Question about the Mark Levinson system
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Driver School Candidate
Joined: Dec 2013
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From: florida
Question about the Mark Levinson system
Is the ML audio system worth the extra money in the RX 350. I listened to the stock audio system. I thought it sounded ok. Is the upgrade worth the money. All imput greatly appreciated.Thank You, Bob.
No, I don't play soccer!
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 6,652
Likes: 177
From: NJ
Hi Bob. ML is ok for the average person. Bass is still missing but you can always add a subwoofer or two in the back, maybe some dynamat on the doors. There are a few extra speakers over the premium stereo and the ability to play movies while parked. The price is now around $1K, about half of what I paid. The main reason I got it was to remove the temptation to do serious upgrades, LOL! I spent way too much on the 330.
Finding an RX with ML is difficult so testing it isn't really possible. I don't want to give you a yes or no answer either because this is subjective. I will say I'm happy with it overall. With some tweaks (already mentioned), no doubt it would be better.
You mentioned you thought the stock system was fine. Any particular reason why you're considering ML?
Finding an RX with ML is difficult so testing it isn't really possible. I don't want to give you a yes or no answer either because this is subjective. I will say I'm happy with it overall. With some tweaks (already mentioned), no doubt it would be better.
You mentioned you thought the stock system was fine. Any particular reason why you're considering ML?
Pole Position
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 346
Likes: 3
From: Ontario
If you listen to songs with a lot of bass I'd say it's worth it, but if you listen to "normal" songs just go with the stock rig.
Furthermore I noticed the ML really shines when you listen to classical music, other than that it's performance is pretty standard reiterating my above point.
Furthermore I noticed the ML really shines when you listen to classical music, other than that it's performance is pretty standard reiterating my above point.
The pursuit of F
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 8,296
Likes: 303
From: Toronto, Canada
Well, the "worth it" determination is purely subjective. My RX came with it as it's packaged that way in Canada (2013 F-Sport) so I had no choice. I'm no audiophile but I do enjoy cranking the audio once in a while and the sound is clear, rich, with no distortion, better than the base sound system on the IS (never heard the base on the RX). The rear sub that comes with ML does help in the bass/richness department. With my kids watching movies on their tablet over Bluetooth, the 7.1 surround sound makes it enjoyable to listen to even if you're not watching 
on those long car trips. The ML shines most in CD live-concert type orchestral music (over R&B, rock, pop) producing pure, crisp, clear reproductions of violins, flutes, bass, piano, etc. If you will be primarily listening to Pop or Rock on FM, the sound quality although still better, does not stand out as much over the same station on my IS base radio at normal volumes.
I believe the cost is relatively cheap at $895 in the US (?) and put into perspective, it's very little compared to the $50K you will spend. It will also help a bit in the resale department one day making the value proposition a little more interesting. In summary, is it worth it? You have to factor in the above and for me, probably yes if you are buying your RX and have an appreciation for better sound, but less so if you are leasing it or if you just listen to the radio at low volumes.
Here's the marketing brochure and video. Good luck and keep us posted.
http://www.marklevinson.com/download...20brochure.pdf
on those long car trips. The ML shines most in CD live-concert type orchestral music (over R&B, rock, pop) producing pure, crisp, clear reproductions of violins, flutes, bass, piano, etc. If you will be primarily listening to Pop or Rock on FM, the sound quality although still better, does not stand out as much over the same station on my IS base radio at normal volumes. I believe the cost is relatively cheap at $895 in the US (?) and put into perspective, it's very little compared to the $50K you will spend. It will also help a bit in the resale department one day making the value proposition a little more interesting. In summary, is it worth it? You have to factor in the above and for me, probably yes if you are buying your RX and have an appreciation for better sound, but less so if you are leasing it or if you just listen to the radio at low volumes.
Here's the marketing brochure and video. Good luck and keep us posted.
http://www.marklevinson.com/download...20brochure.pdf
Last edited by corradoMR2; Apr 1, 2014 at 07:23 PM.
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 5
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From: SC
2010 RX with ML audio. If you want to hear this system preform at its best use a DVD-A . They (DVD-Audio) are hard to find and getting more and more expensive. You'll hear notes that you'll never hear on a standard CD.
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Brett Foote
Lexus Champion
Joined: Feb 2004
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From: Ohio
Anita,
2013+ can play movies as well, while the vehicle is stationary and the parking brake is applied.
Personally, I am very happy with the premium sound in our RX. It was actually better, than I expected.
If I wanted a better sound, I would opt for aftermarket rather than ML.
2013+ can play movies as well, while the vehicle is stationary and the parking brake is applied.
Personally, I am very happy with the premium sound in our RX. It was actually better, than I expected.
If I wanted a better sound, I would opt for aftermarket rather than ML.
No, I don't play soccer!
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 6,652
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From: NJ
vlad, funny enough I haven't tried to play a movie in the RXh in the four plus years I've had it. I guess for some people it's a nice feature to have in addition to the other things. The only change I'm aware of, no more 6-CD changer. No doubt that factored into the price drop on ML. It's still a lot less than what I spent on aftermarket equipment in the 330. And the ML package back then ran $5K! I believe nav was included, I'd have to check the brochure later for all the details. It makes ML look like a bargain now.
Pole Position
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 346
Likes: 3
From: Ontario
vlad, funny enough I haven't tried to play a movie in the RXh in the four plus years I've had it. I guess for some people it's a nice feature to have in addition to the other things. The only change I'm aware of, no more 6-CD changer. No doubt that factored into the price drop on ML. It's still a lot less than what I spent on aftermarket equipment in the 330. And the ML package back then ran $5K! I believe nav was included, I'd have to check the brochure later for all the details. It makes ML look like a bargain now.
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 261
Likes: 85
From: WA
Here is my 2 cents. The ML seems slightly overrated. Sound is not that bad, but I expected better. I just traded my 2013 CRV for the RX350 F Sport with ML stereo. I had the Kicker L7 woofer & amp installed (in my CRV) with my stock system and honestly, the stock CRV system with woofer/amp was better. I did pull the woofer/amp out and will be adding this to the RX. I would advise you guys to not get fancy with the install. I have the box/amp sitting in trunk, but not permanently mounted so I can pull it out when I sell. When I bought the RX, after the trade, I had them disconnect the amp/woofer since I did not want the liability of messing up the car. Just my 2 cents, again.
Last edited by 15RX98422; Sep 22, 2018 at 10:22 AM. Reason: want to add photos
CL Community Team
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 16,576
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From: Austin, TX
The chamber has a huge impact on the acoustics. Cab portion of a SUV and speakers pushed into allowable location makes the situation pretty unique [compared to cars which have a rear deck and trunk]. The major issue with vehicles is the position of listener from speakers can never be set adequately for more than one rider. Glass around also causes reflections and sustained arrival times. On top of that the human personal bias [typically louder and boomy] muddies the whole issue.
At the end one can compare specs and costs/value. Once sound is adjusted, a few gifted ears can really tell or claim to tell the difference. My view point is that if you are truly gifted, you will still be unhappy with ML.
Salim
At the end one can compare specs and costs/value. Once sound is adjusted, a few gifted ears can really tell or claim to tell the difference. My view point is that if you are truly gifted, you will still be unhappy with ML.
Salim
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