I just posted this in the Audio Forum Section-

I have 2 Jags, 94 XJS, 99 XJ8 VDP.
My wife insists that no mods be made to the Jags that would affect
the original equipment.
I was considering using a 1 DIN aftermarket unit
that has bluetooth and a small display.
That idea is currently on hold. (maybe permanently)
I was using a cassette adapter with an audio jack cable that plugs into
the audio source. Requires a way to lock down the unit while the car is in motion.
The cable tends to come loose during travel and adds to the clutter.

So, I bought a ION brand "Cassette Adapter Bluetooth" on line for $26.00
S&H at Amazon. WIRELESS Audio at LAST!!!

Both Jags have excellent tape deck systems and the ION unit is accepted
by both Jags.

The ION unit will pair with the audio source unit out of the cassette player
as soon as you turn the ION unit power on.

Be sure to remove the microphone from the cassette adapter enclosure
so it is external to the cassette deck. It just dangles outside the deck.
There is a flat spot on the mic you press to accept a call.

Just accept the pairing on the source unit and put the ION unit into the
cassette deck and turn the Jag Radio on and drive away with the
tunes that make you happy

The iPhone phone connection was a little low according to the person
I called but, it was acceptable. The sound I got was great!
To accept a call you just press the flat spot on the microphone that
dangles from the cassette unit.

I used a iPhone4s as the audio source via the Bluetooth.
The iTunes files played with no problems on both Jags. Although
the 99 XJ8 VDP sound was really outstanding.
The unit requires charging before use. It lasts 4 - 6 hrs before it
needs another recharge. Turn the unit off when not in use to
make the charge last longer.
The instructions say that the adapter will automatically turn off
after 15 minutes of non-use. I haven't verified that feature yet.

The biggest gripe I have is the instruction sheet that came with the unit
is in the smallest print possible. I wound up going to the ION web site
and downloading the manual on line so I could read it.

http://www.ionaudio.com/downloads/Ca...Guide-v1.1.pdf

I have used another ION product that converts Vinyl records to digital
mpg3 and other formats. Great product.

Even though you can take it and use it on any of the Jags I am going to
buy 2 more Cassette adapters. One for the other Jag and one for the 91 Suburban.

I think I will wind up using a Tablet for the music and GPS.
I'll use the iPhone for just phone calls in the mean time.
I'm not a big fan of using a phone while driving.

Regards,
Bob

P O R (Press On Regardless)

 

Has anyone used the Gogroove flexsmart x2 or x3 in their XJ8's? Just wondering what people's experiences were.

 

So I'm guessing no one has used either the Gogroove x2 or x3 in their Jag XJ8?

 

I have tried several external bluetooth-FM radio adapters that used the lighter receptacle
for power and they had problems with the power plug popping out or the FM radio
frequency chosen not available while passing through a new town during a long trip.

The cassette method works for me and my wife. No radio tuning required other than the bluetooth device pairing.
The downside is that the vehicle has to have a cassette player otherwise your entertainment system has to have a built in bluetooth or a aux input. Or you will have to resort to a
FM radio-Bluetooth adapter.

Or you can rip out the original system and replace it with a new after market system.
MUCHO WORK Dudes! MUCHO Dineros, moola, el cashola to go that route.

Or go buy another Jaguar XJ8 with a newer system ! I can hear all those Jag dealers
out there saying, "YES ! YES ! Do It! Do It!" "You deserve a new car with a state of the art
entertainment system !!!"

I chose the $26.00 cassette method. Sorry, Mr. Jag Dealer.

 

I found the Motorola T605 wired into the phone plug extant in the center console as described in some many other posts on the forums, with an in-line FM modulator plumbed into the antenna line (and set for 87.9 FM) with the #9 position set for that frequency taking the audio output from the 605 to also be a great solution. Yes, you have to be a bit handy with a crimper, soldering iron, and comfortable taking the radio out and stringing wires...but, when you look in the driver window, there are no wires hanging around, and all the parts are hidden (except for the half-candy-bar sized control head for the 605.

As in all mods/changes/improvements, it's a matter of both what your taste is and what your comfort/pain level is to accomplish your goal... Thing I like with my solution is that the input to the modulator is a standard audio cable (white/red) RCA set of jacks...so, it's not a stretch to imagine putting in a manual audio switcher in the armrest to handle the feed from the 605, a cable for plugging in a rear seat DVD player for the grandkids, or even a feed from my ham radio external audio output to feed the stereo head.

Indecision is the key to flexibility, afterall...

 

scarbro2011 - Picked up the ION and enjoying the Bluetooth connectivity. I went one further and added a USB chargeable battery pack. Charge the battery pack while driving, use the battery pack to charge the Bluetooth cassette adapter while I'm parked.




Thanks for the great idea.

 

Hi,

Read my post of today, "Get the most out of your stereo...". I have tested several solutions, and there are definitely better units out there than the Ion bluetooth adapter. Easy and ok, but lacks seriously in sound quality.