GS - 4th Gen (2013-2020) Discussion about the 2013 and up GS models

Lexus Premium Audio

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Old 02-29-12, 10:00 PM
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faifai83
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Default Lexus Premium Audio

Does anyone know the specs of the non-ML audio aka "Lexus Premium Audio"?

Lexus.com seems to state that it has 12 speakers. How about the wattage of the system? The manufacturer?
Old 02-29-12, 11:02 PM
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flipside909
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Manufacturer for the standard Lexus audio headunit is Denso & Pioneer.
Old 02-29-12, 11:29 PM
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Blackraven
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For the 4th generation GS, the gap between Lexus Premium Audio and Lexus-Mark Levinson is bigger.

For 3GS, 12 speakers (non-ML) versus 14 speakers (ML). For the 4GS, it's 12 speakers (non-ML) versus 17 speakers (ML)

Avoid Lexus Premium Audio if possible. Go Mark Levinson or go home.........
Old 03-01-12, 05:45 AM
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spwolf
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Originally Posted by Blackraven
For the 4th generation GS, the gap between Lexus Premium Audio and Lexus-Mark Levinson is bigger.

For 3GS, 12 speakers (non-ML) versus 14 speakers (ML). For the 4GS, it's 12 speakers (non-ML) versus 17 speakers (ML)

Avoid Lexus Premium Audio if possible. Go Mark Levinson or go home.........
i dont think number of speakers is all that crucial, and I think i remember reading about Premium Audio being good... of course, difference is that ML is awesome.
Old 03-01-12, 05:49 AM
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flipside909
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The standard Lexus Premium Audio is not a bad choice by any means. If anything it sounds better than the ML that I had in my 3rd Gen GS. I will have to say the new 835w ML in the new 4th Gen sounds really good. Very close to the ML Reference system in the LS.
Old 03-01-12, 06:03 AM
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jdh62
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I have the Mark Levinson on a 2004 GX-470, and it's been really disappointing especially considering the high-end brand name. Though I always wondered if the system was not installed/configured correctly. Now we have the Lexus premium audio on a RX450h, and it sounds slightly better. IMHO, the Harmon Karndon on my 2003 Mercedes E320 sounds so much better,

I am looking at the 4GS, and want to have a decent audio system without going aftermarket. Unfortunately, most of the allotments in Northern VA area does not appear to have the ML package. Special ordering will take a few months. I know I will get flamed, but this issue is making me consider the current Mercedes E-series.
Old 03-01-12, 06:05 AM
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flipside909
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As for your 8 year old GX, that ML was probably good for its time. I'm not surprised your RX 450h's Premium audio would sound better, its a newer vehicle, plus it wasn't a rebadge of an existing Toyota model. But to be fair for your GX, you're comparing acoustics from an SUV to a sedan.

Not all ML systems the various Lexus models are created equal.
Old 03-01-12, 08:41 AM
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rominl
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lexus premium audio system has gone a long way. i also agree with flip that the premium system in the 4gs sounds better than the ml in my 3gs

and not all ml are created equal as well. 3gs ml system is easily on the weak side, even the 2is ml system performs much better. this is on top of improvements over generations as well
Old 03-01-12, 01:42 PM
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freddy2020
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Whatever the rms wattage is for the regular premium audio it is substantially lower than the ML. If audio is important for you the ML is the way to go, although Lexus may have improved on the premium audio is still significantly lags the ML. I spent much time in the car to listen to both versions, don't listen to the sales people who say otherwise, there is a big difference.
Old 03-01-12, 03:45 PM
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e39ng
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I think I read the specs of the Premium Sound and it states CD/DVD, is that mean DVD video or just DVD-audio?
Old 03-01-12, 04:05 PM
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spwolf
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Originally Posted by rominl
lexus premium audio system has gone a long way. i also agree with flip that the premium system in the 4gs sounds better than the ml in my 3gs

and not all ml are created equal as well. 3gs ml system is easily on the weak side, even the 2is ml system performs much better. this is on top of improvements over generations as well
i just got 2IS, and to me, it seems my 3GS had considerably nicer sound. It is not bad, just not as good... or is my memory playing tricks on me?
Old 03-01-12, 04:49 PM
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faifai83
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Originally Posted by e39ng
I think I read the specs of the Premium Sound and it states CD/DVD, is that mean DVD video or just DVD-audio?
Seems like DVD Video

http://drivers.lexus.com/t3Portal/do.../sec_05-03.pdf
Old 03-01-12, 06:16 PM
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bitkahuna
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Originally Posted by Blackraven
For the 4th generation GS, the gap between Lexus Premium Audio and Lexus-Mark Levinson is bigger.
interesting. how do you know this, by the way? just # spkrs?

also, is the ML avail without nav?

Originally Posted by rominl
and not all ml are created equal as well.
man speaks truth. rx ml not anywhere close to ls ml!
Old 03-01-12, 06:18 PM
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bitkahuna
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Originally Posted by flipside909
As for your 8 year old GX, that ML was probably good for its time. I'm not surprised your RX 450h's Premium audio would sound better, its a newer vehicle, plus it wasn't a rebadge of an existing Toyota model. But to be fair for your GX, you're comparing acoustics from an SUV to a sedan.
the premium audio in the rx450h i drove recently was terrible, imo. my ford explorer audio was head and shoulders better.
Old 03-01-12, 11:27 PM
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mendeljr
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the premium sound system is 299 watts and plays DVD video and 5.1 audio.


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