Da Hapa

Hi guys -

I searched and didn't find any related threads.

Our 2000 RX300 has about 70K miles and has been as reliable as all get out. Unfortunately, the stereo just started acting weird and my Lexus Extended Warranty doesn't cover the stereo or amp.

Basically, the stereo isn't as loud as it used to be and I have little to no bass response. Of course, I checked the settings and Bass is the usual 4, mid's 4, treble 4. I suspected the amp. had gone out because I can still get volume but I now turn the volume **** twice as much for the same volume.

Lexus looked at the vehicle before deciding that the extended warranty wouldn't cover the repair and told me it was either a new amp. or a new head unit (we compared a 1999 RX with the standard radio and I'm not going crazy because the difference is night and day).

I don't want to put in a new head unit because I really want to keep the OEM look and utiltiy (the HVAC, computer, etc. are all hooked in).

Can I simply add an amplifier to get back the power I've mysteriously lost???

Your help/thoughts/ideas are greatly appreciated.

Da Hapa

Can anyone help? Surely with as many RX's as Lexus has sold someone else has had the same problem.