Zazz

Since there are very few ES350 with the Mark Levinson system.
Question to ES350 oweners: what would you compare the stock sound system to? (8 speaker)
How much worse is it than for example the Nissan/Infiniti Bose system? that's the only one I heard and I can relate to...
Is it really that bad? IS Mark Levinson that good? ES350 with ML are super rare to get especially for used car (since I'm loking for used 2009 maybe 2010 with GPS)

garsarno

I drove a used 2009 ES350 and a used 2008 RX350 and thought the sound was good from the Lexus Premium System versus my daughter's 2010 Ford Fusion with the Sony system and her previous '07 Grand Cherokee Infinity system. Actually, I was surprised that it sounded as good as it did. It's no ML version but it still was nothing that a little "juicing up" from an audio shop could improve on slightly (upgraded speakers).

ratucker3

I was fortunate to be able to drive many brands of company vehicles.....IMHO the premium Lexus sound is not quite as good as Harmon Kardon in MB vehicles or BMW------- both of which I am very familiar with. I do believe the Lexus premium is about the same sound quality as the Bose offering in the current DTS and also Bose in the Acura RL. However when you consider the balancing of value to include using regular gas for a very slight compromise in audio with the Lexus (when compared to the two german offerings)......it's just a matter of personal taste.

MadMax96

Well my previous vehicle was a '99 LS400 with the standard, or "premium" sound system - not the upgraded Nakamichi. I thought this system in the LS was reeeeeally nice. Decent bass, and great highs and mid range sounds. Never had a complaint while driving that car for almost 5 years.

I thought when I got my '07 ES that the standard sound system going from a 1999 Lexus to a 2007 Lexus would be AT LEAST as good. Wrong! The ES system was a bit of a let down - sounds kinda muddy and only now after owning the car for about 8 months have I got used to it.

I don't have the $$ to do any sort of upgrades, but I think for my next car I'm not gonig to take it for granted!

LexBob2

IMO you should listen to one yourself. If it meets your expectations you're good to go. If not, look for something else, or be prepared to spend the $$'s for upgrades.

Good luck with your search.

DaSyce

iTrader: (3)

Comparing to the Lexus premium sound system in the GS350, the ML in the ES350 is far superior.

I have yet to hear the ML in the GS350.

jkayca

I had an 01 Maxima with a Bose sound system. It was better sounding than the stock sound system in my 08 ES350. I also had a Bose system in my 03 GMC Envoy. Once again it was better sounding than the ES.

jagtoes

I had the stock system on my 2008 and thought it was more than adequate. I usually never have the volume over 15 so the sound quality was very good. I now have a 2010 with the ML system and at the same volume it is maybe a little better but not significant.

garsarno

You have to crank up the ML system to about 40 - 45 volume level to hear the difference.
Try listening to the Eagles "Take It Easy"

jagtoes

I don't know about your hearing but at a volume of 45 I would need to be 30 feet away from the car. Maybe your hearing is going and you need to get it checked. I doubt if your insurance pays for hearing aids , you may want to check. And 15 is also being considerate to people outside the car. Remember we all have different taste in music.

dman00001

I'm not so sure... I prefer it around 35-45 at times for my ML system also... 15 is definitely too low IMO and you don't need a ML system if that's your normal comfort level for volume. I listened to this from outside the car with the windows up and it's not that obnoxious

jagtoes

OK , thanks but just remember when you get old medicare doesn't pay for hearing aids , lol.

garsarno

But the Veterans Administration does!! Friend of mine is getting one free hearing aid paid by the US Govt.

jagtoes

I just happened to take the car out today for a trip down state. First time out of the garage this year. I usually have been using the truck lately with all of the snow. So I decided to try a little volume test and I must tell you I think you already have a hearing problem. Just happen to have a song playing (radar love) that I like so I started to turn up the volume. Remember my normal volume is 13-17 so I started to crank it up 1 notch at a time. Well my threshold of pain started at 26 and by 30 I couldn't take it anymore. So I could live up to 20 but it would get uncomfortable. Reminds me of my days of being in a local garage band but then I used ear plugs. So enjoy buy I'm sticking with 15.