I've done a ton of research and haven't found anything specific to my question. I'm wondering if I can swap in the mark levinson headunit to replace the pioneer.

Non ML stereo connections


ML Stereo


The ML headunit has the three plugs on the bottom that I'm assuming are for the DVD player. If I just don't use those, will this work?

What I'm trying to accomplish is I bought the vaistech usb unit and it works great except that my stereo doesn't list the files so I can't see what songs are on the usb. The ML has that capability.


Full ML nav and radio

 

I have the MarkLevinson head unit and I want to replace it entirely with something else. I was told that I cannot remove the ML piece. If anyone knows of something different or has done it please let me know how.

 

I had the Mark Levinson in my 06 GS350. I hated it. It lacked bass and sounded low end. My 08 GS350 does not have the ML system, but it is night and day better over the ML system. I love the non-ML radio.

 

From what I understand is you cannot swap it around. There have been other members who have tried and failed. The 3GS radios from what I understand will only accept the same model number radio.

Also the ML has amplifiers, and different speakers that give a lot of owners issues. If you want to upgrade you can try adding an external subwoofer.

 

It is supposed to be "reference" system. It plays the music as it should from what I understand.

 

I know, I imagine if I was listening to classical opera, it might be okay. I listen to pop, reggae and hip hop. My bass was severely lacking. I was wondering if my sub was dead, but I could hear it when I listened. Maybe one of my amps were dead or something, because I was just not impressed with it. It was like how movie critics always give horrible movies A+ and great movies C ratings. It sounded better when I turned off surround sound, but barely. Mine could be defective.

My non-ML 08 GS 350 sounds great for my music tho.

 

Did you try this out? Did it work? And lastly if you did try it, did you swap the whole console including screen or just the cd player? Thanks