FM reception and sound system on IS 350

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mark - 09 Mar 2006 23:01 GMT

Just got '06 IS 350, and love it, BUT... FM reception is lousy. Is
there ANY way to replace or improve that junky window diversity
antenna? I asked after-market guys and they say the antenna connector
is not standard. Can I get an adapter, and install a good external
antenna? Dealer won't do anything for me.

It could also be that the receiver is not sensitive enough. I'd change
the receiver, but nobody will touch it (including the dealer) cuz it's
part of the NAV system. Any ideas here?

The Lexus factory sound is ok, but I'd like to upgrade. I know, I
should have gotten the Mark Levinson option. I asked the dealer how
much to upgrade now to ML, and they quoted me $12,000 ( LOL !) Any
suggestions? I can change to after-market amp and speakers, but nobody
will touch the receiver.

I'm getting satellite radio, but I would still like FM sometimes.

Love the car, but the sound system needs work.

Cheers,
Mark

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Travis Jordan - 18 Mar 2006 21:10 GMT

> Just got '06 IS 350, and love it, BUT... FM reception is lousy. Is
> there ANY way to replace or improve that junky window diversity
> antenna? I asked after-market guys and they say the antenna connector
> is not standard. Can I get an adapter, and install a good external
> antenna? Dealer won't do anything for me.

Did you have the rear window tinted?

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Ray O - 18 Mar 2006 22:43 GMT

>> Just got '06 IS 350, and love it, BUT... FM reception is lousy. Is
>> there ANY way to replace or improve that junky window diversity
[quoted text clipped - 3 lines]
>
> Did you have the rear window tinted?

If you install an external antenna, I would recommend one that mounts on the
glass instead of drilling the body. If you have to drill the body, make
sure that you remove all metal chips and apply a good rust preventative
where the paint is broken. Try Crutchfield's web site to see what they have
for antenna adapters.

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Ray O
(correct punctuation to reply)

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