pzhang

is it possible to swap out the stereo unit and replace it with a ML unit of same year model, is it doable? if yes, will it make the sound better? any advise is greatly appreicated!

dlbuckls10

The base system (10) speakers) and ML (19 speakers) are two different systems. Possible maybe but it wouldn't be worth the time, expense and effort to rip your LS wiring and doors apart to add additional speakers and amps.

roadfrog

It will sound light years ahead of the base system, but it will require considerable work and expense. FWIW, all the speakers, amp and head unit are available on Ebay for a relatively reasonable sum. Wiring-wise, the wiring I believe is already in place on the vehicle. I say this because I have several unused harnesses behind my ML system, which I assume is for the base system, so I assume the reverse is true for a non-ML system. Speaker wires are probably already in place as well. I would research this further through a search (here and Google).

SW17LS

You'd be better off to have an aftermarket system put in, you'd wind up with a better system for far less.

Chuckinnj

I would suggest checking into a "high end" car audio shop and see what they have to offer.

Doublebase

Someone suggested to me to install a subwoofer in my base system. The system is absolutely horrible, so perhaps a sub would do something? I'm not into these types of things, so I know next to nothing about car stereos, but someone told me they would install one in my trunk and tie it into my rear speaker for a cheap and easy installation.

Would this be realistic? He said it wouldn't sound as good as tapping into behind the stereo for a signal, but the rear speaker would give me something. I just can't believe how bad the base stereo sounds - I just bought my daughter her first car and her stereo in her 2002 Jeep Liberty sounds ten times better than the one in my LS460?? Unbelievable.

Chuckinnj

You can add a amplified sub to any system to give the bass some extra boost (punch). Subs can be located under seats (if you have room) or in the trunk. You can check out Crutchfield.com for some ideas and the installation requires basic wiring skills...... They are very helpful if you call them about your needs.
I installed a Infinity Bass Link in my Dodge Charger and replaced all the speakers with upgraded after market speakers and the system sounds great....... My wife drives the LS and she is happy with the sound so I will keep the stereo system factory, until I "inherit" the car.

SW17LS

A sub would help, I've been told the same thing and have considered it.

I wouldn't call it horrible, but it's not great. Oddly the base audio in my GS was better.

Doublebase

You have the base stereo in your LS? I don't see many people with it, yours must sound better than mine, mine is pretty bad. When I first got the car I couldn't believe my ears...thought I could tune it enough to make it passable, but there's not much you can do. I seriously am considering installing a sub...looked on crutchfield's website, found a self powered amp that may fit under my seat. Might give it a try...install doesn't look crazy. I just don't want to go through the trouble if it isn't going to make a big difference.

SW17LS

Yeah mines the base stereo. They're more common in newer models.

What sounds bad to you could very well sound fine to me lol

Rhambler

I have the base system and it sounds fine to me. Of course I'm no audiophile who listens to Beethoven, but it's better than the top-shelf Bose I had my RL.

Granted I never heard the ML, so ignorance is bliss.

1WILLY1

iTrader: (9)

I installed 2x12 subwoofers in my 03 ls430, and it became a really amazing system with just that alone

As long as your base system has half decent high notes and tweeters , adding a subwoofer set up will be a perfect match.

As for me I'm still unsure if I have the ML system or the base system in my 08 L

I don't see mark levinson written anywhere so I must have the base, but I would of thought it would be standard on any "L"

SW17LS

It would say Mark Levinson in the center above the button strip if it had ML

it would also have it on the speaker grilles on the doors.

Chuckinnj

Installing a Amplified Sub along with "tweaking" the EQ would be my first step rather than replacing the factory system. I am NOT a high end audiophile but I just sat in the 2012 LS with a factory base system and it does not sound "that bad" where I would go through the trouble of replacing the system......... True! it lacks the deep bass "punch" that some owners want, but that can be resolved with a amplified sub woofer located in the trunk.
Keep in mind that some ML owners have reported problems with their ML systems (amps and head) and the repairs are pricey.

2v1g

In terms of high end audio, lots of people don't care and can't hear a difference comparing to low end system. Fewer customers push the high end audio into a dying business and get ever more expensive to cover business cost

My audio system at home cost 60k+, I think all the base audio system in Japanese cars are crap. The ml system in 430 sounds cleaner than 460