Mark Levinson Upgrade

[Kiedee]

I have just order a 2014 is300h f-sport in the f-sport white but I still have the option of adding the audio upgrade prior to delivery of the car. Lead time 16 week! I live in the Republic of Ireland and here the upgraded speakers, sat nav and DVD player come in one extra package at a cost of 2900 or 2400 pounds. I've been reading there are problems with the nav and I'm now wondering spending the extra money in the first place?

[F Sport Marcus]

I can think of alot of better ways to spend that kind of cash.

I have Tom Tom on my Iphone (for EU when I'm in hire cars too)for nowt as it went on expenses.

The non Sat Nav dial is much easier to use in my opinion over the mouse gadget and the standard stereo is pretty good too. I have listed to the Levinson stereo and as a music lover I agree it's very impressive - but it's still a car and not The Albert Hall..

my 2 pennyworth and I wouldn't (haven't) bothered..

[DJP]

I'd have the nav but not the ML. Had it on my 250 and defo never used it to its capacity. The standard audio IMO is plenty adequate. I find the mouse easy to use but I am left handed which might make a small difference.

[rayaans]

Mark Levinson audio system is just class! Definitely sounds amazing and worth the extra cash!

[F Sport Marcus]

..and there you have it - now it's even harder to choose!!

[Kiedee]

I would love just the sound system, don't really want the Nav. It's after getting a lot of bad reviews here. I also forgot to ,emotion that in ireland fog lights are an optional extra. I think I'm gonna try and save the money and spend it on something else. It's a beautiful car in standard f-sport format. I test drove the s-design for 2 days and loved it so I hope the f sport will be as pet up again

[Stuno1]

Have to say the ml system sounds incredible. If you do a few miles then go for it. Really is excellent.

[johnm112]

Kiedee, have you had a demonstration of the ML system at your Lexus dealer? My dealer used a HARMAN stereo demo disc titled "The Sounds of New York". It was amazing. ML was standard on my GS Premier but after listening to the demo I would have paid extra for it as an option.

[Kiedee]

Johnm112, While where I'm buying the car is the main lexus dealer in my area they didn't have a car in stock at the time with the ML. I think my mind is made up to be honest. Everyone is telling me that the standard sound system is more than adequate. I do on average 15000 miles a year so I save the 2400 pounds and it will easily run the car for the first year and a half

[johnm112]

Johnm112, While where I'm buying the car is the main lexus dealer in my area they didn't have a car in stock at the time with the ML. I think my mind is made up to be honest. Everyone is telling me that the standard sound system is more than adequate. I do on average 15000 miles a year so I save the 2400 pounds and it will easily run the car for the first year and a half

I see where you're coming from Kiedee, ML is very nice to have but I wouldn't pay an extra £2400 to get it either if I didn't want the full package.

[Steve44]

I had a demo of GS300h Lux, with added ML and I wasn't that impressed.

To me, it appears it is very music specific, I thought it was a very clear sound, very clinical and bright, but had too much top-end and not enough bass and mid-range. Something I tried to dial out with the tone controls, but it has the same, treble, mid, bass as the standard system so i couldn't affect it much. Great if you like Jazz and Classical, not so good if you prefer rock/pop etc. I subsequently listened to the standard Lexus system and preferred the sound, which i though was much warmer. Functionality it's identical, so ML is only adding different amp and speakers. Each to their own, but I'd urge a demo with your own ears before deciding.

[rayaans]

I had a demo of GS300h Lux, with added ML and I wasn't that impressed.

To me, it appears it is very music specific, I thought it was a very clear sound, very clinical and bright, but had too much top-end and not enough bass and mid-range. Something I tried to dial out with the tone controls, but it has the same, treble, mid, bass as the standard system so i couldn't affect it much. Great if you like Jazz and Classical, not so good if you prefer rock/pop etc. I subsequently listened to the standard Lexus system and preferred the sound, which i though was much warmer. Functionality it's identical, so ML is only adding different amp and speakers. Each to their own, but I'd urge a demo with your own ears before deciding.

You need to fiddle with the settings on ML to get the best out of it. It sounded average when i collected my car but now sounds phenomenal after fiddling with the equalizer. Volume also needs to be turned up to hear every single detail because at lower volumes, detail cant be distinguished.

[Silver Arrow]

You do have to adjust it - but systems like the ML need to be turned up a bit to get the best of them.

The best I have ever is the B&O in the Audi A8 - with the pop up tweeters. It is the most concert hall like experience I have ever heard - though the MLS in 2IS I thought was slightly better then the 4GS.

I think it's the "Green" energy efficient speaker set up - takes a little of the deep bass away. Still worth the extra conga in my book - it is still excellent.

It is all relative though....I used to think the standard stereo in my Corolla was brilliant, until I heard a mates Alpine set up in his Mitsubishi Sapporo Turbo.....this is going back to 1990....

[rayaans]

You do have to adjust it - but systems like the ML need to be turned up a bit to get the best of them.

The best I have ever is the B&O in the Audi A8 - with the pop up tweeters. It is the most concert hall like experience I have ever heard - though the MLS in 2IS I thought was slightly better then the 4GS.

I think it's the "Green" energy efficient speaker set up - takes a little of the deep bass away. Still worth the extra conga in my book - it is still excellent.

It is all relative though....I used to think the standard stereo in my Corolla was brilliant, until I heard a mates Alpine set up in his Mitsubishi Sapporo Turbo.....this is going back to 1990....

Doesnt that B&O cost like £6k though? LOL thats just silly

[Rabbers]

I recently had my 300h with ML in with the dealer for a week during which I was given

a CT200 with standard audio as a courtesy car. Having always had ML systems as

integral to the top-spec packages of the four IS's I have previously owned and therefore

not having had a basis for comparison, the experience was a interesting one, and I am

able to offer the following thoughts.

(1) The clarity of the sound in the CT200, while acceptable and the equal of that of any

standard Mercedes, BMW, Audi, Porsche, Volvo or Peugeot system I have experienced

as a driver or passenger, was nowhere as good as that of the ML in the 300h, by which

I mean that the clarity and detail were inferior in complex sounds of the type exemplified

by symphony orchestras or jazz big-bands. Similarly, the combination of purity, realism

and range on which the pleasure of listening to, for example, unaccompanied classical

piano, chamber music or small-group jazz is much dependent, was far superior in the

case of the ML.

(2) As with most premium audio systems, whether domestic or mobile, the ML gives an

impression of effortless performance, great reserves of unutilised power with no potential

threat of distortion, and a general feeling of spaciousness. Not surprisingly, the standard

system by comparison does not.

(3) While it is difficult to say to what extent the foregoing impressions were influenced

by the superior proofing of the 300h against road, tire and engine noise, I would judge

the difference between models in this regard, if any, to be insufficient to invalidate the

comparison.

(4) As regards FM but more particularly DAB reception, I noted that the 300h is better

in the sense that more stations are received for more of the time over a wider area. I

really don't know if this has anything to do with a ML or non-ML system or whether the

300h simply has a better antenna (incorporated in the rear window and not sticking out

of the roof as in the CT200).

I would conclude that any music lover in possession of a substantial supply of well-

recorded music of a nature that demands fidelity as distinct from mere adequacy of

reproduction should plump for the ML system as a guarantee of excellence within the

confines of a car that is in itself a product of excellence. In other words, if the cockpit

of a 300h is a nice place to be, the ML makes it even nicer - and you are not going to

procure the system anywhere else or reproduce your music better. Of course, the cost

has got to be amortized over kilometers and time according to personal parameters,

and even if the thought that Lexus has charged an extortionate price will always weigh

on your mind, there are worse things in life on which to spend your money.

[Bridgy]

Yeah, what he said lol :)

[michaelH]

I have not tried the ML system in a new IS, but I have owned two of the previous models with ML and also had a GS450h (older model) with ML on two weeks loan. My view then was that it was overrated, but still quite good for a car system, esp on rock or synthesised music. My new(ish) is300h does not have it, but the 8 speaker system that comes with the premium navigation seems largely comparable and is of course more flexible than the older ones with its Bluetooth function. I am not convinced that a car is a good environment for serious listening especially classical with its wide dynamic range and very quiet passages, but the new Is is itself very quiet, and that helps of course.

BTW, I am very serious about home hi-fi, and nothing I have heard in a car comes close to what a good home setup can offer. But as a Meridian Audio fan I would be curious to know what Meridian have done with their Range Rover and Jaguar ICE systems. Not that I would ever leave Lexus, of course!

[rayaans]

The Mark Levinson is a system for audiophiles. Its supposed to be listened to how the music producers wanted it to be heard so it gets slated for not having enough bass which in today's pop culture is artificially enhanced.

Its a perfect system for the price considering it only costs £1k. The LS460 has the best ML though, worth listening to if you get the chance!

[dutchie01]

sound is a very personal thing but i find the ML system on the IS300H i drive disappointing. I also had it in my previous IS250 and that was far superior. 

it could be an idea to visit an aftermarket specialist in high end soundsystems . could be cheaper and better? 

[Zood90]

My car has the regular 6 speaker set up (Advance model) and it was the one big weak point for me. Ended up going to a local specialist and had a subwoofer fitted in the boot (fits in the lip towards the back). The sound balance has been moved back to neutral and honestly it's made a world of difference, much better balance, more clarity, well worth the 400 pound purchase and installation it cost. 

[Rabbers]

1 hour ago, dutchie01 said:

sound is a very personal thing but i find the ML system on the IS300H i drive disappointing. I also had it in my previous IS250 and that was far superior. 

I have had ML systems in every Lexus I have owned (the 300h is my fifth) and always been satisfied compared to most other premium systems I have experienced as a passenger or hire-car customer.  Zayd's post reminds me that when I first had the 300h, my choice of optimal setting after various attempts to find one was - and has remained - one notch towards the passenger and two towards the back.   It is important to find the positional setting that best suits you and your tastes.

[rayaans]

Theres not a huge difference between the ML and the Pioneer 8 speaker system on the 3IS. Therefore, I would have to say that the ML is a bit of a waste of money if you're going to add it on

[capese21]

On 06/02/2014 at 2:08 PM, F Sport Marcus said:

but it's still a car and not The Albert Hall..

The acoustics of the Albert Hall are terrible and vary depending where you sit or stand.

[DanD]

Can the ML system be retrofitted by Lexus?

Might be a better option than a 3rd party offer?

[Linas.P]

7 minutes ago, DanD said:

Can the ML system be retrofitted by Lexus?

Might be a better option than a 3rd party offer?

No it cannot be retrofitted (certainly not by Lexus) and 3rd party systems are unlikely better option than standard Lexus. Unless you just want to add more of low-frequency active sub in the boot would be only reasonable addition. 

It would be easier and cheaper to p/x the car than to retrofit ML.