rlee777

Recently acquired 04 RX330 AWD with the Mark Levinson system + NAV unit. When I listened to the OEM head unit (only the AM/FM radio was working since the CD changer had a stuck CD error 4), it was nothing too special -- definitely midbass + midrange heavy. When I decided to install a replacement double-din Kenwood Excelon, I wondered where the ML EQ/TA resided if any.....via the stock HU or somewhere downstream?

Crutchfield provided a high-level interface that connects to the ML amp input (Axxess unit). When I finally connected the Kenwood Excelon and powered it on, I knew that this was a well designed system. Clear, balanced treble, detailed mids and extended bass -- surprising with no subwoofer. Soundstaging is excellent and precise. I have been into car audio for decades and love an accurate system -- with a solid source, the Mark Levinson setup is a well-designed system. Clearly the designers spent much time picking and positioning the drivers. All with flat settings on the Kenwood and not using any special TA.

Measured the freq response at the driver's head position (calibrated mic) -- this confirms that what I am hearing is an accurate system:

This is an excellent "house curve" for a vehicle. I know many have criticized the ML drivers and how small the magnets are -- seemingly cheap -- but some solid engineers designed this well and the overall balance is amazing. Will be nice to add a capable sub to extend the response to 20/25Hz, but the stock ML system, with a capable source, is outstanding.