The ML system in the LS 460 has been recognized as one of the best OEM systems out there...

'Course what you could do with aftermarket...

 

Yeah, Mark Levinson WAS married to Kim Cattrall of Sex in the City fame.

They apparently had quite a sex life. She is the author of the book Sexual Intelligence. See the link:

http://www.amazon.com/Kim-Cattrall-S...7786356&sr=8-6

but maybe he wasn't all that. Oh well, back to the audio circuits for Mark....

 

Mark Levinson himself has nothing to do with the company anymore. This was back in the mid to late 90s. Harman International and Madrigal Laboratories kept his name. Lawsuits were filed but in the end, the big company got to use his name for the product. Mark himself is in charge of Cello.

As for the ML brand in the Lexus, it has some of the worst electronics that I or Jerry (engin_ear) have ever seen. Plus the failure rates, if put in aftermarket terms, would be unacceptable. Yes, it's one of the higher rated OEM systems out there, but from the ones that I've listened to, they are a bit lacking when compared to a decent aftermarket system. If it's in a Lexus it should at least last without all these failures. You can do a search on this board about ML and blown speakers/subs and you'll find plenty.

Now if you're happy with the system, then stick with it. If you're not, then mod it or go completely aftermarket with a custom installation. You'll be amazed at how much better the sound will be.

The ML HOME gear is quite good. But they still have to work on the output op amp stages a bit. OPA2604s aren't exactly "high quality" in my book, nor are they resolving in any sense. But, they're better than the NE5532/54 anyday.