My 2008 LS (80,000 miles) is at that point that my Mark Levinson speakers have distortion - especially in the rear speakers. I took it to my local audio shop, and they isolated the issue to a few speakers. After hearing the high price tag for Levinson speaker pair replacement, it was suggested that I contact audio places that can re-cone the speakers. There is no such shop that still does that in my area, all were pointing to the DIY re-cone kits on the market.
I am not comfortable with doing this myself. I was thinking of buying a used complete set of Mark Levinson's and sending it off somewhere to have the re-coning done - then having my local audio shop do the install.
I figured this forum would be an excellent place to get suggestions on who and where to contact to get the re-coning done.

I am planning on keeping this car for the rest of it's life, and the audio enjoyment is paramount. Is my solution valid? What are your thoughts and suggestions.

 

Don't bother having someone re-cone them. DIY or buy some new speakers from Crutchfield or Parts Express. Mark Levinson are mid-tier speakers.

 

Thanks Johnny. I'm at my wits end with these speakers. Crutchfield only has the rear subwoofer as a direct replacement - all other speakers have to be custom fit Parts express has no place to enter your car, year and current sound system - so I don't know what to order. I found another site https://www.sonicelectronix.com/2008...h_2267_12382=1 that sells adapters along with the speakers. I wish I had more direction as to what to get, what I need, and how much it will cost.
I expect to spend thousands at my local audio place. They charge $160 an hour labor. I can image all the custom things they are going to have to do. They mentioned Kickers as a good midrange, Sony as a premium at the high end. I'm looking at the same quality or better compared to the Mark Levinsons.

 

Have you considered purchasing some used speakers, and then having your local audio shop install them?

Here is a link to a list of what I found potentially available through "Car-Part.com"

It is not possible to narrow it down to just "Mark Levinson" spec., but I entered a wider ranging criteria.




https://www.car-part.com

The original extensive search list that I posted does not last long on this forum for some exasperating reason.

If you need help doing a fresh search I am happy to help out.

Not being overly familiar with Florida geography I used Mar-a-Lago 33480 for the ZIP code.

I don't know if you live near there, or who else might live there LOL, but it was good enough to generate a comprehensive list.

IMO, it is advantageous for members to insert a general location in their User CP/Signature, as you have, to help searches done by other members.

Without it, I would have had to guess and placed you in South Dakota for example, making the search less meaningful.

 

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Ha ha! Thanks for thinking I was near Mari-Lago!
My shop recommended against getting any used speakers, as that solution is only temporary and the same issues may return shortly (and I sort of agree.) If I am going to spend the money, I want something that will last my ownership of the car, and never have to worry about again.

Thank you for the above research - it's been tough trying to look up what will fit my car (turns out - NOTHING except for the Mark Levinson's) except for new speakers with modifications for fit.

I guess in the long run, I will enjoy the car more with the money I have to outlay to get new speakers (with the backing of my local shop.)

 

Here is the ultimate answer to upgrading any LS audio system after completing mine last week:
You must use the following components:
Quality Line Output converter to modify the high output signal from the stock amp- (Audio Control LC7i Pro which will correct Bass roll off and provide signal to new amp.
Quality Digital Signal Processor- at least 8 channel (ARC Audio Falcon or Audio Control)
Quality Speaker replacement (JBL Stadium series), or JL as they are in your back yard.
Professional DSP tuning- MANDATORY!
You may need an additional amp to power the sub if you go with something with a significanly higher capacity and load than stock.
We tried JL sealed and ported subs in my 2015 non ML and discovered that because the trunk is so well sealed, the oem rear deck speaker and location provided the best performance, as there was very little air movement from the trunk into the cabin.
This system retains the original factory look but provides performance that far exceeds the ML system.
Do these things and your LS will become a concert hall!
I love mine!

 

Call Speaker Exchange. Tampa Florida. 813-237-4800. They repaired my front speaker from my LS 600 hl. Great job and reasonable, considering the dealer wanted a$1080. for a new one.