I’m changing out my door 🔊 speakers but hearing that the ML amp setting can’t be changed. So my new speakers will sound like the trash factory speakers.

 

The built in equalizer is pretty poor but you can tune the signal coming into the aux jack, thats's what I'm doing with a MiniDSP upstream of the aux input. Extremely happy with the results so far even with the stock speakers.

 

I replaced the rear decklid subwoofer today. By replace I mean just having the installer cut off the sub completely and rerouting the subwoofer to an external amp. I briefly had a chance to ask him about replacing all the speakers+amp and he mentioned it was possible (he did it on his GS with ML also). He routed all the speakers from the ML amp output to a high level converter and ran wire to all the speakers from an external amp.

The setup:
Audiocontrol D.4800 Amp running bridged 400W @ 4ohm. Has room for a 2nd sub with the same power if needed. It's a bit overkill for this application but I had it laying around from a previous install and having DSP is nice to tune the subwoofer to the cabin. Will post RTA signal info as soon as I find out where the hell my mic went.
Audiocontrol ACR-3 level controller
Morel Primo 104 Subwoofer (Using manufacturer recommended vented enclosure specs ~1.1 cubic feet)

 

how much of a big difference was the Focal speakers?

 

I'd be interested in taking the other speaker for the center channel.

 

Sorry for the thread necromancy, just got a 2015 GS350 w/premium sound sadly instead of the ML. Coming from my Revel hifi setup the sound is pretty bad and desperately needs an upgrade. High treble distortion, midrange bloat and lots of smearing is making it hard to feel comfortable in. I really appreciate all the knowledge everyone has contributed, this thread should be the starting point for anyone looking for upgrades, the wiring harness adapters will save loads of headaches.
I've read this thread and a few more and I'm not entirely sure if there is a super clean solution for the dash speakers. It looks like a custom adapter needs to be made? I've read some 4" coaxials can fit (this thread) but some others that say a 3.5" is too large?
@peasodos what model speakers did you end up putting in the center dash and sides? How happy are you with the setup?

 

thisguy_06 Did you end up replacing those dash speakers? My RX with ML has similar speakers and they're coaxial with mid, tweeter and bass cap. I measured and they seem to return 8ohms reading.
Just had a sub added https://www.clublexus.com/forums/car...rt-luxury.html

 

Just measured the GS350 2016 ML read deck subwoofer is 8ohm.

Also The front door speakers ML are larger than 9x6in speakers and cant be directly replaced, a custom frame bracket is needed.

 

Correct me if I'm wrong but I plan to tap into the rear door speakers from the factory amplifier because those signal is closer to full range than the front component set. I plan to add a after market amp to push some full range that I will put in the rear door

 

This is an old post but others might find its still relevant.
I played with the DSL and when disengaging surround it seems to be more balanced.
for me and my ears I know this system won’ t crank out mega bass and the seat in the pants feel that BMW has because it uses under seat woofer/tranducers to create that effect. It was very good. This system does not “feel strong” but its very accurate. I keep my settings flat: down two on treble, up on on mid, and down one on bass. Then I left it a few weeks. Why? I know ear fatigue is real and while something sounds good when you add it changes over time. I like a strong jazz like midrange puch. Tight and accurate. Not bombastic.
since this amp is very good adding volume will pull out more detail that the “treble” will add all the while by doing that I am adding more bass and mid detail. The amp and speakers stay in range and accurate. Power is not always about power and volume. It can add more detail which I prefer. Some like it bass heavy. I get it. Some tracks programed as such sounds great to me. Im using Tidal. The highest resolution buffers out too much in the car but its still very good. I listen to sirius once in a while but thru the phone app which to me might be a higher bit rate. Im not sure.
I listen to many different types of music and this covers a lot of it very well.
The levinson system does not color much. Very neutral. The detail at reasonable volume is impressive to me.
Its all subjective.

 

@peasodos Great work i am audiophile my self but i cant do the install, lexus amp is class d and its crap speakers are crap as well, you have amazing focal speakers in one of my classical cars i have focal utopia + audison thesis sax ii and its sounds amazing... too bad for lexus its so hard and complex to the whole upgrade...
If i change the front speakers with morel i have morel virtus nano 602 and morel tweeters as well, do i need to use cross overs or something how they will tune , since everything is already setted up from the factory.

The only good factory speakers i like is b&w and i bet lexus ls mark levinson reference is way better and acura krell is great, and burmeister from mercedess s class... and audi s8 i think bang and olsen.

 

Anyone have any advice how to tune the LC2i well?
I guess a couple of questions I have:

what volume does the ML amp start to roll off the sub bass? I cant seem to find a sweet spot for acubass without it getting really over powering.
Also whats the best frequency range to to cut off aftermarket subwoofer? roughly 60hz?
Should I be using the LC2i Pro remote or the Pioneer aftermarket remote to fine tune this?
Do I set factory bass to the middle or all the way to 0 when tuning?

Right now im just having a hard time getting the aftermarket subwoofer to blend in without over powering the factory set up. it way too boomy.

I kept the factory sub on as well to continue to fill midbass so hoping to use the aftermarket to add the "punch" to the songs without over powering.
System is - LC2i Pro / Pioneer m500 / 10' Type R nothing too crazy.

 

Hi,
I have a 2017 LS 460 with the Levinson system on the way. Your post is priceless!! Thank you!!

Would you offer me an opinion on my anticipated audio build?
- replace front speakers & tweeters as you suggested
- replace sub
- add a sub amp
- add a DSP
- add a CarPlay interface

Does that make sense as a direction?

Also, I'm leaning towards having Masters Car Stereo do the work. They have Helix and Blam as their high end choices.

Could you offer me a recommendation?

Thanks,
JG

 

This sounds like a perfect plan!

I hope it goes without saying however that the Amp on the LS is only 450 watts whereas the 4GS is 835. Now I am unsure as to how this will actually affect your system, but I would ask the shop about in-line amps for your front door speaker replacements. I replaced my front door speakers in a 6ES with Mark Levinson (same 835 watt amp as 4GS) with AudioFrog GS690 and the speakers start to clip around 70-80% volume. This happens due to the Bass rolling off around that point. With my speaker upgrade, my new sound settings +1, +2, -1 (Treb, Mid, Bas) and Rear 1. (Use this information how you may).

The above was all to say that since your amp is 450watts, I would assume the roll-off is earlier. And if you want these high-end speakers, an in-line amp would let you get more our of the system while still retaining factory functionality.

Additionally, I would highly recommend getting your inner door skins sound deadned.

If you have already completed the work on you car, would love to hear how you went about it and what your review is !!

Cheers