dc67soul

Dension VAIS

The most inexpensive way to play MP3 through an OEM stereo system is via a FM modulator, allowing actual physical signal connection of L/R channels at a pre-selected radio frequency. The sound quality should be comparable to FM radio without unwanted distortion found in FM transmitter that often has very poor transmission, resulting in poor reception and consequently unacceptable sound quality. Other alternative is actual iPod adaptor like Dension or AIC-100i.

I'm thinking of doing the same thing. How difficult was the install on the basslink? I've been looking for a place to put something back there, but I don't want to cover up all those compartments. ← Basslink allows both speaker-level input and RCA input as signal source. Moreover, it has auto mode that will turn itself on and off, eliminating the need for turn-on lead. The only connection involved is speaker-level wire which can be taken from rear speakers, and the power cable directly from the battery with an in-line fuse close to the battery, and ground the wire anywhere to the body frame of the car. One of the way to avoid covering up the 3 compartments in the trunk is to mount the sub onto the back of the seat. The installation should be relatively simple, though maybe time consuming running and hiding the wires. :)

I traded in a 2004 RX330 w/ML for the 2006 RX400h w/o ML. The difference is certainly audible, especially with certain type of recordings. All in all, ML outputs more wattage to more speakers plus a subwoofer, which is absent in the non-ML system. Depending on the musical preference, the additional cost of the ML may not necessarily justify the marginal sound improvement for 80% of the music that I listen to. On the other hand, ML does sound phenomenal playing classical music and CDs with superior original recordings. In conclusion, I'm completely satisfied with the system w/o ML. Installation of an aftermarket subwoofer can easily resolve the issue of insufficient deep bass at a substantial saving over the ML option. :)