I've read forever that the Lexus Marc Levinson system is supposed to be the best in the world. I have an E500 that has a system a thousand times better, and even my wife's Audi A6 had a better system. Are we missing some 'magic button' or setting that prevents it from sounding good? AM sounds terrible, muted and warm like an old single speaker radio, and while the CD music sounds good, you only hear it from the speaker nearest you, whatever seat you are in. What about that surround sound and even simply stereo, for cripes sake?

I'm very disappointed, and hoping there's some dynamic setting or simple fix that we have overlooked...

 

This is strange since I have the Levinson with Navi in my GS and many of friends who really understand electronics and sound systems talk about how excellent this system is.

Have you checked the settings (balance, etc.)? The only other suggestion is that something is wrong electronically and would need to be checked by someone.

 

I think the best in the world is a stretch. The Acura TL has a heck of a 5.1 system, and while it's usually not worth ripping out an ML system to put in an aftermarket one, most higher-end aftermarket systems that use good quality speakers will be as good or better than the ML. You may very well have a problem with the electronics in yours, or as WhiteTiger says, maybe the settings are not what they should be. If you really want to know, you should go to your dealer and ask them if you can listen to another new ML system in another car, using the same CD as you use in your own.
Without having even yanked a Levinson system apart, I'm sure that it is not of the same caliber as the Levinson home audio stuff, since they designed it under many more mass-manufacturing cost constraints. I do find it hard to believe that either an E500 or an A6 would be better, though. Maybe Mark Levinson was spending too much time with Kim Cattrall????????? (I think they're now divorced, by the way...)

 

The Acura system is very good but I'm pretty pleased with the ML in my ride. BTW, the actual man Mark Levinson has absolutely nothing to do with the company Mark Levinson anymore. Hasn't for a while now. ML is part of the Harmon group. The man Mark Levinson now runs Red Rose Music, I believe.

 

Either I'm not that picky or what, but I don't even like Bose in my 2001 S500 as compared the pioneer in the GS . The settings are tuned properly....bass, treble, balance, fader... and I still like the pioneer better.
Yeah, maybe you need to go to the dealer to listen to another ML system

 

The overall "sound" in the ML system isn't consistent from model to model. In the GS series, I thought it was a bit lacking, but not bad for a mass produced system. In the LS430 however, it was a bit better than a stock Pioneer equipped with Dynaudio speakers, which isn't bad at all. I'd rate the one in the LS430 as a higher quality sound.

"lacking" is a subjective term. I've listened to demo cars ranging from Alpine to McIntosh (their BMW) to Sony's XESZ50 (full bore) demo system. When compared to these heavy hitters, "lacking" isn't too bad.

Bose in Acura TL...too much emphasis on the mids. I still think that Acura tuned it for the "deaf" people out there. As for the Audi...listened to one in an older A6 (think it was a '97) and wasn't impressed at all, even when adjusting the settings.

As for "best in the world", it depends on how you define "best" and what criteria you're looking/listening for.

Percy

 

Percy, if I wanted to replace some speakers in the ML system w/ Dyns, would I run into any problems? Can I just replace the fronts with a mid and a tweeter or would it screw up the balance w/ the center speaker? And would they be underpowered? I've thought about doing this but I'm afraid of messing w/ the overall balance of the ML system and I don't know how much better it would really be. Thanks!

 

Everything would have to be custom as the speakers aren't a quick "drop in". If anything, the overall sound should improve greatly. I've yet to see the Dyns fail any test in terms of Lexus audio systems.

The electronics in the ML system are fairly good. I've often wanted to try (or have someone try) a Dyn swapout. My guess is that it should be quite stunning.

If memory serves me correctly, the ML speakers should be 4 ohm. As long as you have clean power, the Dyns should work out great. Dyns are mostly 4 ohms.

Recommend the MW160's for the fronts. You'll have to modify the MD100 tweeter for use in the A-pillars. ML tweets vs Dyn...no comparison. Dyns would win out - and sound much smoother and more natural than the metal domes of the ML. Extended listening without the fatigue so common in metal domes.

Give it a shot!

Percy

 

Man I'm really thinking about doing this. So if I go w/ the 160s (what's the difference b/t the 160 and the 160GT?) and 100s they won't be underpowered and I can keep the ML amp? How is the 240w distributed? What part of custom would I have to do...just make a baffle and use a 1" spacer to clear the window, right? Is that about it? As for the tweeter, how difficult is it to 1) get to it and 2) what kind of modifying is it going to need and 3) how tricky is it to get it aimed correctly? Last question (for now!), where's the best place to get Dyns? Thanks, Percy!

Charles

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by 04GS300
[B]Man I'm really thinking about doing this. So if I go w/ the 160s (what's the difference b/t the 160 and the 160GT?)


***160GT is actually an older design. They came out in Japan first before reaching here. The NON GT version has a stiffer frame, while the GT version has a slightly smaller mounting requirement.***

and 100s they won't be underpowered and I can keep the ML amp?

***They should be fine. I've run the Dyns on as little as 50wpc rms, but be sure it's CLEAN power.***

How is the 240w distributed?

***No idea...don't have the specs in front of me.***

What part of custom would I have to do...just make a baffle and use a 1" spacer to clear the window, right?

***1/2 inch spacer + 1/2 inch baffle. Can't use a 1 inch baffle otherwise the door won't close! Others have had good results with slightly different combos of spacer rings.***

Is that about it? As for the tweeter, how difficult is it to 1) get to it

***Not difficult at all. You can remove the factory grille by sliding towards the rear window. It doesn't pop out AT you, but rather slides out.***

and 2) what kind of modifying is it going to need

***You'll have to take them out of the casings and desolder the tinsel leads. Gets slightly tricky, but well worth the effort.***

and 3) how tricky is it to get it aimed correctly?

***Not too difficult. Just take your time.***

Last question (for now!), where's the best place to get Dyns?

***Probably from Peter Lufrano ...forgot his web site though.***

Percy