Help with '03 Lexus ES300...

[jordn613 10+ year member]

Having posted on numerous car forums, several specifically Lexus, I'm here now, hoping I'll get some much needed help. My ultimate goal is to have a head unit with the aux, usb slot, new amp, speakers, and sub...I'm an audiophile, and moving from a 94 Camry with a broken cd player to this is big; I want it to sound amazing. I primarily listen to audio with an mp3 player that plays lossless files, and while I don't need control of it through the dash, I really want to use it without using a tape adapter or an FM transmitter. Here we go:

1. So, in the next week or two, as a college graduation present I'll be inheriting my dad's 2003 ES300. I have a couple questions for you guys who have experience with Lexus', and this model/year in particular. First, the car has the 6cd changer...I don't believe it has the Mark Levinson system, though. Can anyone tell me the specs of the audio system that's standard? Second, it seems that no new head unit can be put in without a custom solution. Will a new head unit give me better sound quality, or is that solely what an amp and new speakers would be for? I'm looking to use cds, and an mp3 player (not an Ipod!), and I would really like a new head unit with aux in and usb key playback. However, I really can't afford right now to be spending a ton. If anyone can tell me if there's an easy solution to this, itd be helpful.

2. I'm desperately trying to find a way to add an auxiliary input to my '03 ES300's audio system. The closest I've come to finding a solution is the Auxlex product, by Soundgate/Vaistech. Some webstores list the ES300 2003 w/out Nav as being compatible, but calling the company, it seems that it is not. I was wondering if anyone has tried this product out with my car's year w/out the nav...According to the company, it does not work with it...

3. These two products look like possibilities...will these enhance my factory sound system, in addition to adding aux in capability? For the price of these products (plus installation), I can really only go this route if I know its going to be well worth the investment...

http://mobile.jlaudio.com/products_cleansweep.php?prod_id=369

http://www.mobileaudiocontrol.com/product.asp?Product_id=231512

4. Does anyone have any idea as to how much a custom fabricated dash for an aftermarket headunit would cost? I know this question almost makes no sense without going to a local shop, but any ideas are helpful. I was disappointed when I found out there was no kit to install an aftermarket unit in the car I'd be getting to drive for likely several years.

Thanks for any and all help!

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[azbass 5,000+ posts]

you are better off getting a unit like a Rockford 3 Sixty http://www.rockfordfosgate.com/products/product_categories.asp?cat_id=1&locale=en_US&p_status=

and building a system off that. it also has a aux.

install it in back with your amps, etc.

and keep a clean dash in a car like that.

 

[jordn613 10+ year member]

So, would spending the money on that one piece of equipment enhance sound quality in addition to adding the aux line in? For example, would I be better off upgrading other equipment, like amp and speakers first, and using a tape adapter for the mp3 player, or will this device definitely give me great quality mp3/flac playback?

 

[azbass 5,000+ posts]

yes that unit will give you better sound. read about it, it allows you to use your Factory HU with upgraded aftermarket amps/speakers etc.

 

[jordn613 10+ year member]

Also, any idea of where I'd plug the player into/have a 3.5mm jack coming out of the dash to plug the player into? I guess I'd ask to have that run through the center console or something?

 

[jordn613 10+ year member]

Does anyone have pictures of the 3Sixty and how they have an auxiliary device plugged into it? Thanks.