dudeman

My 400H is a 2007 model (RHD in Hong Kong) without the voice-command GPS system. My head unit malfunctioned several months back when CD #4 jammed, and I took it to the local dealer for repair, who then removed it and sub'ed it out as according to the in-country Lexus importer's arrangement for the M/L unit. I drove without any sound system for a week.

The thought then came to me that I should just get rid of the M/L head unit. I wasn't in love with it to start with. Nowadays, after-market 2xDIN with 7 inch LCD's are awesome! Some have built-in GPS which my car lacks, and back-up cam. input which my car lacks, and iPod interface which my car lacks, and bluetooth. I believe there's a 90% chance that I will be making the switch soon.

So, any how -- my question to other owners is -- is there a way to keep the stock speaker system AND improve the sound quality ? When the car was down for two week due to body work, the dealer provided me with an IS also equipped with a M/L sound system, and I noticed the sound quality of the IS was much better in mid-range and bass.

My concern with keeping the stock speakers if possible is to avoid any un-sightly modification to door panels and such for after-mkt speakers if at all possible.

Also, from the looks of the stock set-up, it appears to be tweeter + mid range with cross-over unit, and I guess there may be a factory supplied amplifier some where. If so, I wonder if I can just upgrade the amp.

Your thoughts would be appreciated.

superchan7

Backup camera would be very useful in HK...and what's up with this guy's response? Looks like he forgot what he wanted to say.

TrendyTodd

iTrader: (6)

I did the same thing. I replaced my ML head unit w a DblDin Alpine W505 unit w built-in iPod interface cable, backup camera, and soon to add a Blackbird bluetooth/GPS unit. I too am looking for a little more, but don't want to add a sub that'll take up space. Replace or add an amp, or replace the ML speakers would be my guesses.

As far as comparing the ML system in the IS, that's a very unfair comparison. The IS has a MUCH smaller cabin, so naturally the system will sound better.

dudeman

Thanks for the replies guys. I forgot about this one until now. And that's because I have been searching & searching for the right 2xDIN head unit with iPod+blutooth+backup cam.+ GPS (TomTom Hong Kong map) and finally found and bought it. It and the flush mounted wide angle rearview camera are enroute to me now.

I had asked before with members who have the factory backup camera in their RX's -- could I get a clear picture of the location of the factory camera. I've looked everywhere on the Net including Lexus web site plus eBay Motors, but so far I can't seem to even see the factory camera in every picture of the back of factory installed RX's with that option ... any help would be appreciated (wouldn't want to drill a hole in the rear door to find it isn't the best spot to mount a backup camera).

dudeman

Self-help is best (I guess). Think I see the lil black thing to the left of the under edge of the chrome lift. I wonder if I should mount mine on the right side becuz we are RHD over here .. ?