Mark Levinson speakers (1 Viewer)

[tommy854runner]

Hi all,

About 5 days after I picked up my 01 LX I noticed my pass front lower door speaker blew. I thought this would be a pretty easy fix even though I have the Mark Levinson system. I was going to replace both front door speakers with some good Alpine's or Infinity cross-overs. So I went to Best Buy yesterday and got no help after standing around for 20 minutes or so, so I called my local aftermarket shop that installs DVD players and aftermarket alarms on new cars(I am a svc advisor at a GMC dealer). I spoke to their "expert" on Lexus car installations and he said it wouldn't be possible to replace just the door speaker due to Lexus used wiring that was set up on a 2-3 ohm system where aftermarket uses 8ohms. He said without ripping out everything you couldn't change it over and he said I would have to buy Levinson speakers. This is obviously frusturating because I immediately checked out ebay and one door speaker is $240!!!. I guess this is the price I pay for buying a LX. Has anyone else run into this?? Does anyone have any suggestions on where to find a good stock replacement other than flea-bay?

 

[MidTex]

The Mark Levinson speakers are expensive but are very cheaply made. Try and find a speaker repair shop in your area that can repair the speaker - it may be your cheapest fix.

 

[tommy854runner]

The Mark Levinson speakers are expensive but are very cheaply made. Try and find a speaker repair shop in your area that can repair the speaker - it may be your cheapest fix.

Ok thanks for the tip. I have never heard of repairing a speaker though. Is that fairly common? Thanks again

 

[Topmounter]

I've never heard of anyone repairing the actual driver, but you may want to check with the guys at Audio Alternative near Duluth. They don't deal with car stereos as far as I know, but they do excellent Hi-Fi repair work and if nothing else could get you pointed in the right direction.

 

[larryt]

Some drivers can be repaired. Can't hurt to look into it.

I would try to find a pair of really cheap 4 ohm drivers of the same size, put them in and see what happens. I don't know anything about the Levinson system, but most "high-end" factory systems are not that complicated.

 

[Topmounter]

You can also do a Google search for 2 ohm car speakers.

e.g. Dealer Cost Car Audio - "2 Ohm"

 

[larryt]

You can also do a Google search for 2 ohm car speakers.

e.g. Dealer Cost Car Audio - "2 Ohm"

Good point, that may be a great way to replace the driver(s). Be sure the Levinson amp is rated at 2 ohms first. I don't know if it is or not, but wouldn't take an installer's word for it without confirming.

 

[tommy854runner]

You can also do a Google search for 2 ohm car speakers.

e.g. Dealer Cost Car Audio - "2 Ohm"

Thanks for all of the tips topmounter. I called that place in Duluth and they don't do any car stereo repairs but thanks for the help. I'll check out that other website as well and post my findings.

 

[Liam]

You can also do a Google search for 2 ohm car speakers.

e.g. Dealer Cost Car Audio - "2 Ohm"

My 2003 LC is 2 ohm and i went to my car stereo place and they hooked me up with 2 ohm 6.5". infinitys. In fact he said most of the higher end speaker companies are going to a 2-3 ohm speakers now.

I first went to Best Buy and picked up speakers, of course the guy didnt know s***, and they were 4 ohm....needless to say i took them back.

I cut the factory plug off and used a sleeve that went over the metal attachments on the speaker....they work great.

 

[tommy854runner]

Great info guys. There is another customer radio installer right down the street from me that I'll check out Monday.

 

[pman]

My 01' LX had to have the Mark Levinson sub replaced for like $700, a few weeks later the driver door speakers went, except the tweeter. These speakers sound really nice, but you cant give them any juice or they blow........which sucks since i drive with the windows down alot Lesson learned, if they blow.....disconnect it, save your money and then replace all of it............thats my plan.


Im in Alphahretta as well, checkout Benchmark Soundworks, I dont have any experience with them personally but they seem to be pretty good. I plan on taking my boat there............eventually

 

[MidTex]

Just curious but did the surround on the speaker detach? That is what usually happens with the ML speakers although it is usually the sub, like Pman's, and not the door speakers. The LX is 2 ohm and Kenwood used to make some efficient 2 ohm speakers that would work well - I don't know if they still make them.

 

[2000UZJ]

CarTunes on rosewell rd (just north of 285) does some great work. They are a little on the $$$ side, but you get what you pay for and won't have any problems.

 

[BROKEROB1]

Back in my speaker-building days, I purchased lots from this place... they always did a great job! They usually had a speaker to fit the bill and the folks on the other end of the phone were very helpful and wise.

Parts-Express.com - Speakers, Speaker Building, Home Audio and Video, Pro Audio, Electronic Parts & Accessories PARTS EXPRESS, Speakers, Speaker Parts, Guitar speakers, Bass speakers, Woofers, Drivers, speaker upgrades and replacement speakers. Emine

Not sure if this is allowed, as it is discussion from another forum so mods can take it down if needed... some discussion on Lexus ML system

http://us.lexusownersclub.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=38184&mode=threaded

 

[tommy854runner]

I had to stop by a store yesterday next door to Best Buy so I gave them one more chance. The clerk was fairly helpful and said they had a nice set of Infinity's in a 6.5 that were 2ohm's. Is there anything other than that I should worry about? They were $125 and wanted $75 for install. Normally I would install them myself but I'm afraid if I goof something up I can fry my amp or head unit. If they do it they're liable. Thoughts?

 

[Topmounter]

I'd be more concerned about the Best Buy installer than the speakers.

 

[2000UZJ]

I had to stop by a store yesterday next door to Best Buy so I gave them one more chance. The clerk was fairly helpful and said they had a nice set of Infinity's in a 6.5 that were 2ohm's. Is there anything other than that I should worry about? They were $125 and wanted $75 for install. Normally I would install them myself but I'm afraid if I goof something up I can fry my amp or head unit. If they do it they're liable. Thoughts?

Which best buy? Just wondering, I know the guys at the perimeter location...

 

[tommy854runner]

Which best buy? Just wondering, I know the guys at the perimeter location...

The one up by my neck of the woods off of Haynes Bridge. I used to pass by Car tunes when 285 was jacked up and I always drooled over the cars in their parking lot. I have also heard really good things about their installers.

 

[Skolfoppa]

I'd be more concerned about the Best Buy installer than the speakers.

BB installed an XM system in my father's FX35. A year later he called me from the side of the road as his FX35 was engulfed in flames. It started in the dash below the radio where the XM was wired.

There are several write ups on installing door speakers. Aside from the time, it is a job, and you can rest assured it will be done right. Skol.

 

[Liam]

BB installed an XM system in my father's FX35. A year later he called me from the side of the road as his FX35 was engulfed in flames. It started in the dash below the radio where the XM was wired.

There are several write ups on installing door speakers. Aside from the time, it is a job, and you can rest assured it will be done right. Skol.

yeah, the hardest part is taking your door panels off...