DaveGS4

iTrader: (2)

Thought this was interesting, from my June / July 2021 Sound & Vision magazine. I didn't see the editorial note the author references but I'll go back and dig it up if I kept the old one.

RudysSC

I am constantly fascinated by the level of passion that was put into 90's Lexus cars. Thank you for sharing this - I love a good reminder of how truly special these cars are and it'll make me smile when I walk out to my SC3 after work today.

KahnBB6

iTrader: (5)

Dave, thank you for posting this article! What an amazing thing it is to hear about how the LS400 and SC300/400 sound systems were tuned from the man who did it... and get some wonderful insight into the attention to detail and process that went into getting all aspects of these cars right before releasing them. That exchange he had with the chief Lexus engineer is so telling as to just how serious they were about going the extra mile on every aspect of these vehicles.

You're right, Rudy! It's a great reminder of just how special these coupes really are

perfctreig

...and to think I used to spend weeks (as a contractor) working on the computer systems at that Torrance Toyota facility in the late '90s. I never knew what they were up to. I just thought they made the cool MR2 and the Land Cruiser. Thanks for the link. (By the way, the facility is now gone, it was sold some years ago.)

DaveGS4

iTrader: (2)

I found the original letter to the editors that was the impetus for the article a couple of months prior

Kira X

iTrader: (24)

Thanks for posting this! It’s pretty fascinating that they put so much effort into the stereo. I’ve heard that the Nakamichi system sounded amazing, but I’ve never been in a car with one. I thought the Pioneer system sounded good when I first got my SC300.

KahnBB6

iTrader: (5)

Same here, Kira. I've only ever experienced the factory Pioneer system in the 1st and 2nd gen LS400's and in my SC300. I'd love to hear the stock Nakamichi system in either car.

Duck05

I read the article today and did not know Mr. Pohlmann’s background and his contributions to the high quality we enjoyed in these cars. My car came with the “standard” Pioneer system which was excellent (IMO). The car was the color I wanted and had leather (which was extra) and also at the time (July of ‘92) were in high demand so had to get what was available.

Many years later, (2013) all the speakers on the “package shelf” were cooked so replaced those and upgraded the head unit to a touch screen Pioneer DD with BT, Navi, CD/DVD player, phone support, and even a backup camera. The sound is still excellent thanks to Mr. Pohlmann’s input on speaker location and engineering choices.

His reference on the decision by Toyota to re-work the item to achieve the “best” results were good to hear. I am not sure today that would be the case. It is a much different time, though.

SC400slide

iTrader: (11)

Thanks for posting! These car's are truly over-engineered and in the best way possible! My Nakamichi system still pounds.

Tallyhoe

I would have to agree with this article.. At 28 years old the system still works with the CD player, flawlessly. The radio plays well when it works which is intermittent due to water or bumps knocking it out.... The multi-CD player on my 07 Tundra is already dead it died 3 years ago now and it took some of my CDs with it.....

Maserati

iTrader: (1)

My 99 400 Came with the Nakamichi setup and it stills plays amazing to this day, the 10’ sub hits pretty hard but subtle. Compared to some newer cars of this age, it still beats them easily.