02 Levinson CD Changer Repair
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Pit Crew
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 225
Likes: 10
From: NV
02 Levinson CD Changer Repair
My CD changer began to have difficulty ejecting. It finally stopped ejecting, and does not even play now. A while back there was an eBay source that would repair them for $199, regardless of the problem (you R&R, send it in). Can't find them now, when I need it! Anybody use them, or have another suggestion for getting back into the changer game without buying a new, very expensive unit from Toyota?
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 764
Likes: 18
From: NY
that would be a shame, because their is no tape adapter or aux input that would match the sound of pure uncompressed CD's. Pain in the butt? Yes. Worth carrying CD's? To me, yes.
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Lead Lap
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,682
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What is the sound quality like if the ipod is channeled through the tape player? Is is the same as the radio? The radio in my car sounds like crap, but the CD player sounds fine. This is why I am asking. Sorry if this has been discussed before. Thanks all.
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Lead Lap
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 454
Likes: 8
From: KS/MO
Also, the guy who said the tape adapter can't match an uncompressed CD is wrong. I have played CDs in my car, and I have also played 96khz/24 bit audio files through the cassette deck with better results. While it would seem logical that the cassette method would take away the benefits of such a high quality file, the CD player just sounds lifeless by comparison. Keep in mind both the non-ML and ML headunits are far from audiophile quality systems anyway, so its almost a moot point.
If you insist on having tighter integration, there are adapters like these: http://soarer.tv/Ipod/ that will give you a direct line to the headunit, but I find it unnecessary with the quality of the tape deck (which is also an ultra stable, ultra quiet deck to boot).
Last edited by Playdrv4me; Aug 26, 2010 at 01:39 PM.
Lead Lap
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 454
Likes: 8
From: KS/MO
Here is another (probably cheaper) example of an adapter that inputs directly behind the headunit. This one also does NOT take away factory CD and Satellite radio functionality.
http://cgi.ebay.com/USA-SPEC-iPOD-TO...er_Accessories
That is tempting mainly for the fact that you can view song title and artist data right on the front LCD or Nav screen, as well as control the ipod. We are VERY fortunate that so many input options exist for us. I've had a slew of cars (COUGH, 745i, COUGH) that were damn near impossible to do ANYTHING with aftermarket, or required manufacturer specific solutions that were 700.00 on up.
I assure you using the above with an iPod or other high quality audio source (DVD-A player for 96KHz files) will far surpass your factory CD player, and be cheaper than replacing or fixing it.
EDIT: the Vaistech SLI adapter seems to be highly regarded here. http://cgi.ebay.com/VaisTech-Lexus-T...item4ceff6be8d
Yet another option, and I see those have a ground loop isolator that would eliminate any possibility of hum or whine from the electrical system in the car.
http://cgi.ebay.com/USA-SPEC-iPOD-TO...er_Accessories
That is tempting mainly for the fact that you can view song title and artist data right on the front LCD or Nav screen, as well as control the ipod. We are VERY fortunate that so many input options exist for us. I've had a slew of cars (COUGH, 745i, COUGH) that were damn near impossible to do ANYTHING with aftermarket, or required manufacturer specific solutions that were 700.00 on up.
I assure you using the above with an iPod or other high quality audio source (DVD-A player for 96KHz files) will far surpass your factory CD player, and be cheaper than replacing or fixing it.
EDIT: the Vaistech SLI adapter seems to be highly regarded here. http://cgi.ebay.com/VaisTech-Lexus-T...item4ceff6be8d
Yet another option, and I see those have a ground loop isolator that would eliminate any possibility of hum or whine from the electrical system in the car.
Last edited by Playdrv4me; Aug 26, 2010 at 02:49 PM.
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 764
Likes: 18
From: NY
The radio DOES sound like crap. But I assure the cassette adapter on this particular car, actually sounds equal to if not BETTER than the CD source. I don't know why that is, but it does.
Also, the guy who said the tape adapter can't match an uncompressed CD is wrong. I have played CDs in my car, and I have also played 96khz/24 bit audio files through the cassette deck with better results. While it would seem logical that the cassette method would take away the benefits of such a high quality file, the CD player just sounds lifeless by comparison. Keep in mind both the non-ML and ML headunits are far from audiophile quality systems anyway, so its almost a moot point.
If you insist on having tighter integration, there are adapters like these: http://soarer.tv/Ipod/ that will give you a direct line to the headunit, but I find it unnecessary with the quality of the tape deck (which is also an ultra stable, ultra quiet deck to boot).
Also, the guy who said the tape adapter can't match an uncompressed CD is wrong. I have played CDs in my car, and I have also played 96khz/24 bit audio files through the cassette deck with better results. While it would seem logical that the cassette method would take away the benefits of such a high quality file, the CD player just sounds lifeless by comparison. Keep in mind both the non-ML and ML headunits are far from audiophile quality systems anyway, so its almost a moot point.
If you insist on having tighter integration, there are adapters like these: http://soarer.tv/Ipod/ that will give you a direct line to the headunit, but I find it unnecessary with the quality of the tape deck (which is also an ultra stable, ultra quiet deck to boot).
Lead Lap
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 454
Likes: 8
From: KS/MO
Speaking of Nakamichi Dragon, I found the Nakamichi audio system in my 1998 LS400 to be far superior overall to the ML unit in the LS430. It was good enough that my friend would just sit in the car and listen to music, without going anywhere on occasion.
Lead Lap
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 665
Likes: 2
From: Md
To me the ipod adapter sounds fine as good as cd. I can do more to the sound setting using my ipod plus the eq in the mark levinson. Bad thing is that's how I blew my speakers, ppl r blowin these speakers left and right anyways. 1 ipod 4000 songs compared to carry storing endless cds in your car, no brainer 4 me
Lead Lap
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,682
Likes: 304
To me the ipod adapter sounds fine as good as cd. I can do more to the sound setting using my ipod plus the eq in the mark levinson. Bad thing is that's how I blew my speakers, ppl r blowin these speakers left and right anyways. 1 ipod 4000 songs compared to carry storing endless cds in your car, no brainer 4 me
Driver School Candidate
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
From: Minnesota
TOYPD2/LEXPD2 by Soundgate (VAIS SoundLinQ SL2i-UP)
It's the best $75 you'll ever spend on the LS430!
http://www.mp3carpros.com/product_in...products_id=87
It's the best $75 you'll ever spend on the LS430!
http://www.mp3carpros.com/product_in...products_id=87