Lavrishevo

iTrader: (1)

I was excited to learn about Nakamichi when I found my 99. I think it sounds great for a factory system. I also realize the nightmare that will one day come when the head unit goes out and it already has one little symptom of a pending failure. How much better is the Nakamichi vs the Pioneer? I assumed it was but do not know the details between the two. I have never heard the Pioneer factory system but would love to hear some reviews of the two.

LSTex

I've never heard the Nak system, so I can only comment on the Pioneer.

To be honest, when I first heard the stock Pioneer system in my 96 LS, I thought something was wrong with the speakers. Maybe a blown one or torn one making it distort. After tweaking the settings, it was reasonable, but not great.

Changing the head unit out helped a lot and having settings to boost the subwoofer really helped. It now has the punch and clarity that I expect from a luxury car. Modern conveniences like USB drive/IPOD, hands free bluetooth and HD Radio are nice too.

I'm still using the stock Pioneer amp and speakers, but the old head unit is history.

Kaydee

15+ year old electronics can't be good, but if you are not an audiophile they will do just fine, provided they are not busted

qha_vn

i replaced my ls400 1990 pioneer HU with nakamichi and immediately recognized the difference. sound quality is a lot better. in those days, to get Nak option, they need to pay a lot.

Lavrishevo

iTrader: (1)

After searching around I did find this:

1998-2000 STANDARD LEXUS PREMIUM SOUND SYSTEM:
Development: Pioneer and Lexus developed this system
Manufacturer: Built to specification
Processing:
195 watt maximum power (1998)
215 watt maximum power (1999-2000)
5 channel digital amplifier
Automatic Sound Levelizer
Speakers (7):
(2) 1" 45 watt tweeters, mounted at top of front doors
(2) 5.5" 45 watt mid-range speakers in the front doors with bass reflex enclosures
(2) 5.5" 35 watt full-range speakers in the rear doors with bass reflex enclosures
(1) 7.8" 60 watt subwoofer mounted in the rear deck
Antennas:
Main antenna and diversity antenna in rear window

1998-2000 OPTIONAL NAKAMICHI PREMIUM SOUND SYSTEM:
Development: Nakamichi and Lexus developed this system
Manufacturer: Built to specification
Processing:
280 watt maximum power
5 channel analog amplifier
Speakers (7):
(2) 1" 40 watt tweeters, mounted at top of front doors
(2) 5.5" 40 watt mid-range speakers in the front doors with enclosures
(2) 5.5" 40 watt full-range speakers in the rear doors with enclosures
(1) 7.8" 120 watt subwoofer mounted in the rear deck
Antennas:


Premium System = DIGITAL Amplifier, higher rated speakers 215 watts.
Nakamichi System = ANALOG Amplifier!? lower rated speakers, 280 watts.

mspearl95

I've never heard the pioneer, but I know the naks in my 97 and my previous 95 both sound freaking AWESOME! Absolutely love the stereo in my car. I'd track down a couple extra head units now and just sit on 'em until the inevitable happens.

ThomasGS4

iTrader: (19)

My GS400 has the Nakamichi system and the difference is definitely noticeable between the two.