went through a big hassle with the guys at mp3yourcar.com. They sell the Peripheral iPod2Car adapter. When I called before buying they told me they knew FOR SURE that it would work in the SC430 as they had personally tested it themselves and have sold several to other SC430 owners. Well, when it arrived and was installed it didn't work. The head unit would not control the iPod and I got to listed to both the CD and the iPod over the speakers simultaneously. Neat. So they have offered a full refund, but I'm out the installation labor. Bummer.

So then I found this thread, and contacted the guys at vaistech.com to see if they had remedied the situation with the AIC-100i. Here is the response:

11/8/05 8:48AM

Darren,

Due to your Radio limitations the only device that will work with your

car is AIC-100 and it will be available through our website sometime

this week.

--

Best regards,

Eugene Kaspin

VAIS Technology

phone: 720-733-2348

e-mail: info@vaistech.com

redsully, did they ever take care of your problem?

Darren

[highlander]

would this work for the ls400?

[shaw2010]

Has anyone come across a kit for fitting an iPoD into the cars stereo system - an mp3 player is the one thing that is missing in this otherwise perfect car?!

Any one got an owners manual as PDf file ( 2004 SC430) . I just bought it over the weeked and it didn't come with an owners manual.

Thanks,