Ls400 audio setup thread (The Mother thread)
#331
Driver School Candidate
Climate control relocation
1994 LS400. I'm trying to do an iPad mini install, but I do not want to relocate my climate control out of the center stack. I'd rather relocate the head unit to the glove compartment, and try to keep the climate control in the center stack. I'd like to move the climate control unit to the ashtray area (I will remove the entire ashtray modular piece).
Just wondering if anyone has found a solution to this (trimming the climate control unit, using a different, smaller climate control unit that is compatible) to move the climate control unit to this location.
Just wondering if anyone has found a solution to this (trimming the climate control unit, using a different, smaller climate control unit that is compatible) to move the climate control unit to this location.
Last edited by moving2; 10-19-14 at 02:47 PM.
#332
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Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Billeberga
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So i've been lurking here for some time now, here's my double DIN install in my 93 400.
i ran my RCA's through the middle and i have begun running speaker cables along the sides.
I'm going to fit 5,25" speakers in the doors and 2x12" subs in the rear. problem is, i don't know how long the power cable has to be in order to get power from my battery in the front to the amp in the back. And since I'm running 0 gauge, it's a bit bulky.. And i can't run it through the inside since that will mess with my speaker cables and RCA's. I'm thinking about running it under the car, properly protected ofc, but does anyone know how long the cable has to be and have any of you routed your power underneath the car? I'm thinking about 7-8m (22-25ft). any ideas? Cheers!
i ran my RCA's through the middle and i have begun running speaker cables along the sides.
I'm going to fit 5,25" speakers in the doors and 2x12" subs in the rear. problem is, i don't know how long the power cable has to be in order to get power from my battery in the front to the amp in the back. And since I'm running 0 gauge, it's a bit bulky.. And i can't run it through the inside since that will mess with my speaker cables and RCA's. I'm thinking about running it under the car, properly protected ofc, but does anyone know how long the cable has to be and have any of you routed your power underneath the car? I'm thinking about 7-8m (22-25ft). any ideas? Cheers!
#333
Driver School Candidate
Power cable
I upgraded the system in my daughters '95 LS400. I used the stock speakers and wiring but replaced the headunit with a double-din and the amp under the seat with a 5-channel.
I struggled with power for a while trying to find a way through the firewall. I ended up removing the inside plastic fender liner on the left front then came directly off the battery inside the left fender then after pulling a rubber cover I had access to the inside of the frame. I ran inside the chassis where it traveled freely to the rear seat area. I drilled an access hole for the wire to come out then under the carpet just below the rear seat. Then along the side of the driveshaft hump up to where the new amp was installed. It would have been easier to reach this new power cable to the trunk but I put the amp under the seat to reuse the existing speaker wires.
I read other comments here about pulling through the firewall but I found no easy access for that. I would not consider running +12v under the car. Once I re-installed the fender liner the wire is completely hidden.
I did this back in October and the system sounds fantastic but her car may be off to the salvage yard due to some plugged cats and timing belt.
I struggled with power for a while trying to find a way through the firewall. I ended up removing the inside plastic fender liner on the left front then came directly off the battery inside the left fender then after pulling a rubber cover I had access to the inside of the frame. I ran inside the chassis where it traveled freely to the rear seat area. I drilled an access hole for the wire to come out then under the carpet just below the rear seat. Then along the side of the driveshaft hump up to where the new amp was installed. It would have been easier to reach this new power cable to the trunk but I put the amp under the seat to reuse the existing speaker wires.
I read other comments here about pulling through the firewall but I found no easy access for that. I would not consider running +12v under the car. Once I re-installed the fender liner the wire is completely hidden.
I did this back in October and the system sounds fantastic but her car may be off to the salvage yard due to some plugged cats and timing belt.
#334
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Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: CO
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Looking for help on my 96. So I bought some speakers and they have two connectors to it. The old front speakers have 4 wires going into them. I'm not planning on changing the headunit (because I like having the sub / amp). How can I connect the new speakers to get the best audio quality?
#335
Looking for help on my 96. So I bought some speakers and they have two connectors to it. The old front speakers have 4 wires going into them. I'm not planning on changing the headunit (because I like having the sub / amp). How can I connect the new speakers to get the best audio quality?
For myself, I've replaced the headunit, all the speakers and the amplifier(s), for which you have to allow at least a full day of time plus being handy with several tools. It was worth it though, as I now have a modern (bluetooth enabled) system with great sound and power. Btw, my Lex is a 95, also a 2'nd gen LS, wired the same way as yours.
I decided to replace the original speaker-boxes with custom-made MDF ones (as I replaced the original speakers with 6.5" speakers), If I was to do the job again, I would go with modifying the original speaker-boxes with e.g. 5.25" speakers. Finding a "balanced" though modern sound, is IMO in beefing up the bass a bit.
#336
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Location: CO
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You're in the correct forum and thread. All the information is either in this thread or is linked in different answers. Browse this thread!
For myself, I've replaced the headunit, all the speakers and the amplifier(s), for which you have to allow at least a full day of time plus being handy with several tools. It was worth it though, as I now have a modern (bluetooth enabled) system with great sound and power. Btw, my Lex is a 95, also a 2'nd gen LS, wired the same way as yours.
I decided to replace the original speaker-boxes with custom-made MDF ones (as I replaced the original speakers with 6.5" speakers), If I was to do the job again, I would go with modifying the original speaker-boxes with e.g. 5.25" speakers. Finding a "balanced" though modern sound, is IMO in beefing up the bass a bit.
For myself, I've replaced the headunit, all the speakers and the amplifier(s), for which you have to allow at least a full day of time plus being handy with several tools. It was worth it though, as I now have a modern (bluetooth enabled) system with great sound and power. Btw, my Lex is a 95, also a 2'nd gen LS, wired the same way as yours.
I decided to replace the original speaker-boxes with custom-made MDF ones (as I replaced the original speakers with 6.5" speakers), If I was to do the job again, I would go with modifying the original speaker-boxes with e.g. 5.25" speakers. Finding a "balanced" though modern sound, is IMO in beefing up the bass a bit.
#337
On that same note... (if memory... etc) I think that earlier threads with pictures about 1Gen LS400 are accurate enough for how the speakers in the doors are set up.
#339
I have a 94 LS with Pioneer radio unit. I bought a used Nakamichi head unit that came from a 1993. Would I have issues with a basic swap? Is the harness the same? Please let me know your best thoughts.
#342
Official Sound System Thread?
I noticed there isn't an official thread for members to post their sound system mods!
I wanted to try to be the first, and if you wanna join me go ahead.
It should look a little like mine.
Head Unit: Clarion NX604 (Navi)
Speakers: JL Audio ZR650-CSi
Tweeters and Crossover: My speakers came as a component kit.
Mounts: I used the factory speaker boxes with a little fabrication, cutting, and some wooden speaker spacers they clear the door panel by a couple mm.
Amplifier(s): JL Audio 400/4v2
Pheonix Gold TI 1000.2
Subwoofer(s): Pheonix Gold Elite 12D2 x2
Wiring: Stinger 0G to a distribution block with two Stinger 4G to each amplifier. Monster cable RCA's to each amp. Monster cable 10G speaker wire for Subwoofers, and stock speaker wires for door speakers.
Subwoofer Box: Spare tire well custom sealed enclosure
If I'm forgetting something thats a crucial part to a sound system please correct me and leave your sound systems!
I wanted to try to be the first, and if you wanna join me go ahead.
It should look a little like mine.
Head Unit: Clarion NX604 (Navi)
Speakers: JL Audio ZR650-CSi
Tweeters and Crossover: My speakers came as a component kit.
Mounts: I used the factory speaker boxes with a little fabrication, cutting, and some wooden speaker spacers they clear the door panel by a couple mm.
Amplifier(s): JL Audio 400/4v2
Pheonix Gold TI 1000.2
Subwoofer(s): Pheonix Gold Elite 12D2 x2
Wiring: Stinger 0G to a distribution block with two Stinger 4G to each amplifier. Monster cable RCA's to each amp. Monster cable 10G speaker wire for Subwoofers, and stock speaker wires for door speakers.
Subwoofer Box: Spare tire well custom sealed enclosure
If I'm forgetting something thats a crucial part to a sound system please correct me and leave your sound systems!
#343
The best sound system in a Gen 1 LS400 is the one the factory installed. If it is all working correct it will blow out your ear drums. There is no need for drilling holes and scabbing in some aftermarket system. It is a waste of money and time.
#344
I would like to disagree with you.
I am a huge audiophile and love spind quality. Unfortunately our stock systems don't have the proper sound quality that I want. I like my fully built and tuned system much more. I feel as if its a great investment.
I am a huge audiophile and love spind quality. Unfortunately our stock systems don't have the proper sound quality that I want. I like my fully built and tuned system much more. I feel as if its a great investment.
#345
Lexus Test Driver
+1 on the original UCF10 stock system if it was the Nak. I had the Nak in my 90. it was goddamn good sounding. cd player went so I replaced it with the nicest aftermarket unit I could find. never sounded as good as the original