maxse

Hi guys,
So I am continuing doing research to help my parents get a nice Lexus to keep for another 7-10 years as a daily driver. Seems like the GX are built awesome and are reliable even with high miles.

So I am looking at 2004 models mostly due to price and maybe some 2005 ones.

My issue is that most come with Nav and ML. Having a hard time finding ones without Nav.
I would need to be able to stream Spotify from my phone and also use the BT audio from my phone. Is that possible with these cars? Is there an add-on that can enable bluetooth audio streaming with these head unites?

Now what about blown speakers? I think the ML ones are 8ohm. But someone recently posted that there are no replacement aftermarket speakers (didn't exist before) that can work with this system. Ideally I would add a new headunit with carplay, but I realize I can't on Navi equipped GXs since the climate control is tied into it.

Would really appreciate your help guys

Kidscolleg

I posted this over at iH8mud,

So this mod is about $143 ($71.50/door) but well worth it. I had to replace my ML 6x9s so I figured I may as well do the other speakers too while I had the door panels off. All are 8ohm and require very little modification, in the case of the mid and tweeters I even used the stock brackets. Took about three hours. Watch online videos on how to remove door panels, if you don't know how, very easy.

Speakers -

6x9 woofers - got these from another post. $57.97

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00N8077VY/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002BBP7Y/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00IIC6CPE/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

2" midrange - Picked mainly for their size but sound very decent. Clip or unsolder and reuse harness and bracket. Used some machine screws, washers and nuts to hold the speakers in the brackets. $17.95

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0008JHBOQ/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

1" tweeters - unsolder harness, re-use cap and bracket. You have to clip off a small plastic piece but the new tweeter snaps right in. I used some super glue just to make sure it stays put. These are the most expensive component but well worth it. $66.75

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00EO76ZGS/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1


So much better than stock.


UPDATE: Went back in to apply Dynamat all over the doors. The improved bass was causing rattles and vibrations on the doors. Applied Dynamat all over the door and behind the 6x9 drivers. Much better. Amazing improvement over stock ML speakers and keeps getting better.

cgdrennan

I got a GROM audio bluetooth interface and it works great for both listening to music and making calls. I installed it behind the Nav and ran the microphone to come out just under the ignition. BTW I have an '04 GX with the Nav/ml system. The only downside is that you lose CD functionality, but I don't listen to CDs anymore anyway.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

maxse

Wait, so these will work with the ML headunit? I thought ML speakers are proprietary and you couldnt switch them out?

Kidscolleg

ML amp is stable with 6-8ohm speakers. These are all 8ohm and work great.

LoneHiker

There's nothing proprietary about the ML speakers, that is just the NAV-haters talking nonsense without understanding how it works. Kidscolleg is correct, you can use any speakers 6 ohms or higher and they will be fine. The problem is that MOST (but not all) car speakers are 4ohm, so that limits your choices to the handful of speakers that will fit and are 6ohm or above. I have the same 6.x9's that Kidscolleg used, but I haven't installed them yet, I just got them a while back when they were extremely cheap ($30) to keep around for the time when I need them.

Parts Express has a huge selection of speakers that will fit (possibly with some minor modification) and are 8ohm.