Notices
LS - 3rd Gen (2001-2006) Discussion topics related to the flagship Lexus LS430

sub replacement long term issues?

Old Sep 15, 2018 | 12:11 AM
  #1  
lexdemting's Avatar
lexdemting
Thread Starter
Rookie
 
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 36
Likes: 1
From: Ontario
Default sub replacement long term issues?

hey guys
Just picked up 2004 ls430. Sub is damaged and making cracking noises. For those guys who have changed to the 8" polk with 4ohm dvc unit and ran in 8ohms configuration, have you guys had any issues with your mark levinson amp?? After reading I know this amp is more suited to a 16ohm speaker however its kinda hard to find an 8" sub with 16ohms of impedance.
Reply
Old Sep 15, 2018 | 03:37 AM
  #2  
Mobius1's Avatar
Mobius1
Pit Crew
 
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 152
Likes: 21
From: North Carolina
Default

I cannot vouch for the Polk, but tons of people seem to be very positive about it. It should work great if you do get the Polk.

There are good quality 16-ohm ones however, see following:
https://www.amazon.com/Dayton-Audio-SD215A-88-DVC-Subwoofer/dp/B0045UY7M8#customerReviews https://www.amazon.com/Dayton-Audio-SD215A-88-DVC-Subwoofer/dp/B0045UY7M8#customerReviews
Reply
Old Sep 15, 2018 | 06:45 AM
  #3  
ls4dirty's Avatar
ls4dirty
Driver School Candidate
 
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
From: California
Default

Originally Posted by Mobius1
I cannot vouch for the Polk, but tons of people seem to be very positive about it. It should work great if you do get the Polk.

There are good quality 16-ohm ones however, see following: https://www.amazon.com/Dayton-Audio-SD215A-88-DVC-Subwoofer/dp/B0045UY7M8#customerReviews
how does it sound, in my LS430 I feel no bass so I think the subwoofer May be blown
Reply
Old Sep 15, 2018 | 08:09 AM
  #4  
SlkySmooth's Avatar
SlkySmooth
Rookie
 
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 89
Likes: 7
From: Georgia
Default

Yours is probably blown, I was sure mine was when on a hot day with the car sitting there was suddenly thunder within the cabin after driving off. I'm not too worried about the factory amp when I finally replace mine because I'd like to do a complete sound system at some point
Reply
Old Sep 15, 2018 | 09:01 AM
  #5  
Jabberwock's Avatar
Jabberwock
CL Community Team
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 3,916
Likes: 227
From: Alabama
Default

An 8 or 12 ohm sub should work just fine at reasonable volumes.

Multiple types of 16 ohm 8 inch woofers are available for about $50-60 bucks on ebay. I installed a similar spec'd speaker to one listed below a couple of years ago in the SC430 to replace the blown crappy OEM ML sub. The new sub sounds good and have had zero issues. Suggest sourcing a driver that has good sensitivity. The subs are listed at 89db and 90db at one watt which is pretty decent.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-8-DVC-S...oAAOxygPtS5phA

https://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-2-8-DVC...sAAOxy~ilSRJXJ

Last edited by Jabberwock; Sep 15, 2018 at 09:06 AM.
Reply
Old Sep 15, 2018 | 04:21 PM
  #6  
Mobius1's Avatar
Mobius1
Pit Crew
 
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 152
Likes: 21
From: North Carolina
Default

Originally Posted by ls4dirty

how does it sound, in my LS430 I feel no bass so I think the subwoofer May be blown
It's good enough to blur the cars in my rear view mirror when there's bass, lol. Sounds fine to me although i never got the chance to compare it with the Mark Levinson OEM subwoofer since it was blown from the get go.
Reply
Old Sep 16, 2018 | 06:06 PM
  #7  
StanVanDam's Avatar
StanVanDam
Instructor
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 1,199
Likes: 215
From: Ontario, Canada
Default

lexdemting: If the sub is buzzing, you can definitely repair it using a $25 USD SimplySpeakers repair kit (https://www.simplyspeakers.com/toyot...n-clsk-8m.html). This will maintain the original acoustic design of the ML system and maintain the original electrical load designed that the ML amp was designed for.

Generalizing, an effect of lower impedance is more current, more current is more heat, and more heat in the amp causes stress on the amp's components, either directly from the heat cooking materials off, or from heating/cooling cycling on components and soldering joints causing stress fractures. This is generally why higher heat on electronic components causes lower lifespan.

For reference, the original ML sub part number is 86160-0W260. Search the forums here for many posts of people replacing the ML sub with various aftermarkets, most of the pros and cons have already been discussed.
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
jpv7774
LS - 3rd Gen (2001-2006)
34
Dec 26, 2015 11:06 AM
Darthspeed
SC430 - 2nd Gen (2001-2010)
29
May 17, 2012 02:49 AM
Mesca
Lexus Audio, Video, Security & Electronics
2
Feb 21, 2012 12:00 PM
03 LS 430
LS - 3rd Gen (2001-2006)
32
Oct 28, 2008 08:19 AM
Seize
Lexus Audio, Video, Security & Electronics
3
Jul 19, 2007 03:24 AM


Thread Tools
Search this Thread

All times are GMT -7. The time now is 05:26 AM.

story-0
2026 Lexus ES Review: Lexus Re-Embraces Founding Principles

Slideshow: Our First-Drive Review of the 2026 Lexus ES!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-29 20:30:16


VIEW MORE
story-1
10 Lexus Bargains That are Cheaper Than a New Toyota RAV4

Slideshow: 10 Lexus bargain that are cheaper than a new Toyota.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-20 10:28:20


VIEW MORE
story-2
8 Weirdest Things Lexus Has Ever Built

Slideshow: From hoverboards to luxury yachts, these are the strangest projects Lexus has ever attached its badge to.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-16 11:34:36


VIEW MORE
story-3
10 Lexus Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

Slideshow: Some luxury cars chase trends, but these Lexus models look better now than they did when they first rolled into showrooms.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-06 17:58:29


VIEW MORE
story-4
8 Tips for Improving Your Hybrid or Plug-in Hybrid's Efficiency!

Slideshow: How to Get the Best Fuel Economy with a Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-05 20:54:44


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Best Lexus Models No One Remembers

Slideshow: 10 best Lexus models no one remembers.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-05 17:33:28


VIEW MORE
story-6
TRD Off-Road Premium: Best 2026 4Runner, Except This One Thing

Slideshow: diving into 4Runner TRD Off-Road Premium's pricing, performance, fuel economy, features, and amenities!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-23 13:09:18


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 Lexus & Toyotas to Drive Before You Die!

Slideshow: the 10 Lexus and Toyota vehicles you need to drive before you die.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-23 10:34:24


VIEW MORE
story-8
Top 10 Lexus/Toyotas With The LEAST 5-Year Depreciation

Slideshow: Top 10 Lexus/Toyota models with the lowest 5-year depreciation rate.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-08 12:19:06


VIEW MORE
story-9
Lexus LC500 Convertible Auction: A Preview of Rising Values?

The LC hasn't even disappeared from the Lexus lineup yet, and we're already seeing signs of an explosive market.

By Brett Foote | 2026-04-06 09:25:02


VIEW MORE