patgilm

Agreed. I also have a GX470 with ML and it is not even close to the LS ML system.

Shibumi1

not really bcuz the ML is a 19ch system.. MS8 takes up to 8ch inputs..(highs,mids,subs etc) an creates 5.1 or 7.1 by itself.. no needs to upgrade speakers (unless blown or your car has no sub...) no need for extra amps... but u can add amps & swap speakers too..its an all in 1 solution for cars where u cant change the factory h/u & want high fidelity sound..

read the reviews.. its an amazing piece.. it even rta's (real time analysis) the cars interior for audio flaws,dead spots, gaps in freq response and corrects them...

(fyi jbl "IS" infinity) theyre both owned by Harmon Intl.. so its def top notch!!!!

AZ IS350

2IS guy chiming in here (wish I had an LS with ML) regarding the MS-8. I posted my experiences with it in this post and elsewhere in that thread.

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/6315241-post6.html

I'd caution anyone to fully investigate before you try it, as it has known sampling rate issues with Lexus OEM NAV units (ML & non-ML), confirmed by JBL.

FWIW, I've heard the LS ML system and honestly the MS-8 is not going to be an improvement, or at least be worth the hassle, assuming you can even get it to work. My only crtitique of the ML system is that the low midbass response is a little muddy & boomy, which is pretty common for all OEM systems really. The imaging, stage depth, and dynamic clarity are all top-notch. I've heard the MS-8 in other cars and while it is able to recreate all of these imaging characteristics -the MS-8 is also frequently knocked for having poor midbass response. It seems like it would be a wash at best, minus some money out of your pocket.

I have not heard the non-ML system in the LS, but again, I'd doubt the MS-8 would be worth the hassle, in my opinion.

Shibumi1

true we haven put 1 in a lexus "yet". its scheduled in 2 weeks.. but we've put em in merc's, bmw's, infinity's,acura's,mini coopers... etc an the list is long.. never had any of those issues.. maybe it was an install issue.. the ms8 is a high end piece not usually recommened to be installed on your own.. u should have it professionally installed by a shop trained to use this unit....

as i said i have an ls w ML.. an its not goona sound better than that..i am gonna upgrade my ml but its the nature of who i am.. to do so.. an it'll take no less than 4 amps 3 processors 7 passive crossovers.. an months of work.. the long short is non-ml or ml...



BUY ML-

justintm99

I know there are people who swear by the ML. Personally I wouldn't sweat it if you don't have. I bought into the hype and only considered the ML so have no idea how the stock sounds. In hindsight the ML wouldn't have mattered since I plan on keeping the car for a while and will have to redo the sound system anyway. The ML extra channels add complication. You should be able to find a good shop to put in a better system for less. I might start with the MS8 as suggested elsewhere here. I need to do more research into the MS8 to see if it's an alternative to the 360.

For people who are not aware, in the LS460 they actually bounce the sound off the windshield before getting to your ears! Not even an off-axis listening issue. This may be the toughest problem to resolve. I haven't experienced such diffusion since the Bose 901's in the early '70's. This drives me crazy. Having said that, I am super critical so I suspect this applies only to me, most would probably be happy with the ML. If you are I envy you.

Silverpaws

I am one of the happy ones with my ML.

Shibumi1

ML is the best possible starting point i've seen from an oem manufacturer.. many have tried using oem boston acoustics,rockford,an many others.. but as far as imaging an soundstage.. u cant get any better!..
Now as far as on axis reponse..the speakers would need to be in the dash aimed directly at the driver..(compression horns are the only thing that comes even close) to hear a noticeable.. doors offer some off axis response but none can truly sound proper due to different heights of varying drivers.. an they almost always attempt to direct the tweets towards the listeners then the mids an midbass (if any midbass) are usually focused towards the center of the vehicle..(not the listener!!!)




long story short... if u can buy the ML

Helmar

I'm ashamed to say that I mostly listen to talk radio and audio books with my ML system!

HBH

DrComputer

Now that XM and Sirius have merged all of their stations and compressed the hell out of every channel I can barely stand to listen to it on my ML system. A great system like the ML can make great sources like DVDs sound even better and horrible sources like XM sound as bad as they actually are.

GammaLex

I have the JBL ms-8 installed in my sc430 with all top of the line diamond audio speakers look in my threads and hands down the SQ in my ls is better. The sc goes alot louder and the bass is way louder but thats only good when the tops down. You cant beat 19 speakers. Mark Levinson also is owned by Harmon intl like JBL and Infinity

Brian@Vossen

The ML in the LS is amazing, IMO.

Mikey100

The ML system IS amazing.

It sets new "standards."

But the great thing about our marque is that the standard
"Premium Sound System" in our LS460's ...... If you must accept that system (The non-ML) while getting all of the other options you want (body color, extra's, etc) ...... The standard Premium is still VERY VERY nice sounding and nothing to hide over.

All of us LS460 owners should feel very grateful.

Best Wishes to all, Mikey

larrygust

There is one other thing you might want to consider. That the Air Suspension on the 460L model. If you haven't driven one with this feature, I would recommend that you do before you buy. After I drove the 460L, I bought that model instead.

MikeE12345

Air suspension is available standard for the LS460 AWD as well - at least on the 2011.

ghostpilot

Don't get the Jbl-ms8 if your not going to upgrade your speakers. I have the ms8 installed on my 07 LS. I replace the dash speaker with focal KRS 100. The stock speakers and tweeter was cut out and mounted on the bottom plate. When I took the car home, it sounded like *****. I had to adjust the settings to make it sound good, but it took hours because you have to start from the beginning each time you change speaker setting. You have to use the setup disc and each time you do that, it erase all the speaker setting you have. Im using a JL audio HD 600/4 but I'm going to replace it with a HD900 so I can have it power my dash, door speakers and sub in the trunk. I haven't replace the door speakers yet, But I did have it ordered. Just have to wait a bit on special order. Going to replace the 6x9 with focal KRX2 mid range speaker. I'll try to post some pics when its all done. If I could do it over again, I would have just buy the KRX3 3-way and focal Fps 4.160 to power it. No ms8, just using the amps build in high level converter. IMOA, The ML is the best OEM sound system I've listen to.