Hello! First post here (so be gentle).
I have been digging through the forums and gathering a LOT of great info regarding options and ideas for audio upgrades (Scion HUs, iPod adapters, etc.) . From the information I have gathered it seems as though my options are limited due to the fact that I have the LTD JBL 6-disc 10-speaker setup in my '03 (the extra considerations required of the amp for the rear sub, etc.).
After saying all that, what I am looking for:
- Retain steering wheel control functionality
- Add iPod connectivity
- Add Bluetooth connectivity (mainly for handsfree phone, but BT audio is a plus)
- Add Aux input (for when the iPod eventually dies, or gets swapped for some other music storage/player)
- Limited budget--looking to spend around $150
I am pretty much happy with the factory HU and sound--its good enough to where I don't feel the "need" to upgrade the HU. Additionally, the extra cost of the special wiring harness needed for the JBL with an aftermarket HU may drive up my cost too much. The Scion T18XXs look pretty good, but I didn't see any of them offering Blutooth and iPod connectivity without using an external box or something (Grom or USA Spec)--plus it seems as though my current JBL HU will not allow for a quick easy "plug-in-play" swap as the 4runner owners without the JBL upgraded HU/system have experienced.
Since I am happy with my current sound from the factory JBL setup, it seems as though I should look for an adapter box which will give me the iPod and Bluetooth I am looking for. Although the USA Spec is the preferred ipod adapter (here on the forums), it doesn't seem to have an optional Bluetooth add-on.
Grom audio makes an ipod adapter that "seems" perfect (if I buy the extra BT add-on):
http://gromaudio.com/store/ipd3_ada...on_ipod_adapter_direct_digital_interface.html
However, I haven't seen any good reviews or comments regarding the Grom device here. Reviews across the interwebs from users (other vehicle models) seem mostly positive.
Questions:
- Has anyone else on the forum had any experience with this particular Grom device?
- Any issues installing it with the factory JBL HU (JBL amp wiring issues, etc.)?
- Any suggestions or other alternative ideas I may be missing here?
- What have other JBL 6-disc 10 speaker owners done to upgrade their audio to similar capabilities?
I have been digging through the forums and gathering a LOT of great info regarding options and ideas for audio upgrades (Scion HUs, iPod adapters, etc.) . From the information I have gathered it seems as though my options are limited due to the fact that I have the LTD JBL 6-disc 10-speaker setup in my '03 (the extra considerations required of the amp for the rear sub, etc.).
After saying all that, what I am looking for:
- Retain steering wheel control functionality
- Add iPod connectivity
- Add Bluetooth connectivity (mainly for handsfree phone, but BT audio is a plus)
- Add Aux input (for when the iPod eventually dies, or gets swapped for some other music storage/player)
- Limited budget--looking to spend around $150
I am pretty much happy with the factory HU and sound--its good enough to where I don't feel the "need" to upgrade the HU. Additionally, the extra cost of the special wiring harness needed for the JBL with an aftermarket HU may drive up my cost too much. The Scion T18XXs look pretty good, but I didn't see any of them offering Blutooth and iPod connectivity without using an external box or something (Grom or USA Spec)--plus it seems as though my current JBL HU will not allow for a quick easy "plug-in-play" swap as the 4runner owners without the JBL upgraded HU/system have experienced.
Since I am happy with my current sound from the factory JBL setup, it seems as though I should look for an adapter box which will give me the iPod and Bluetooth I am looking for. Although the USA Spec is the preferred ipod adapter (here on the forums), it doesn't seem to have an optional Bluetooth add-on.
Grom audio makes an ipod adapter that "seems" perfect (if I buy the extra BT add-on):
http://gromaudio.com/store/ipd3_ada...on_ipod_adapter_direct_digital_interface.html
However, I haven't seen any good reviews or comments regarding the Grom device here. Reviews across the interwebs from users (other vehicle models) seem mostly positive.
Questions:
- Has anyone else on the forum had any experience with this particular Grom device?
- Any issues installing it with the factory JBL HU (JBL amp wiring issues, etc.)?
- Any suggestions or other alternative ideas I may be missing here?
- What have other JBL 6-disc 10 speaker owners done to upgrade their audio to similar capabilities?
