For any Lexus owner, a tough decision is choosing between the Lexus premium sound system vs. Mark Levinson. The main difference is in the sound quality of the systems.
Mark Levinson comes with very premium, high-quality sound, whereas the Lexus premium sound system is a bit average.
There are a few other differences you get to see between the two sound systems. For example, pricing is another factor.
Let’s dive into the detailed comparison of the two sound systems and find which one is the best pick for your purpose.
A Quick Comparison Table
Specifications | Lexus Premium | Mark Levinson |
Installation | Default | Additional |
Sound quality | Average | High-end |
Pricing | Low | Expensive |
Looks | Normal | Premium |
Key Differences Between Mark Levinson And Lexus Premium Sound System
- Sound Quality
Sound quality is the most critical factor in choosing almost any sound system.
And let me tell you, there is a very noticeable and significant difference in sound quality for both these choices.
So, for the most part, if you decide on an option, I would say do it based on the sound quality.
Starting with the Lexus premium audio system, nothing extraordinary is going on. It does a pretty decent job and provides you with good sound quality.
Although, sometimes, you will encounter this issue where the sounds feel distant or muffled. You can fix that through some tweaking here and there.
On the opposite end of that, you will find Mark Levinson. You can hardly find anything better sounding than your car’s Mark Levinson sound system.
It’s a high-end sound system that provides you with some crisp and clean audio with all the details intact. Add a sub and amp to your car, and you are set for life.
When it gets to the comparison, Mark Levinson is miles ahead of the game than the Lexus premium system. You can notice the difference in quality right from the get-go.
And, you don’t even need to be an expert on that, either. So, for the best sound quality Mark Levinson is the clear winner.
Also Read: Differences Betweeen SOLUS Legend And SOLUS Edge.
- Looks
I don’t think the looks of a sound system will matter that much. Still, there is a pretty evident difference between the two sound systems. You can consider this factor if you want a better-looking interior.
In the Lexus premium sound system, you get the essential sound system treatment in terms of looks. It doesn’t have that flair or style in them. It’s a pretty standard-looking system that gets your job done.
However, it doesn’t look out of place since it’s a factory built with your car.
On the other hand, Mark Levinson is more on the premium end when it comes to looks. They have a pretty stylish finish; you can elevate your car’s interior with this one. You can tell from the system’s looks that they are a high-end option.
It’s simple. Do you want to elevate the look and make it more premium?
Go with Mark Levinson.
Looks don’t matter to you that much?
Then, opt for the Lexus premium audio system. Here is an in-depth review of the Lexus sound system.
- Installation
Among many of the differences between the sound systems, a core difference is the installation process. How you install them in your car is a big difference and something you might be concerned about.
With the Lexus premium, you usually don’t have to worry too much. Because in most cars, you will get it as the default sound system. As a result, you don’t even have to go through an installation process.
But if the car has some other audio system, you can still get it installed by a professional without too much cost. Ensure the car model is compatible with the Lexus premium audio system.
The picture is quite different from Mark Levinson. Typically, you will need to install them at the dealership or by professionals later. So, it’s like an additional component to install in your car that involves a pretty tricky installation process.
Although, sometimes, you may find these sound systems pre-installed at a dealership as they are gaining popularity.
Now, even though it’s a noticeable difference, you can hardly base your decision on this factor because both can come in pre-installed and as an additional install. However, one thing that separates the two is the installation process and cost. Mark Levinson is more critical and expensive to install than the Lexus premium audio system.
- Pricing
Another crucial factor similar to sound quality is the pricing of the sound system. Both systems come at different costing.
If budget is a concern for your purchase, then pricing is an important factor to consider for sure, maybe more than sound quality.
Getting into the Lexus premium audio system, you don’t have to spend too much money on it at all. I mean, for the most part, it comes as a default sound system in your car anyways.
But even with the additional installation, it doesn’t cost that much. The unit is pretty reasonable, and the installation cost is also low.
Things get pretty expensive when you get to Mark Levinson. The reason for this cost is the quality, look, and features you get from Mark Levinson. The unit is quite pricey in itself. And the installation cost is also relatively high because it’s a bit tricky to install.
The decision here should be very straightforward for you. If you are on a budget and saving money is a concern, then the Lexus premium sound system is your way.
Which One Is A Better Pick For Your Car?
The good thing about this comparison is it gives you a clear picture of which one you should get based on your needs.
If you are a regular listener, you don’t need that premium high-end sound in your audio. You probably use the MP3 format for your music, so the Lexus premium sound system is enough for you.
The sound difference is insignificant as you can get the system within a budget and with a compressed format like MP3.
On the other end of the spectrum, you have Mark Levinson, which is all about high-quality sounds. You get a crisp, clean sound with intricate details on them.
As an audiophile, the difference in sound quality will feel like night and day for you. So, it matters a lot with higher-quality audio files. In that case, the expensive cost will be worth it for you.
Altogether, it depends on what kind of listener you are and whether the budget concerns you.
Also Read: Differences Between Burmester And Bose Sound System For Car.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Mark Levinson Audio makes the premium end of audio systems for Lexus.
Lexus uses the Mark Levinson speaker brand in their high-end cars.
A sound system with more amplifier power and better-quality speakers is called a premium sound system for car audio.
Usually, there should be an ML or Mark Levinson logo on the CD player of the system. You can also check the manual for your car and find out whether your Lexus has a Mark Levinson sound or not.
Conclusion
To wrap it up, the difference between the Lexus premium sound system and Mark Levinson is considerable. As an audiophile, Mark Levinson is undoubtedly going to be your pick.
Even though they are expensive, you will see that it’s definitely worth your money.
But if the high price doesn’t seem worth it for you, or you are just a regular listener, then Lexus premium sound should be your choice. You will be satisfied with the results you get from the sound as it will feel worth the money.
As my budget I would prefer Lexus Premium Sound System. They are really really good . A mind satisfy clarification and proper base includes the system. I would suggest the Lexus one.
I have a 2017 Lexus GX460 suv. Recenlty I replaced the battery.After I installed the new on the XM radio won’t get a signal. The FM and Blue tooth work fine.
Any insight as to how to fix that?
Thank you
Jim
I’m really glad you compared these two sound systems! As a music lover, I can attest to the importance of a high-quality sound system in enhancing the listening experience. While both Lexus and Mark Levinson offer premium sound systems, I’m curious to know how they stack up against each other in terms of clarity, depth, and overall sound quality. Can you tell us more about the differences and similarities between these two systems? I’m eager to hear your thoughts!