heasyrider

I currently have a TSX and happen to be satified with the sound system. I even like it better, overall, than the Bose I had in the G35 Coupe. Any current IS owners who previously owned a TSX, have an opinion on this one? I know the IS has like 5 more speakers, but, I am interested in a comparison between the two systems.

Thanks

al503

Can't help you too much here despite the fact that I had a g35 coupe with the blose abd my g/f has a TSX. I agree with you that the stereo in the TSX is better than the blose though. I have the ML now and I never listened to the base system.

Without Nav, the ML is a ~$900 option. I would seriously consider at least listening to it before making a decision on it or the base system. The sound quality and surround processing is awesome.

heasyrider

Thanks anyway, al503. Do you by any chance know if it is rare or is it common to find the ML as a stand alone option?

I am not sure if I am seeing them in South Florida. I suppose I can order it that way with the base or premium package (IS350), I don't know. I probably will not even get an IS until early next year anyway. Maybe there will be more ML's on the lots by then.

reus2000

I think Lexus IS base sound system outperforms over TSX's sound system.
IS base system is Pioneer and I believe TSX has Alpine system.

Alpine and Pioneer are both good mid-range sound system, can't really say one is better than the another, however IS base system has lot more number of speakers over TSX.

al503

I originally wanted the Sport, and ML options only. My dealership only had and is only ordering Sport, ML, and Nav together unless you special order the car. I think as supply (hopefully) catches up with demand, you'll be able to get the ML by itself. As with any car in short supply, the dealers tend to load them up because every option adds profit (at least to MSRP.)

ecr527

I've heard both systems, and would say that the non-ML system in the Lexus sounds better than the system in the TSX. However, it could be the fact that the IS has more speakers. I actually was so satisfied with the sound of the base sound system, that I was going to pass on the ML system, but to close the deal, the salesperson threw the ML in for free, so I took it.

The Acura system in the TSX is made by Panasonic not Alpine.

Reyngel

I testdrove the TSX before buying the IS. The sound system in the IS is probably 2-3 times better. There are a few reasons for this, though:

1. The TSX has a LOT more road noise which affects the sound, obviously
2. The TSX has fewer speakers
3. The TSX has lesser-quality speakers
4. The placement of the speakers in the TSX isn't as intelligent as the IS