04 LS430 Audio install help
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Driver School Candidate
Joined: Feb 2021
Posts: 5
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From: HI
04 LS430 Audio install help
Hello all, so I have recently bought an LS430 UL without navigation and standard audio (non-ML) and needed some help with how I can do an audio install.
My goal here for my 430 would basically be a complete overhaul. New double-din head unit, new speakers all around, subwoofer, sub-amp, and 4 channel amp.
My concern here is that due to it being the UL model it has all those extra electrical components like volume control in the rear armrest and on the steering wheel and Id like to keep that (if possible). Besides that theres the unending research (not precisely clear) on whether or not there is a plug and play option for the standard audio package. Through research, Ive found the Beat Sonic MVA-24L is the closest thing to a plug-and-play option but Im not sure if it allows usage of factory volume controls (steering wheel preferably). I know there are some threads about the 430s volume controls being wired through resistors but theyre not really updated, as far as I can tell, with the latest information to do the job precisely. As much as I would take it to an audio shop Im sure that with enough help from this community I can figure it out and get the install done.
Thank you for taking the time to read through this! I hope you can help me!!
My goal here for my 430 would basically be a complete overhaul. New double-din head unit, new speakers all around, subwoofer, sub-amp, and 4 channel amp.
My concern here is that due to it being the UL model it has all those extra electrical components like volume control in the rear armrest and on the steering wheel and Id like to keep that (if possible). Besides that theres the unending research (not precisely clear) on whether or not there is a plug and play option for the standard audio package. Through research, Ive found the Beat Sonic MVA-24L is the closest thing to a plug-and-play option but Im not sure if it allows usage of factory volume controls (steering wheel preferably). I know there are some threads about the 430s volume controls being wired through resistors but theyre not really updated, as far as I can tell, with the latest information to do the job precisely. As much as I would take it to an audio shop Im sure that with enough help from this community I can figure it out and get the install done.
Thank you for taking the time to read through this! I hope you can help me!!
Advanced
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 623
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From: VA
My understanding of the beatsonic kit is it enables you to add a new head unit while keeping the rest of the system stock, and to use the steering controls there's an add on you have to buy. I dont believe you can keep all the audio controls if you rip and replace everything- I could be wrong though.
Racer
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 1,358
Likes: 87
From: Delaware
Hello all, so I have recently bought an LS430 UL without navigation and standard audio (non-ML) and needed some help with how I can do an audio install.
My goal here for my 430 would basically be a complete overhaul. New double-din head unit, new speakers all around, subwoofer, sub-amp, and 4 channel amp.
My concern here is that due to it being the UL model it has all those extra electrical components like volume control in the rear armrest and on the steering wheel and I’d like to keep that (if possible).
My goal here for my 430 would basically be a complete overhaul. New double-din head unit, new speakers all around, subwoofer, sub-amp, and 4 channel amp.
My concern here is that due to it being the UL model it has all those extra electrical components like volume control in the rear armrest and on the steering wheel and I’d like to keep that (if possible).
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Feb 2021
Posts: 5
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From: HI
Not that it matters too much, but are you sure you have a UL model? All UL models have Levinson audio (with controls in the rear armrest), and navigation + other options. I also have the full size 2005 year 18 page color brochure distributed at the dealership, which confirms UL's came with nav and Levinson audio. Did you visually verify you have audio controls in the back armrest?
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Feb 2021
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: HI
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Hey thank you for replying, to be honest it was real confusing for me too when I purchased the car because I thought all ULs came with Nav and ML but for some reason this one didnt have it. Yes there are audio controls on the back armrest so Im not entirely sure of it being ML or not honestly.
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