Anyone have any opinions? Does it sound that much different? If not, maybe I can just not get that and get the performance package plus Navi....? Thanks in advance!

 

Yes it does sound different but only you can be the judge if it's worth it. Take your favorite CD to the dealer and compare the two.You can go the base system route and upgrade if you have the $$. Check Percy's posts in the Audio board if you want to upgrade.For the amount Lexus is charging for the ML it's well worth it IMHO and it's sounds great. Movies sound awesome on ML if you play one through the RSES.

BTW I wanted Performance Package w/ML too but had to settle for ML only.

 

I've never done a direct head-to-head comparison as cantsleepnk suggests, but you might want to to make up your own mind for sure.
I had the standard audio package on my RX300's, but I had to get the ML to get nav on my 330 when I bought it. (They were only building units with the Nav Package at the time, as opposed to the nav option.) Personally, I can't hear much of a difference, but I wouldn't claim to be any sort of audiophile. Given a choice, I wouldn't spend the extra $2000 on a stereo.

No part of a car can be considered an "investment", either. After 2 years, that $2000 only adds about $700 in resale value. The radio depreciated faster than the rest of the car!

 

Thanks for your opinions guys, I figured it out now...just get the ML package instead of the performance package....because if i don't, the options that I wanted if I get seperately, would be about 2k more.

rxdriver, any regrets with your setup? I am getting one pretty much exactly like yours, but in 06....does ML let you play mp3s?

 

No, no regrets with it. The ML system sounds wonderful. Like I said though, I don't know if it's $2000 more wonderful.

ML doesn't add any functionality that the base system can't do. For example, ML doesn't add MP3 if the base system can't also do it. ML only changes the amp and adds three speakers; the control head and the features are identical for both ML and the standard system.

In '04, there is no MP3 support. Regular audio CD-R's work fine.

 

i got the answer for the 06 RX330 with and without the ML package....neither of them will play mp3s.. =(

 

Never heard of a Mark Levingston system.... but I have heard of a Mark Levinson system.

 

Levinson!!! =D I can't spell... hehe

 

I've heard both systems but it doesn't seem much different to me. I guess I ain't no audiophile. However on the Lexus IS and GS it is like wow probably due to the surround decoding unlike the RX.

 

IMHO, save your money. The Levinson sound system is quite pathetic. For ~ $2,000 you can add one nice aftermarket system.

 

From all I've heard ... the Levinson on the RX is the weakest of all the Lexus lineup ... It's a $980 option on the 400h separately ... a couple subs and an amp could be easily had for that.