drsaab1

I am looking to replace the 8" sub with a mono bridged amp and 8" sub in the stock ML sub loacation,

seems like i got it all figured out but where to tap into the stock ML amp...


i did find this post...

"Since the head unit uses a balanced output I decided to go with a line out converter to the front L and R mid/sub speakers for the new sub amp. The wiring is as follows for the front woofer outputs:
pink L+
purple L-

green R+
blue R-

white w/ black stripe - ground
gray 12+ volt acc line for sub amp"


so this tells me i can use the grey ML for the blue amp turn on lead....

The white w/ black stripe or a body panel for the ground...

but my amp that has high level inputs... what speaker level wires do i use from the ML to the amp i am installing... is either of those correct above or is it a certian color for the sub output from the ML amp. My mono amp has a crossover so i can use a full high level input into it and have my amp cut the freq for the sub or i can have a signal that has already been cut out for the sub.

what wire colors should i tap into?



thanks in advance.

daryltrinh

iTrader: (1)

Just curious, which sub are you using?
I used to have an Earthquake SWS-8,
but it blew out recently.

I'd help you with your question,
but I paid a shop to do mine.

drsaab1

I have not got the sub yet,

i have a old MTX amp that puts out 150 watts rms to 4 ohms so i might use the image dynamics sub that some ppl here used or the shallow pioneer one that seems to have good reviews overall.

ID8V.3-D2 - Image Dynamics ID 8" Subwoofer

or

Pioneer Premier TS SW841D

How much of an improvement was the sound before your sub blew?

tfeni52355

Just completed this upgrade over the holidays for my wife's '02 SC.
Installed:
Galaxy Audio S5C160-8 5" Full Range Driver (Parts Express) for the rear drivers
Polk Audio db840 8" sub
California Profile 240 Watts RMS into 4 Ohm (Crutchfield).

I setup the low pass filter on the AMP to pass everything below 200Hz. The drivers handle everything above 200Hz. Works great.

I did the front woofers upgrade this past summer.

Sound is fantastic.

Follow these directions and get a speaker to line level converter for your amp if needed. The wiring for the speaker outputs from ML amps is shown here.

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/lex...all-sc430.html

daryltrinh

iTrader: (1)

It was okay.
I wouldn't recommend it since it couldn't handle the full dynamics of the bass that I listen to (primarily R&B, some Hip-Hop).
But then, anything's an improvement over the ML sub.

I'll keep the forum posted for my next sub.

Good luck with your setup.

azkaty

Very good post.. I would really like to improve the sub woofer/ bass response in my SC..I think the sound could be so much more than it is right now.

We do not have any good stereo people here-except maybe Best Buy, and I do not know if they would know their way around this system, in order to improve the existing system.
Katy

daryltrinh

iTrader: (1)

Tough to find shops that are willing to go out of their way to use the stock location of the ML sub, since there's such limited space and a custom gasket is probably needed.

tfeni52355

azkaty,
Please check out my posts in the thread linked below regarding the upgrade/replacement of the ML speakers. I did the entire upgrade: speakers, sub, amp, E-dead sound deadening etc. No minor undertaking for this car but so, so worth it.

I would print the thread and take it to some car stereo shops for a price if you are not comfortable doing this kind of work yourself. Thread is listed below and has part #'s etc that you can buy online. I did the conversion/upgrade for <$300 but would probably want $1000 for the labor knowing what I had to go through.

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/lex...ml#post5108347

drsaab1

I ended up getting my amp installed with the Pioneer Premier TS SW841D sub. the spare tire tools are removed and the amp is hidden there. (no spare tire so no tools needed eiher!) I used a line level converter and the sub fits the stock 8" opening quite well. The sub magnet is large in diameter but not in depth which causes the trunk roller blind cover to be forced back in place but it works fine and there is no issues. sound is way better but i have to tweak it because i have to put the bass on -5 setting or it is too much. the gain on the converter needs to be lowered. I also plan on doing the front speaker sub swap soon. cost was 85 for speaker, 35 for amp kit, 20 for line level conveter, free old amp i had and 90 for install labor. total 240 so far. great deal! I figure when i lower the gain on the converter and add more bass to the front speakers with new 6.5" 8 ohm subs there it should be superb.