Audio upgrade for a 2012 IS350C

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Jul 19, 2014 | 06:34 AM

runnerlk

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From: NC

Audio upgrade for a 2012 IS350C

Hi, recently bought a IS350C and was wondering what audio upgrades I could do to improve the sound. My friend has a GS with Levinson sound and it sounds great. Mine has the Navi and sounds okay but nothing like his. I'm guessing I could add an amp, upgrade the speakers. Can I buy a levinson sub?

Thanks

Jul 19, 2014 | 11:22 AM

rschaer

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From: TX

I'm looking to do the same thing. The base amp is weak with the top down on the highway. 194 watts to 8 speakers equals not a lot of power and you never want to run any amp at full power.

I've done some research and changing the amp out is tough because of the 3-piece speaker/crossover system they use. Best bet may be to convert to new amp with 2-piece speaker setup and re-wire everything.

If you find out anything please post an update.

Jul 19, 2014 | 01:36 PM

runnerlk

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Geez that's distressing. I would expect amps and speakers to be easy upgrades. I'll update after i do some research.

Jul 25, 2014 | 03:25 AM

runnerlk

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Does anyone know if the Levinson audio is available aftermarket? Or at least swapping out the sub for the "levinson" sub?

Jul 31, 2014 | 06:22 PM

Cman333

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From: CALI

Quote:

Originally Posted by rschaer

Not tough. Just time consuming. All you would need is a sound processor will take 6 channels of input.and will sum the signals together to get one full range signal. Ie. Mosconi 6to8, Audison Bit One, Audiocontorl LC7i, etc

So really you're only grabbing four more wires than normal. All from the same area (at the OEM amp).

Quote:

Originally Posted by runnerlk

Does anyone know if the Levinson audio is available aftermarket? Or at least swapping out the sub for the "levinson" sub?

I highly doubt you will get much difference from changing the sub. You'll likely have the same output because your amp is still the same putting the same amount of power. Unless the impedance on the sub is different between the two systems but that would open up a whole new can of worms.

Example: If you had a 100 watt amp with an entry JL 10W0 subwoofer, then just switched to a top of the line 1000 watt W7 subwoofer. You're not going to get any improvements just because you switched to a better sub.

Last edited by Cman333; Jul 31, 2014 at 06:31 PM.

Aug 2, 2014 | 10:17 AM

Percy

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Joined: Feb 2001

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From: Illinois

Speakers first! If you're after sound quality, I'd get some Dynaudio speakers. You'll have to find out what sizes your IS has and then go from there. Definitely some custom work but you'll beat out the ML system. I know as I've done this with my 2nd gen GS Pioneer (stock) with Dyns vs a ML LS430. Owner of the dealership was quite shocked.