Should Lexus switch audio providers?
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Should Lexus switch audio providers?
Since it looks like Benz and BMW are moving to B&O systems on some models, do you think it might be time for Lexus to switch to a new audio partner?
If so, who would you go with if you were in charge?
I wouldn't mind seeing Definitive Technology or maybe a return to Pioneer.
If so, who would you go with if you were in charge?
I wouldn't mind seeing Definitive Technology or maybe a return to Pioneer.
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From: CA
IMHO, the difference in quality comes down to how much design and tuning is put into integrating a premium system into a car. Car audio in general is not that easy to tune (odd interior shape, reflective surfaces). ML has always done great work in the LS, ES and Ok for the IS, but I've been taken back by the poor integration in the older gen RX. The same can be said for B&O (Audi, etc), B&W (Jag), Dynaudio (Volvo). I've listened to the B&O in the A6 (excellent), and the Q5 (not a big upgrade from the stock unit). With that said, I agree that there's no need to move away from ML unless their quality starts to drop.
PS - What I really want to hear is the Naim upgrade in the Bentley for something like $7000. ...actually, I guess I'd have to first sit in a Bentley. :-)
PS - What I really want to hear is the Naim upgrade in the Bentley for something like $7000. ...actually, I guess I'd have to first sit in a Bentley. :-)
Last edited by rinthiran; Sep 20, 2010 at 10:55 AM.
i agree with rinthiran. a lot of these companies, they are good, no doubt. but it's more about the tuning. in that sense ML has done pretty darn good job on lexus imho, especially their systems on the ls and lx. they should keep up though, in recent years some of their vehicles have been a bit shaking with the ML systems. competition is fierce
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Lexus Test Driver
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From: QC/FRANCE
Only McIntosh system I ever saw was in the Ford GT, if I am not mistaken.
Anyways. I like the Mark Levinson sound system
B&O becoming the next Bose it seems.
Some Porsche models have the option for the Burmester sound system.
Lexicon found in Rolls Royce and Hyaundai
True Lexicon and Mark Levinson are owned by the same company.
Anyways. I like the Mark Levinson sound system
B&O becoming the next Bose it seems.
Some Porsche models have the option for the Burmester sound system.
Lexicon found in Rolls Royce and Hyaundai
True Lexicon and Mark Levinson are owned by the same company.
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From: NC
B & O has always been about "style and form" over "function and sound".
The gimmiky pop-up tweeters. Even going back to their CD player with the glass doors that opened with a wave of your hand. It's neat and it makes the ladies moist, but it doesn't make it SOUND any better.
I like the ML stuff that Lexus does...they just need to spend a little more money on some of the components. I don't think the fault is with Levinson as much as it's with Lexus. They seem to stop when they get to "that's good enough" or "that'll do". They need to keep going until they hit "damn!" and "wow!"
I don't want a stereo where people tell me "Man, that sounds really nice for a factory system.". I want a stereo system where people say "Holy Cow!"
And I don't mind paying for it.
Tier it. Give us options...
Tier 1) Standard Lexus audio system
Tier 2) Mark Levinson audio system
Tier 3) Mark Levinson Elite audio system
The gimmiky pop-up tweeters. Even going back to their CD player with the glass doors that opened with a wave of your hand. It's neat and it makes the ladies moist, but it doesn't make it SOUND any better.
I like the ML stuff that Lexus does...they just need to spend a little more money on some of the components. I don't think the fault is with Levinson as much as it's with Lexus. They seem to stop when they get to "that's good enough" or "that'll do". They need to keep going until they hit "damn!" and "wow!"
I don't want a stereo where people tell me "Man, that sounds really nice for a factory system.". I want a stereo system where people say "Holy Cow!"
And I don't mind paying for it.
Tier it. Give us options...
Tier 1) Standard Lexus audio system
Tier 2) Mark Levinson audio system
Tier 3) Mark Levinson Elite audio system
Lexus Test Driver
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Posts: 8,349
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From: QC/FRANCE
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 20,225
Likes: 266
B & O has always been about "style and form" over "function and sound".
The gimmiky pop-up tweeters. Even going back to their CD player with the glass doors that opened with a wave of your hand. It's neat and it makes the ladies moist, but it doesn't make it SOUND any better.
I like the ML stuff that Lexus does...they just need to spend a little more money on some of the components. I don't think the fault is with Levinson as much as it's with Lexus. They seem to stop when they get to "that's good enough" or "that'll do". They need to keep going until they hit "damn!" and "wow!"
I don't want a stereo where people tell me "Man, that sounds really nice for a factory system.". I want a stereo system where people say "Holy Cow!"
And I don't mind paying for it.
Tier it. Give us options...
Tier 1) Standard Lexus audio system
Tier 2) Mark Levinson audio system
Tier 3) Mark Levinson Elite audio system
The gimmiky pop-up tweeters. Even going back to their CD player with the glass doors that opened with a wave of your hand. It's neat and it makes the ladies moist, but it doesn't make it SOUND any better.
I like the ML stuff that Lexus does...they just need to spend a little more money on some of the components. I don't think the fault is with Levinson as much as it's with Lexus. They seem to stop when they get to "that's good enough" or "that'll do". They need to keep going until they hit "damn!" and "wow!"
I don't want a stereo where people tell me "Man, that sounds really nice for a factory system.". I want a stereo system where people say "Holy Cow!"
And I don't mind paying for it.
Tier it. Give us options...
Tier 1) Standard Lexus audio system
Tier 2) Mark Levinson audio system
Tier 3) Mark Levinson Elite audio system
.I think ML is superb and has good name to it... More problematic is Toyota side of things, here in Europe, where we dont get JBL branded stuff....
Lexus Test Driver
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From: Treasury
It’s not a matter of the company, it comes down to what Lexus wants to pay the contract manufacturer to build the system with their name on it. Any of the top names mentioned could put some serious audiophile equipment in any car, but mass production vehicles have a way of dumbing down even some of the best.
