LKE7

Can someone please tell me what would cause a ML stereo to cut in and out randomly in my 2003 SC430? I recently had new rotors/brake pads, starter, and all relevent gaskets and sensors replaced....I have only had the car a couple months and it seems everyday there is something new going wrong...I originally thought that it was just one radio station but as I changed stations it continued to occur. Sometimes once or twice, sometimes every few seconds...and is there a way to get better/louder sound from the stereo? I find that when the top is down and i am on the highway the stereo 'tops out' at a volume that does is not sufficient..Thanks in advance!

mrblister

Sounds like an amplifier is intermittent. i find the sound level of my 2005 is fine. If i try to max it out with top down I think I would blow my speakers. Are your speakers good ??

LKE7

Thanks for the reply...how could I test this? The speakers seem fine but I can turn the dial without ANY increase in volume after a certain point (and it is CERTAINLY not that loud) even with the top up and windows closed it doesn't seem to get very loud. I would say that on a scale of 1-10(high)...top up 6, top down 4 (if I put fader 100% to the front) I am not trying to drown out any one but I like some good sound if I am alone in the car. I also heard it is difficult to put in an aftermarket system - do you know that to be the case?

mrblister

It is possible to install an aftermarket radio Search the forum. You will need a special double din kit so you can fill in the sides of the unit. There have been others that have done this. If your volume seems low it is not normal . Even though many feel that the mark levenson system is not adaquate It still does have a fair amount of kick. There are special things you will need to do in order to upgrade to afermarket . Others will chime in that have done this

Buddy

kjcole

I have an '02 with the stock ML system, and it has power in spades (I'm rattlin the windows at medium levels - don't know that I've ever turned it up all the way). I would suspect a problem with your power amplifier and/or the outputs to the speakers from the power amp, or blown speakers. Even at whompin high levels my speakers don't distort. So listen for distortion at individual speakers. The low levels and intermittent cut-outs make me wonder about the integrity of the connection between the pre-amp stage and the power amplifier stage, or the power amp itself.

LKE7

Thank you Buddy and KJCole! I DEFINITELY don't have window rattling lol...even at 'full' volume...I also am very familiar with blown speakers and I don't have any distortion at all. I have isolated each speaker with the fader & balance and all seem to be ok...I will look into all above and really appreciate the replies! Best, L