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Look at the first review (by C. Pittson) there on Amazon. It was a guy with an SC430. He liked them but did buy the recommended (on Amazon) brackets also. However, he didn't specifically mention the quality of these speakers versus the ML speakers. He did point out that even though these are marked as 4Ω speakers they are actually 8Ω speakers, which is what the ML speakers are.
Yep, I read that and bought those with the brackets/connectors. When I hand deliver these speakers to JM Lexus I hope to measure the room inside the door and get the tech's feedback.
Just replaced my door speakers with 6.5 inch 8 ohm midbass speakers by Rockford Fosgate ($110 pair) sourced on ebay. Purchased 6x9 to 6.5 conversion templates on Amazon for $17.
Also installed a new subwoofer ($46) by DVC (Daytonaudio) sourced on ebay. The new sub is an 8 inch with dual voice coils rated 8 ohm per coil so wired in series it runs as a 16 ohm speaker.
The existing OEM ML factory door speakers, and the rear sub worked, but rattled due to cracked/torn foam surrounds. The OEM ML drivers are very cheaply made so I could not see spending money to repair them when there are much better replacement speakers available at reasonable prices.
Replacing the three OEM ML speakers, 2 doors and the rear sub, total cost apprx $175, - the sound is much improved, the replacement drivers match existing ohm rating requirements, and the higher quality replacement speakers will last and sound great for many years to come.
Just replaced my door speakers with 6.5 inch 8 ohm midbass speakers by Rockford Fosgate ($110 pair) sourced on ebay. Purchased 6x9 to 6.5 conversion templates on Amazon for $17.
Also installed a new subwoofer ($46) by DVC (Daytonaudio) sourced on ebay. The new sub is an 8 inch with dual voice coils rated 8 ohm per coil so wired in series it runs as a 16 ohm speaker.
The existing OEM ML factory door speakers, and the rear sub worked, but rattled due to cracked/torn foam surrounds. The OEM ML drivers are very cheaply made so I could not see spending money to repair them when there are much better replacement speakers available at reasonable prices.
Replacing the three OEM ML speakers, 2 doors and the rear sub, total cost apprx $175, - the sound is much improved, the replacement drivers match existing ohm rating requirements, and the higher quality replacement speakers will last and sound great for many years to come.
....glad to hear that you're happy with the results
I bought these on Amazon with the kit and just handed them to JM Lexus. Per JM Lexus, they installed with no issues. I pick up the car today. Sorry, I asked them to measure depth, but it is a big place and I could not get to the car to do it myself. So 2 new speakers for $70. I will report back on the sound.
I bought these on Amazon with the kit and just handed them to JM Lexus. Per JM Lexus, they installed with no issues. I pick up the car today. Sorry, I asked them to measure depth, but it is a big place and I could not get to the car to do it myself. So 2 new speakers for $70. I will report back on the sound.
Thanks for for letting everyone know, and in great detail.
The DS-18s appear to be out of stock. Does anyone know of any other 6x9 8 ohms that are reasonably priced that are a direct replacement? Or could someone let me know what 6.5 Rockford Fosgates fit (I'm concerned about the depths) and what accessories/adapters I'll need? This is for a 2002 to the extent that matters.
My personal sc430 appears to have a good set of oem speakers in it. My research on the oem stereo setup mentions mark levinson originally not interested in doing a car stereo because of the normally high level of background noise that cars have.
apparrently he was swayed by the ultra quiet nature of Lexus in general and the sc430 in particular.
he obviously matched the components to the cars interior setup and internal volume.
many stereo installations have been less aggressively equipped as most cars have internal parts that will vibrate themselves.
with our pioneer and the stock system the stereo head with the equilizer set for “powerful” and the range expander set on its highest setting the door panels bounce a lot when the volume is up.
crystal clear.
Had loud window down rappers next to us on the Vegas strip with the top down and we had the Stones “blues and lonesome” turned way up.
could not hear there’s. At all.
stock speakers and ML amp.
but that being said the stock speakers seem to be ok in our 25k mile car
My personal sc430 appears to have a good set of oem speakers in it. My research on the oem stereo setup mentions mark levinson originally not interested in doing a car stereo because of the normally high level of background noise that cars have.
apparrently he was swayed by the ultra quiet nature of Lexus in general and the sc430 in particular.
he obviously matched the components to the cars interior setup and internal volume.
I suggest you research Harman Industries and the defunct / bankrupt audiophile brand names (Infinity, JBL, Lexicon, Mark Levinson, Crown) Harman has purchased over the years and now uses as marketing labels to sell Harman designed and produced products. This is all above board, and it is a very good strategy for their business model - but none of these companies exist in any fashion other than as a marketing channel label for Harman products. The brand marketing program is well funded and seems very effective at selling relatively generic Harman car audio products to consumers who associate the old school brand names with high end high quality audio and have no idea the companies behind the brands haven't existed or operated for years.
As an especially egregious example of marketing hype at its best, Mark Levinson has had absolutely nothing to do in any way shape or form with any audio product that has the Mark Levinson brand name since 1980.
Jabberwock -- Could you share what the model number was on the Rockford Fosgate speakers you got, as well as the adapters you picked up from Amazon? I'd really appreciate it. Thanks!
Thanks, guys! This is really helpful. It looks like Amazon is temporary out of stock, but hopefully they'll get more in soon. Do I need the speaker connectors as well? Thanks again.
12-29-16, 11:22 AM
