JohnnyC407

Just wanted to drop this in for anyone that was a little frustrated looking for replacement speakers. I had the stock ML 6x9 go out in my LS600 b/c the voice coil went bad. I didn't want to buy the new $650 and I went the ebay route and that speaker didn't work. I eventually found an 8ohm PowerBass 6x9, OE-690D. It took some trimming on the stock frame from the old speaker but it fits and sounds great. Crutchfield said it needed to be surface mounted but it works fine. You do need to get the Metra connectors and pay attention to the wiring directions.

Just an fyi be really careful pulling out the window/lock button panel. I snapped mine but was able to superglue and polyurethane it so it looks good again.

Boykie

Now beware of premature AMP failure down the line..

swfla

iTrader: (1)

Replacing a speaker on a proprietary system is not "if it fits" operation. Your ears may not know the difference but, as Boykie stated, it can put undue stress on amp. To be safe, play it at a moderate volume.

JohnnyC407

Isn't stock 8 ohms? I don't play anything with heavy bass anyway. I generally listen to acoustical guitar

swfla

iTrader: (1)

No, speakers can be 2-16 ohms. There's no standard impedance. Aftermarket tend to be 4 or 8, because they can't make every possibility.

JohnnyC407

Everything I've read says that ML are 8 ohms. So I put in an 8 ohm replacement. The amp will not care. 8 ohms is 8 ohms. If the stock is 12 then I would run into issues if I blast my stereo which I don't do. The crossovers on this car are very low so the 6x9's are rarely engaged with the music I play.

swfla

iTrader: (1)

Sounds like you're certain it's OK. I only meant to give you general concern. Never meant to say you're wrong or debate. Lots of threads here as well as well as all the reading I've done indicate what I stated is common enough. Hope you enjoy the speakers.

JohnnyC407

Fair enough. I'll definitely let people know if I blow my amp. I'm 95% certain I'll be ok lol. I have no problem learning from my mistakes and letting others on the forum learn cheaply

jdanielca

Focal makes replacements for the front and back door speakers. Are you looking to do those or the one on the back shelf.

rehr0001

Just an FYI - while speakers get spec’ed at 4 or 8 ohms, their impedance varies across the frequency spectrum they’re asked to reproduce. Any time you change the speaker, the impedance curve will vary. With that being said, if the speaker is accurately reported as 8 ohms (meaning impedance doesn’t dip super low at any point) you shouldn’t have any problem. But, as others have indicated, there’s not any guarantee the amp will handle the different load.

swfla

iTrader: (1)

I think it's reasonable to say that a proprietary sound system (such as ML) has engineered designs with impedance and crossovers that are unique and difficult to reproduce with aftermarket items. This engineered matching is why the system sounds so great. Yes, you can do this. I replaced dash speakers on an ES350 non ML and they sounded better than stock. The mid and low range speakers are more likely to put a load on the amp. Replacing two speakers is less likely to be an issue vs replacing all with aftermarket. In the end, if you like the way it sounds and don't push it too hard, you'll be fine. I do appreciate the sharing of info about aftermarket speakers that sound great and are affordable.

swfla

iTrader: (1)

Crutchfield has a lot of speaker brands that fit the LS. You may not have access to this since you are somewhere overseas from US and not in Ontario.

jdanielca

I know focal and these are speced for the car so it’s an easy no brainier. Not expensive better than oem replacements not expensive too. I think it’s a good option for replacements if anyone needs new speakers.

swfla

iTrader: (1)

I became curious about this aftermarket speaker thing. On Crutchfield website, 6x9 speakers (including Focal) for a 2013 ML system are rated at or close to 4 ohms impedance. I don't know if this is correct impedance for LS460, just interesting.

jdanielca

I Guess they are all the same here’s the model numbers if anyone wants to look into