Jabberwock

We are down on the Gulf Coast.

paullaxer

Well the enclosure and cheap sub sound fine, but It doesn't add anything to the sound when placed in the trunk. The crossover isn't adjustable so its not even noticeable. I think I'll have to suck it up and do the seat removal/replacement. For the record the system sounds great with no sub (disconnected).

r0cketm0nk

Can you link to the repair kit at simplyspeakers? I have no idea what repair kit you're speaking of.

r0cketm0nk

Wrong.

See this thread. It has all the technical details you need: https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls-...iled-pics.html

TL;DR: 16ohm sub is what you're looking for with the ML system if you want to match specs, but users have good luck with the 8ohm Polk. You're referring to the standard Pioneer system, perhaps.

And even if you're right, a 4 ohm sub won't blow 2ohm amps. You'd just get lower output.

r0cketm0nk

Anyone tried these generic subwoofers?

Mobius1

Yes, i have the same subwoofer installed in the rear deck of my 03' LS430 with the ML amp, and it has been working great these past 6 months.

The "generic" subwoofer that is linked by Jabberwock is in fact (or should be at least, it looks exactly the same) a Dayton-Audio branded subwoofer. They are a decently reputable company that sells speakers for DIY speaker makers. Their product page is here at the following:
http://www.parts-express.com/dayton-...oofer--295-484

In fact, you can find a review i posted on Amazon on the following page:

Jabberwock

I installed this sub wired in series so it runs as 16 ohms in my 2004 SC430 and it works great. Compared to the bargain bin quality of the OEM ML sub, even this relatively inexpensive replacement sub is a much higher quality, more robust and better built speaker than the factory ML sub.

Despite sounding great when new, frankly, even to a casual observer, a physical examination of the OEM ML sub, and the other ML mid drivers in the LS430 and SC430 shows them to be bargain bin level components at best. The ML tweeters look like reasonable quality mid range components, but the rest of the ML speakers look like brand x speakers - small low quality magnets, cheap stamped metal baskets and low quality paper cones with poor quality cheap foam surround - speakers you can find online for literally $2-3 each.

Bocatrip

After 7 years of ownership I initially went the glue method, and then the refoaming method, and ultimately replacing with the OEM subwoofer. I got a relatively good price for the sub at that time (a number of years ago for around $300 I believe). I also replaced my front door speakers with OEM at the same time for $99 each. The system sounds very good and of course I don't blast the music for fear of going through the expense of replacement again. The vulnerability of the rear sub (besides age) is the direct sunlight because of the position of the sub on the rear lid. The LS460 changed the position and avoided the same issues. Since replacement I'm not worried (as much) about my amp failing due to non compatibility with after market speakers. The amp is expensive as most parts are for our cars.

tallcaguy

Had mine rebuilt (including new coil and cone) for 115.

Bocatrip

It's always who you know.. I wish you were my neighbor tallguy! Here in Florida... we get taken over the coals....

JffGRY706

I have never heard the ML stereo to this day, and I have a question. How loud do you turn it up? I usually crank my Pioneer system up to 50 when a good song is playing on CD and about 53 with cassettes. still sounds okay, not as good as the Bose system in my last car. but that was the best I have ever owned.

jayclapp

Has anybody bothered to measure the decibel level in their cars when operating at their usual level? As an older person who has hearing deficient over the years, it is not a pleasant thing and simply cannot be corrected with hearing aids (although they can provide enough clarity for conservations in most situations, you can kiss the pleasure of listening to music goodby)! Youth is eternal until they experience it is not, and at that time it is too late.

r0cketm0nk

Surprised no one mentioned tinting the rear windows though...that was the first thing I did to my LS. Pretty sure it would go a long way making sure everything in the car last that much longer.

I can't believe a brand like ML would have cheap parts that look like they're flea market material, despite all the praises about them. Anyway, I ordered the sub from ebay, looking to install it when it arrives. Will be keeping the rest of the speakers. They all still work, so why not.

2KHarrier

That would be interesting to do. It might give someone a wakeup call. As a person who suffers from Tinnitus, I am now careful not to play music very loudly. Many years of airplane noise, followed by loud music is starting to take it's toll.

However, I have to say, the ML system, when it's working properly does sound fantastic.

Jabberwock

Sadly you probably will believe it when you take one of the OEM ML drivers out and take a close look at it. Let's be clear, I dearly love the LS430 and think it was likely the best high quality assembly line-built cars ever produced, but the OEM ML speakers in the car are cheaply made bottom of the barrel parts.