Mark Levinson AMP Issue (2 Viewers)

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snowfan

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Mar 6, 2016
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Looking for confirmation on my thoughts: 2004 Lexus LX470

I've been getting a loud popping noise through what I think are my rear speakers. It happens about 5-10 minutes after I start the car. Now the sound is going off sometimes after the pop. All the modes on the head unit work just no sound. When I turn the car the sound returns on restart... It seems to be getting worse.

I'm thinking it's the AMP which I understand is located under the passenger seat.

I would really appreciate any and all input. Fix or replace? Economical Fix? Details on AMP removal?

Thanks in advance.
 
I'm having basically this exact same problem. My radio works usually only on the first start up of the day and then not again until the next day. I'm not getting any popping, but if the radio doesn't work I have no sound on anything else either.

Are you having the issue where if you pick up a Bluetooth call with the radio on, then after the call you have no sound on the radio when it cuts back over from the call?

I've done a little bit of searching on 'Mud but there isn't a lot out there on this subject. I did find a TSB for the amp if I remember correctly. I'll see if I can dig it back up.
 
 
Popping can be a simple grounding issue with the speakers or a transistor going bad (think balloon blowing up and popping sooner than it should).

My 2000 LC has in IC for each channel in the amp (read that as a lot of components in a package). Yours probably does too. Almost a year ago I pulled my amp. I had the idea that I would build a test jig (terminated wiring harness so I could easily plug it in to my test gear) and troubleshoot / repair it. The circuitry is simple enough. I have the electrical service manual for the LC but even with it I wasn't able to get comfortable with the wiring. I have never been able to find a schematic for the amp. So, I went back to fixing tube guitar amps, stereos, ham radios, etc for rainy day fun.
 
ChuckB said:
I'm having basically this exact same problem. My radio works usually only on the first start up of the day and then not again until the next day. I'm not getting any popping, but if the radio doesn't work I have no sound on anything else either.

Are you having the issue where if you pick up a Bluetooth call with the radio on, then after the call you have no sound on the radio when it cuts back over from the call?

I've done a little bit of searching on 'Mud but there isn't a lot out there on this subject. I did find a TSB for the amp if I remember correctly. I'll see if I can dig it back up.
Click to expand...

Not having any issues with Bluetooth except when I make a call the radio turns back on when the phone is making the call and off again when the person I'm calling picks up. I rarely hear them say hello. Basically it works OK except for that.
 
Radio worked all morning. This afternoon it popped a few times and the radio stayed on... then pop! and the speakers went out, no sound but the radio/head unit seemed to be functioning. I made an executive decision. I removed the Mark Levison AMP located under the seat.... What a bitch. I have a local shop that will test the unit at No Charge. Like I said, what a bitch to get out. I hope it's going to be worth the effort.
 
Interested to see what you find out! I may follow suit shortly. Any lessons learned on removal?
 
snowfan said:
Not having any issues with Bluetooth except when I make a call the radio turns back on when the phone is making the call and off again when the person I'm calling picks up. I rarely hear them say hello. Basically it works OK except for that.
Click to expand...

I have noticed this as well, it is definitely slow on pick-up.
 
Thank you!
 
Just had my first incident of snap, crackle and pop. Haven't been able to get any sound since. Just checking to see if there are any updates?
 
ChuckB said:
Just had my first incident of snap, crackle and pop. Haven't been able to get any sound since. Just checking to see if there are any updates?
Click to expand...
The shop I sent it to wanted to charge me $950.00 to fix it. I told them no way and I would be down to pick it up. They put me off a few days before I could pick it up... said they needed to put it back together. I sent it to a company in NY who basically said they could repair for $475.00 and return it in 3-4 days. I got a call from the NY company after they received and the guys says "this unit was here last week for repair but they declined the service"..... So it looks like I cut out the middle man. I looked around, this was the best I found. UNITED RADIO AUTOMOTIVE in NY. The re-install wasn't too bad and it works perfectly. Hope this info helps.
 
I will definitely look into this. Thank you!

If you get a chance, I'm definitely willing to hear any tips you have on removal and install. :beer:
 
Last edited:
Wondering if this could be my issue as well. Every time I start my truck the sound comes out for a split second then cuts out and no sound while driving. I've had a bit of time to sit and think when I drive lately because I've been putting it off.
 
I contacted the company and they are more than willing to work with me. Thank you for this fantastic info!
 
ChuckB said:
I will definitely look into this. Thank you!

If you get a chance, I'm definitely willing to hear any tips you have on removal and install. :beer:
Click to expand...

Did you get it out? Everything is packed under there pretty tight. You will find yourself moving the seat back and forth. The navigation CD had a device, looks like an old hard-drive, sitting on top of it. I unbolted it and did not unplug it. I removed the navigation CD unit only. The AMP, looking under the seat from the back to the front, sits low a tight on the right side. Un-bolt and just wiggle it out. Just be persistent... I hope this info is helpful.... good luck.
 
Thanks I haven't had a chance to look yet. We were rear-ended a couple days ago in the 100 an its now in the body shop. Fortunately it wasn't a bad accident and everyone is ok. When I get it back I'll take a look. Thanks.

Between this and the new GROM VLine unit, this is great news!!

GROM VLine - Google apps/Android&iPhone integration
 
Just wanted to follow up on this thread. I had my amp refurbished and updated by United Radio. Their customer service was excellent and communication was frequent. Radio/BT now work perfectly again.

PS - Just take out the passenger seat when installing the amp, it's way eaiser!!
 
Dzrtcrzr said:
Wondering if this could be my issue as well. Every time I start my truck the sound comes out for a split second then cuts out and no sound while driving. I've had a bit of time to sit and think when I drive lately because I've been putting it off.
Click to expand...

I've had the crackling and popping several times over the last several years in my 2004 LX, but the issue usually rights itself each time after a couple of days. This time around, it has deteriorated to the point that I'm consistently getting a split second of sound out of the speakers upon startup and then the cut-out. Bluetooth calls work fine, but no sound comes out of the stereo speakers. Is United Radio still my best option? Is it possible that I may have a fuse issue and, if so, how can I test for that?
 
fletch301 said:
I've had the crackling and popping several times over the last several years in my 2004 LX, but the issue usually rights itself each time after a couple of days. This time around, it has deteriorated to the point that I'm consistently getting a split second of sound out of the speakers upon startup and then the cut-out. Bluetooth calls work fine, but no sound comes out of the stereo speakers. Is United Radio still my best option? Is it possible that I may have a fuse issue and, if so, how can I test for that?
Click to expand...
Yeah united is your best bet. Doubt it's a fuse or anything. For me the power source in the amp is bad from what it seems.
 
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