Add an auxiliary line-in to Lexus ES300?

May 18, 2007 8:24 PM

I have a 2003 Lexus ES300. I'm looking to slowly upgrade the factory audio system. First step, enable the system to play my mp3 player without using a tape adapter or fm transmitter. I can't add a new headunit with this input, as the Lexus has a custom dash that would make install sloppy looking, and would cost a lot of money...

So, I went to see if I could buy some kind of auxiliary input adapter. The one made by a company called Soundgate/Vaistech isn't compatible with my make/year w/out the navigation system, which I don't have. So, then what? I found two products: 1. the JL Audio CleanSweep, and 2. the Rockford Fosgate 3 Sixty. Both offer an auxiliary line-in. The Fosgate seems to be the better device, and I've found it for under $300 online. My question is, will this product do more for my factory audio system than add the aux-in I'll get? I do plan, in the future, to spend more money upgrading speakers/sub/amps as well, so I may need this kind of device anyway. Will the sound quality be helped with this product alone, without upgraded amp or speakers?

posted by rbf1138 to Technology (6 answers total)

You need to look at the wattage output of the head unit and compare. Also just look at the features and functions. I upgraded from a decent stock to a $100 sony simply because 1) higher wattage output (even though i don't play it extremely loud, at moderately louder volumes it's more clear and not distorted), 2) aux in (should be on every head unit), 3) better controls (a rotating knob for selection/volume= much easier than buttons for quick adjustments)

I don't know what kind of deck your make and model of car comes with, but usually stock units aren't top notch. Just see if you can find something you like the function and features of, for a price you'll pay.

As far as the headunit affecting the sound without new amps/speakers, it most likely will some. But that depends on the quality of headunit you currently have, and the speakers.
posted by kraigory at 8:46 PM on May 18, 2007

Are you going to attempt a self install into a Lexus? Seriously, take it to a car audio place and let them take care of it for you. They will install the aux connection in the back of your unit and give you a nice bracket into which to place the mp3 player. It will also probably charge the mp3 player if it has that kind of battery.
posted by caddis at 8:46 PM on May 18, 2007

What about a *wired* FM modulator? This device sits inbetween the head unit and the antenna. When activated by an external switch it will block radio signals and "overwrite" the radio input with an external input (mp3 player, sat radio, etc.) There is no loss of signal quality and device is small enough to be hidden somewhere behind the dash by professional installers. The part costs about $40 and won't come to more than $50-60 for installation. I have one on my Mazda and it works great and is totally invisible save for the switch mounted near my right ankle.
posted by dendrite at 9:03 PM on May 18, 2007

Response by poster: Kraig, the problem is I can't buy a new headunit; the Lexus dash isn't made for any aftermarket units, and there is no kit for my year/model. No, to the self-install. But I do want to get some ideas as to the best route to go before going into a car audio shop, where I could easily be swindled, so I'm trying to build up some knowledge and advice first. And as for the wired modulator, I still think that a direct RCA line-in to the head would give the cleanest signal, though I will certainly look into this path.
posted by rbf1138 at 9:55 PM on May 18, 2007

According to the Lexus owner's forum, you can just replace the changer unit in the back with one that plays MP3s. I'm looking into doing the same with my 1996 ES300.
posted by messylissa at 12:05 AM on May 19, 2007

Response by poster: Mind linking to that information? I've been all over those forums, I haven't seen any simple answer like that.
posted by rbf1138 at 5:55 AM on May 19, 2007