g1kon1whee

iTrader: (4)

I just wanted to give everyone a heads up on my experience. My amp took the "infamous" dump in my 2004 LS430 UL. So i contacted United Radio @ 1-800-448-0944 ( they are listed on ML's website as an authorized repair facility ) and gave them the part number from my amp ( 86280-0W250 ) and they gave me a quote of $450 which included return shipping. they also gave me an option to upgrade to 2 day return shipping for an additional $14. All i had to do was ship it to them. they said i could pay them $14 up front and they would email me a 2 day shipping label so i could mail it to them ( which is cheaper and faster than your average person could ship it for anyways ). So i payed the $14 up front and they emailed me a label within a couple of hours. Boxed it up and shipped it out on a Wednesday afternoon. It arrived at United Radio on Friday morning. I called them Friday afternoon just to touch base with them and they said they had already tested it and repaired it. They told me that they would do some extensive testing over the weekend on the repaired amp and then call me on Monday morning and i could pay for it and they would ship it out on Monday. They called, i payed and they shipped. I received the amp on Wednesday and put it in and it works perfect. I just wanted let everyone know my great experience with United Radio and hope it helps others who might have the same " infamous " dead amp. If anyone has any questions please feel free to ask. Thanks


here is a link to United Radios website:
http://www.***********.com/automotive/

BradTank

Lexus really screwed up with their Mark Levinson audio system option, just about every component has major issues, from the amps to the speakers to the subs.

One more ML issue to keep on my radar.

Lexus should move all of that in house. Even when the system was brand new, it's just not that impressive, especially considering the premium price.

I believe Sewell has a trade in option for around $700 for the amps.

Jabberwock

.....real world car audio, branding, and marketing...

HARMAN International makes audio systems for many car makers under several "classic" brand names that they have purchased over the years. One example is the "Mark Levinson" brand marketed and used for Lexus cars. Mark Levinson hasn't been involved in any way in building car audio of any kind for more than 20 years. Harman is now the world’s largest car audio manufacturer with large scale manufacturing facilities located in Asia. The company markets and sells OEM audio under 15 different company owned brands including AKG, Harman Kardon, Infinity, JBL, Lexicon and Mark Levinson. Car makers using Harmon's OEM audio under various brands - BMW, Chrysler, Citroën, Dodge, Ferrari, Harley-Davidson, Hyundai, Jeep, Kia, Land Rover, Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, MINI, Opel, Peugeot, SsangYong, Subaru, Toyota.

It is generally good quality mass market stuff that sounds pretty good, designed to a price point and gross profit margin target. Anyone who thinks they are getting esoteric high quality audiophile grade audio gear from this arrangement doesn't understand the business or is deluding themselves.

BT3100

It's got to be a heat sinc issue.
I took my LS from PA to Orlando a few years ago. After the 18 hour ride (it was hot in FLA) the amp died.
Once it cooled down (two days later) she worked fine. Still does.
I think it's an airflow/heat issue.