Music streaming from phone

6682 Views 11 Replies 8 Participants Last post by GaziP07, Oct 18, 2017

BikerBore

Discussion Starter · Oct 14, 2017

Hi I'm a new member and have questions about steaming music from a phone to the stereo in an X350/X358.

My X350 has a cassette tape and I use a Bluetooth cassette tape that connect's to my phone and I stream music to the cars stereo that way. It works great! Old technology meets new technology :-D

Problem is I'm looking at replacing my X350 with a newer better spec'd example. The ones I've looked at don't have cassette tapes, they have CDs.

Am I correct in thinking that even with newer X350/X358's there is no AUX and even if the car has Bluetooth hands free fitted, it's just for calls, you cannot stream music?

So is there a car option I should look out for that allows streaming of music?

Another option I've thought of would be to replace the Radio/CD with a Radio/Cassette from an earlier model. Can this be done?

Or have others found a solution to this? I'm no electrician so it needs to be simple or if you know of a company who could do it for me.

I've used those Bluetooth FM Transmitters in the past, but was not happy with the results. You do suffer from interference from radio stations especially on longer journeys. The one I had would also only play in mono.

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mondeoman

· #2 · Oct 15, 2017

There isn't AUX in as standard, but at the time, there was a dealer-fit interface called the Audio Connectivity Module (ACM) - it works by simulating the CD changer and provides aux in and Apple music controls as well as a USB in. They come up for sale occasionally.

If you have a look in the ICE section there is a lot about a possible replacement system using an android tablet.

My car has a Bury hands free phone kit which also streams music, however it uses the Bury Amp and it's not as powerful as the factory system or as good sounding as the CD - and it cuts out the factory stereo so you don't hear the sat nav.

My previous X350 had factory bluetooth but that only worked for calls not music.

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ColinG

· #3 · Oct 15, 2017

Hey BB

As above, there a couple of other options I'm aware of. Have a look at my showroom thread I'm using a Vennbox, Bluetooth streaming gadget built by an enthusiast from US.

Another option is the Android upgrade a few other forum members are doing, though beyond my expertise.

http://www.jaguarforum.com/showthread.php?t=96954

Cheers Colin

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RAMiddleton

· #4 · Oct 15, 2017

Pure/Alpine their versions of the EZI-DAB unit. As well as adding DAB it also adds USB/iPhone and phono in. Unlike other FM injection solutions it offers the alternative to completely cut off the original antennae signal.

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BikerBore

Discussion Starter · #5 · Oct 15, 2017

mondeoman said:
There isn't AUX in as standard, but at the time, there was a dealer-fit interface called the Audio Connectivity Module (ACM) - it works by simulating the CD changer and provides aux in and Apple music controls as well as a USB in. They come up for sale occasionally.

If you have a look in the ICE section there is a lot about a possible replacement system using an android tablet.

My car has a Bury hands free phone kit which also streams music, however it uses the Bury Amp and it's not as powerful as the factory system or as good sounding as the CD - and it cuts out the factory stereo so you don't hear the sat nav.

My previous X350 had factory bluetooth but that only worked for calls not music.

I've seen ACM mentioned. I don't think I'd like to try to install it.

How can I tell if a car I'm looking at has this? Is the USB connection in the glovebox?

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BikerBore

Discussion Starter · #6 · Oct 15, 2017

RAMiddleton said:
Pure/Alpine their versions of the EZI-DAB unit. As well as adding DAB it also adds USB/iPhone and phono in. Unlike other FM injection solutions it offers the alternative to completely cut off the original antennae signal.

So do you use this as an FM Transmitter? Does it play in stereo? I've found the sound quality on ones I've used, though they were cheaper. Does this give good sound quality?

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mondeoman

· #7 · Oct 15, 2017

BikerBore said:
I've seen ACM mentioned. I don't think I'd like to try to install it.

How can I tell if a car I'm looking at has this? Is the USB connection in the glovebox?

Usual install has it in the glovebox or the centre cubby box - there are two phono/RCA sockets too if it's fitted.

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RAMiddleton

· #8 · Oct 16, 2017

It isn’t technically an FM transmitter as you basically end up using it as a line input over the FM antennae if you disable the standard radio throughput. DAB is crystal clear also. If you use a phone/USB stick or MP3 player you are effectively connected directly to the radio via the add in box and a short additional antennae.

Yes you get stereo as that is supported by the FM standard. The line level is a little lower when using an iOS device but could be rectified by using the phono connector.

It is leagues above your standard FM transmitter and if setup correctly does not suffer from interference. You don’t have that constant pain of retuning between areas. It also charges your device which is an added bonus. The controller on mine sits in the ashtray under the nav unit with the main connection box installed behind the screen itself. You’d never know it was there. You retain all current functionality to boot.

The ACM may be the official offering but to me it was ludicrously expensive, clunky and not very versatile. Replacing the whole setup with the Android option used by some is an option but I quite like keeping some of these elements as they are. Having spent time in an X351 XJ which is by no means cutting edge the infotainment just works and is another large step up especially if you factor in the integration side of the argument so for this series of cars I’m happy with staying at this state until it is retired.

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redfox666

· #9 · Oct 16, 2017

Look for a car with the audio controls in the rear arm rest - then you get an Aux input back there. Yes, you need a fairly long cable and selecting it whilst on the move is a PITA but it's good for long journeys. Cars with rear screens always have it, but cars without rear screens can also have it so always worth checking.

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cafcpete

· #10 · Oct 16, 2017

I have rear aux which in the past I have used a long cable to but is a PIA. Now I simply use a Bose Bluetooth speaker temp mounted (placed) on the cup holders in the armrest. Works great and I can tuck it in the armrest when not needed.mits battery lasts many many hours and sounds great....

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Clifton94

· #11 · Oct 16, 2017

Hi I use the vennbox also good bit of kit but not cheap but the sound quality is good

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GaziP07

· #12 · Oct 18, 2017

RAMiddleton said:
It isn't technically an FM transmitter as you basically end up using it as a line input over the FM antennae if you disable the standard radio throughput. DAB is crystal clear also. If you use a phone/USB stick or MP3 player you are effectively connected directly to the radio via the add in box and a short additional antennae.

Yes you get stereo as that is supported by the FM standard. The line level is a little lower when using an iOS device but could be rectified by using the phono connector.

It is leagues above your standard FM transmitter and if setup correctly does not suffer from interference. You don't have that constant pain of retuning between areas. It also charges your device which is an added bonus. The controller on mine sits in the ashtray under the nav unit with the main connection box installed behind the screen itself. You'd never know it was there. You retain all current functionality to boot.

The ACM may be the official offering but to me it was ludicrously expensive, clunky and not very versatile. Replacing the whole setup with the Android option used by some is an option but I quite like keeping some of these elements as they are. Having spent time in an X351 XJ which is by no means cutting edge the infotainment just works and is another large step up especially if you factor in the integration side of the argument so for this series of cars I'm happy with staying at this state until it is retired.

Pictures? i'm interested. Id like DAB in mine if possible

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