Gx Mark Levinson upgrade (2 Viewers)

[erkelbot]

I did the MVA-81 on my old GX, and it was great. Yes, I lost the RES and use of the center console DVD, but that was an easy trade for having a quality sound source to amplify. I found the ML system was more than adequate, but the tape deck brain was the real issue keeping me back from having good quality sound and some decent modernity with streaming BT, etc...

That said, if I had to do it over again, and had an 06+ with the ML system, I'd go with the GROM vline. It's about 2/3 the net cost, and can do carplay and android play by hijacking the ML screen. It also works with the 05 downward, but the screen resolution is crap.

 

[z00t3ch]

That’s a lot of soldering! Looking forward to your install.

Here ya go:

My ML/NAV PAC-Audio aftermarket amplifier/speaker install

My 2007's ML speakers are blowing one by one, probably just due to age, I haven't been beating on them by any means, I mostly listen to frustrating talk radio... In any case, when I looked at the cost of replacing the speakers with OEM, it was absolutely ridiculous, so I began researching my...

forum.ih8mud.com

 

[GTcamps]

This is all such great stuff, I just got my 08 GX, am trying to modernize the infotainment system as I see they call it now. Interested in the GROM unit, but I am noticing some of my speakers sound like they’re falling apart. Specifically the passenger front, lowest in the door. Is there a plug-n-play replacement for just that single speaker, or are they all going to start failing. Should I be looking at a complete audio replacement? Sounds expensive, and also sounds like the Levinson is great when its working. What are you guys doing? What’s been working?

 

[b8bydesign]

This is all such great stuff, I just got my 08 GX, am trying to modernize the infotainment system as I see they call it now. Interested in the GROM unit, but I am noticing some of my speakers sound like they’re falling apart. Specifically the passenger front, lowest in the door. Is there a plug-n-play replacement for just that single speaker, or are they all going to start failing. Should I be looking at a complete audio replacement? Sounds expensive, and also sounds like the Levinson is great when its working. What are you guys doing? What’s been working?

Chances are the foam is just falling apart and separating from the speaker, a lot of people just refoam them using this kit:

2003-2009 Lexus GX470 Mark Levinson COMPLETE System Speaker Repair Kit FSK-GX470

They also sell a kit for just the two front door speakers if your sub is ok:

Lexus Mark Levinson Speaker Foam Edge Repair Kit, 86160-0W420, 6759, FSK-6x9TOY

I actually just got mine yesterday and will be reforming mine this weekend.

 

[GTcamps]

Chances are the foam is just falling apart and separating from the speaker, a lot of people just refoam them using this kit:

2003-2009 Lexus GX470 Mark Levinson COMPLETE System Speaker Repair Kit FSK-GX470

They also sell a kit for just the two front door speakers if your sub is ok:

Lexus Mark Levinson Speaker Foam Edge Repair Kit, 86160-0W420, 6759, FSK-6x9TOY

I actually just got mine yesterday and will be reforming mine this weekend.

Awesome! Thanks for that link. Just ordered the kit. Take lots of pics of the process, I’m decently handy, but always like when someone goes first. I’ll let you know when I get my foam.

 

[ADVFamilyHauler]

Chances are the foam is just falling apart and separating from the speaker, a lot of people just refoam them using this kit:

2003-2009 Lexus GX470 Mark Levinson COMPLETE System Speaker Repair Kit FSK-GX470

They also sell a kit for just the two front door speakers if your sub is ok:

Lexus Mark Levinson Speaker Foam Edge Repair Kit, 86160-0W420, 6759, FSK-6x9TOY

I actually just got mine yesterday and will be reforming mine this weekend.

Awesome! Thanks for that link. Just ordered the kit. Take lots of pics of the process, I’m decently handy, but always like when someone goes first. I’ll let you know when I get my foam.

I refoamed mine and it helped a little but they still sound like crap. The drivers were toast from them being played for so long without foam.

 

[GTcamps]

I refoamed mine and it helped a little but they still sound like crap. The drivers were toast from them being played for so long without foam.

Ok. Well this seems like a good bandaid option before I go for complete replacement. What did you end up doing? Keeping the crap sound or replacing?

 

[ADVFamilyHauler]

Ok. Well this seems like a good bandaid option before I go for complete replacement. What did you end up doing? Keeping the crap sound or replacing?

Turned the bass all the way down and deal with the crap sound. Audio upgrade is low down on the priority list. Just didn’t want you to get your hopes up too much. Who knows maybe it will work out for you. It was worth me trying and it was a cool little project.

 

[z00t3ch]

I'll be getting back to my ML replacement project here real soon, got "distracted" when my truck was "totaled" by a deer and an overzealous insurance adjuster. I'm keeping the ML source unit but replacing the amp and all the speakers with aftermarket. Very doable, expense is subjective.

 

[GTcamps]

Just got my door panel off and my speaker looks flawless. Foam area around perimeter has no tears or brittleness. The sound (rattle/vibration) sounds like its coming from dead center. I’m pretty handy but I’m not a speaker or audio guy. Is there a way to fix that? Or is replacement in order? I’m trying to figure out how to post video.

Double posting from this convo, cuz I have my door panel off, and need it back on tonight:

Speaker options

The driver on my drivers door finally gave up the ghost and i am hoping to do a mild upgrade on the speakers. I have non-nav no ML system. After pulling the door panel off the lower driver looks to be a 6x9 2 channel speaker. The mid looks to be a 3 1/4 with the tweeter at the top. I want to...

forum.ih8mud.com

 

[trs80]

answered your other thread .

But also realized you said 3 1/4 for the mid ...I think it is a 2.75 or 2.5 ...I replace with a 3.5 and had to get the dremel out.

 

[Balrog]

I'll be getting back to my ML replacement project here real soon, got "distracted" when my truck was "totaled" by a deer and an overzealous insurance adjuster. I'm keeping the ML source unit but replacing the amp and all the speakers with aftermarket. Very doable, expense is subjective.

It's subjective, but how did that turn out? what did you install?

 

[Balrog]

Awesome! Thanks for that link. Just ordered the kit. Take lots of pics of the process, I’m decently handy, but always like when someone goes first. I’ll let you know when I get my foam.

How did that turn out?

 

[jiggletits]

Grom V-Line is best bet. Bad resolution but no horrendous glare and you get android/carplay/bluetooth on factory screen.

It’s trash, but it’s the best option for updating the Lexus dinosaur tech.