DIAGRAM: First details of Lexus LS460 advanced audio system

The sound of perfection

Mark Levinson creates its most advanced in-car audio system for the new Lexus LS 460

Sound quality has always been a key consideration in the design of Lexus vehicles, from the solid, satisfying thunk of a closing door, to the refined note of the turning engine. It is the quality of the on-board sound system, however, that represents the pinnacle of the aural experience and in the new LS 460 this is taken to new heights.

Continuing a partnership with world-renowned hi-fi experts Mark Levinson that goes back to 1998, Lexus has commissioned a bespoke 19-speaker premium audio system for its new flagship limousine.

Mark Levinson’s engineers have always emphasised how the hallmark quietness inside Lexus vehicles enables their systems to deliver excellent sound reproduction. Where the new LS 460 is concerned, the degree of noise intrusion in the cabin has been reduced even further, opening the way for even better audio performance.

The original Premium Sound Audio System has grown into the new Reference Sound Audio System, a result of years of dedicated research and development by Mark Levinson aiming to provide the ultimate benchmark of in-car sound quality.

The components of the new Mark Levinson Reference Audio System, including the 15-channel amplifier and 450-watt speaker system, have been tailored perfectly to suit the dimensions and acoustic qualities of the new LS’s interior. By using an individual, all-digital signal path to each speaker or pair of woofers, distortion and time lag are virtually eliminated to give Reference-quality performance.

No matter where you sit in the car, the entire clarity of the system can be enjoyed to the fullest. Using sophisticated MLS audio software, with a 7.1-channel speaker architecture, ensures even rear-seat passengers experience sound from all around, rather than just from the rear as is usually the case. And thanks to Automatic Sound Levelling (ASL), volume is kept at a constant when on the move. Scientific measurements confirm that the quality achieved matches that of a top-end home audio system.

The Mark Levinson Reference Audio System is just one aspect of the all-round excellence and advanced technology in the new Lexus LS that promises to make it one of the most sophisticated and accomplished luxury cars in the world. motorists will be able to experience those qualities for themselves when sales begin early next year.

kart1 - 8/1/2006 2:40:47 AM

+1 Boost

So does this become the best sound system now?

sewingmachine - 8/1/2006 4:32:44 AM

+1 Boost

wow, i wonder how much just the system alone cost.

PlanoA4 - 8/1/2006 8:11:50 AM

+1 Boost

Probably less expensive than the $10K Audi Bang and Olfsen.

SimonS - 8/1/2006 9:49:40 AM

+1 Boost

Anyone who is somewhat of an audiophile knows that 7!! tweeters and oval speakers (front doors) is a no-no. Also .1% THD is nothing special. That said, the system will probably still wow most buyers.

MercBasher - 8/1/2006 10:02:24 AM

+1 Boost

I thought sales started in a month or two not next year?

AlexTx - 8/1/2006 11:28:11 AM

+1 Boost

Plano: it's $6,300, not $10k.

SimonS - 8/1/2006 12:24:52 PM

+1 Boost

CommonSense...like I said, it will probably wow buyers but 19 speakers is excessive...less speakers and more and purer power would probably sound better...if Mark Levinson thinks the quietness of the Lexus' make it sound better they shouldn't design a system with that many speakers fighting each other...

SSP350 - 8/1/2006 1:07:31 PM

+1 Boost

19 speakers is excessive? Yeah ok, obviously..the guy is a sound engineer. Where they're placed and what kind of speakers they are make a difference. Some of you guys make it sound like he just placed 19 subs and hope it sounds good. Obviously, they consist of tweeters, midrange, amplifier, subs...all combine with different wattages will produce what they want.

sewingmachine - 8/1/2006 3:41:11 PM

+1 Boost

-Probably less expensive than the $10K Audi Bang and
-Olfsen.

dude do u even know how much levinson components cost. an arm and a leg.

Rupert - 8/1/2006 4:53:34 PM

+1 Boost

"tweeters, midrange, amplifier, subs"
i have no idea what these things mean. it is a stereo to me. will it be able to connect with ipods and similar?

SimonS - 8/1/2006 8:57:48 PM

+1 Boost

19 speakers may be necessary to produce the sound Lexus wanted in 7.1 surround...or maybe the effect they want for each individual passenger...who knows...but 19 speakers is not the way to attain purity and clarity across the spectrum...most $100,000 home theatre systems with 7.1 surround dont have 19 speakers...the Lexus system is probably not an exception...I still want to hear it for myself...

sexylexy460 - 8/1/2006 9:19:07 PM

+1 Boost

wow. another reason why this will be the #1 lux sedan in the world. i thought the current m&l in my ls430 couldn't get any better. another winner from lexus

kart1 - 8/2/2006 12:25:06 AM

+1 Boost

Diablo the biggest problem with you statement is that you have completly missed the point of a lexus. Lexus isn't really trying to be a sporty luxury car maker otherwise their marketing would have been around those things. You would also see more sportier cars out of the Lexus lineup as well. So while lexus tries it "passionate pursuit of perfection" this system complements it well. If a driver wants a sportier car look elsewhere because this lexus isn't going to answer your call. So if you expect a Lexus to be a F1 derived super car you are looking at the wrong place. This is also why Lexus is not a good comparison to Audi/BMW because these car makers focus on different things. Also a good sound system is needed in a good luxury car.

Matthew1 - 8/2/2006 1:40:23 AM

0 Boost

CommonSense,

How many adults make reference to 'fingering' a robot?

And inviting everyone on this site to your house so you can show them 'some moves'?

Maybe some blows to the head from your opponents have made you forget your real (or at least mental) age? 12?

Don't flatter yourself by stating that you are an adult.

sewingmachine - 8/2/2006 3:34:40 AM

0 Boost

^^^^ ur cool matthew

I95SPEEDINGTICKETS - 8/2/2006 6:33:26 PM

+1 Boost

Diablo 69 !
You are not a racing driver so driving a race inspired vehicle is completley wasted on you.
Lexus is for people who want Luxury that is reliable and safe and i think that lexus sales in north america proves they have exceeded their target customer's expectations.
In the Pursuit for Perfection one has to Up the Bar every time you release a new model just as AUDI / BMW & MERCEDES do all the time, with Lexus one of the field the dominate is In-Car-Audio

commonsense!
Not sure why the low frequencies on the vehicle you tested was not up to par but i can assure you that when set correctly the Bass on the A8 B&O system will rattle your larynx and give you double vision. Go to the nearest Audi Dealership near you with a Game ft 50cent Single Disc ( You know which track i am on about ) get the Salesman to set the system to your prefrence and ENJOY.
( I have tested an S8 with the same system thats why i know )
But i was gobsmaked by how Good the ML system in the curent LS430 was. i fear when the LS460 is released it will once again boast the best factory installed In-Car-Audio.