ES - 5th Gen (2007-2012) Discussion topics related to 2007+ ES350

2009 ES350 non-ML w/ Nav: Complete Audio System Upgrade

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 08-18-12, 03:47 PM
  #1  
350FSport
Driver
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
 
350FSport's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: GA
Posts: 190
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default 2009 ES350 non-ML w/ Nav: Complete Audio System Upgrade

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!
Old 08-18-12, 04:22 PM
  #2  
garsarno
Lexus Champion
 
garsarno's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: PA
Posts: 1,834
Likes: 0
Received 6 Likes on 5 Posts
Default

Are you using the stock, in dash Lexus head unit?
Old 08-18-12, 04:35 PM
  #3  
350FSport
Driver
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
 
350FSport's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: GA
Posts: 190
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

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.
Old 08-18-12, 09:54 PM
  #4  
jacobjohn
Driver
 
jacobjohn's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: GA
Posts: 109
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

NICE! can't wait for the complete write-up!
Old 08-19-12, 08:39 AM
  #5  
garsarno
Lexus Champion
 
garsarno's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: PA
Posts: 1,834
Likes: 0
Received 6 Likes on 5 Posts
Default

Me too! This might be the alternative to the ML system I miss so much.
Old 08-19-12, 04:19 PM
  #6  
350FSport
Driver
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
 
350FSport's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: GA
Posts: 190
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

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
Old 08-19-12, 04:47 PM
  #7  
garsarno
Lexus Champion
 
garsarno's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: PA
Posts: 1,834
Likes: 0
Received 6 Likes on 5 Posts
Default

My ears like clarity of the instruments, nice clear highs with proper bass. No boom booms.
Old 08-19-12, 04:50 PM
  #8  
garsarno
Lexus Champion
 
garsarno's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: PA
Posts: 1,834
Likes: 0
Received 6 Likes on 5 Posts
Default

I use the Eagles song "Take it easy" as a measure of a sound system for clarity and response.
Old 08-19-12, 05:53 PM
  #9  
350FSport
Driver
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
 
350FSport's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: GA
Posts: 190
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

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!
Old 10-11-12, 10:05 PM
  #10  
memasterac
Lexus Test Driver
 
memasterac's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: CA, Bay Area
Posts: 1,499
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
Default

Any Updates? Pictures? Please share. Thanks.
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
MoreMGD32
Mobile Audio/Video Classifieds
22
05-25-17 03:58 AM
MNP
RX - 3rd Gen (2010-2015)
1
04-12-12 04:15 PM
bchi99
Mobile Audio/Video Classifieds
10
05-09-11 02:18 PM
MileHi350
Lexus Audio, Video, Security & Electronics
16
03-27-11 11:49 PM
88supramki
Lexus Audio, Video, Security & Electronics
31
10-30-06 12:33 PM



Quick Reply: 2009 ES350 non-ML w/ Nav: Complete Audio System Upgrade



All times are GMT -7. The time now is 12:55 PM.