I love my music while I drive, so it is worth to be picky that the 2002 GS430 I want needs to have the Levinson system? Or for the money/effort could I just install an aftermarket stereo that will sound just as good?

I heard the Levinson sounds good, but HOW good? Would even an audiophile be impressed?

 

The ML in my car is out of this world. It's by far the best OEM stereo system i've heard in a car. IF you're a stereo junkie, then obviously you should go for an AM setup. For all other people, it should be more than enough (and MUCH MUCH better than the standard Pioneer system).

 

I really like the ML in my 2001. Very clean sound with really good bass. If you are into vibrating the road when you drive, this is not for you. The system will run loud and clear enough to have your ears ringing if you listen to it loud. The bass is good but not "take your breath away" good. I was very impressed with it and think it is one of the best factory systems I have heard. Although I did hear the new Infinity M45 top of the line system and that is one sweeeeeet stock system. I don't think you would be disappointed by the ML.

 

The ML in my '01 is a very good factory system. Clean and true. A competition winner? No. I can tell you it's not getting replaced by an aftermarket unit, I like it that much.

 

Levinson all the way. i have an 02 ES300 without levinson, 02 GS430 with it. NO COMPARISON. Coming from someone who is very picky about audio I can tell you that there is no other way to go. Treble and Bass clear all around. Better than any aftermarket system i've ever owned. You won't be disappointed!

 

So how is the roadnoise of the 02 GS430 with the Levinson system? I heard that the LS is like a coffin but does the GS have significant road noise?

 

Road noise in a Lexus? Come on now, are you joking?

 

you shouldn't listen to the 06 gs ML, it's the newer version and it sounds a lot better. but still, the 01-05 ML system on the gs is very nice. one thing i regret about my gs is that it doesn't have ML. after listening to that on my sc430 the gs one is really nothing...

 

So you're saying a GS is JUST as quiet in the cabin as a LS of the same year?

 

I would have to respectfully disagree. After a 94 LS, my 01 GS has noticeably more road noise. Not excessive, but noticeable. Interestingly, I just test drove an 06 GS, and the thing that stood out the most was how much quieter the road noise was compared to my 01.


Also I have the mark lev- it rocks for a stock system although it could use more bass. But I won't have another lexus without it.

 

gs has quite some road noise, it's not all that quiet. i notice especially noise around the side mirror areas, comparing to my sc430 and the ls430 i have driven. the gs is definitely noisier, both wind noise and road noise

but it's still far quieter than tons of cars i have driven out there

 

I had a GS300 with the base Pioneer system and now a GS430 with Levinson. Definitely get Levinson, there is a big difference. BTW I also had a 05 TL and most people rave about its system, I would say the Levinson is right up with it and maybe a little cleaner. You will be happy with it unless you are totally hard core.

Also, I have driven a LS430 quite a bit and it is quiter than the GS. Not that the GS is loud, but the LS is one of the quitest cars in the world.

 

Love my ML.

 

Could you compare the GS's road noise to another car perhaps?

 

Here are my thoughts based on cars I have owned recently:

2000 Honda Accord V6: GS much quieter
2003 Acura TL-S: GS quite a bit quieter
2005 Acura TL: GS slightly quieter
2005 Honda Odyessy: GS much quieter

Don't forget the tire type and condition has a big effect on noise too. Why not just drive some GS's and decide for yourself?

I would say out of the 100+ different cars I have driven in my life, the GS is in the top 10 quietest, maybe top five. The most silent I have driven? 2001 LS430