ARODGERS

Hi guys,

Is it possible to exchange a pioneer head unit with a Nakamichi head unit. I saw one on EBAY that I'm considering picking up. The guy is also selling a pioneer unit, but on the Pioneer add he mentions that the unit cannot replace a Nakamichi unit.

Question 2. Is it really worth it to make the change? WIll I hear a noticable diffrence in my sound?

And finally is it dificult to make the swap?

JWC83

I've often wondered this, too, since my LS has the Pioneer system, and I am somewhat of an audiophile. I'd appreciate any responses.

Bradster

To get the full effect of the Nak head unit change-out,i imagine you'd have to change all the speakers from pioneer to Nak-and what about the amp(s)? I probably wouldn't go through the trouble unless you intend to go all the way.MHO naturally

SQ-LS

Amp and CD changer are the same.
You just got to swap out the headunit and speakers.

ARODGERS

Thanks for the feedback. I have another question. The unit that I'm purchasing has the CD option. Will that matter?

SQ-LS

Do you have a CD changer?
Doesn't really matter because they are both the same CD changer.

ARODGERS

I'm in the process of locating a CD changer as well. Does anyone know anyone in the NY metro area that repairs sock Lexus radios??

ARODGERS

I'm in the process of locating a CD changer as well. Does anyone know anyone in the NY metro area that repairs sock Lexus radios??

ARODGERS

I was told that the plug for the Nak unit and the Pioneer unit are diffrent. Does anyone have and feedback,

lexusaudio

the 1993 nak amp is a huge aluminum finned amp mounted on top of the cd changer. it has different input plugs.the nak amp is a 5 channel amp. the pioneer system has 4 channel amp with a seperate amp for the subwoofer with a totally different wiring harness........................................................................... minumum you would have to run large amp power lead to the nak amp. also if you dont have a cd changer button now the 12 lead shielded cd changer cable is also not in your wiring harness..................................................................................
i will send you another pm message like i did on 2 -7- 03. some club lexus sc owners have converted sc400 from pioneer to nak and replaced all the speakers with good success. had to switch subwoofers also. an easier solution is to convert to the pioneer cd button radio and cd changer with the cd changer cable . that requires no splicing or speaker changes and is plug in and play other than running the custom made cd changer cable.

Bradwillia

Could you share the link of the guys in the SC that have done it? Thanks

Schnitz

iTrader: (5)

Why not just go aftermarket? Aeshetics?

Wanderson

That's what I've heard as well, different plugs & wiring harnesses. Not saying that you couldn't frankenstein something together, but if you're spending that much time & effort you might as well just go aftermarket, rewiring a new system is probably easier and when you're done, it's better than OEM. I have the Nak in my '99 and for now everything works and it sounds great. But it's also a 12 year old system based on even older technology, great for it's time but parts get harder to find every day. The speakers have the shortest lifespan of all the stereo components, and I haven't seen anyone find an aftermarket replacement for them.

Acidic

iTrader: (1)

It would be truly silly to spend this much time and money to get a 20 yr old system. Get the head unit if you must but pay someone to install the HU with afternmarket speaker/subs/amp. It would likely cost about the same and sound much better with less effort.

If you wanted to install the nak HU yourself make sure you get the wiring harness leads (just have them cut out) and buy an aftermarket adapter for the pioneer unit's harness leads. This way you don't have to splice anything or try to figure out what to splice where when dealing with your car's harness.