Bprakash

I have a 94 LS with Pioneer radio unit. I bought a used Nakamichi head unit that came from a 1993. Would I have issues with a basic swap? Is the harness the same? Please let me know your best thoughts.

sha4000

iTrader: (1)

It's not going to work since you also need the Nak amp. I'm not even sure the harnesses are the same.

bornking

Different harness, different amp, it'll be a real hassle to get it to work.
Aftermarket decks sound pretty good on pioneer LS400's, but like garbage on Nakamichis, so that is an easy option as they make harnesses for aftermarket decks to work on pioneer, but NOT nakamichi.

Cheers!

omarg

i've had a 90 pioneer, 90 nakamichi, 93, pioneer, 94 pioneer, and 94 nakamichi

90-94 pioneer cars will accept...
90-92 nakamichi head units & 90-94 pioneer head units as the plugs are the same.


93-94 nakamichi head units only fit 93-94 nakamichi equipped cars.

90-92 nakamichi head units have the nakamichi symbol and say "nakamichi"
93-94 nak head units have just say "nakamichi"


I found the 90-92 nak head unit in a 94 pioneer equipped sound MUCH clearer compared to the pioneer head unit.

if you can find NAK tweeters, those also sound much nicer and clearer. plug and play

hope this info has been helpful

dicer

Isn't the amp just for the woofer under the rear window? And how compatible is it Nak - Pioneer? for 90-92
And isn't the main speaker amp in the head unit?

omarg

i think the 90-92 nak does have an amp in the HU. I do remember I would never turn up the dial more than a 1/4 way when installed in my 93 pioneer equipped car.

all I know it that it worked and sounded better.

Bprakash

So in summary, I have a 94 pioneer. Can I plug and Play a 93 Nak Head or I must step down to a 91 or 92 Nak head? Thanks.

sha4000

iTrader: (1)

This what he said. So the answer is no and yes.

Bprakash

Thank all of you. One more time please, plug and play means I do not have to get the special Nak amplifier? I do not have the Nak amplifier. I have the plain Pioneer.

sha4000

iTrader: (1)

Plug and play generally means that you can hook the system up and your done since the harness and plugs should be the same. I always thought that the Nak system has a separate amp under the passenger seat but omarg seems to omply that nothing else is needed.

omarg

I think the 90-92 nak head unit has an amp in it already. When you hook it up to your 94 pioneer system, you will be double amped. You will NEVER have to turn the volume dial up more than a quarter as a result.

this is what a 90-92 nak looks like.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/OEM-90-91-92-LEXUS-LS400-RADIO-STEREO-CASSETTE-TAPE-PLAYER-DECK-N004-NAKAMICHI-/311408116387?fits=Model%3ALS400&hash=item48815ec2a3&vxp=mtr#viTabs_0
What are you trying to accomplish? Why do you want to replace your current Pioneer Headunit? I DO NOT KNOW if a pioneer CD changer will work w/ a nak HU.
Probably will though

Good work on the restoration BTW! Its so nice to see these old beasts given the TLC they deserve

dicer

I do not remember seeing any kind of Extra Amp for the smaller speakers in the car. There is one for the big woofer under the rear window and that is on the left hand side in the trunk behind the front trunk panel.

Bprakash

I want a deeper and richer sound from my car stereo and I am hoping the Nak will do it. Tomorrow I will attempt the swap by plug and play and will advise.

Bprakash

I tried the swap. I had no power so I went back to my Pioneer.

omarg

sorry to hear that. Its really just a matter of time before 25+/- year old Head units quit working. the bad thing about nakamichi is that parts are unavailable.

Maybe best to focus your efforts on new speakers.

good luck and keep us updated on your progress!