Realizing that replacing the audio system is going to hurt the value of the car, I am never the less not going to spend $700.00 on another M/L amp to simply stay with 2001 audio standards.

I would like recommendations on what should I have installed using the M/L speakers. (They work fine)
Not interested in NAV.
Thanks

 

So what are you exactly looking into doing? Still kind of lost..

 

I'm rather lost, too, to be honest (glad I'm not the only one).

#1 - replacing the audio system should not hurt the value of the car. If anything, the car is 9 years old. The next owner may appreciate having an upgraded system to work with.

#2, we're confused because you say you want recommendations on what you should have installed using the M/L speakers. Are you actually asking instead of the M/L speakers? That would be more plausible.

Big Mack

 

I would like to replace the M/L unit with a current system that has USB, IPod, CD, Bluetooth etc. Finding something that resembles the stock unit would be great but probably won't happen. I would like to retain the M/L speakers if possible.

I was wondering if anyone has done this and what they used. I realize that until I will lose the M/L sub, but I can deal with that later.

Crutchfield recommended a Pioneer Premier FH-P800BT.
http://signature.crutchfield.com/s_1...FH-P800BT.html

I thought I would check here first.
Thanks
Sorry for the confusion

 

Bill,

If you're going to replace the deck, spend less on integration and replace the speakers. Having reviewed many threads on them, they're (for the sake of decorum) "less than stellar" in terms of quality.

You can replace them with a decent component set for the fronts and a set of coax in the rear, along with separate amplification for each for less than the $700 ML amp. I would venture to say that for @ $1K, you could build quite a decent system in the car. Might even be able to put a sub, all convenience, and replace all the speakers for that if you know how to do some of the leg work and installation.

Big Mack

 

Ok, does anyone have any particulars? Vendors? Part Numbers? You would think that with all of the Mark Levinson failures there would be a sticky on this.

 

No specific vendors, but the search is going to be your friend on this project. Basically, the fronts are 6.5" speakers with enclosures, but adapters are available to put regular 6.5" in the doors. Rears are a similar situation, except the factory is (I believe) 6 x 9. Part numbers? You really should go and listen to a few options before taking anyone's word for what will sound good to you. I know that I personally do not like metal dome tweeters unless they are incredibly limited and their output strangled since they are super shrill to my ears, but you may like them. I'd suggest doing some looking around here, read through some of the builds, see if it's something you want (or are willing) to do, and go from there. If you're not comfortable with it, I'm sure you could find a shop willing to help you - but that $1K budget goes out the door with that option.

Big Mack

 

I just got new subs in my car thanks to alot of help from Big Mack (thanks bro) but I will post pics soon, it sounds amazing

 

You're welcome. Glad to help out, mang.

Big Mack

 

my post in other thread might help got a few very useful links/threads in there

bunch of links to help with installs


Did i miss if you have the stock Navi? If you sell off all remaining working ML speakers you can greatly offset the cost of your upgrades. Plus working Nav components(screen, brain and cassette player) can bring some cash too.

Guys, stock ML speakers are 6.5. Baffles are very easy to make(even for me who had no garage and no tools).

 

With all of the failures there would be WAY too many "sticky" posts. Sub failures, speaker failures, amp failures.

ML = made to the lowest bidder with some of the highest amount of advertising hype. And quite possibly one of the shortest lifespans around for reliability.

 

The sound system is ML, but it doesn't have NAV. There's a local stereo shop that I've done business in the past with, I asked them for a bid to replace the whole system. They say that, as s**tty as the ML system is, simply replacing the receiver will not equal the sound quality. They want to replace all the speakers. Be interesting what they come up with for a price. The very last thing I want to end up with is an inferior system.

 

unless you got a buddy working for that shop, its probably they will charge a ton for basic install(meaning you'll get all the hardware yourself, much much cheaper than they'll price you). Check the local/regional forums if any1 is doing side jobs. Purchase HU, amps, speakers and wiring then have him install or even help you install. Good luck.

 

Doing some basic research, one thing comes through loud and clear; a quality system is not going to be inexpensive, but you get what you pay for.

Interesting thing, the temperature here has climbed above 50, once warmed up the system works now.

 

keep in contact with me IF you can wait a few weeks, i will be removing my OEM ML amp to install my aftermarket stuff and it will be for sale then.