So, I just bought my first LS460 a couple days ago, and this one only has a premium sound system instead of the Mark Levinson, and it sounds kind of weak. I've had ML in my LS430UL, and it is sweeeeet.
Now, what I was wondering about, is if the ML amp can be interchanged with the Premium amp for better, more powerfull sound...
Thoughts?

 

I think it's a bit more complex than that.
Speakers amps and wiring would have to be upgraded.

 

It would be a colossal upgrade that you would be better off selling what you have and upgrading to a car that has an ML.
If it were me I would use that ML money and take it to a real car audio professional and have him build you a system that taps into the factory head unit. Make sure it's a person who understands the difference between a sound quality set up and not obnoxiously booming neon filled one.
I would gets some zapco amps and rainbow components, and have it tuned. If done right you can go beyond the ML.

 

The ML system is impressive and one of the best (if not the best) factory systems on the market. Even if the amps could be interchanged the ML and premium sound are two different systems. The premium system sounds good but the ML is so much better. I think the ML should have been standard on all LS's. It's a must have on my next LS.

 

It's much more complex than that. However, if you invest some money you can get a system that blows ML out the water for half the price. Go to any audio shop do your own research and bring them your own speakers and amp and they can just do the labor. They mark up their products and may push certain brands they have contracts with.

 

I traded my 09 premium for an 08 with ML and it is night and day difference between the two. Not to mention the ML has more speakers then the premium. I agree you should just upgrade the system to an aftermarket one as it will be much cheaper.

 

Cmasten has a thread on how he upgraded his premium system....

 

Yeah like most people are saying don't bother trying to swap over the ML amp. You can honestly build a really good system using a digital sound processor like the Mosconi Gladen series. That's what I have going into my SC430. And then running different speakers throughout. My choice is Focal for speakers. You'll also need amps power the speakers. You'll have a sound stage way better than the ML system for much less than what you'll be spending to make a ML amp work.

 

If you aren't satisfied with the premium sound system, putting in a custom one is certainly the way to go. You have to consider the cost of the ML in the 460 is roughly a $2500 add. Hopefully you saved that or more on your car. For that money you can have a monster system installed.

 

I agree 100% going custom is the only way to go. I have a 09 Ls460 SWB with the premium sound and I ripped it all out and put all JL Audio's 2-3-way components with HD amps and subs for about $5k but it's way better than any system I've ever had. Also, don't forget to have them seal your car with sound deadening if your going to do a custom upgrade while you have the chance. The car already sounds good but it sounds even better when no rattle is found when you step up the power in the car from the factory system.

 

If I didn't have the ML upgrade I would swap out all of my audio. I have my old Hertz components and subs that is collecting dust.