epstns

Hi, folks. Been a CL member a while, but never checked into the Chicago forum.

I have a 2001 LS430 with ML sound system (NO nav), and have finally blown the stock sub. I am looking for the following:

1. Which speakers, currently available, are the closest to "drop-in" fit for the 8-inch sub? (I've read that the impedance is either 12 or 16 Ohms - anyone know for sure?) I may want to add an amp later, but for now, it will be just a new sub.

2. Can anyone suggest a good shop in the northwest suburban area (Des Plaines, Rolling Meadows, Schaumburg, etc.) who can do the sub replacement for a "very picky" customer? (Picky as in the car is over 8 years old and looks like new.) Prefer a shop that has done LS before, I really don't want to have to teach them myself. . .

Any help would be greatly appreciated. I've posted in the Lexus Electronics forum and had no replies, so I thought I would try the locals.

VikH

iTrader: (5)

I have heard good things about Abt Electronics in Glenview. However, it will not be cheap. You pay for quality.

Brian231

Make sure the ohms is the same for an aftermarket sub utilizing the oem Levinson amp. Most Levinson subs blow sadly enough.

5sp_jzz30

iTrader: (2)

my friend has a BNIB replacement sub. actually like 3 of em. lol.

he has an ls430. blew his. was only able to replace it if he bought like 3 or 4.

if you are interested i can ask him for more details about it. i can also install it

epstns

Thanks for the replies, everyone.
Vik - I know about Abt, been a customer there for decades. They are on my list of shops to contact.
Brian - I understand what you mean about the speaker impedance. I'm an electronics hobbyist, so I know what you warn is important.
jzz30 - Thanks for the offer. See next item. . .

Right now my plan is to stay with an aftermarket 8-inch sub, to be able to keep the look totally stock and not lose any trunk space. Also, I think the aftermarket sub "might" last longer. I plan to also install a small amp (100-200 watts) to drive the new sub, because then I can be sure the speaker impedance is matched to the amp, and also that the sub has plenty of power to operate properly. I installed a setup like this in my ES300, and it did a great job with no fuss to install. This time, though, I am looking for a shop to do the work, as I don't really want to go through it myself right now.

I'll keep you posted.

Brian231

You sound like you know what you are doing and I feel you will have no problem. At least ML utilizes the 4 ohm set-up for factory premium sound. Bose messes with ohms, and makes this very difficult to modify. Go for an aftermarket 8" and aftermarket amp for the sub only.