13tre

Hello All,

I have an IS350 w/ Sport Package + NAV.
My questions are:
1.) Are the speakers on the non mark levinson audio system the same speakers as the ones on the mark levinson audion system?
2.) Is it possible to purchase a mark levinson audio system oem and have it installed?
3.) Is the only difference in the mark levinson audio system the reciever that can play dvds and the amplifier?
4.) Can I also purchase the center console speaker that missing in the regular audio system?

Thanks

jlin101

completely different setup: ML has one additional center speaker, as well as completely different size/material for the other speakers; in addition, the amp and head unit are also unique. It wouldn't make economical sense to buy a ML system (if you can even get one) and install it. If you already have the car, you are better off upgrading with aftermarket gears. There's been a lot of discussion re the merits of ML vs aftermarket stuff on CL, just do a search.

Rockville

(8 Ohms)to match the Mark Levinson higher output amplifiers. You get a 7.1 layout in the Mark Levinson vs. a 4.1 in the Pioneer stock. You get a 5.1 DTS Surround Sound with Dolby in the Mark Levinson system. The head unit in either case is made by Pioneer but the amps and spkrs are ML. The speaker layouts are different not only in the center dash channel but also in the rear doors and the rear parcel shelf. There is a long thread about modding and revamping the stock unit with Dyn Audio speakers. It would be costly to retro the Mark Levinson but possible if someone was determined I guess it could be done. For that much money you might be able to build a custom system that would rival or beat it.

rominl

iTrader: (4)

in short you can forget about putting ML in your car. totally different speakers, positions, unit, amp, and even the wire harness. if you know the price to do it you will faint

13tre

thanks for all your info
guess i am stuck with a stock system
but thats what i get for being impatient and lexus not turning up production

shaolin

iTrader: (2)

i think the one that come with the car is good enough.

think about when you are selling your car.. those speakers will not bump up your price...

Tony1

i think the stock system is about average for it being a 43k+ car..

Plus as much as i'd want an aftermarket system, id never let the
installers tear my interior apart, i dont need any rattles, thank you

jlin101

it's not that Lexus didn't turn up ML production. ALL but Central Region's manager decided that they didn't want the initial cars to be fully equipped (the cars were ordered/specified several months prior to the release of final price info) because they wanted a low price to create a large initial sales number. At least that's what my sales manager (South) told me. Why would Lexus have problem with making ML when a similar system was readily available in the GS?

berg7445

the stock system might be average for a 43K 350 but is definitely above average for a 32K 250. It has almost twice the number of speakres of the A4.