3.5mm aux audio cable: GROM Audio or iSimple? Which version?

[95maxrider]

Hi everyone,

A lot of the posts regarding a 3.5mm aux stereo input are pretty old, and don't cover all of the available options. I'm not interested in an iPod hookup, BT audio, or the car displaying song info on the screen. I just want a bare bones aux cable that has good sound quality so I can play music from my phone (and control it from my phone). I've read through the existing threads and have put together what I believe is a semi-complete list of available options. I would appreciate your help and feedback in determining which is the best and most reliable option.

The two main brands I keep coming across are Grom and iSimple, and both offers multiple choices, apparently for our vehicles.

First up is the iSimple ISNI531 that goes for $75:
4.2/5 stars, 47 reviews
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0072L7W7O/ref=ask_ql_qh_dp_hza

Then there's the iSimple ISNI 571 for $103:
3.7/5 stars, 48 reviews
https://www.amazon.com/iSimple-ISNI571-Automotive-Interface-Vehicles/dp/B00455IR4M

GROM offers more choices.
The NIS02A1 for $77 looks to be the simplest option out there, and is also one of the cheapest.
4.1/5 stars, 15 reviews
https://www.amazon.com/GROM-Audio-S...D=41y1zX-%2BAaL&preST=_SX300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch

Someone posted a link to the NIS02A3:
Clearance: Nissan Infiniti 02-11 Auxiliary Car Kit, Bluetooth Capable - SAT Emulation

There's the NIS02B3 for $151:
3.7/5, 43 reviews
https://www.amazon.com/GROM-Audio-E...pID=41h4gdgqbPL&preST=_SX300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch

And the NIS02U3 for $161:
2.2/5, 6 reviews
https://www.amazon.com/GROM-Audio-B...pID=41KmqySMKfL&preST=_SX300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch

One thing that I'm not clear about regarding the FX specifically is whether or not we have satellite radio. My FX has the Touring, hands-free, tech, and LDW packages, which means I have navigation. But I don't see a SAT button anywhere, how do I know if the car has satellite radio? A lot of these say that your car needs the SAT button for them to be compatible, and I've read that on our cars that actually means the "CAT" selection on the right spin wheel, which my FX has. Does having the CAT option on the right wheel mean my FX has satellite radio?

Many of the reviews for the more expensive GROM units mention crappy quality and intermittent functionality. However, the $77 GROM NIS02A1 gets good reviews, and it's a lot simpler than the other options. Has anyone used that one here? If it's compatible with my FX, then I think right now it's my favorite option.

Then there's the issue about low volume or bass levels when using units like these. How many of you have had to install a remote level control device? I like the look of this JL Audio RLC:
JL Audio CL-RLC (clrlc) Fully Active 2-Channel Remote Level

But since it appears to only use RCAs, I'm not sure if would work with the GROM NIS02A1, since that only has a 3.5mm aux cable. But maybe it would work with the iSimple ISNI531? That has RCA cables in the kit.

What about needing ground loop isloators to get rid of hum/buzz?

Here's a Radio Shack version that uses RCAs:
https://www.amazon.com/RadioShack-S..._rd_t=40701&psc=1&refRID=9KV5R5FXMNX1E6PBDPTM

And an mPow version that uses 3.5mm:
https://www.amazon.com/Mpow-Ground-...ons&keywords=audio+ground+loop+isolator&psc=1

So, have I overlooked anything? Is my understanding of the SAT/CAT buttons correct?

Thanks in advance!

 

[95maxrider]

It's been 3+ weeks and no replies? Can anyone offer any guidance on this?

 

[onthemove]

If I knew something about it I'd help, but I don't...so I won't. Research the topic elsewhere or to be infiniti/nissan specific, try the g/z sites.

 

[Jeremy Truman]

You are right for a bare bones cable connection the first option is what you want. And will work with our GPS Decks, you are correct about the SAT/CAT button.
iSimple ISNI531; $75 https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0072L7W7O/ref=ask_ql_qh_dp_hza

That line driver is great from JL Audio but I don't think you are going to need it.
I tapped into the wires that go into the subwoofer and they are already low level connections, RCA. Not high level connections, like a speaker output.
Since it's a sub it's a mono output, not stereo. Just solder and heat shrink your connections and separate them from your power wires to eliminate noise.

Subwoofer Amplifier:

Subwoofer signal: Positive- White
Negative- Black
Amplifier Ground- Black
Amplifier Turn-on- Pink
Amplifier Constant Power- Gray (2003)
Green/Red (2004+)

 

[95maxrider]

You are right for a bare bones cable connection the first option is what you want. And will work with our GPS Decks, you are correct about the SAT/CAT button.
iSimple ISNI531; $75 https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0072L7W7O/ref=ask_ql_qh_dp_hza

That line driver is great from JL Audio but I don't think you are going to need it.
I tapped into the wires that go into the subwoofer and they are already low level connections, RCA. Not high level connections, like a speaker output.
Since it's a sub it's a mono output, not stereo. Just solder and heat shrink your connections and separate them from your power wires to eliminate noise.

Subwoofer Amplifier:

Subwoofer signal: Positive- White
Negative- Black
Amplifier Ground- Black
Amplifier Turn-on- Pink
Amplifier Constant Power- Gray (2003)
Green/Red (2004+)

Finally, a reply, thank you!