QuestionThe Dealer found that my AMP is out....but they want 1K to replace it???? Do you know where i can get one cheaper or will Mark Levinson Co. repair it.
Thanks
AnswerOutside of having the dealer fix it at the $1k price tag area you have two options:
ONE: Find one on eBay. However, the ones I saw they wanted $600 area.
TWO: Buy a used one from a wrecking yard who sometimes have them.
And, finally, if you have access to a good car audio tech or engineer they can put in a substitute amplifier that will work but may not sound as good. Also, a good tech may be able to repair the one you have as the repair parts are often generic and don't cost alot if the repair diagnostics are not too difficult. But, the Levinson are special made products and not just anyone can work on them. It must be someone who knows them and has worked on them before and has a good record with this kind of esoteric car audio technology.
PS: You did not say which amp; I am assuming it is one of the main channel amplifiers feeding either the front or back. BUT, if it is the subwoofer amp it is quite likely you can replace it with just about any good sub of near equal power rating and get good results but you should consult with someone who knows the system you have.
PS: Check the forums, also, such as this one:
http://us.lexusownersclub.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=21700
where you will find that certain amps of your model year were involved in a recall; might be too late for factory help but they may have some ideas for you. Check with Lexus, not the local dealer as they probably don't know that much about it; very few car dealers have audio specialists on staff. They may be able to put you through to corporate if you can't find them yourself.
Good Luck.
