RamshakleZ

I don't need the most amazing sound system on the planet. But, I do require a good system. On the surface, the stock system sounded good enough for me (I even brought my own CD to test it). But, I have heard enough good about the ML system that I'm wondering if I should get it. No one has one here for me to test so I'd have to special order if I wanted to get the ML system.

My question is this - do you think I should pay the extra $1,400 and wait the 4+ months to get the ML system. Or, should I get a car with the stock system NOW and if I feel I want something more, spend $1,800 to get aftermarket speakers and amps??

Dabigman

If you are getting NAV, just get the ML. If you aren't getting NAV, save the wait and go aftermarket.

PhilipMSPT

iTrader: (5)

The ML system is well integrated into the car. It will take a lot of money to get the same sound quality and aesthetic simplicity of the ML system.

I say wait, save a little $$$, and enjoy the demon when it arrives...

mlee21

id save the $1800 and go aftermarket. if you know what your doing

Batmobile

iTrader: (2)

ML all the way!

projectdna

iTrader: (56)

i'd recommend the ML if you're going w/ the nav.

istundra

iTrader: (2)

Have you ever seen pictures of members installing integrated aftermarket stereo into the 2IS? To me, it does not look as appealing as OEM. I'd personally wait.

i2IS

iTrader: (3)

Yea, id go for ML

ecr527

Go with the ML, especially like the others said, if you're getting the Navi, you'll have a DVD player as well. Upgrading sound systems is very difficult with these new cars IMO. You're pretty much stuck with the stock head unit, otherwise asthetically, you run the risk of "cheapening" the look of your interior using all these aftermarket dash kits and whatever to make an aftermarket HU fit.

That's just my $.02 though.

RamshakleZ

I think everyone misunderstood... I have no interest in replacing the head unit. If I upgraded aftermarket, all i'd do was change the stock amplifier and stock speakers. I really don't care about playing DVDs and don't need the other tweaks the ML unit has. I'd only be doing this if I felt the sound quality and power output of the stock speakers wasn't good enough.

The ML unit has the speakers in the exact same position as the stock ones, right? So, imaging wise if I get top quality speakers I should be on par. I know the ML head unit allows you to change a few things like the 'position' of the sound from front to back to driver... but again, I don't really care about that.

Is just changing out the amp and speakers not possible?

dafidav

where is the amp located for the stock system?

what size speakers do they use?

DanIS350

I'd be very interested to hear opinions/recommendations on this as well.

Evitzee

You are oversimplyfing the situation. ML has spent time designing the speakers to complement the acoustics of the IS. Can you get aftermarket speakers to surpass this? I'm sure you can but unless you know exactly what you are doing it will be difficult to match the overall performance. A subwoofer is the easiest thing to do, but in many ways is the least important in the sonic landscape. In my experience the ML system excels at very clear reproduction in the midrange and upper ranges, which is where many stock systems are a big letdown. The ML amp is 300 continuous watts at something like 0.1% distortion, so it is good unit. You can get aftermarket stuff that will surpass this, but not at the extra $$ that Lexus charges you for the ML system, which can be considered a bargain. You have to decide how proficient you are in changing out subs and speakers (or have access to someone who knows what they are doing). If it was me, I'd try to get the ML.

tqlla3k

iTrader: (1)

You can probably surpass the ML for $1800... in audio quality.

Get a Good 5-channal amplifier(or a 4 channel and a sub amp)
and 2 way seperates(aftermarket mids are too fat for the front) for the front and 3 way seperates in the back + Some Dynamat
and 1 10" sub in the back

The only reason I would rather the ML is
1) DVD capability
2) Not having to rewire the stereo, which seems like a huge pain.

bagwell

come on guys.................for waaaay less than $1400 you can greatly upgrade the base systems speakers and amp(s).

personally I think the base system sounds great and have no plans to upgrade anything in it.