Naviks AUX Audio Input Interface (NAXK-SYNC3)

Since I upgraded my stereo, I wanted to try lossless audio from my phone to the Sync3. With our new trucks lacking aux input I installed the Naviks AUX Audio Input Interface (NAXK-SYNC3) along with an RCA to 3.5mm panel mount adapter. I used a USB-C hifi to 3.5mm cord to connect it. So here are takeaways. Install super easy 20 minutes, pull the stereo install the Naviks jumper cable plug the RCA panel adapter in and mounted the panel part in the little tray on top of the dash so I would not have dangling cords. I called Naviks before the purchase and asked if after the install the aux would show up in the Sync3 under inputs. They said yes, well that is not the case. You must plug a USB drive in with an audio track on it, (no problem have a few of those) select that from the Sync3 then hold the left arrow on the steering wheel for 5 seconds to have input from the aux (same to disable) which of course tries to also change your instrument display. I am using Tidal because I can download the tracks I want with lossless quality and have all the convenience that comes with any of the major music apps. I have an Android Note 10+ so it connected via Bluetooth and the sound was not playing out the USB adapter. A quick internet search and there is a feature in the settings that allows a selected app to play through a separate output, 5 minute fix. So with the phone connected via BT and plugged in now Tidal is playing through the aux input. Rocking some Upchurch Holler Boys while the Sync3 thinks it’s playing the Eagles off the USB stick that’s plugged in. The steering wheel controls don’t skip tracks or rewind since there is no data connection to the app playing on the phone. No big deal expected that. As far as phone calls go that works great the BT connection cuts the USB and you can receive and place calls, they do answer with the mute on so you have to push that on the Sync3 (have not looked for a fix yet not really concerned with that). After a call however you must go into the app and press play. The security required for work on my phone locks the screen so that is a real pain to log back into the phone after every call, that might be the deal-breaker. I also find I am missing the convenience of hitting the song skip button on the steering wheel. I had been using Spotify connected via BT, and the SQ is way better than Sirius radio, easily noticeable. Now I am going to have to hop back and forth between Spotify and Tidal with the different inputs and see if I can tell the difference in sound quality then way that against user experience. I will update in a few weeks with direction I go.

I see they have a usb to 3.5 mm on there site looks like u can just plug it in to the trucks usb and plug your 3.5 mm cable into it from a hi res player