ls430w140

Mark levinson system is NOT bad until you hear other setups. I understand good quality and clean sound is very important, as well as Lexus engineers setting up the proper “music stage” in the car by tweaking parameters of amplifier and head unit, but once you switch the speakers to something like Eminence Eminator 1506 you ll instantly forget about “restoring original audio”.

This is one of the few times when aftermarket is better than OEM. Also, I do not see the reason to believe Pioneer sounds worse than ML in general. It’s all marketing and they want you to believe in some sort of an advanced audio system lol.

TheTiRider

Also keep in mind the “newest” Pioneer or ML 430 OEM system is almost 14 years old. Stereo components like all electronics have improved over that time. Both the Pioneer and ML were the gold standard stereo systems for luxury cars in their day and still can produce great sound. I replaced the door speakers and sub in my non ML base 430. It sound great but it sure would be nice to have some modern features - backup camera, Bluetooth, hands free operation, etc.

bob67

Agree Mark Levinson sounds good. Better than Lexus OEM. But really inferior compared to the Harmon-Karmen systems Mercedes offers.
Can't understand how Lexus LS owners believe their ML's sound very good, they do have the same amp and speakers found in the other Lexus models?

Striker223

Because it's just a car system, it won't hold a candle to a real system but for what it is we like it.

Bocatrip

I've owned my 01 LS430 for almost 10 years. I went the way of the glue fix at first (for the sub), then refoamed, and then finally bit the bullet and replaced the sub with an OEM from a Lexus dealer for under $300 new. At the same time I replaced both my front driver and passenger sides with OEM new. I like to blast my music, but I know the limitations and the cost of the ML system's speakers. I still play everything fairly loud and have not had any issues what so ever with the speakers. Of course my car is garaged and I try to keep the car out of the blazing sun which would speed up the deterioration of the sub. No complaints with the system. I use a tape convertor to play all my favorite songs from an ipod. Old school all the way!!!