A client from Smithfield recently dropped by Adrenaline Autosound for some help with a 2007 Lexus LS 460 audio system upgrade. He had purchased a subwoofer system from another shop and wasn’t happy with its performance. After talking to the client and having a listen to the vehicle, we suggested an upgrade solution that would address all the factory sound system’s weaknesses.
Audiofrog Speaker Upgrade
We started the project by removing the front speakers from the Lexus and creating mounting adapters for a set of Audiofrog GS10 tweeters and GS60 midrange drivers. The HDPE plastic adapters bolt directly to the factory speaker hardware and negate the need for any permanent modifications to the vehicle.
As always, we ran new speaker wires to the Audiofrog speakers to deliver power from the amplifier efficiently and reliably. A set of acoustic coupling rings was added to the midrange drivers to help focus the output into the listening area, rather than losing that important acoustic energy behind the door panel.
Factory Audio System Integration
The next step in the project was to use a JL Audio TwK-88 digital signal processor to take the audio signal from the factory amp and manipulate it to create a realistic and natural soundstage in the vehicle. We mounted a JL Audio TwK-88 processor and a five-channel XD1000/5v2 amplifier to HDPE plates in the corners of the trunk. Both devices are secured to the trunk floor using existing hardware. We relocated the factory amplifier and satellite radio receiver to a location in the quarter panel to give us space for the new equipment.
As is our standard practice, all the system wiring is routed neatly and securely using automotive-grade cloth and fleece tapes. The equipment is easily accessible and serviceable.
JL Audio System Subwoofer
To accommodate the client’s request of minimizing intrusion into the storage compartment, we created a compact enclosure for a single 13.5-inch JL Audio 13TW5v2-2 that fits against the back of the trunk. We added a trim panel to the enclosure to give the system an integrated look. The five-channel amp provides a healthy 600 watts of power to the sub.
LS 460 Audio System Tuning
The final and most important part of the installation was to configure the DSP and the amplifiers to create a realistic and stable soundstage in the vehicle. The tweeters in the dash and woofers in the doors each have dedicated amplifier channels. This fully-active configuration allows us to set crossovers, signal delay and equalization in such a way that sound from each speaker in the system arrives at the listening position simultaneously.
The client returned to Adrenaline Autosound in Clayton to experience his LS 460 audio system upgrades. He was thrilled with the realism of the system and loved the deep, tight bass response. He was also impressed with the trunk layout and the fact that he still had most of the storage space available. If you are in the Raleigh area and are looking for assistance in upgrading the audio system in your luxury vehicle, drop by Adrenaline Autosound and speak with our team. We’ll explain the options available and show you how we can make your car stereo sound like a recording studio or a live performance. For more information, give us a call or send an e-mail using our contact page.
Great job! Hard work pays off! How was the signal coming out of the HU? Was it digital or analong?
Hi Daniel. Thanks for checking this out. The signal conformed to the typical Lexus signal architecture…fixed level, 2-channel audio signal with separate data communication of volume level, turn on, etc. Thanks!
Hello. Great install on this lexus. I have a 2011 LS460 without the ML system, that i loved in my other Lexus. I would like the same setup as the one in this highlight – new speakers all around, but subwoofer in the factory sub location, rear deck.
I would like to use the brands that i have come to trust and use in all of my vehicles, but i am not educated on the best dsp that would allow me to use my factory radio. Can you advise, and while i know you might not be able to give a exact amount, can you give a high end on cost of labor for all speaker replacement, amplifier install, and subwoofer.
Thanks in advance.
Hello, and thanks for your inquiry. I’ll be happy to help. There are a lot of details that we need to discuss. I’ve sent you an email. Please reply to my email and we can go through the process and then finalize things by providing you with an audio system in your LS460 that’s optimized for all of your goals!
Thanks,
Dave