woof

Hello, we are brand new RX owners (about 8 hours). Our model has the Mark L stereo in it and I'm scratching my head as this does not sound any better than other stock stereos I have owned in my other vehicles (such as the system in my Chevy Avalanche). Does anyone have any insight as to why this is? Costing was about 4K for this option, I must be missing something. Thanks in advance for any help or words of advice....

salimshah

If you dig thorugh old posts, you will find a general consensus that the ML system in RX is not head and shoulder above the base. If I am not mistaken the 4k option buys you more than just the head-unit, amp and speakers.

How to further upgrade? Try visiting the Audio-video special interest group of CL.

Sound is so subjective ... some want deep bass and add bazookas etc and then there are purists. The aucoustics in the cab also play an important part.

I am on the other extreme where PNR reception is my criteria of audio system in a vehicle when I am alone, and conversing with the occupants when not.

Salim

AM1

iTrader: (6)

i dont think its that much better. and compared to other lexus models like the IS,GS, LS it sucks *****.

tfischer

You say sucking ***** like it's a bad thing.

mandyfig

I would rather suck on..................a chocolate ice cream bar!

AM1

iTrader: (6)

well for the amount of $$$ they should have invested as much developmetn as they did for the other car models.

The G Man

The stock unit is worst than the ML.

jfelbab

The ML unit is really quite accurate. If you are parked in a quiet location it displays a full rich balanced sound, much better than the standard unit. BTW, the $4,000 was for an option package that included Nav as well as the ML and some other items.

That said in a moving vehicle the richness and balanced tonal quality is lost to road and wind noise. The RX, IMO, is not as quiet as any of the other Lexus models.

tfischer

The ML in my RX350 sounds pretty good, but the ML in my SC sounds great. Those who are lucky enough to deserve a ride always comment on the excellent sound. I don't get that in the RX.

But the SC has a very small interior, and I would not think that the large interior space of the RX lends itself to hi fidelity. I have not heard a stock RX audio system, but the ML system does not impress me the way it does in the SC.

Finally, while we are on the subject, the ML system in the SC changes its equalization depending on whether the top is up or down, which is a nice touch.

The G Man

I dont think it is the large interior that cause the ML in RX to sound so good. I say this because the ML in the GX470 sounds great compare to the RX.

mandyfig

The ASL feature is good on the OEM sound system. But still there leaves a lot to be desired on the OEM sound system.

The G Man

I just leave the ASL off, I dont even use it.

pump142

what does the ASL do?

AM1

iTrader: (6)

the asl button seems to mufle the music?

cheap_deal

the asl increases the sound depending on the road noise... right?
i havent seen any difference with it turned on or off, maybe the UAE RX350 is different??? i dont even get freakin voice commands for the navi!!!!!