Originally Posted by AJT123

What is the point of these cars with 2400 watt systems? I've never heard one but sounds like mass overkill.

Originally Posted by SW17LS

Because you equate loud with good. The ML audio in the LS430 is way better than the Pioneer audio. Its not as loud and bassy but its much clearer, more powerful and refined.



Did you see my audio thread? The Nakamichi in our old 98 LS400 is my favorite system I've had, better than the ML in the 430 or even possibly the ML in my 460.

It was no different then though, we talked about the Nakamichi system being subtler and more nuanced than the Pioneer system which was "bassier"



You should hear one. You want wattage like you want horsepower. Higher powered systems feel more effortless and sound richer at lower volumes.

My point about the age is, the system in the Explorer was nothing special, its so old that Ford as a company has come out with far, far better systems. The Nakamichi stereo was a very special system back then, to the point where it still leaves an impression on me. Its been 16 years since Ive heard it though, would it still impress me today? I don't know. Theres also the question of age, no audio system in a car that old is operating close to as well as it did new. The speakers have degraded, lines have degraded, amp is old, etc,

Originally Posted by AJT123

I don't equate loud=good as much as you think. The Bose in my truck won't make your ears bleed loudness-wise but it sounds great. 3/4 volume is barely any quieter than full blast. It's how clean the sound is that impresses me, and the deep bass that only a legit woofer would provide.

I feel like the ML in the 430 was made for classical, jazz etc. In any case it's one of the weak points in a used 430....exactly why I wanted a base car bc I didn't want any of the "fancy" crap going out on me.

And yes I would like to hear one of these systems with the insane wattage. I've actually seen some complaints about the ML in the new LS500 in those forums.

Originally Posted by SW17LS

If you like clarity, you should like these ML systems. They can be enjoyed with any sort of music (I dont listen to classical or jazz music) but they take a little getting used to.

Originally Posted by AJT123

Every time I drive my old Yukon when I "throw her in park" it feels solid and chunky...like a truck's shifter should.

Originally Posted by bitkahuna

omg, that's funny. gm column shifters are sloppy, inefficient, and not friendly to those without a fair bit of strength. just get rid of them already.

Originally Posted by bitkahuna

omg, that's funny. gm column shifters are sloppy, inefficient, and not friendly to those without a fair bit of strength. .

Originally Posted by AJT123

Lol, no they're not. If it ain't broke don't fix it. They are chunky feeling and it's a joke to say someone needs strength to use them. I admitted I'm in the minority but half the reason I want an Escalade is that column shifter. A truck needs a column shifter.

The cheap buttons for gear selection I'm not a fan of. They could have at least tried to compete with the elegant Lincoln setup.

Originally Posted by LexsCTJill

I personally like the centre gated shifter. Works. Easy to use. Looks good.

Originally Posted by Och

I like mechanical shifters over electronic shifters, but column mounted shifters are just ridiculously ugly, especially the old mechanical ones in American cars that were sloppy and clunky.

I had an electronic column shifter in my 745, and I hated it. I think it was the only time BMW used column mounted shifters, they went back to center console shifters right away.

Originally Posted by 4TehNguyen

these "mechanical" shifters in any modern car is still electronic, you are moving electrical contacts, that tell the computer what solenoids to activate to control the transmission. There is no mechanical linkage you are moving. Its better to cut the BS, move to buttons/rotary so you can free up a ton of space on the console. The giant center console bin in the ram isnt possible with a traditional shifter and it's stupid useful. Far more useful than having a conventional shifter and fitting for a vehicle like a truck.

Originally Posted by SW17LS

I personally prefer getting out of my car and cranking it at the front to get it started. I sure wish cars would go back to that.

Originally Posted by coolsaber

Didnt know the LS460 had that as an option.