MARK LEVINSON (ML) BASS/WOOFER ISSUE

[Kenters]

Please may I ask is there anyone in this community that could provide me with some assistance/guidance with sorting an issue with my ML rear shelf bass/woofer?

If there is, here are some details:

May 2007 IS250 SE-L Mark Levinson

Occasionally (getting ever more frequent) bass response sounds distorted like the woofer/speaker is on the way out.

 

I have watched some on-line videos that suggest it is a known problem with ML speakers.  Over time the rubber surround detaches from the speaker metal frame? Some suggest it can be repaired.

TBH, I'd rather replace to ensure that it stands the test of another 10 years. My questions are:

Have I diagnosed the failure correctly?

Would you advocate repair over replace?

How/where would you suggest source for replacement ML woofer and approx cost?

As I live in East Anglia, I was considering asking (Lexus Specialist) Roy's Motors in Norwich to do the job as rear seat area needs to come out for access - I think? Or is there a better alternative?

Anybody else suffered the same symptoms? If so, what action did you take to resolve them?

Have TBH and say that this is the sole 'failure' in the car since brand new apart excluding fair wear'n'tear items which aren't failures.

I'd be extremely grateful if the outstanding knowledge base out there could lend me some assistance/guidance. 

 

Thank you very much in anticipation.

 

[Zotto]

The suggestion to change rubber ring could solve the problem, provided that inspecting the woofer you see it's that ring damaged; it' s a common issue in "old" speakers and a good hi-fi repairer can do a good work;  the alternative choice to change the whole subwoofer is good too, but probably more expensive and you need to find the original speaker, not so simple, even if it could be necessary if after inspection there are other faults making substitution necessary. If so, and not finding the original woofer, you have to mount another one with same diameter and electrical specs (at least same impedance and max power).

[Kenters]

Thanks Zotto.

 

so from what you’re saying change rather than repair best option.

But finding new ML woofer a problem, why? Should I not be able to get one from mainline Lexus and fit independently?

Do you know how difficult the work is and is it rear seat or boot strip out?

 

Thanks again.

[Zotto]

The answer is I don't know, but I suspect that original Lexus part could be rather expensive 🙂.

About work to do, it should not be too difficult.

[Kenters]

Hello again Zotto,

Youre right....genuine part thro Lexus £385+VAT!!!!! Anybody offer any third party alternatives that match the spec but a lower price??

Roy’s in NORWICH think that they can carry out the work - always found them to be v good - and think it’s pretty straight forward.

So I think the important bit is to find a cheaper alternative to the ML branded woofer. Any suggestions would be enormously appreciated.

Thanks again and in anticipation.

[Zotto]

Mark Levinson uses Harman Kardon components (ie. Samsung) , so if you dismount your woofer and search for a HK subowoofer may be you can find something that fits. 

[Kenters]

Thanks Zotto, I will do just that. I’ll let you know for the benefit of others how I get on.👍

[Zotto]

Try asking to some hi-fi car shop, may be they know where to buy components.

[Kenters]

Will do, TVM.

[bobmc]

If you can remove the speaker, these people may be able to offer a repair service

https://www.wilmslowaudio.co.uk/repair-and-upgrade-service-4-w.asp

I've personally never used them, but they've been around the hifi audio business for donkeys years so I don't doubt they know what they're doing

 

 

[bobmc]

Also, fairly local?

http://www.audioloudspeakers.co.uk/main.shtml

 

 

[Kenters]

Not local but will certainly enquire. V appreciative thank you for your help.

[Shaunomercy]

Also it might be worth giving a Sheffield shop a call. Moorgate acoustics.
They are an audiophile shop with one of the best reps in the UK.
Their audio repairer may be able to solve your issue.
Give them a call...

Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk

[Kenters]

Great stuff, thank you Shaunomercy.

Really appreciate members willingness to help👍. New ML item £385+VAT ahem!!!!

 

[Shaunomercy]

Ouch !!!

Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk

[Kenters]

Your response is more restrained than mine, I have to admit🤬!

[Kenters]

Update for those that may be interested.

Ive sourced a Pre-owned woofer from a seller with good feedback. Nice chap (Ian) at Roy’s Motors NORWICH is happy to do the job.

Work won’t be carried  out until back end of the month but will share the outcome, hopefully positive, with the community.

Thanks v much to those who have contributed to finding a solution.

[Kenters]

Back end of Aug that is.

[Mr Vlad]

Check the condition of the used unit carefully. It may not be much younger than the one you have. 

Make a note of all what's written on the back of the unit and see what other units with the same spec are available. 

£450 for a sub speaker of quality is a good price. In the past I've spent more to get the required sound.

There is an American upgrade which if memory serves is around £1300. Comes with amp and new shelf mind.

[Kenters]

Thanks for the advice Mr Vlad.