im going to be getting the pioneer AVIC-D1. i heard that when you install it u lose the amp that powers your stock subs/ is it true? why do u have to buy an amp to power ur stock subs? please explain.

 

the stock amp wont be recognized by the aftermarket headunit and will refuse to put any sound out. it has avc lan communication system. which was designed to make aftermarket instaltions non compatible.

 

but will the speakers work? not the sub

 

well your 98 gs 2 ohm door speakers wont last long with 4 ohm load and the sub also the same deal. the speaker output wires can be adapted easily at the amp next to the glovebox with a 10 pin adapter from a toyota 10 pin 6 pin speaker adapter set. you will have to readjust some of the wires to match the lexus speaker out put wires. left front door wires are pink and purple, right are blue and green. back door speakers are 4 ohm so they are the only ones really suited for aftermarket 4 ohm output.

 

On the 98 GS there is only one amp that powers the door spears and the subwoofer. When you put an aftermarket headunit on there you either use the built in amp the unit has or you install a 4 ch amp to power up your door speakers.

 

Good choice with the D1. Just had it done on my car. Here's some pics.
D1 in a 02 GS300 SD

If you need questions answered, I would ask Jeff (Lexis11) The guys at his shop did it all and came out perfect

 

how do u like it? hows the picture quality?