jecrensh

I have a 2000 LS400 with CD changer. The front of the unit unit is labeled as premium sound, but I don't know if that is stock or if it is the Nakamichi premium. Can someone let me know? Thanks.

MadMax96

The "Premium" is the regular stereo. It would say "Nakamichi" in that same spot if you indeed had that system.

The head units are almost identical... I think the Nak system doesn't have the ASL button and the ***** for the Bass, Treble, etc.. are a little different.

jecrensh

That's what I suspected, but wanted to make sure before buying any peripherals. Thanks for answering.

mmccutchin

I believe Lexus "premium" sound. . .while NOT Nakamichi. . .has historically been Pioneer (versus something built in house). . .and a very fine sounding system at that.

Each owner has his own tastes and preferences. . .to my ears Mark Levensen sounds noticeably better than Nakamichi. . .for the LS models. . .didn't Lexus start using Levensen (and not Nakamichi) starting in 2000 or 2001?

MadMax96

I think the Mark Levinson system was available starting in the 2001 LS430. I'm pretty sure all LS400s only were able to get the Nakamichi as an option.

puffmaster

Mark Levinson became available in 2001 as a result of Nakamichi not alowing Lexus to integrate the navigation with the stereo. Thats why LS400 with navigation dont have the Nakamichi system.

MadMax96

Ahh...interesting, that makes sense. Good info.....thanks!

vicpai

.....to my ears, OVERALL the Nakamichi in the LS 400, sounds way better than the Mark Levinson in the 2001+ LS 430 models. While I agree that the Mark Levinson has better "stereo imaging" and richer "highs" (treble), the bass sounds very "tinny" and mediocre. The Nakamichi, OTOH, produces some of the cleanest, tightest, accurate deep bass I've heard in an automobile sound system!!...this makes the entire music spectrum sound "natural" and "well balanced" .....as a matter of fact, this was one of the reasons that kept me from going with the 2001+ models!

vinegaroon

Vicpac, I have a 93 LS with the Premium Sound in it to which I added a larger woofer with
that the aftermarket guys said was the appropriate amp. I think it rattles the package tray
way too much for me to like. I'm a musician, but I am not a volume freak. I just wonder if
my system is working well at all. The change was made about 4 years ago, and the system
just doesn't have enough clean sound from the rear. When the balance is 50/50, there is
too much probability of distortion. Could you tell me if it would be at all practical to get a
used Nakamichi system and put in my car? Are all the components different? To this point,
I haven't needed a CD player as I make my own tapes at home from CDs, records, radio etc
I have two fabulous Altec-Lansing 6 X 9 coaxials, but, as you know, these cars are not set up
to use them. They are in another car, and the rear sound is as clean as a whistle. I still have
my original rear woofer that I thought didn't have enough punch, but I could reverse the change
if needed. Do all these Lexus speakers have to be a special number of ohms to work well?
Maybe that changed rear woofer is not the right number. I can't put out a bunch of money , but I just might consider replacing the car with one with Nakamichi if I could find the right one. Thanks..