4TehNguyen

iTrader: (1)

$1400? It says $940 for my ML on my cars sticker

bagwell

for the ML+NAV option its a whopping $1400 more than the just the base NAV.

Mike V

I special ordered mine without the nav but with ML. Paid invoice + 1K for the car. You do the math.
I really don't want someone tearing my interior apart. If you don't have a rattle from the factory, you will after Gomer installs your aftermarket parts!

Mike V

tqlla3k

iTrader: (1)

The NAV+ML is actually $1440 more than the Base nav. But you have to remember, that includes a 6-Disc DVD changer upgrade. The base ML without Nav is only $940, and includes an amp upgrade and an upgrade to 14 speakers.

To best the ML system, in sound quality can be done for less than $1440. But it will be tough.

You need
1 5-channel amp(or a 4-ch + 1 CH)
1 subwoofer
1 sub box
Pair of 2-way component speakers(cannot upgrade mid)
Pair of 3-way components in the back.

You will still not have the DVD changer though

ABC

i personally say go with stock and get aftermarket speakers/amps. The sound difference will be enormous with a good after market setup. I had 6 aftermarket speakers and a sub in my old car and the quality of the sounds was lightyears from the ML system. The only downfall is that my old setup was probably around $4k in total...

Once the car is piad off, i plan on ripping out all the stereo components and replacing them all with quality sounding equipment.

RamshakleZ

Considering that I don't care about DVD - and that I even think the stock system is pretty good to begin with (thus might not end up doing any of this in the first place), I think I'm just going to go with the stock system.

Then, even if I spend $2,000 on an aftermarket system, sound quality wise I'll still have a better sounding system than the ML.

Thanks for all the input.

mt1

The stock system is good. I think that you will be very happy with it.

For me, the Levinson was a deal killer - I would not accept my 350 without one.

CyberVlad

Unless you plan on listening to a lot of SACDs or DVD-Audio, don't bother with it.

I personally listen to satellite radio 90% of the time and i think ML is an
overkill for regular sound sources. (coming from a guy who has the ML)

don't skimp on the NAV though, you would regret that later

RamshakleZ

No worries... no NAV is a definite deal killer. Had nav in all my cars for the past 10 years (yes, even the ollllld rudimentary ones) - I'm not going back!!

tcho82

iTrader: (1)

I love my ML and Nav system. I had an awesome nav unit before hand in my S2000 (Nuvi 350) but I bought the nav anyhow. It is world apart. If you even THINK you might not be satisfied with the Pioneer system I would get the ML system. Sure you can always update your stock system with aftermarket later on, but having it acoustically balanced like the ML system is going to be hard to find. No the bass isn't the loudest and isn't going to thump down the block, but the ML system has such clarity and a nice mid range. It is also well integrated into the car, so there is never even any thought to changing the deck out to something more bling bling. If you're paying cash for the car, then the extra 1000 might be something you don't want to spend, but financed over 2,3, or 4 years etc.. how much is it really going to hurt your pocket? I'm so glad I got the ML, as I had an IS250 loaner for a week while my car was being serviced for rattles etc..., the pioneer sound system is no slouch, but at the same time, it just didn't have the range the ML system did, and I was ready for my car again after a week.

Technique

Get ML...............