Personal preference. I like the look of the stock nav look vs the no nav look, I like the stock nav look over the aftermarket look, but the aftermarket isn't years old in tech. If you're really into tech and want a legit nav system with the works,go aftermarket, if not the THX nav is more than enough
Not really the NAV aspect being outdated... I mean really most navigation systems are the same. But the utilization of an aftermarket unit is really cool.
With my old THX NAV setup I could listen to radio, and usually CDs if the changer didn't give me errors. Also the graphics were horrendous. How can you 'like' the grey blocks on a pale yellow background? ickkk!!!
I am all about aesthetics so I needed updated graphics for sure.
With my new unit I can now do everything the stock nav did, only on a more efficient level and with awesome user interface. Scrolling lists and non-pressure touchscreen along with modern graphics.
My phone is now tethered to the unit automatically whenever I get into the car, and I simply plug it into the ipod cable and have access to all my contacts and music on my phone.
Also I now have ability to stream internet radio via phone directly into the headunit with included feedback interface and album art. (Pandora)
I also now have a backup camera that is totally awesome and I can't believe most cars don't come with this now. But for a 'cool factor' I can put the backup camera on the screen at anytime I am driving and continue on with background music or phone call, as well as navigation map side by side with camera. No real point, but it is neat to see behind you when driving or entertainment for a passenger who is bored.
The only con out of the entire deal was of course the install complications and the fact that it is a one disc unit. But when you have easy ipod integration the use for physical discs decreases even more.
The customizable splash screens and button illuminations is also an added bonus to the appeal to the interior of the LS... Which in my opinion is very luxurious to most vehicles and having windows 95 pop up after a beautiful THX logo, was really misleading to the overall interior aesthetics as mentioned earlier.
Not only all the above features of looks, but actual sound. I know the THX is an awesome system and I still love mine even though I have bypassed both amps and added my own subwoofer application, but the aftermarket unit provides a fully customizeable EQ that destroys the "TREBLE BASS" EQ on the OEM unit.
I have fine tuned it to my exact preferences and am fully utilizing both HPF and LPF via the aftermarket player and honestly it sounds better than the THX system did. This however is not to take anything away from the awesome OEM sound that I enjoyed thoroughly.
Just a brief list of things I noticed instantly. Also I must say the LS must have gotten the last leg of the 'old nav' setup.. Because I see 2006ish cars with nice navigation systems. I think the car was just born in a time of rapidly increasing technology for head units and general integration for the times.
