joeleow

a noob here... can someone share the difference between the ML and non-ML? i understand that non-ML has one less speaker and the probably the processor is different. are the sub & speakers also different makes & quality?

what should i change if i wanna improve my non-ML system?

cheers

chikoo

+1

I am finding musical instruments on my music CD that I was not even aware of.

Sango

iTrader: (10)

Kurtz mentioned more detail before that is more than that. The wiring, and interior body panel are different to suit the speakers which are used for ML (all the speakers are different than the non-ML). It is not that easy to change since you're basically taking your car apart which would be costly which would not make it worth it to change to ML system.

For aftermarket solutions are those that would work out to your favor - I am not familar with the details but for members who have done something like this could fill this info in.

Kurtz

iTrader: (1)

The regular system has:
3 speakers on each door
1 sub in the trunk
does not play DVDs at all
and I wanna say like 180 watts of power or something

The ML system has:
3 speakers on each front door
2 speakers on each rear door
1 center channel speaker in the dash
2 surround rear speakers on the back deck
1 sub in the trunk
plays DVD-A and video DVDs including 7.1 audio
300 watts

The ML speakers are also different (better) specs than the non-ML ones.


There's no (reasonably affordable) way to convert from the regular system to ML.

There's plenty of other stuff you can do to the stock system to make it better, but unfortunately you're going to need someone reasonably familiar with stereo systems to make any changes involved in the head unit or amps since you have to leave those things wired in to some extent no matter what you do or other things on the car stop working.

(the speakers you could upgrade to aftermarket ones relatively easily though)

Evitzee

You can't overlook the difference in power, both amount and quality.

The standard system has an unstated amplifier of unknown power and specs, but most amps in these kind of situations will have somewhere around 225 peak watts with a limited bandwidth and pretty high distortion (5-10%) when pushed hard.

The ML system has 300 watts @<0.1% distortion from 20 Hz to 20 kHz which is audiophile type power. You will hear this clean power when you crank the amp up, you don't get the nasty distortion and breakup with lesser systems.

joeleow

Hey guys, thank you all for your response and sharing. From what I have read, if I want to improve my non-ML system in a phase by phase approach, I suppose changing my Amp would be the very first step? I have seen some fellow owners of IS who spent a small fortune doing up their ICE. Sound proof everything, re-position the front tweeter & mid (is this even necessary?), put in 4 amps and a big sub. That is way of my league, but I hope to get there bit by bit.

Jeff Lange

iTrader: (1)

I can't seem to find the exact information about the actual amplifiers, just the drivers, but the newer Mark Levinson system is slightly different than the older as far as drivers go. For the standard 13-speaker system I think it's pretty much stayed the same for the entire run. These numbers don't tell the entire story, the ML system is much better than the "premium 13-speaker system." Though the regular system isn't terrible compared to a lot of cars, it's definitely sub-par compared to the ML. I'd love to have ML, but oh well.


Regular system has:

13 Speakers:
3 speakers in each of the four doors. (4Ω per Driver)
25W 1.0in Tweeter, 21W 2.6in Midrange, 21W 6.5in Woofer
1 sub-woofer in the trunk. (2Ω per Channel)
35Wx2 8.0in Sub-Woofer
Pioneer Head Unit, Pioneer Amplifier


2006-09 Mark Levinson has:

14 Speakers: (8Ω for all Drivers)
1 center channel on the dash.
25W 2.6in Speaker
3 speakers in each front door.
20W 1.0in Tweeter, 25W 2.6in Midrange, 25W 6.5in Woofer
2 speakers in each rear door.
20W 1.0in Tweeter, 25W 4.0in Midrange
2 surround rear speakers on the back deck.
25W 2.6in Speakers
1 sub-woofer in the trunk
40W 8.0in Sub-Woofer
Pioneer Head Unit, Mark Levinson Amplifier


2010-11 Mark Levinson has:

14 Speakers: (6Ω for all Drivers)
1 center channel on the dash.
15W 2.6in Speaker
3 speakers in each front door.
20W 1.0in Tweeter, 15W 2.6in Midrange, 25W 6.5in Woofer
2 speakers in each rear door.
20W 1.0in Tweeter, 30W 4.0in Midrange
2 surround rear speakers on the back deck.
15W 2.6in Speakers
1 sub-woofer in the trunk.
50W 8.0in Sub-Woofer
Pioneer Head Unit, Mark Levinson Amplifier

Jeff

3sgte_slow

iTrader: (4)

man, wish I got that ML system....

anthrax144

Until you have to replace the blown 8" sub in the back deck which has been a serious problem for anyone that listens to their music over level 25. Dealer wants $550 for the speaker, Sewell sells them to CL members for $310, and there are ZERO aftermarket options. So it's either spend $310 and replace it yourself knowing it's going to blow again down the road or spend $1000+ to put an aftermarket sub in the trunk.

Jeff Lange

iTrader: (1)

I wonder if the 2010+ subwoofer has the same issues the 06-09 did.

Jeff

joeleow

i constantly listens at level 40+... but on soothing types of music... so i hope it doesn't blow on me soon...

SKURD

iTrader: (1)

i have had several after market systems, and currently the ML system. it feels lacking to me, my friend has the 07 TL-S, i think his system may sound clearer at higher volumes, but may not be as full.

Highburny

+1 for me also. I do take the occasional mad turn and have it pumping though, normally a Friday night drive home from work rushing home to g out!

SeanIS350

iTrader: (2)

ML system is nice I agree, but the sub blows way too easily... Many have had to upgrade to an after market sub because of this so be careful with it.

brociouz

iTrader: (65)

^ Yup. Adding an aftermarket subwoofer makes a HUGE difference.