I am kicking myself for not waiting for the ML system,but the Pioneer isn't all that bad.

 

I was in the same quandry. I finally decided that the ML would not be as good as a system I could build on own. Also I really didn't want to spend $$ on the Nav since i'm not a traveling business person and I drive mostly locally. I chose to save the 4K for wheels!

Black Ten

 

Poll Time!!!!

 

In my opinion, The ML system in my car lacks only 1 thing.......Bass or low frequency output at higher volume levels. The OEM companies will ALWAYS limit the ability to add bass in a premium vehicle due to vibration and rattle concerns, so you will notice that the bass "attenuates" or gets quieter the louder you turn up the volume. This is by design. The components in the vehicle are of a very good build quality and have potential to perform very well. However, the DSP or processing in the radio accounts for and corrects car acoustics, road noise, speakers sonic signature, etc.

As with purchasing any audio system (home, car, boombox) it depends on your typical listening lifestyle. If you are a talk radio type of person that rarely listens audio at higher or more appreciated levels then this system is not for you.

But remember, its just like horsepower......you dont always need it, but its sure fun to have around just in case

 

I recently had to make the same decision as I was making my purchase decision as well. One dealer had the color I wanted-Flint Mica- fully loaded, and another who'm we recently bought my girlfriends ES 330 from, had it with everything cept the ML system. Needless to say I got the old "it's not that much better" pitch from the guy who had the car w/o the ML. In the end I decided to go with the GS with the ML system and I'm very happy I did. The clarity, extended highs, and the lack of coloration make it resonably exceptional for a $2,000 "factory" system imo. The deep bass in the system, although not jaw-dropping is more than adequate. If you really like music, this is the way to go unless you don't mind spending way more money aftermarket building a comparable system.

 

place on your parking brake and get ready for some rumbling bass when the action begins. The 7.1 surround sound architecture is really evident with movie soundtracks. Of course this isn't a typical driving usage but it will demonstrate the capabilities which are impressive IMO. Get the Mark Levinson and the Nav and you won't regret it.

Rock

 

Hey Rock,

Do you recommend any particular movie to try out? I've had mine for a couple of weeks and have only tried Star Wars Episode 2 and Lord of the Rings. I want to try Twister with DTS, but don't have a copy of it. I remember watching Twister on a Bose surround system and it seemed like you could hear the wind swirlling around you!

 

and 2. Minority Report with the scene 9 I think in the Lexus factory is heart pumping...Surround Sound is so much fun....

Rock

 

Thanks. Have Kill Bill 1 & 2 and Minority Report. Will try to check out that scene 9.