Is there a way to replace 2001 LX470 Mark Levinson stereo system? (1 Viewer)

[Greg Morgan]

So you pretty much nailed everything @Thingfisher. I decided to go the expensive route using the BeatSonic SLA 100/82AAD and a pioneer NEX4200. Funny enough I am actually getting it installed today so I will report back with how it goes. I considered just replacing everything, amp, speakers, wires and headset and I looked into doing it myself and I really just don't have the experience or time. If the system I am having installed works but eventually the amp or speakers fail then I'd probably just re-wire it and replace everything then. But again, I'll post sometime soon about the BeatSonic SLA 100/82AAD.

 

[Greg Morgan]

Here you go boys, a plug and play option for those with a LX470 Mark Levinson non-nav stereo:

 

[Thingfisher]

Well done! This is great to see. How does it sound? How difficult was the install?

 

[Greg Morgan]

It sounds great, better than before for sure, but I'm sure it depends on what kind of shape your existing speakers/amp are in though.

 

[KillerBox]

This was the way I upgraded my 2001 LX stereo. I just realized that I had 2 separate threads going on for my upgrade.

Btw, my OEM subwoofer and OEM front door speakers foam was shot, when I removed them. So if you plan on keeping them, I would check and possibly re-foam them.

My stereo upgrade so far in 2001 LX 470

Pic heavy stereo build & wanted to share it in case it helps someone in the future

 

[Thingfisher]

Just finished mine today. It took my installer a little over an hour. It would have taken me several days, I'm sure. I got the entire Beat-Sonic kit, with the adapter, brackets and bezel. The Beat-Sonic bezel was pretty flimsy and I had a more substantial one that I got from ebay that we used. It fits perfect. It sounds great with the ML amp and speakers, a really big improvement over the stock radio. The one thing I noticed is that the fader doesn't fade, but that is disclosed in the BeatSonic installation guide. I'm using a Kenwood head unit, and the other thing I miss is an analog volume knob. But these are nitpicking issues. As an aside, the CD and tape deck in my old head unit never worked (I'm the 4th owner). My installer told me to shake it after it was removed. It sounded like a piggy bank -- somewhere in its past kids had loaded it up with coins in the CD slot and tape deck. He said he sees that a lot.

 

[Ashleyswain70]

I have a 2001 Lexus lx470 that I'm trying to replace the radio as my navigation screen is going out. Does anyone have one I can buy or recommend a place I can go. Thanks

 

[TXSunDevil]

I have a 2001 Lexus lx470 that I'm trying to replace the radio as my navigation screen is going out. Does anyone have one I can buy or recommend a place I can go. Thanks

View attachment 1728135

Good morning Ashley,

Your HVAC system is ran through your navigation screen so that complicates things. You can either buy a replacement screen off of eBay or take drastic measures and completely remove your navigation and modernize your LX. Here is a thread on the subject.

Pre-03 nav delete how-to

 

[katit]

Question on TYTO-01 adapter. I will try to use it with new HU and retail ML amp/speakers

I will use Android double din HU which got amplified speaker outputs and it's got RCAs as well.
Should I use RCAs to send signal to ML amp? I assume yes, just wanted to confirm

 

[KillerBox]

Question on TYTO-01 adapter. I will try to use it with new HU and retail ML amp/speakers

I will use Android double din HU which got amplified speaker outputs and it's got RCAs as well.
Should I use RCAs to send signal to ML amp? I assume yes, just wanted to confirm

I am surprised that your ML amp is still working but, even so I have read that they make a lot of noise when you hook them up with any type of aftermarket HU. I know it is more work but, I would ditch the ML amp before spending any money on it for connections and etc.

 

[katit]

I am surprised that your ML amp is still working but, even so I have read that they make a lot of noise when you hook them up with any type of aftermarket HU. I know it is more work but, I would ditch the ML amp before spending any money on it for connections and etc.

For now I will try to work with it. Already got speakers re-foamed and got spare AMP in case one craps out.
If it doesn't work I may just ditch whole thing and go with complete setup. But so far I'm not much into project - just harness and refoam kit.

 

[katit]

Question on TYTO-01 adapter. I will try to use it with new HU and retail ML amp/speakers

I will use Android double din HU which got amplified speaker outputs and it's got RCAs as well.
Should I use RCAs to send signal to ML amp? I assume yes, just wanted to confirm

Anyone? Does ML amp need amplified signal or pre-amp RC?

 

[trdcorolla]

Anyone? Does ML amp need amplified signal or pre-amp RC?

I followed the instructions when I installed my TYTO-01. If I remember right it uses the speaker leads to get to the ML amp. I lost about half the bass after installing this adapter and installing a new head unit. I made sure I centered all the audio controls on the stock HU before installing the aftermarket head unit.

 

[katit]

I followed the instructions when I installed my TYTO-01. If I remember right it uses the speaker leads to get to the ML amp. I lost about half the bass after installing this adapter and installing a new head unit. I made sure I centered all the audio controls on the stock HU before installing the aftermarket head unit.

Wow. I thought this harness is only to provide turn-on signal. Why did you have to "center" audio controls? Does TYTO do some kind of audio processing? It should be simply signal to amp, right?

Also I think I read somewhere in here about ML amps blowing from line signal, thats why I was wondering if RCA level needed. I think I will experiment

 

[Pyrenees]

See the DIY in my signature.

 

[katit]

See the DIY in my signature.

I read it. But you didn't retain stock amp/speakers so not much help for my scenario

 

[trdcorolla]

Wow. I thought this harness is only to provide turn-on signal. Why did you have to "center" audio controls? Does TYTO do some kind of audio processing? It should be simply signal to amp, right?

Also I think I read somewhere in here about ML amps blowing from line signal, thats why I was wondering if RCA level needed. I think I will experiment

The TYTO-01 harness passes all the audio to the ML amp. The ML amp remembers the stock HU settings. Yeah, the TYTO-01 converts the signal to what the ML amp is expecting. You adjust the gain like a car amp on the TYTO-01 after installation.

 

[trdcorolla]

See the DIY in my signature.

When my ML amp goes, i'm going to do what @Pyrenees did and remove it completely and install aftermarket speakers. I would have done that immediately if I didn't buy/install new speaker refoam and a new ML sub to replace the blown ML sub in my LX.

 

[95Fantasma80]

I've heard no reports of issues going with this:

Beat-Sonic SLA-100/82AAD

<em><b>Replace your factory stereo with an aftermarket double din head unit. </b></em> <br><br> <strong>Features:</strong> <li>Seamless installation using plug and play - No splicing of factory wires. </li><li>Retain the use of factory amplifier.</li><

www.beatsonicusa.com

its pricier but most likely wont get that hissing issue or bass loss issue.

Getting ready to purchase next few months to add some android auto headunit so can report back then or if anyone has gone this route can give us update.

 

[katit]

I've heard no reports of issues going with this:

Beat-Sonic SLA-100/82AAD

<em><b>Replace your factory stereo with an aftermarket double din head unit. </b></em> <br><br> <strong>Features:</strong> <li>Seamless installation using plug and play - No splicing of factory wires. </li><li>Retain the use of factory amplifier.</li><

www.beatsonicusa.com

its pricier but most likely wont get that hissing issue or bass loss issue.

Getting ready to purchase next few months to add some android auto headunit so can report back then or if anyone has gone this route can give us update.

Yep, this reported to be good. For the price though I'd rather go with aftermarket setup