this is an old post but a few questions,

1. So basically what was done here was retain the non audio car functions on the factory screen, however the factory screen no longer controls any audio functions correct?

2. The 2nd new screen now controls all the audio functions plus whatever else it came with?

3. So essentially in the trunk they just moved the wiring from the ML amp to the 2 new amps you mentioned?

4. Can the kenwood screen move? I see that it is tilted for easy access, but can it sit flush.

jdanielca:

It wasn’t plug and play, but was not as hard as some people act like. I had a Kenwood Excelon first, then changed it up with a Pioneer Avic, then simplified it with an Alpine. We installed three different systems in the car, but the last one was the best. I guess the phrase simple is better is definitely true. I went with an Alpine ILX-F309 deck that is only 1XDIN mounting size but has a huge tablet like appearance for its display, and went with the previously mentioned two JL Audio HD amps that controlled all of the ML Speakers. We took a factory LS460 CD, cut off the sides of it, and made a fiberglass installation kit from that, ran three sets of RCA’s from the deck area to the back passenger side where the ML amp is located, matched each channel of the ML speakers up to the corresponding JL Audio amps, hooked up the power, and enjoyed the final product. I loved the look & sound of it. I just traded it off for a new car, or I would give you the exact wiring at the amps but that would not be hard for a shop to figure out.

Here are your answers:

1. Q: So basically what was done here was retain the non audio car functions on the factory screen, however the factory screen no longer controls any audio functions correct?

A: We just unplugged the audio plugs, and the main screen was fully operational with no functions impacted except the audio button/screen. Everything else works fine, on mine and I believe it said something about not being connected when I pushed the audio button (so I didn’t push it).

2. Q: The 2nd new screen now controls all the audio functions plus whatever else it came with?

A: Yes just the audio, but it has the ability to do A LOT MORE. I did not do this one completely, but if you add the iDatalink Maestro module, and have a shop custom tune it to your car, the module can literally control anything. I bought one, I don’t remember which (maybe for the Avalon or Land Cruiser), and started figuring out what went to what from a system schematics book that I got from a mechanic at a Toyota and Lexus dealer. I bought a new toy and stopped working on it, but again a shop can figure this one out.

Link for iDatalink: http://maestro.idatalink.com/product...product_id/102

3. Q: So essentially in the trunk they just moved the wiring from the ML amp to the two new amps you mentioned?

A: Yes

4. Q: Can the kenwood screen move? I see that it is tilted for easy access, but can it sit flush.

A: Yes it could, but the very top of the ashtray needed to be trimmed slightly and I did not want that so I left the deck tilted which worked better on a bright day. I wouldn’t go with the Kenwood. I wanted it to work perfectly, and not modify the fake wood (nice one Lexus, cheapasses...), so I went with the new Alpine 1X DIN iLX-F309. I loved it. It can control everything, and sounded so much better than the top of the line Kenwood Excelon & Pioneer AVICENNA models. I just went with the Alpine, and the two JL Audio amps (and no processors. It did not need anything except the deck and amps).

**khnu:

A: Nothing is ever impossible but I would never attempt that in an LS460 unless I was replacing the entire center of the dash with a tablet, and it would cost a fortune and take you for ever. There is only one guy I would recommend and that is Soundman (https://www.youtube.com/user/soundmancaraudio), he is the best and first that started glassing iPads into dashes. His shop has installed them into anything you could think of.

Everyone it has been a pleasure being part of the forum and I will miss it, but I just traded off my LS460 for a new 2019 Ford Mustang GT Premium in “Need For Green” (lol no joke that is the color). I honestly thought that the Lexus had every toy possible in a car, but the Mustang definitely has more toys lol.

I will be posting ads for the equipment I still have for the LS since I no longer need it (CD player, extra key, entire wood interior with heated steering wheel since I changed all of my wood out for the factory black wood that I bought online from a used one, four calipers with a new set of slotted & cross drilled rotors with new ceramic pads with parts and silver Lexus decals to go on the calipers, factory tail lights, etc).

Here are a couple of pics of the LS460 after the install and the kit I made, and a few of Kermit lol.

Man thank you for taking the time. Really appreciate it!

i actually like the first way better much cleaner look. If the ash tray cover is in the way. I shall just remove and keep that aside, are you sure it’s fake wood? They use real wood veneers I think haha

so you did not end up using: Rockford Fosgate digital amps?

I think you mentioned somewhere in a previous post in this thread that you used two JL audio amps and that they were 5 channel each? So I’m not sure how Audio terminology works. But I assume 1 channel means one set of speakers left and right or no? If that’s the case 4+ 1 (sub)? And the mark levinson is basically 19 because it’s 18 + 1 (sub?) so 9L and 9 R ? How does that work out?

do you remember which model amp it was? THANKS !!!!

I guess posting in the middle of the night using an iPhone doesn’t work so good lol. I tried to post changing the system from the Pioneer Avic with the Rockfords to the Alpine with a JL Audio HD 900/5 & 750/1, it did not post for some reason. Anyway I made a nice removable rack that slid into to ML amp area, and the two JL amps laid perfectly in it. I will see if I can find the pics and post it again. The JL’s are bigger, but work great with the Alpine. Just like the RF’s they are digital HD, and the sound clarity is great in both. I used the RF’s in my Acura ZDX due to the size of them, and the area I was working with in the ZDX.

Great I’ll note it down, you happen to have the RF models too? Once I’ve squeezed you for all the info (lol) I’ll probably get it done this spring/summer.