i removed the ML subwoofer tonight. it looks like a piece of shxxt. it weighs less than three lbs. and is made of paper, cloth and plastic. the magnet is so tiny, it's a joke to call it a "subwoofer." an infinity or polk audio 6" component woofer has a larger magnet. maybe look is deceiving, but i have never seen a "subwoofer" that is so lightweight and cheap looking.

i listened to my music after removal of the subwoofer, and i could not detect any significant difference. maybe it's used mostly for movies.

the space is very tight. it would be very difficult to find an aftermarket one that will fit in there without some modification.

the OEM amp must also be whimpy if it drives such a little woofer.

 

pics!!!!

 

how do i upload image?

 

You think that is bad, you should see the piece of crap Bose tries to pass off as a "subwoofer" in Porsche cars! Seems to be the industry standard. You can fin the amp under trunk floor on the righthand side.

 

Bose has always been a joke... The old saying is "No highs, No Lows, Bose"

To this day has been the biggest name brand rip off.. Paper speakers, low end components, high end pricing. Amazing

 

Anyone take a look at our door speakers?

 

LOL, I didn't know that saying... great!!! Have you noticed that Bose never publishes their speaker's frequency response?

 

There is nothing wrong with paper cones. They are lightweight and rigid, the attack is fast accurate, efficient. Paper is still widely used in professional sound reinforcement, PA for everything down to mid bass.

The need for heavy cones, surrounds, voice coils and magnets does start entering into it for deep, true sub-woofer frequencies, but these are not very musical, (canon shots, explosions), and therefore not terribly compromised by inherent group delay. I don't think you need anything more for a Lexus until you start upping the power.

 

i have a couple 10 inch subwoofer speakers, i will try to hook up to the factory amp to check out the difference between aftermarket 10" vs OEM 8". hopefully, the amp will be powerful enough, it does look kind of small.

 

i could not try the 10" woofers b/c they are 4 ohms. ISF sub is 8 ohms. i disconnected and reconnected the OEM subwoofer several times while playing a pop music CD. i could not tell any significant difference. there was a trace more bass with sub on, but it was so subtle i doubt most people can detect it. there was a bit more vibration, so the rear seat passengers may feel something, but for front passenger / driver, it would be hard to tell the difference.

 

^^^ Connect both 10" 4 ohms in series and you'll have 1 sub at 8 ohms.

 

you think an aftermarket 8inch sub with 8 ohm is gonna do the trick? or does our car have enough space for a 10inch sub at the factory location? Im thinking something thats more efficient than our oem sub might be a bit better? im guessing something thats 8 or 10inch thats shallow design that can take more abuse than our factory sub, I need the trunk space in our car, I have to lug a baby stroller around all the time. lol

 

Maybe I'm getting old but I spent many years doing car stereo systems and I'm thoroughly impressed with the audio setup from Lexus!

Don't judge a speaker based on weight and magnet size! There are many other factors in design. Ever heard the BOSE Wave Radio? Superb sound, small size

IF big magnets and carbon fiber woofers are all you care about then any of those generic speakers (*cough aka Aluma Pro) is all we need! But smart guys know that real subs have many more factors than just a big magnet.