keggdirdle Posted June 2, 2006 Share Posted June 2, 2006 I just bought a Blue Onyx Pearl IS250 and it's awesome! I bought the base model with none of the goodies like Nav or Mark Levinson. Still a much better value than a 3 series. However, one thing I have to upgrade is the stock stereo. I would like to upgrade the speakers, the amp, and replace the headunit with a double din Kenwood DVD. I have searched and searched, but cannot find where someone has posted the stock speaker sizes of the IS250. Anyone know what they are? My bigger question is this, does anyone know if there is anything in the audio electronics that would be lost by replacing the system? For example, does it have anything to do with the security system or key control? Has anyone found a good aftermarket setup for a IS250/350? I have found a lot of info about the IS300, but don't know how much of that applies to the new IS. I would like to make some changes, but am hesitant. Thanks! -Ken Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scott M Posted June 2, 2006 Share Posted June 2, 2006 I just bought a Blue Onyx Pearl IS250 and it's awesome! I bought the base model with none of the goodies like Nav or Mark Levinson. Still a much better value than a 3 series. However, one thing I have to upgrade is the stock stereo. I would like to upgrade the speakers, the amp, and replace the headunit with a double din Kenwood DVD. I have searched and searched, but cannot find where someone has posted the stock speaker sizes of the IS250. Anyone know what they are? My bigger question is this, does anyone know if there is anything in the audio electronics that would be lost by replacing the system? For example, does it have anything to do with the security system or key control? Has anyone found a good aftermarket setup for a IS250/350? I have found a lot of info about the IS300, but don't know how much of that applies to the new IS. I would like to make some changes, but am hesitant. Thanks! -Ken An even bigger question would be why you didn't just get the Mark Lev. Yes, it's more coin, but your talking about a new head unit, speakers, amps, dvds... you should have put that toward stock. (For approx $3,400-, you could have had the factory installed Mark Levinson, Navigation, Bluetooth Wireless, and Backup camera.) I don't believe you'll have any security issues, as the keyfob has nothing to do with unlocking the stereo. What you may lose is the steering wheel controls for volume and such. Those are wired in through the stock wiring harness. It may be possible to rewire, but I'd take it to a pro to see if that can be accomplished. (It may depend on the head unit you choose) By the time you're done, you'll spend more than you would have on the Navi/ML package. Blue Onyx Pearl... Nice color choice! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scott M Posted June 2, 2006 Share Posted June 2, 2006 If you would like more info on the existing stereo, I found this. You may find it useful. Good Luck. http://www.is350forums.com/lofiversion/index.php?t227.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keggdirdle Posted June 2, 2006 Author Share Posted June 2, 2006 Scott, You bring up some valid points. First, even the base model of this car was really stretching my budget, so I didn't have a lot left over for options. And while I could have waited a few more months and saved up the money, after the test drive I knew that I had to have it now (especially the Blue Onyx). Also, I am VERY particular about my audio when it comes to imaging, sound staging, and bass quality. The ML wasn't quite there. So, I figured I would get the car now, then save and plan the sound/video system I wanted. There is a shop in Tampa that does great custom installs. BTW, there are many manufacturers that make Nav Systems w/integrated iPod interfaces and rear-view cameras. Since I spend more time in the car than at home, I want to build something that is going to sound as nice as the Klispch Reference Series I have at home. It's just going to take some planning. Great find on that link BTW! Thanks! -Ken Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scott M Posted June 2, 2006 Share Posted June 2, 2006 Scott, You bring up some valid points. First, even the base model of this car was really stretching my budget, so I didn't have a lot left over for options. And while I could have waited a few more months and saved up the money, after the test drive I knew that I had to have it now (especially the Blue Onyx). Also, I am VERY particular about my audio when it comes to imaging, sound staging, and bass quality. The ML wasn't quite there. So, I figured I would get the car now, then save and plan the sound/video system I wanted. There is a shop in Tampa that does great custom installs. BTW, there are many manufacturers that make Nav Systems w/integrated iPod interfaces and rear-view cameras. Since I spend more time in the car than at home, I want to build something that is going to sound as nice as the Klispch Reference Series I have at home. It's just going to take some planning. Great find on that link BTW! Thanks! -Ken Kewl... You may also want to check out Mark Levinson's website... http://www.marklevinsonlexus.com/overview.asp?model=is I know you're looking for something other than the ML, but the ML site explains speaker size and location. Although the ML stereo offers one extra speaker, speaker mounts remain the same. This will help you in mapping out what speakers you'll need, when you get to it. On a side note... I personally continue to wait for the IS 250 AWD with ML. Are you happy with the pickup and go of the 250? I can't do the IS350 here in the Massachusetts winters so I'm gonna do the IS250 AWD. But, I worry that I'll soon be disappointed in the lack of power. Whatever car I get, I want to be happy with it for years to come. Just Curious BTW, I also run Klispch at home. Good stuff. (Although I hate pronouncing it) :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keggdirdle Posted June 3, 2006 Author Share Posted June 3, 2006 On a side note...I personally continue to wait for the IS 250 AWD with ML. Are you happy with the pickup and go of the 250? I can't do the IS350 here in the Massachusetts winters so I'm gonna do the IS250 AWD. But, I worry that I'll soon be disappointed in the lack of power. Whatever car I get, I want to be happy with it for years to come. Just Curious Honestly, It's not really fast, but it's not bad. Granted, I am coming from a 2002 Mazda Protege5. But, living in Florida I seriously considered the IS350, but didn't get it for a couple reasons. As I stated earlier, I was already at the top of my budget and most of the driving I do is stop and go. So, I would be paying for HPs that I could rarely use. I am selling a Turbo Charged Miata, so maybe my need for speed has been quenched a bit. I bought the IS250 more for luxury, while still having some pep. The 18" wheels gives a good amount of road feel, I didn't want to get too cushy! Funny thing is, I had my heard set on a 325i/330i, but you get more for the money with the IS. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shoafb Posted June 3, 2006 Share Posted June 3, 2006 Keep in mind that the ML system you heard most likely had very few hours on it. Just like home audio components, especially the speakers, they need to be run in before they sound their best. Get 100 hours on the stock system before you give up on it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David Redfearn Posted June 3, 2006 Share Posted June 3, 2006 Obviously, the perception of sound quality varies widely by individual, but I am very happy with the standard system in my IS-350. I traded in an ES-330 with the ML system, and I think the standard system in the IS-350 sounds better than the ML in the 330 - certainly more presence and better imaging. Make sure you have the position control set to your preferences - I have mine set to front passengers - I find that setting it to driver mode makes the sound worse. Also, contrary to the note referenced earlier in this thread, I believe I do have a working center channel speaker in the dash - either that or really great front imaging! I would be very hesitant to change anything - these are very complicated installations. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keggdirdle Posted June 4, 2006 Author Share Posted June 4, 2006 shoafb, you bring up an excellent point. And one that quite frankly I had forgotten. I remember when I got my home system, I will a little dissappointed at first. Then, after a couple of weeks it was the system I was hoping for. I used to sell home audio, thought I would have remembered that. David, Interested to hear about the ML in the ES vs the std in the IS. The more I hear the stock system the more I think I won't do many changes. I had this perception before buying a car that all stock systems were crap. While this one can be improved, it's not bad. I think I will give it some time to break-in, then reassess. Thanks for the input everyone. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lambobaby1218 Posted June 8, 2006 Share Posted June 8, 2006 Keep in mind that the ML system you heard most likely had very few hours on it. Just like home audio components, especially the speakers, they need to be run in before they sound their best. Get 100 hours on the stock system before you give up on it. Personally, I like the stock system in my 250. I like it better than my BMW 325. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.