LS - 4th Gen (2007-2017) Discussion topics related to the current flagship models LS460, LS460L and LS600H

Can you replace the Mark Levinson amplifier with an aftermarket?

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Old 02-24-21, 12:45 AM
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ummike
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Default Can you replace the Mark Levinson amplifier with an aftermarket?

Team,

i need your help. My sound keeps turning off when I turn my radio up past 30. The radio freezes and I have to turn the car of and on to get the sound back. I replaced the head unit already so I think ML amp. Is it possible to replace the ML amp with an aftermarket and still hear the GPS voice and parking sensors? Would I loose any functionality?
Old 02-24-21, 07:47 AM
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miket000
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Your best bet is to send the amp to get repaired. I used a place in CA that charged $350.
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Old 02-24-21, 09:22 AM
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07Is250Kao
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link on the site to get it fixed? mines doing the same thing above 30 will cut out.
Old 02-24-21, 09:51 AM
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tx170754
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Hi-Tech Electronics
Old 02-24-21, 10:14 AM
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Originally Posted by 07Is250Kao
link on the site to get it fixed? mines doing the same thing above 30 will cut out.
https://hitechserv.com/

Last edited by fwhomeboy; 02-24-21 at 10:18 AM.
Old 02-24-21, 10:18 AM
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Originally Posted by miket000
Your best bet is to send the amp to get repaired. I used a place in CA that charged $350.
Looks like they charge $650 now.
Old 02-24-21, 10:24 AM
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tx170754
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That is about right but they do an excellent service.
Old 02-24-21, 10:27 AM
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DavidinCT
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What goes wrong with these ? Are they just caps that blow ? Something like that for people who have soldering experience could cost $20 to fix...
Old 02-24-21, 11:11 AM
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miket000
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Originally Posted by DavidinCT
What goes wrong with these ? Are they just caps that blow ? Something like that for people who have soldering experience could cost $20 to fix...
I tried to fix mine. I couldn't get the thing open. I suspect there was some adhesive holding it together. Without knowing where to heat to loosen the adhesive I gave up. I'm pretty sure the price would have doubled if I yanked on the circuit board any harder.

If I remember correctly they replaced the power supply on mine. I think they also replaced some other chip. My amp was blowing the 30 amp fuse. After the shop received my amp they asked me if it was purchased off ebay. They probably noticed all of my claw marks from trying to open it.
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Old 02-24-21, 11:33 AM
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miket000
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This is the same place. $365 I contacted him using the website. I asked for a discount if we skipped the ebay hassle. He agreed. I don't remember the exact price I paid, maybe $330? I had it back in a week. It has been 2 years. Still works great, no issues.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/REPAIR-SERV...sAAOSw9ClcavQl
Old 02-24-21, 11:36 AM
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tx170754
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This is not Hi-Tech electronics but it doesn't matter, they give you one year warranty anyway....
Old 02-24-21, 11:40 AM
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sktn77a
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You might want to have an auto stereo shop check it out - could be a short in the wiring, in the speaker(s), etc.
Old 02-24-21, 11:44 AM
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DavidinCT
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Originally Posted by miket000
I tried to fix mine. I couldn't get the thing open. I suspect there was some adhesive holding it together. Without knowing where to heat to loosen the adhesive I gave up. I'm pretty sure the price would have doubled if I yanked on the circuit board any harder.

If I remember correctly they replaced the power supply on mine. I think they also replaced some other chip. My amp was blowing the 30 amp fuse. After the shop received my amp they asked me if it was purchased off ebay. They probably noticed all of my claw marks from trying to open it.
I'm sure someone on this site fixed one... A chip, sure, depending on the chip, it could be $0.10 or $10.. (i've built a few boards in the past for projects)

I'd be shocked if was over $40 in parts and like an hour or 2 to fix...

Any Youtube videos on fixing them ?
Old 02-24-21, 12:30 PM
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miket000
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Originally Posted by tx170754
This is not Hi-Tech electronics but it doesn't matter, they give you one year warranty anyway....
Your right! Sorry about that. I noticed they were both in Ca and assumed. Regardless the ebay guy ( https://factoryradioservices.com/ ) is the one I used.



Old 02-24-21, 12:49 PM
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miket000
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DavidinCT This is a fairly recent post. https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls-...l#post10801232

I see why I couldn't get it apart now. I'm fairly good at soldiering and replacing components. Finding which one to replace... meh, I'm so so. After seeing this post I'd still send it out for $350. Although for $600 I'd probably have a go at it.

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