GS - 4th Gen (2013-2020) Discussion about the 2013 and up GS models

Optimizing Mark Levinson

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Old 01-28-18, 08:03 AM
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Guitarheel
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Default Optimizing Mark Levinson

I just picked up my 2018 GS 350 with the Mark Levinson sound system. I have only found a setting for bass, mid range and treble. are there other settings to view? does the system need to be optimized or personalized or is it best in the default setting for bass, midrange and treble. thanks.
Old 01-28-18, 08:18 AM
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drgrant
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Originally Posted by Guitarheel
I just picked up my 2018 GS 350 with the Mark Levinson sound system. I have only found a setting for bass, mid range and treble. are there other settings to view? does the system need to be optimized or personalized or is it best in the default setting for bass, midrange and treble. thanks.
There aint much... make sure you turn off surround and sound leveling (under advanced) IMO both very annoying...

-Mike
Old 01-29-18, 05:51 AM
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jtrue28
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Yep, I agree with @drgrant turn that superficial stuff off. You're not going to be listening to anything that actually takes advantage of of those options. System sounds much better with that stuff off.

GS ML system isn't anything to brag home about.
Old 01-29-18, 07:59 PM
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drgrant
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Originally Posted by jtrue28
Yep, I agree with @drgrant turn that superficial stuff off. You're not going to be listening to anything that actually takes advantage of of those options. System sounds much better with that stuff off.

GS ML system isn't anything to brag home about.
FWIW I think if they had put an "advanced" menu in the head unit with a more adjustable EQ and a sub volume adjust it would improve the whole thing 110%.... the system has more than enough punch and clarity, the problem is its difficult to get the levels balanced with only access to 3 choices... my Camry had the same shortcomings there but that JBL system with the sub actually had a better "factory balance" if you want to call it that.

-Mike
Old 01-30-18, 06:21 AM
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modad
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+1 on the surround and sound-leveling "off. The 'hardest' adjustment to make is that you really need to set the fade to about half-way between center and rear. It doesn't make sense that they manufactured it that way, but the sound quality and separation are much better at that setting.
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Old 01-30-18, 08:45 AM
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jtrue28
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hmmm...haven't tried that yet. I will do that at lunch. Anxious to hear what that does to the sound. Thanks @modad
Old 01-30-18, 01:31 PM
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Edlcworld
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Originally Posted by modad
+1 on the surround and sound-leveling "off. The 'hardest' adjustment to make is that you really need to set the fade to about half-way between center and rear. It doesn't make sense that they manufactured it that way, but the sound quality and separation are much better at that setting.
Set my fade between center and rear just like you said, well a little more towards the center and love how my car sounds now ! Thanks for the insight . Doubt many ppl actually know this or sit there to play around with it.
Old 01-31-18, 04:51 PM
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psaav
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What volume level does the ML system seem to shine or have a "sweet spot"? 15, 20, 30, higher?
Old 01-31-18, 05:23 PM
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drgrant
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Originally Posted by psaav
What volume level does the ML system seem to shine or have a "sweet spot"? 15, 20, 30, higher?
It's going to vary depending on the music you're playing and how "hot" its coming in off the recording.

Like for example tonight I was listening to Boz Scaggs and even with my boosted MP3s I still had to get it into the 40s to crank it.

Other stuff is blasting below 20!

If you have CDs might be a different story, though... I just stream via BT from my work iPhone.

-Mike
Old 01-31-18, 05:27 PM
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drgrant
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Originally Posted by modad
+1 on the surround and sound-leveling "off. The 'hardest' adjustment to make is that you really need to set the fade to about half-way between center and rear. It doesn't make sense that they manufactured it that way, but the sound quality and separation are much better at that setting.
I tried this today and it seemed to help! This is going to sound screwy, but it seems like it helps you make it "louder without going deaf" like I can make it bumpin without the treble causing me a headache or having to detune the highs.

-Mike
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