Regrets with not getting the ML Stereo??
03-02-07, 12:04 PM
#61
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I ordered mine w/o ML!
However, all that time spent reading about the car and it's features, I got too worried about the stock stereo system not meeting my needs and felt as if I might have made a mistake! Than when I picked up my car and listened to the stock system, I was REALLY satisfied! The quality (Bass/Treble) and sound of the system is pretty good for me...
Now, if I ever have the money, than I'll upgrade to an aftermarket system but till than I will save up for other mods...
However, all that time spent reading about the car and it's features, I got too worried about the stock stereo system not meeting my needs and felt as if I might have made a mistake! Than when I picked up my car and listened to the stock system, I was REALLY satisfied! The quality (Bass/Treble) and sound of the system is pretty good for me...
Now, if I ever have the money, than I'll upgrade to an aftermarket system but till than I will save up for other mods...
03-02-07, 01:54 PM
#62
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IIRC, there's a CL member who is the forum Audio guru, I think his name is Percy. If you do a search, he gives a detailed review of the ML vs stock system in the IS. I remember him giving the ML a thumbs up in terms of value and performance . . .
03-02-07, 04:01 PM
#63
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ML is owned by the Harman group. Their popular brands being Harman Kardon, Infinity and JBL. I doubt Pioneer manufactures the ML equipment. Although these days I suppose you never know.
I wish the ML was available in the 250s, too bad. I think it would take a lot of effort and a bit of luck to create an aftermarket sound that truly rivals the ML system. And 5.1 in the car is sweet, especially with Dual Discs and DVD-A. Although I wouldn't see myself playing movies often, it would be nice to have the option.
I wish the ML was available in the 250s, too bad. I think it would take a lot of effort and a bit of luck to create an aftermarket sound that truly rivals the ML system. And 5.1 in the car is sweet, especially with Dual Discs and DVD-A. Although I wouldn't see myself playing movies often, it would be nice to have the option.
03-02-07, 06:55 PM
#64
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^^^ couple of corrections. Bichon said the Headunit is made by Pioneer, the other system related equipment (speakers, amps, crossover, etc) is spec'd by ML (or Harmon Group), altho they could be mf'd by other audio mfrs for ML.
You can order ML on a IS250, but it would have to be a special order since I don't believe that ML equipped 250s are regularly allocated to dealers . . .
You can order ML on a IS250, but it would have to be a special order since I don't believe that ML equipped 250s are regularly allocated to dealers . . .
03-02-07, 07:13 PM
#65
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03-02-07, 11:49 PM
#66
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I understand wacky stuff in the car industry occurs, like Honda providing engines to GM and Toyotas and GM vehicles being identical. I've never seen this in this in the hifi industry. I won't state it as fact, because I don't have definitive proof... but ML is not manufactured by Pioneer. In terms of competition, this would not be unlike saying the Honda Accord is in fact produced by Toyota. These two companies fight for contracts.
Perhaps someone else with more info would like to pipe in?
03-02-07, 11:53 PM
#67
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03-03-07, 01:03 PM
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03-03-07, 01:05 PM
#70
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exactly, plasma will be gone in about 5 years because of it degrading performance after a couple years, compared to the up and coming lcd's which just keep getting better and better. I just bought a 61 inch samsung lcd with 1080p support and hd-dvds look sick.
03-03-07, 01:26 PM
#71
Lexus Champion
i was starting to take you seriously until you made that bogus statement, plasma will be gone in 5 years?
i've had mine for over 4 years and it's performance is not degrading like you think and people told me my plasma tv will be obsolete in 5 years lol. ridiculous. nonsense. rubbish.
03-03-07, 01:32 PM
#72
Lexus Champion
not everyone's ear can tell the difference when they go sit in a car and listen to one cd. maybe he doesn't know what to listen for. but you don't have to be born with that discerning ear either. you can learn to appreciate it over time. you can either say i don't want to know and i don't ever want to know and simply skip ml for the rest of your life or you can get started now in appreciating the finer things in life, it's never too soon. just because you can't swing a golf club doesn't mean it's not for you and you can't learn to swing ever.
03-03-07, 08:04 PM
#73
Lexus Champion
back on topic, I still like the base stereo with NAV, no regrets
03-03-07, 09:06 PM
#74
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I listened to both systems before I bought and decided I wanted the NAV/M.Levinson/rear CAM options. I didn’t really push the different audio systems enough to do a proper compare but I do know the standard audio was very good ,,,,,, I suspect that both systems may share many common components like the FM tuner and some speakers ,,,, which may be why some people don’t hear a difference.
That being said, and only having had my IS350 for 5 days, I can tell you that I am really, really pleased with the ML ….. I plugged in my iRiver today for the first time, expecting it to be next to marginal at best, or downright crappy at worst. What a surprise, it sounds quite good ….. might just permanently plant the iRiver in the console.
For those of you familiar with the earlier IS300 sound system, I found that to be a very good system but lacking in bass,…. the high’s and mid’s were fine for me …… had an aftermarket bass tube installed in the trunk which would rattle the windows if you wanted. I am not a bass thumping type of guy though, so it was never outputting even half of what it could.
KC
That being said, and only having had my IS350 for 5 days, I can tell you that I am really, really pleased with the ML ….. I plugged in my iRiver today for the first time, expecting it to be next to marginal at best, or downright crappy at worst. What a surprise, it sounds quite good ….. might just permanently plant the iRiver in the console.
For those of you familiar with the earlier IS300 sound system, I found that to be a very good system but lacking in bass,…. the high’s and mid’s were fine for me …… had an aftermarket bass tube installed in the trunk which would rattle the windows if you wanted. I am not a bass thumping type of guy though, so it was never outputting even half of what it could.
KC
03-03-07, 09:35 PM
#75
Super Moderator
i was starting to take you seriously until you made that bogus statement, plasma will be gone in 5 years? i've had mine for over 4 years and it's performance is not degrading like you think and people told me my plasma tv will be obsolete in 5 years lol. ridiculous. nonsense. rubbish.
i've had mine for over 4 years and it's performance is not degrading like you think and people told me my plasma tv will be obsolete in 5 years lol. ridiculous. nonsense. rubbish.