I just like to get more bass out of the system. Does anybody recommend just changing the sub speaker located in the trunk? If someone has done this, can you post an instruction how to replace it?

 

By "more bass" are wanting more SPL or extension? Are you pushing the factory sub to its mechanical limits and bottoming it out? If you aren't, then replacing the 10" factory sub with a 10" aftermarket sub is a hit or miss project. You may have less SPL if you pick a sub with a lower sensitivity than the factory model. You may get less extension if you pick a sub with a higher resonant frequency.

How to do it - At least from looking around in my trunk you will have to pull out the back seat and then remove the deck cover. Remove the sub through the top of the deck. I think the factory model was a dual 2 ohm sub but I can double check that this weekend. Drop the new sub in and fasten it to the mounting adapter. Depending on the number of screws, the factory mouting system may not work. You will then have to fabricate your own out of MDF and/or fiberglass. Connect the factory amp to the sub. You will need plug adapters or just cut off the factory plugs. Make sure you connect the polarity correctly.

Upgrades - Replacing the factory 10" with an aftermarket 12" will almost guarantee an inprovement in both SPL and extension. You will remove the factory sub the same way as above but mount the new sub from the bottom using a custom mounting plate. User kaosmoon has a few examples of other Lexus installs. Here's one example from an install at his factory - link.

Warnings - We don't have any idea how the factory head unit changes the low end response as you turn up the volume. You could plot it with a scope but that would take time and you would need an ocilliscope. Rockford Fosgate, Alpine and MTX all make adapter boxes to compensate for the limitations of factory head units. But these may be overkill also. No one has posted anything about upgrades other than the guy that replaced the door and dash speakers with Polk models.

My wife is wanting to upgrade the sub as soon as the new wears off of the car. I'm not sure when that will be but I've got dozens of different sub/amp combinations to try out. I will probably go with a 12" in the deck. That is the best option while keeping your available trunk space.

-Robert

 

Hi Robert,
Thanks for the detail response. I might consider the upgrades option. I was thinking to upgrade the sub to the Infinity Reference 10" (1050W), but I am not sure how to remove the deck cover. I am afraid if I don't do it right, I may damage it.

Have a great weekend.

Peter.

 

Removing the rear deck cover shouldn't be much different than any other Lexus. There are instructions for other models in the A/V section of this forum. That's also where we discuss stereo upgrades.

-Robert

 

Slightly OT, but I'd be interested in a sub that can replace the ML sub in the ES 350; I find that it bottoms out on somewhat-heavy bass segments--this even w/ the volume cranked at roughly 2/3 of max (40/60-something volume level on the ML). The audio track itself wasn't overcranked volume-wise when I encoded it, as the rest of the music passage itself isn't overly louder than the bass portions of the track.

 

There are dozens if not hundreds of adequate replacements. What's your budget? Do you want an exact drop in or are you willing to fabricate? The reason I ask, some 10" replacement subs my not fit bolt for bolt. Also, the longer excursion models my need more clearance between the the top of the sub and the grill. Most of that will be a guess until I or someone else can dig around in their car. I'd do it this weekend except the 103 degree forcast and my wife are stopping me. At least I know when the temperatures will be more pleasant. I'm not sure when my wife will let me tear into her car.

-Robert