Does anyone know if the standard audio package ( I think Lexus calls it a premium audio) in the new LS is up to the quality of a new LS?? For example-is it as good or better than other quality cars. In my area, I can purchase a new LS with NAV immediately, but will have to wait several months if I want one with the ML audio package. Also the ML audio package is $7K higher ($73000 vs the $67000 car that has the NAV only (per the Lexus web)). I am finding that most of the cars in the PA region only come with two option variants unless you want to special order.

 

well you get a lot more in that package for that 7k, and ML is definetly worth it.

I am sure you would be happy with standard audio, it is just that you would be a lot happier with ML :-)

 

you will gain 9 speakers, to 19 up from 10, I dont think the ML alone is 7k. IMO a flagship car deserves flagship audio

http://www.lexus.com/models/LS/features/pricing.html

Nav + Adv Parking Guidance: $3815
Nav + ML: $5645
Nav + ML + Adv Parking Guidance: $6345

for 7k you are probably getting other options, probably a comfort package

 

correct, ml alone is only 2500. it can't be 7k.

anyway, i didn't listen to stock premium audio, but being in other lexus without ml, i dont' think it's going to be bad.

but i also have to say. spend your money and get the one you like.

 

you could attempt to purchase a vehicle equipped with NL (nav/lev), CP (comfort), and PA (park assist) in the southern area, msrp is about $69k, thats 40% of the vehicles coming into the southern area at this time.

of course, youre probably on a list in PA already and this info wont do you much good, if any, since the builds are different depending where you are in the country

 

Depends how much you're into audio. If talk radio's your thing (or radio in general) for example, then I'm sure the standard audio is just fine. The ML system is really for audiophiles.

 

Has anyone heard the two systems side by side? From what I see, they are bundling the ML system with the parking system pushing the car I was looking at from $67m to $71m. For $4m, it would have to be unbelievably better for me.

Does the stardard audio system have the 2000 song hard drive?

 

When you look at how difficult it would be to bring the stock system up the performance level of the Mark-Levinson system, I would advise you to wait for the ML. If you have the car for several years the enjoyment this system gives you should make the wait worthwhile...

 

the 13.9GB hard drive only comes with the levinson audio system

 

theres going to be a huge difference in sound quality moving from 10 speakers to 19, the IS only gains 1 speaker from standard to ML but its upgrade is cheaper $940 theres a good noticable difference in clarity etc and thats just gaining one speaker, better speakers for the rest and the amplifier

Definately try to listen to the two before you purchase, one of the worst feelings is when you buy a vehicle and later on you regret getting/not getting something. To adequately test the two systems burn a CD with your fav songs that you know inside and out what they sound like and play them in the two vehicles. Dont even think about using the radio during the test because its low quality already

 

yes, i say wait until you can hear the difference as well. i havent heard the difference on other lexus models and it's pretty siginificant.

ml actually dares to put the title "reference system" on the new LS, which is a first for them, so you can imagine they have certain confidence in the system