Official Lexus NX thread
Lexus NX to Debut New Audio Improvement Technology
The Lexus NX will introduce a world-first audio technology from Harman called Clari-fi, which significantly improves the sound quality of compressed audio:
Unlike other solutions in the market today, Clari-Fi does not simply add equalization and boost bass, or focus only on leveraging high-resolution file formats on a proprietary device, according to Harman. Harman said Clari-Fi analyzes digital audio signals in real time and rebuilds them during playback. It does not mask the effects of heavy compression by adding new effects, but instead uses an algorithm to put back what is lost during the compression process.
The Mark Levinson Premium Surround Sound Audio System in the Lexus NX incorporates Clari-Fi technology across 14 speakers in 12 locations, carefully designed and located strategically throughout the vehicle cabin, to create what Harman said is an optimum listening experience. It’s all powered by an 835-watt, 12-channel ML5 amplifier.
The 2015 Lexus NX equipped with the available Clari-Fi-enabled Mark Levinson premium surround sound audio system is expected to launch in Asia and Europe later this year.
The Lexus NX will be the very first production vehicle to incorporate the new technology, though from the phrasing of the press release, it sounds like Clari-fi won’t be coming to North America right away.
Melissa Riofrio from TechHive had a chance to sample the audio difference:
I previewed this technology at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas in January. As I sat in a well-insulated room, nattily dressed Harman executives played an MP3 file, first in its regular, lossy form, and then with the Clari-Fi technology (then called Signal Doctor) enhancing the sound. With Clari-Fi doing its thing, the song sounded fuller and richer. I had the same experience in a demo car Harman had outfitted for the show.
Unlike other solutions in the market today, Clari-Fi does not simply add equalization and boost bass, or focus only on leveraging high-resolution file formats on a proprietary device, according to Harman. Harman said Clari-Fi analyzes digital audio signals in real time and rebuilds them during playback. It does not mask the effects of heavy compression by adding new effects, but instead uses an algorithm to put back what is lost during the compression process.
The Mark Levinson Premium Surround Sound Audio System in the Lexus NX incorporates Clari-Fi technology across 14 speakers in 12 locations, carefully designed and located strategically throughout the vehicle cabin, to create what Harman said is an optimum listening experience. It’s all powered by an 835-watt, 12-channel ML5 amplifier.
The 2015 Lexus NX equipped with the available Clari-Fi-enabled Mark Levinson premium surround sound audio system is expected to launch in Asia and Europe later this year.
The Lexus NX will be the very first production vehicle to incorporate the new technology, though from the phrasing of the press release, it sounds like Clari-fi won’t be coming to North America right away.
Melissa Riofrio from TechHive had a chance to sample the audio difference:
I previewed this technology at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas in January. As I sat in a well-insulated room, nattily dressed Harman executives played an MP3 file, first in its regular, lossy form, and then with the Clari-Fi technology (then called Signal Doctor) enhancing the sound. With Clari-Fi doing its thing, the song sounded fuller and richer. I had the same experience in a demo car Harman had outfitted for the show.
Driver
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 194
Likes: 0
From: Dallas, Texas
I have never really been that much of an audiophile. In fact I ordered my RX to have almost every option except for the ML. lol.
not sure if the B&O systems car audi has been putting in is worth it. The one in the Q5 is not the considered expensive, but the ones in their sedans which are like 6000 options is ridiculous, with the rising tweeters and all.
not sure if the B&O systems car audi has been putting in is worth it. The one in the Q5 is not the considered expensive, but the ones in their sedans which are like 6000 options is ridiculous, with the rising tweeters and all.
Pole Position
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 213
Likes: 1
From: NJ
I can see the NX being similar to the MB CLA in 1 area. Although the CLA base price is under 30k you will have a hard time finding a base model at a dealer. Most are in the 35-38k range. The NX may have a lower base price in the 35k range but it may be hard to find a base model on the lots. Most may be 38k or higher. Fully loaded it may push 50k.
When someone asks for the base the salesperson will probably say "you are buying a Lexus, which is a luxury car. These are not base, no frills, Toyotas".
When someone asks for the base the salesperson will probably say "you are buying a Lexus, which is a luxury car. These are not base, no frills, Toyotas".
Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 345
Likes: 25
From: PA
I can see the NX being similar to the MB CLA in 1 area. Although the CLA base price is under 30k you will have a hard time finding a base model at a dealer. Most are in the 35-38k range. The NX may have a lower base price in the 35k range but it may be hard to find a base model on the lots. Most may be 38k or higher. Fully loaded it may push 50k.
When someone asks for the base the salesperson will probably say "you are buying a Lexus, which is a luxury car. These are not base, no frills, Toyotas".
When someone asks for the base the salesperson will probably say "you are buying a Lexus, which is a luxury car. These are not base, no frills, Toyotas".
Sorry I couldn't help myself. You are right though, I've never seen a base car on a luxury dealer lot. Most of the time they seem to be pre-configured to have the most popular options / packages while maintaining a certain price point. The under $30k, $35k, etc base price I'm assuming is just to get some price concerned people in the door where they can up sell you features once they've got your attention, and you can rationalize it as "it's only $20 extra a month!".
Once upon a time I looked into a less than 1 year old Hyundai Accent with maybe 8k miles or so that was on a used car lot. I got in and got right back out. It was a base model. It had absolutely no features, which was apparently why the original buyer dumped it so soon. I had no idea an '08 (if I remember correctly) car could come without power windows. It was less impressive than my parent's '93 Camry.
Last edited by sg021; May 12, 2014 at 04:12 AM.
Lead Lap
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 571
Likes: 6
From: California
Yes, Sadly, MOST car buyers, even in the luxury class, are payment buyers; they neglect the huge total and are just concerned what the monthly payment is...so sad.
Even more interesting is that with the surge of home buyers, 43% paid cash; for a number of reasons, from downsizing to retiring to a cheaper place to live!!
Even more interesting is that with the surge of home buyers, 43% paid cash; for a number of reasons, from downsizing to retiring to a cheaper place to live!!
Pole Position
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 213
Likes: 1
From: NJ
and one area all car companies are trying to add value is built in navigation. Since the $100-$300 portable systems you can get at Best Buy are very good with traffic and free updates the car companies are having to bundle it with other tech features like hard drives and upgraded blu tooth. For the RX it is part of the $5600 package with blind spot warning and a number of comfort features.
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 20,211
Likes: 260
I can see the NX being similar to the MB CLA in 1 area. Although the CLA base price is under 30k you will have a hard time finding a base model at a dealer. Most are in the 35-38k range. The NX may have a lower base price in the 35k range but it may be hard to find a base model on the lots. Most may be 38k or higher. Fully loaded it may push 50k.
When someone asks for the base the salesperson will probably say "you are buying a Lexus, which is a luxury car. These are not base, no frills, Toyotas".
When someone asks for the base the salesperson will probably say "you are buying a Lexus, which is a luxury car. These are not base, no frills, Toyotas".
But sure, CLA starts 30k and ends 50k, thats a lot bigger spread than 35 and 50 :-)
Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 345
Likes: 25
From: PA
and one area all car companies are trying to add value is built in navigation. Since the $100-$300 portable systems you can get at Best Buy are very good with traffic and free updates the car companies are having to bundle it with other tech features like hard drives and upgraded blu tooth. For the RX it is part of the $5600 package with blind spot warning and a number of comfort features.
Driver School Candidate
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: NY
Stopped at local Lexus dealer today to ask about NX. They seemed to know a lot. Was told that pictures and unveils show a car Lexus says is still "prototype". Sales person said they have been told Lexus is finalizing design and side panels and light pods are being looked at for revision. That's extent of what they knew.
Stopped at local Lexus dealer today to ask about NX. They seemed to know a lot. Was told that pictures and unveils show a car Lexus says is still "prototype". Sales person said they have been told Lexus is finalizing design and side panels and light pods are being looked at for revision. That's extent of what they knew.
have you looked through the pages of this thread? They show the real thing. So if your dealer is saying it is a prototype then they "seem to NOT know a lot"
Driver School Candidate
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: NY
Know that right up until 1st car comes off production line, things are subject to change!!!!
Whenever they launch a new vehicle and we go to train in SoCal, trust me the aesthetics are already set. What is subject to change are onboard systems, programming etc.
Driver School Candidate
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 9
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From: NY