350FSport

iTrader: (1)

I am going to upgrade my audio system next weekend. I plan to thoroughly document my install with pictures and descriptions for the benefit of the community. Enjoy!

Components

From my previous IS350:

Alpine SWR-1242D:


Alpine MRP-M500 and AudioControl LC2i:

• 4-guage power/ground

Recently acquired:

Alpine SPS-610c:


Alpine SPS-610:


Alpine MRP-F300:

• Power distribution block 4g to 8g
• 50ft 18g speaker wire
• 2x 3ft RCA connects

On order:

AudioControl LCQ-1:

• Speaker mount adapters
• Speaker wire harnesses
• 3ft red 8g power wire
• 3ft black 8g ground wire
• Ground distribution block

The goal of this system is to have a solid upgrade from stock, but not over the top as far as expense, complexity, etc. Total cost will run around $1300.

Check back next weekend for updates!

garsarno

Are you using the stock, in dash Lexus head unit?

350FSport

iTrader: (1)

Yes, using the stock Nav system, tapping the signal after the factory amp in the trunk, running that to the LCQ1 then on to the amps. I will also run speaker wires from the 4ch to the front doors for the components and use the factory dash location for the tweeters.

jacobjohn

NICE! can't wait for the complete write-up!

garsarno

Me too! This might be the alternative to the ML system I miss so much.

350FSport

iTrader: (1)

Thanks I am also excited! I wanted to put it in this weekend, I could technically put it in with the LC2i, but I would lose fade and the equalizer functionality of the LCQ1. Plus I am waiting on the speaker adapters from crutchfield. I expect this system to exceed the stock ML system. You could replace the LCQ1 with a higher end processor like the Audison bit.one or jbl ms8, and spend a bit more on the speakers, and really get audiophile quality, but I wanted to keep my budget down. This would be a sub-$1800 system installed by pros. I have installed systems on at least 6 cars, although I am no expert I can get this one done over a weekend and save the install cost. Even at < $1800 installed this will be much better (IMO) than buying the ML components and trying to upgrade to a factory ML system. I will be mounting the amps and processor on the sub box itself, so the amount of space taken in the trunk is minimized. The factory sub will just be disabled. You won't win any Spl competitions with this setup, but I will have the bass **** up front so the sub volume can be adjusted to blend to the music type, or in my case, my mood on how much I want to feel it in my chest

garsarno

My ears like clarity of the instruments, nice clear highs with proper bass. No boom booms.

garsarno

I use the Eagles song "Take it easy" as a measure of a sound system for clarity and response.

350FSport

iTrader: (1)

I will try to give a review when its done that is honest on pros and cons. I would rather have SQ then boom so that is the goal. I have the 12 inch sub sealed for tighter bass, but I do think 12 is necessary to be able to reproduce the 25-50hz range, much easier than an 8 or 10 can do. I am into car audio but not in the loud boom way. We will see how this one turns out!

memasterac

Any Updates? Pictures? Please share. Thanks.