Upgrading The Sound System

[Naz]

I know most people on this forum are more into mechanical upgrades and the V300 Vertex (1999) has a Mark Levinson sound system, but I thought I'll still try my luck!

So here goes:

1. Is it possible to wire up a new amp and speakers with the existing head unit .

2. What size are the different speakers? I believe there are 8 as opposed to the commonly-mentioned 10.

3. Any idea where the amp actually is?

Cheers

[Ahhhh__Aristo]

1. Yes, obviously would need to sort out all the wiring.

2. no idea sorry

3. On the MK1 it's in the o/s (drivers side) of the boot floor, under the carpet and plastic cover

[Naz]

1. Yes, obviously would need to sort out all the wiring.

2. no idea sorry

3. On the MK1 it's in the o/s (drivers side) of the boot floor, under the carpet and plastic cover

Man that was quick!!

Mine's a MK2. I have been told by an audio shop that you can't upgrade the sound system and still keep the factory touch screen and the CD changer.

Thanks

[Ahhhh__Aristo]

know nowt about the MK2 amp location, may well be in the same place, ask in the gs300 forum.

I also don't know alot about ICE but would have thought that changing the amp wouldn't cause a problem, unless the cd changer plugs into the amp, obviously then there's compatability issues.

Sorry can't be of more help with the MK2

[gazwalker]

Hi there,

Chances are you have a JBL sound system NOT a Mark Levinson. ML's aren't available on Aristo's.

The amp should be in the boot on the drivers side if so.

I don't know the specific outputs yet for individual speakers. Waiting on translating the electronics manual in Japan to english!

Tell me, do you have the TV Screen model or just the standard head unit.

Best Regards,

Gaz.

[Naz]

Hi there,

Chances are you have a JBL sound system NOT a Mark Levinson. ML's aren't available on Aristo's.

The amp should be in the boot on the drivers side if so.

I don't know the specific outputs yet for individual speakers. Waiting on translating the electronics manual in Japan to english!

Tell me, do you have the TV Screen model or just the standard head unit.

Best Regards,

Gaz.

Hi Gaz

You are right, it does seem to be a JBL setup and the amp is as you pointed out in the boot. I suspect it's the very bottom unit, is that right?

Mine's the TV screen model (touch Screen). Would you be able to tell if a new system will run off the existing screen once you have the translation? I am hoping to upgrade all the speakers, amp, sub, put a capacitor and other bits in etc.

Cheers

[gazwalker]

Hi Gaz

You are right, it does seem to be a JBL setup and the amp is as you pointed out in the boot. I suspect it's the very bottom unit, is that right?

Mine's the TV screen model (touch Screen). Would you be able to tell if a new system will run off the existing screen once you have the translation? I am hoping to upgrade all the speakers, amp, sub, put a capacitor and other bits in etc.

Cheers

Hi Naz,

Bingo! :)

It is the very bottom unit. The one on top is the computer that runs everything, and on top of that is the Sat/Nav unit.

I am confident you can run anything you like once I get the wiring colours sorted. I personally think the stock setup is damn good, and I am a music freak. The only option I am taking is to upgrade the front speakers.

I have already ripped out the J-spec nav and wired in a DVD player to the stock electronics. That took a bit of finding ;)

Are you intending to run new speaker wires to each door etc?

I was beginning to think I made the wrong choice getting a model with TV etc due to it being seriously integrated with the whole car it seemed but I am glad now that I have the AV side of things working!

Regards,

Gaz.

[Naz]

Thanks for that mate. You've done well with the DVD thing. Unfortunately I am not as clued up as you about all this electronic stuff as far as cars go but am still going to give it a go (with a bit of help of course!).

I agree the stock system is good as far as stock systems go but I just have this urge to F it all up and try something new!!

If I was to stick with the original wiring and just change the speakers then it'll all be straight forward. But I envisage some problems when I attempt to upgrade from the stock amp whilst trying to retain the screen controls. What do you think?

Cheers

[gazwalker]

Thanks for that mate. You've done well with the DVD thing. Unfortunately I am not as clued up as you about all this electronic stuff as far as cars go but am still going to give it a go (with a bit of help of course!).

I agree the stock system is good as far as stock systems go but I just have this urge to F it all up and try something new!!

If I was to stick with the original wiring and just change the speakers then it'll all be straight forward. But I envisage some problems when I attempt to upgrade from the stock amp whilst trying to retain the screen controls. What do you think?

Cheers

Hi Naz,

I'll try and sort the DVD info out for you, may save you (a lot of) trouble!

I think you may be OK dropping the amp in all honesty. From what I can tell I can it is only an amp - the computer itself handles the audio controls etc. You may have to fool the headunit that the amp is still there depending on how you wire the power up etc.

BTW if you want to run the screen when moving (the headunit automatically cuts pictures when you move onto ignition power) you'll need to get an adaptor from Japan. I can sort this out for you if you require it.

Regards,

Gaz.

[Naz]

Hi Gaz

If what you think is the case and the computer, not the amp, handles all the audio controls then I seriously feel there is hope and it probably will be straight forward. Time will tell and I'll keep you posted on the developments.

In the meantime, thanks for everything and thanks also to Ahhhh_Aristo for his input.

Cheers

Naz