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If you’re thinking about installing an 05-09 ML headunit, then you may want to research the final upgrade to the 09-10 ML receiver. It’s the one that lost the cassette tape player and the NAV display became the touch screen interface. Along with other upgrade too. But it’s already 10 years out-of-date tech and you’d need to update several other components such as the A/C interface.
It’s always bothered me how Lexus did a major upgrade to the audio electronic for the 2010 car, built less than 400 units and killed the car.
What's different about the 2010 A/C interface? I knew about the headunit, but not the climate control.
I understand. It's just the cost right now. The Beatsonic harness itself is over $300.00. Plus a head unit, plus speakers, backup camera and anything else that would be required. I think at least a fat grand is not out of the question for that upgrade. I really don't mind not having a backup camera to be honest. I have never had one. And this is how bad I am about my vehicles. My 2002 430 is the NEWEST car I have ever owned. I have bought new cars in the past sure. But the last new car I purchased new was a Toyota Camry for my ex back in 98. And I drove that until someone totaled it for me by rear ending me with 268,000 miles. I really have no issues with the ML system accept I wanted to be able to stream my music library from my phone which is substantial. Answering the phone is nice. But it's really not practical when the top is down. Too much wind noise. An upgrade isn't really necessary for everyone and I'm one of them.
Paul
I thought you're going to spend $500+ for the new head unit and all based on your posts above.
Yes. But that would be total. I can find a used head unit on ebay right now for $349 + the Grom 3 and harness at $145 + $45 for the foam kit. Then I could sell my perfectly fine old P6813 for $250 which gets me back down into a really respectable price point. And I would have Bluetooth and phone if I bought the microphone. But like I said. It's a Pioneer. I don't know what the swap entails.
It's plug and play. I know at least 2 people who did this, ShawnOK and RetroPlay.
Oh Man... You are a HERO! LOL.
I have been reading up on the whole ML saga. It's pretty sad. I still don't know how Pioneer got involved though. Or Samsung for that matter. Heck, I don't know why I didn't see the Pioneer name on the system before last night. But apparently Pioneer has been making these since the beginning. And Mark Levinson had nothing to do with it. It's just a stolen name.
No. I wouldn't bother. The expense just wouldn't be justified. I can't even be certain that an 05 to 09 is worth it because I don't know what the wiring changes were. But if it's just a matter of swapping out the head unit, then it would be because then I could also add the bluetooth and phone for less than $500.00 total. Then fix my speakers for $45.00 by replacing the foam. A bit of work. But it would keep my cost down so I could concentrate on other more expensive projects that need to be done like the suspension that needs work. Thanks.
Paul
.....if I remember correctly, ShawnOk put the 05 head unit, into his 02 without an issue. I think that it's plug & play
I have been reading up on the whole ML saga. It's pretty sad. I still don't know how Pioneer got involved though. Or Samsung for that matter. Heck, I don't know why I didn't see the Pioneer name on the system before last night. But apparently Pioneer has been making these since the beginning. And Mark Levinson had nothing to do with it. It's just a stolen name.
Paul
the ML system came to name because of the entire stereo setup.......the head unit was a pioneer product, but speakers, amp, crossover network is all ML.
the ML system came to name because of the entire stereo setup.......the head unit was a pioneer product, but speakers, amp, crossover network is all ML.
Well. Not really. But thats OK. It has his name anyway. 🤥
I installed a late model Pioneer head unit to the ML amp. I now have Bluetooth, Sirius, hands free, frt & rear camera, Pandora, navigation, cd & dvd.. I did however add another amp for the rear upgraded sub. I guess since it is a Pioneer unit...I still have a somewhat factory system. I could not be happier with the performance.
The sub and amp have arrived. Let me just say this subwoofer is an absolute unit. It weighs about 30lbs, it's made-to-order in Las Vegas, they even made it custom 1ohm after I described in detail where I was mounting it, which amp and that it was a free-air application.
It takes a few weeks for them to construct them, you receive an email every step of the way:
I could not be more pleased with this company, the build quality, the communication, from the pre-ordering consultation, through the build process, and then to shipping. This is an absolute steal at $244.
There's a pic of the custom boxes they ship it in so it can't move an inch during shipment. They ask you keep the box for warranty service shipment.
Now, anyone over the age of 25 might be saying "why in the world would you need such a beast of a subwoofer and amp?" - Totally valid question.
The problem with free air/infinite baffle applications is that without an enclosure it takes a lot more power to drive the woofer. My strategy after years and years of trial and error in car audio is to overbuild and under run. Meaning, buy something that's overkill and then turn it down to the volume you actually want. This way nothing is being worked to its limits and it keeps heat/wear & tear to a minimum, as well as better quality audio.
I cannot wait to hear this thing in action. I'm just waiting on my 6x9 to 6.5" adapters before I start installing all this stuff. I'll take pics when it's all said and done.
The other thing I want to point out is how compact the amp is. I threw a roll of gorilla tape i had handy next to it for scale.
09-27-19 | 10:28 AM
