Tony J

Hi guys Music in the SC. Happy to say that the 3rd replacement AMP works perfectly!! It is hard to believe that there that many bad amps out there being sold. In this case "you get what you pay for" applies. Thank for your advice and look forward to sharing info with you in the future.

I am getting refunds on the amps minus shipping costs. The latest should arrive by Thursday. If it does not work, I will take thecar to a reputable installation service to troubleshoot or simply replace with aftermarket. I am not qualified to begin troubleshooting the wiring or components. By the way, I am happy to hear that I am not the senior member :D

I am trying one more amp, if that does not work, then I will install an aftermarket head unit and speakers with new wiring. I wanted to stick with original, but the vehicle, while in great cosmetic and running condition, is 21 years old. I contemplated the 3 amps, but this is the story: the original amp which I have, does not blow the fuse, allows the stereo and CD to function, but no sound. The 1st replacement amp I tried caused a helicopter noise in the speakers, allowed function of the head unit and CD, but did not blow the fuse. The second replacement simply blows the fuse when I plug it in. The original still works as stated, but no sound. All of the symptoms have been discussed many times on the forums, and most refer to a bad amp. Maybe it is wishful thinking, but there must be a good amp out there some where. I do not know anyone with an SC400 or SC300 that uses this amp. I see no corrosion around the wires or amp, and I have spent enough time back there. After further discussion with Crutchfield, they now tell me that a compatible amp is not available, and that I would have to rewire the vehicle with new head unit, speakers, etc. I am hoping that I can have a local service perform an install for under $500. Thanks again.

Thanks for the schematic. There are 2 plugs in that area that were unplugged and I proceeded to mate them prior to troubleshooting the amp. The SC set-up looks precisely that the LS. I am going to purchase an aftermarket Alpine amp from Crutchfield to replace the Nak amp. The Crutchfield rep assured me that, with the appropriate plug adapters, it would provide the power required. I will keep you posted. Thanks again for your assistance. I was looking at other Lexus models, including new, but I really like the old style and engineering. It is becoming an enjoyable hobby. I even read the "Relentless Pursuit" book by Chester Dawson to learn more about the history of the company. What model do you own?

Thanks for the response. I did pull the phone, but the 3 button control on the steering wheel remains. Would you happen to know where these mating plugs would be?

Hopefully, someone has had this similar experience and can give some advice. Upon installing the second replacement amp, the fuse blows. I have tried mulitple times to no avail. The existing amp allowed the radio and CD player to turn on, but no sound. The first replacement allowed helicopter noises out of the speakers: repetitve loud noise regardless of the volume control setting. This second replacement amp is shorting the fuses. I can put the original back in, no blown fuses, but again no sound. Is it possible that I got another bad AMP off of ebay. They were both on the lower price side: $200 Help please, thanks.

I am a new member also with a 1992 SC400. Sharing my stereo story: the Nakamichi has not worked since purchase a few weeks ago. After reading a variety of posts, I decided to purchase an amp on Ebay. The best deal turned out to be another bad amp (I assume), although I did at least get the helicopter sounds out of the speakers with this one. I sent it back for a refund and now waiting on another, more expesive one, expected to be delivered tomorrow. If this fails, the SC will be visiting an electrical expert. One of the few other things it could be is the old car phone mute button or wiring has shorted. Do you have the NAK or Pioneer?? Keep us posted on how you have it repaired. Thanks.

Hi folks Earlier in 2012 I purchased my first Lexus, a 2000 ES300 Platinum Edition with 54,000. Having never driven a Lexus, it goes without saying that I was floored by the overall quality, performance, silence, and Nakamichi stereo. It is 99% mint, and will become my son's first car because of my most recent purchase. Apparently the Lexus bug had entered another life and I began searching for somewhat of a classic. During holiday vacation I was cruising Craigslist and stumbled upon a newly listed 1992 SC400 with 58,000 miles at a scammer price. After a day of contemplation, I called the number which was well out of state. To make the long story short, I am a very proud owner of a Diamond White Pearl Gold Edition SC400 with car phone and original gold spoke BBS type wheels. Much has been accomplished in the past 3 weeks: Replaced headlight assembly: direct from Japan Trunk Struts replaced K & N Air Filter New back seats Working on a second amp for the Nakamichi Stereo Disassembled console, pulled temp control unit, had it repaired, console back together I will post some pictures soon, and look forward to SC discussions with the fellow members. Thanks again.