Audio upfit question
08-16-02, 06:03 PM
#1
Pole Position
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Greenville, SC
Posts: 218
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Audio upfit question
How about some advice? I recently bought a GS430 and was very disappointed with the "premium" Pioneer system. IMO it is comparable to ordinary stock audio in most luxury cars. Not even as good as the Delco-Bose in GM cars (I have two). I also decided that I would like to have the Lexus navigation too, so I sold the GS, and am looking for another one with ML and Nav. After reading the posts in this thread, I am wondering.... can I buy a GS430 with navigation but no ML and retrofit a high quality sound system, and how expensive? Would this involve a complete replacement, or only amps and speakers? I am good at mechanics, but a dufus at electronics, so I would have to get it done by my local shop, which by the way is quality and reliable (I have had two systems from them - Kenwood and Alpine, plus a CD changer add-on. Always good results. I have already talked to them about adding a good subwoofer and sub amp to the premium unit, estimated $400-$500. Advice would really be appreciated as it would add to my purchase options. Thanks for comments.
08-16-02, 07:13 PM
#2
Lexus Fanatic
iTrader: (20)
The ML system is excellent. If you choose to upgrade the Pioneer, it will cost you more than the ML upgrade (you have to change out all the speakers as well as add amps and crossovers) and you MAY (not guaranteed) end up with a better system.
Check the electronics forum.
Check the electronics forum.
Last edited by bitkahuna; 08-16-02 at 07:14 PM.
08-17-02, 06:30 AM
#3
Forum Administrator
iTrader: (2)
Definitely check the electronics section for alternatives - since you've already bought the car, you will be better off upgrading the existing sound than changing cars.
You should be easily able to upgrade the speakers to something that sounds equal or better than the ML for less than the cost of the ML system (Invoice, $2,954 MSRP $3,770). You don't have to change out the head unit to get some serious improvement in the sound.
Dipstick - are you planning to come to the SE Lexus meet on Sept 6/7/8? If you come, there will be at least two GS there (mine, Dex's) with two approaches to speaker upgrades but keeping the factory Pioneer head unit.
Looks like about 2 hours / 100 mile drive (less than from Charlotte or Atlanta!) for you.
Here's a link to meet details. Hope you can make it!
You should be easily able to upgrade the speakers to something that sounds equal or better than the ML for less than the cost of the ML system (Invoice, $2,954 MSRP $3,770). You don't have to change out the head unit to get some serious improvement in the sound.
Dipstick - are you planning to come to the SE Lexus meet on Sept 6/7/8? If you come, there will be at least two GS there (mine, Dex's) with two approaches to speaker upgrades but keeping the factory Pioneer head unit.
Looks like about 2 hours / 100 mile drive (less than from Charlotte or Atlanta!) for you.
Here's a link to meet details. Hope you can make it!
Last edited by DaveGS4; 08-17-02 at 06:30 AM.
08-17-02, 12:18 PM
#4
From what I understand, the nav system and ML have to go together, but I'm not sure. 
Listen to a ML system before you decide to upgrade...they really are quite different than the stock pioneer.
Listen to a ML system before you decide to upgrade...they really are quite different than the stock pioneer.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
excluesive
Lexus Audio, Video, Security & Electronics
30
07-18-10 04:08 AM
excluesive
GS - 2nd Gen (1998-2005)
13
02-26-10 07:15 PM