Bluetooth Stereo Adapter Solution for Music '03 LS

[Torx]

its 2013 and my ls needs to get with the times
i refuse to buy a 3rd party aftermarket stereo, i prefer the stock dash
i have the 6disc, but no nav

im looking for a bluetooth hardwired solution that can connect to my android phone when i enter the car, and be able to output high quality sound.
i use my phone in the car as an mp3 player, i currently have a 3.5mm headphone jack aux input adapter, but i wanna go wireless now. I dont really care to make wireless calls or anything, just strictly for music.

ive been looking at the parrot products.
just wondering if anyones bought and installed these themselves, would i need an extra wiring harness or will it require some splicing?

overall, are you happy with your bluetooth audio output from your wireless mp3 device?

 

[lincoln_zero]

Why do you 'Refuse' to buy 3rd party?
The '3rd party' companies as you refer to, are the same companies that build the stock deck that's in your car already. (6 disc Is made by Alpine on the first Gens, not sure about second Gens)

A lot of people believe that "Genuine parts are best and keep the value"? (that's total rubbish. If anything, aftermarket helps you sell).

Just go to Best buy and try out Pioneers easy interface on their double Din touch screen. SO much better than the stock deck.

Make life Easy::
Buy a Touch screen Double Din deck (such as a pioneer). Why?

1) Bigger screen, easy to READ and search music.
2) Load songs onto USB stick and plug it in. Better than ANYTHING the OEM deck can provide. Easy to use search key to find songs in folders.
3) Auxiliary input option
4) higher Quality than the garbage OEM decks.
5) Since its "Quality" you want, never run your speakers off a head unit. Rule of thumb. Running your speakers off a unit that shares its processor and amplifier in the same module invites all kinds of harmonic distortions to have a field day in your system. Simply put, its not Clean.

Even with STOCK speakers, I noticed a HUGE improvement when I installed (myself) a Pioneer Double din, and powered my speakers with an A/B Class Amplifier (Ample Audio was my choice).

Please consider this before you become hell bent on working around the cheap crap Ford gives you.

If your open minded, dont fret the cost. For $279 you get an awesome touch deck with Bluetooth off Ebay:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-PIONEER...deo_In_Dash_Units_w_o_GPS&hash=item1e75f6f000

 

[rallyusa]

Torx, I am looking to do the exact same thing, I am currently doing research on Bluetooth -> Aux Input adapters and whatever I end up going with I'll post here. I'm with ya, I want to keep the stock look as well.

 

[lincoln_zero]

Also, touch screen decks look SLEEK and SEXY compared to the 1990's looking OEM deck. Honestly, having a double din screen just kicks ass, especially in the LS. Is really improves the ambiance in the vehicle and to an extent makes passengers jealous they don't have one. I can't drive a car that doesn't have one. It just look soo cool and its 10X times easier to use and operate. Literally making your driving life easier.

Not to mention, you can customize it by its own features. You can change the colour of the screens tabs, and physical buttons (you can make it green to match your LS's dash) so it look stock.. You can set your own background image!! If your a family man set a picture of your wife and kids. Or load the lincoln Logo (as I did on my 02's Double Din).

 

[rallyusa]

I think one of the issues with the 2nd Gen, and personally why I don't want aftermarket is the fact that the stereo matches the surrounding colors, I have the Nav too so to me it looks good as-is. Plus it already sounds amazing so why mess with it? To each his own.

Torx,

I actually just bought this:

http://www.amazon.com/Miccus-Mini-j...ie=UTF8&qid=1357131473&sr=8-1&keywords=miccus

I like the fact that you can keep it plugged in via usb and it will be always on, and it also remembers the last device it paired with so if it is turned off/on it will still auto-pair.

I'll let you know how it goes when I get it.

 

[lincoln_zero]

I think one of the issues with the 2nd Gen, and personally why I don't want aftermarket is the fact that the stereo matches the surrounding colors, I have the Nav too so to me it looks good as-is.

OP isn't using a Nav deck. You are. I never said to replace the Nav deck. I said to replace the OEM that HE has with a nice Pioneer touch screen, as I have in each of my LS's. Ones in my 02, and one in my 05. And it Certainly kicks the snot out of OEM CD decks any day.

Plus it already sounds amazing so why mess with it? To each his own.

I have a friend who drinks unfiltered tap water and says its clean. to each his own?

You may have your own definition of what amazing sounds like, as you are entitled.
But in no way is the LS stock system amazing. Its definitely an upgrade to a 1993 Honda accord's sound system. =D However Its certainly a downgrade to most mediocre aftermarket systems that you can pick up for less than $500 bucks, which includes Deck, speakers and amp off ebay. Probably bracket and harness too!

Just to reiterate what I mean by less than $500, My next post ill link you to equipment that will DESTROY in EVERY WAY the LS's stock Disc changer system. You can achieve higher fidelity with Car audio (dont need pro audio unless your like me, an audiophile who constantly upgrades and tweeks his system to improve sound).

 

[lincoln_zero]

If you want total great sound (not amazing, but great) with a $500 budget (I say 500 cause that seems to be a good figure for great sound, and isn't difficult to sacrifice, considering a lot of high school kids in my area to to my buddys car audio shop with a $500 budget LOL)

NEW Pioneer double Din: $238.99
http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-PIONEER...deo_In_Dash_Units_w_o_GPS&hash=item20ce6ce5d9

NEW Pioneer 4 ch: $119.99
http://www.ebay.com/itm/PIONEER-GM-...6885314?pt=Car_Amplifiers&hash=item564d77d0c2

NEW Pioneer speakers: $89.99
http://www.ebay.com/itm/2-NEW-PIONE...373078593?pt=Car_Speakers&hash=item5890009241

And this will pwn the stock system, total cost $446.99

Leaves you $55 for bracket and harness.


If you want to spend a little more for better rquipment, of course pick up something like:

US Amps:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/US-Amps-MER...4442917?pt=Car_Amplifiers&hash=item19d7c8caa5

Speakers too, you can spend a little extra to get even better sound. You get the idea.


But making your LS go from poor stock (considering some manufacturers use DYNAUDIO car audio, which absolutely destroys what we get in our LS's), to great in less than $500, totally doable.

 

[rallyusa]

lincoln_zero, I wasn't knocking your choice, I was simply stating that I understand the OP's position, he wants to maintain the stock look as do I. I'm not sure if he has the THX certified system but I do, and for me, it sounds great and has good fidelity, and that's enough for me. I was just attempting to assist a fellow LS owner who had a very straightforward question.

 

[BlackLS06]

OP isn't using a Nav deck. You are. I never said to replace the Nav deck. I said to replace the OEM that HE has with a nice Pioneer touch screen, as I have in each of my LS's. Ones in my 02, and one in my 05. And it Certainly kicks the snot out of OEM CD decks any day.




I have a friend who drinks unfiltered tap water and says its clean. to each his own?

You may have your own definition of what amazing sounds like, as you are entitled.
But in no way is the LS stock system amazing. Its definitely an upgrade to a 1993 Honda accord's sound system. =D However Its certainly a downgrade to most mediocre aftermarket systems that you can pick up for less than $500 bucks, which includes Deck, speakers and amp off ebay. Probably bracket and harness too!

Just to reiterate what I mean by less than $500, My next post ill link you to equipment that will DESTROY in EVERY WAY the LS's stock Disc changer system. You can achieve higher fidelity with Car audio (dont need pro audio unless your like me, an audiophile who constantly upgrades and tweeks his system to improve sound).

Have you heard the THX system?

It puts most factory systems to shame. And its made by pioneer.

 

[joegr]

... i currently have a 3.5mm headphone jack aux input adapter, but i wanna go wireless now. I dont really care to make wireless calls or anything, just strictly for music.

ive been looking at the parrot products.
just wondering if anyones bought and installed these themselves, would i need an extra wiring harness or will it require some splicing?

...

I have some older Parrot bluetooth adapters that are just for phone calls, no streaming. I am happy with those and I suspect that you would like the newer ones with streaming. Some custom wiring would be required. I have mine wired into the stock headunits such that they mute the audio, play the call through the speakers, and say "PHONE" on the display when a phone call is in progress.

http://www.lincolnvscadillac.com/showthread.php?t=28476
http://www.lincolnvscadillac.com/showthread.php?t=16057

http://www.lincolnvscadillac.com/showthread.php?t=49095
http://www.lincolnvscadillac.com/showthread.php?t=41802

 

[lincoln_zero]

Have you heard the THX system?

It puts most factory systems to shame. And its made by pioneer.

Nope, I haven't. To be honest, I know very little about the thx upgrade on the LS. Do they even provide better doors than the shytty ones I got? If so, can anyone provide info on them? I'd seriously like to see what you 'pay for' when you purchase the stereo upgrade. Thanks.

I know a crap ton of the standard system, from ripping mine out, and examining what they gave me in both My LS's. To make a positive comment about it: It is good enough for the old men who bought these cars new, who turn it up just to block out their nagging wives

 

[BlackLS06]

Nope, I haven't. To be honest, I know very little about the thx upgrade on the LS. Do they even provide better doors than the shytty ones I got? If so, can anyone provide info on them? I'd seriously like to see what you 'pay for' when you purchase the stereo upgrade. Thanks.

I know a crap ton of the standard system, from ripping mine out, and examining what they gave me in both My LS's. To make a positive comment about it: It is good enough for the old men who bought these cars new, who turn it up just to block out their nagging wives

It has two separate amps. One for the door drivers, the other for the subs. Sounds very clean, no distortion and my only issue with it is that the bass bottoms out with the rear 6x8 subs.

I simply added an aftermarket amp and sub and it sounds complete.

 

[lincoln_zero]

It has two separate amps. One for the door drivers, the other for the subs. Sounds very clean, no distortion and my only issue with it is that the bass bottoms out with the rear 6x8 subs.

I simply added an aftermarket amp and sub and it sounds complete.

If it honestly sounds better, then likely you Got better speakers in the doors. They probably Got pioneer to make those (pioneer makes very decent stuff for the price).


For me, In my LS's that came with the standard system, going from the stock head unit to aftermarket head unit with separate amp (I had the doors stock for a while) improved soooo much more. However, the door speakers still bother me. Despite me powering them wit A/B class amps, they're still terrible.

My GREY LS is already done. I upgraded the doors, head, and amp. My Beige LS is a work in progress, and Im putting more effort into the beige one (which is my 05) as that one is my sound machine For SQL comp.

On my Beige, The rear doors are done. Audax 5-1/4 Kevlar's with D27 Peerless tweeters. You cant even compare the stocks in the fronts to the Pro Audio in the rear. Its night and day, even for untrained ears.

My uncle is a huge Audiophile. He has trained my ears to listen out for imperfections. Which, in part is why now I cannot endure factory systems. They will actually bother my ears. I HAVE to turn it down if someone cranks it because I will get a headache from the damn stocks.

In a way, going overboard with Audio obsession actually ruins it for you.. Now I can't listen to a system without judging it (yes, my own more than anyone's) and I find that even in Pro Audio, if something isn't right.. I'll hear it and im back to taking it apart, fiddling with the crossovers and sometimes even just buying a different driver to change the sound completely.
It drives my wife bonkers how many times I have taken apart the Center channel in the home theater. Even till this day, it still bothers me.

Well now you know a bit about my Audio obsession...

BlackLS06, your a cool guy. If you or anyone here ever need advice or anything on Audio, Ask me. Id be more than glad to assist! Im a home Audio (Pro) Guy. I love building boxes, custom work and sampling speakers. Home Audio is my specialty.


EDIT: Im also a Tech Geek with computers, and Any kind of electronics. I like this Forum, and if anyone needs help there just ask.

Double Edit: I suck with vehicle mechanics. But I try... LOL

 

[rallyusa]

I'm also a tech geek (I'm an Open Systems Engineer, and write code for many open source projects) and before I got into IT years ago I was a mechanic who also installed stereo systems on the side, I don't like crappy audio either, and I can tell you that the THX system in my car (2004 LS Ultimate) is by far the best stock audio system I have heard, here's a little blurb about the system when it came out: http://www.avrev.com/home-theater-n...has-first-thx-certified-car-audio-system.html

 

[lincoln_zero]

I'm also a tech geek (I'm an Open Systems Engineer, and write code for many open source projects) and before I got into IT years ago I was a mechanic who also installed stereo systems on the side, I don't like crappy audio either, and I can tell you that the THX system in my car (2004 LS Ultimate) is by far the best stock audio system I have heard, here's a little blurb about the system when it came out: http://www.avrev.com/home-theater-n...has-first-thx-certified-car-audio-system.html

As I said, I know nothing of the thx system. Never judged it either, I meant my shytty stock system (And the OPs is the same) LOL Whats in the doors on the THX system? You got me curious..


So your a geek like me hahaha awesome!

So you'll respect this then: I custom built a tower (Total AMD/Asus Build).
I Striped 3, sata3 SSD's (60GB each). Im using the built in controller on the Crosshiar V (formula). My wright is 900-1100mb/s with a read consistency of 1175mb/s

Who ever said its a bad idea to Raid SSD? Just to compare: My bro thought Striping 4 WD blacks would outperform just 1 sata3 SSD. He was sorely wrong.


Whats your build?

 

[rallyusa]

Not much of a build at home, no SSD or anything, however at work we just bought a 2 million dollar EMC array with 10TB of SSD and 40TB of 15K SAS to run an extremely large Oracle DB, all of this running on Cisco UCS with custom management software developed by my team. We get about 20K IOPS for the SAS disks and theoretically over 100K IOPS for the SSD but we haven't come close to maxing it out. All over dual 10GB back-end FCOE. It's fun getting my hands dirty with million dollar plus equipment once in a while

 

[lincoln_zero]

You mean I cant just walk into Canada computers and buy EMC array pre built? Darn! lol thats some impressive equipment. If i were near by, I'd have to see it!!
20K iops is average on a sata3 ssd (at least on the Intels). Mushkin makes some killer SSD. Im loving them, random finds are blazing fast. Not to mention the speed at which I wright patches for SC2 and GW2 hahahaha love those games.

Edit: you know anything about Overclocking AMD Cpu's?

 

[Torx]

big thanks to everyone that replied
i completely forgot about this thread. i have that habit of making threads and forgetting about them. and thanks to linczero for his contribution to the thread.


but i rather not go down that road of installing a refreshed audio system
those days are over for me, and i rather not go down that road right now. most i will do is install a factory looking touch screen with an android os/mini itx solution.

other than that, im fine with how the stock audio is...
i just want my mp3 audio coming out the speakers, simple as that.
i rather a theif look in my car and see a stock setup, than fancy gear to steal. thats how i think. I cant afford any mishaps, breakins, or unecessary stuff in my car.

i'll spend my money on my in home audio/headphone setup before my car.
if i get a parrot attachment, it'll be hidden.. something about 3rd party equipment and buttons and crap in a stock car is just unappealing to me, i like stock factory aesthetics.