non ML stereo quality?
#16
Intermediate
The first thing i did to improve the bass in my ML was pull the speakers out and replace the bond around the edges with an aftermarket speaker replace.
sound is absolutely amazing. Maybe you could try to just replace those speakers with some really good quality ones as a start. then do the rest with the sub, etc.
sound is absolutely amazing. Maybe you could try to just replace those speakers with some really good quality ones as a start. then do the rest with the sub, etc.
#17
That's exactly my point.
You didn't actually name a better system, but rather a more silent car (both for the LS and the A8).
Btw, I know perfectly the A8 system, and while I agree that the final result is pretty good for in-car music listening, I don't think it's really better than the ML on our RX, if you would listen to it while parked.
In other words, most of the final result does NOT actually depend on the components quality, and improving them is in most cases just a waste of money and time.
Even in a concert hall, you couldn't enjoy a proper listening if anyone around you would chat loudly...
You didn't actually name a better system, but rather a more silent car (both for the LS and the A8).
Btw, I know perfectly the A8 system, and while I agree that the final result is pretty good for in-car music listening, I don't think it's really better than the ML on our RX, if you would listen to it while parked.
In other words, most of the final result does NOT actually depend on the components quality, and improving them is in most cases just a waste of money and time.
Even in a concert hall, you couldn't enjoy a proper listening if anyone around you would chat loudly...
#18
Agreed, my last post was a bit O/T because I was replying to a ML-specific comment.
Otoh, when I said "Anyone who think that the RX system (even the base one) is not good enough for listening music in a car..." it's because I listened also at the base system, and I didn't find it so unacceptable.
I mean, if 100 is the perfection in music listening, the best car stereo and the most silent car can maybe reach 40, if that.
Let's say that the ML on the RX is 35 and the base system is 20.
Huge as the difference can appear, the real problem remains the difference between 20 (or whatever) and 100, rather than between 20 and 35.
All imho, of course.
Otoh, when I said "Anyone who think that the RX system (even the base one) is not good enough for listening music in a car..." it's because I listened also at the base system, and I didn't find it so unacceptable.
I mean, if 100 is the perfection in music listening, the best car stereo and the most silent car can maybe reach 40, if that.
Let's say that the ML on the RX is 35 and the base system is 20.
Huge as the difference can appear, the real problem remains the difference between 20 (or whatever) and 100, rather than between 20 and 35.
All imho, of course.
#19
Yeah, and pay even more to get no noticeable improvement whatsoever. Name me ANY system - regardless of the car price - which is significantly better than the ML on the RX, if you can.
I couldn't agree more with what RX330in FL said, in fact.
Anyone who think that the RX system (even the base one) is not good enough for listening music in a car, and that the problem is the components quality, make me wonder if they have an idea of how proper music should feel like.
I couldn't agree more with what RX330in FL said, in fact.
Anyone who think that the RX system (even the base one) is not good enough for listening music in a car, and that the problem is the components quality, make me wonder if they have an idea of how proper music should feel like.
Never assume that your preferences are universal no matter what the topic. Your clue that something is subjective is the word "better".
I mean, if 100 is the perfection in music listening, the best car stereo and the most silent car can maybe reach 40, if that.
Let's say that the ML on the RX is 35 and the base system is 20.
Huge as the difference can appear, the real problem remains the difference between 20 (or whatever) and 100, rather than between 20 and 35.
All imho, of course.
Let's say that the ML on the RX is 35 and the base system is 20.
Huge as the difference can appear, the real problem remains the difference between 20 (or whatever) and 100, rather than between 20 and 35.
All imho, of course.
Last edited by takeshi74; 09-07-13 at 09:47 AM.
#20
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I just took in the RX to a well known car stereo shop that's won countless awards (they proudly display their trophies). I had a tech there listen to my 11 speaker, hapless, bassless system. He agreed there is little to no bass at all for a system like this and was equally puzzled. He thought the front driver/pass speakers were extremely weak, putting out almost no sound at all. Then he took apart the door panel to get to the speaker, hooked a meter up to it showing it was receiving almost no signal from the stock amp! His analysis thus far is that he suspects it could be a faulty amp. I need to take the truck in this week so he can inspect the amplifier further.
A few questions;
1. Anyone know where exactly the amp is located in this model (2007 RX350)?
2. Is the amp multichannel or not?
3. What are the brand of speakers used in this system (non ML variety)?
thanks.
A few questions;
1. Anyone know where exactly the amp is located in this model (2007 RX350)?
2. Is the amp multichannel or not?
3. What are the brand of speakers used in this system (non ML variety)?
thanks.
#21
I just took in the RX to a well known car stereo shop that's won countless awards (they proudly display their trophies). I had a tech there listen to my 11 speaker, hapless, bassless system. He agreed there is little to no bass at all for a system like this and was equally puzzled. He thought the front driver/pass speakers were extremely weak, putting out almost no sound at all. Then he took apart the door panel to get to the speaker, hooked a meter up to it showing it was receiving almost no signal from the stock amp! His analysis thus far is that he suspects it could be a faulty amp. I need to take the truck in this week so he can inspect the amplifier further.
A few questions;
1. Anyone know where exactly the amp is located in this model (2007 RX350)?
2. Is the amp multichannel or not?
3. What are the brand of speakers used in this system (non ML variety)?
thanks.
A few questions;
1. Anyone know where exactly the amp is located in this model (2007 RX350)?
2. Is the amp multichannel or not?
3. What are the brand of speakers used in this system (non ML variety)?
thanks.
#22
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I don't know the brand of speakers, but possibly Pioneer (because I believe that Pioneer makes the system). I also believe (but have not checked) that the amp. is under the rear seat, and that, yes, it is a 3-channel amp but no sub-woofer. Your radio shop will know because they can pull up the specs. and placement of the system. I hope the problem is indeed just defective speakers and that you will be happy with replacing them. (Usually, most any speaker you buy after-market is as good as the base OEM speaker.) For my part, I am still unhappy with the sound I've got, and it cannot be improved other than by replacing the entire system. As I wrote earlier: it 'sucks'.
Side note; felt nice when he was sitting in the pass seat saying; damn this rig is in nice shape!
#23
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Just wondering here...I'm a member on a few other forums on different topics as I'm sure most of you are as well. I know that on some forums there is sometimes a member(s) that is either actively working in the field of that topic. ie; a lexus employee(s) who would be technically inclined to answer some of the questions posted on this forum. Are there members here who are actively working at Lexus and authorized to answer posts on their behalf for their customer base? If not, perhaps it may be a novel opportunity in the relentless pursuit of perfection?
#24
The base system is Pioneer. If you zoom in on some of the pictures you can see the factory sticker and the manufacturer information.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/2007-2009-LEXUS-RX350-STEREO-MP3-PLAYER-/271270722622?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item3f28febc3e&vxp=mtr
http://www.ebay.com/itm/2007-2008-2009-LEXUS-RX350-AMPLIFIER-AMP-86100-0E030-861000E030-/221227801255?pt=Car_Audio_Video&hash=item3382345aa7&vxp=mtr
http://www.ebay.com/itm/2007-2009-LEXUS-RX350-STEREO-MP3-PLAYER-/271270722622?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item3f28febc3e&vxp=mtr
http://www.ebay.com/itm/2007-2008-2009-LEXUS-RX350-AMPLIFIER-AMP-86100-0E030-861000E030-/221227801255?pt=Car_Audio_Video&hash=item3382345aa7&vxp=mtr
#25
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The base system is Pioneer. If you zoom in on some of the pictures you can see the factory sticker and the manufacturer information.
2007 2009 Lexus RX350 Stereo MP3 Player | eBay
2007 2008 2009 Lexus RX350 Amplifier Amp 86100 0E030 861000E030 | eBay
2007 2009 Lexus RX350 Stereo MP3 Player | eBay
2007 2008 2009 Lexus RX350 Amplifier Amp 86100 0E030 861000E030 | eBay
#26
Understood. Just provided those so you would see what you were up against. Load those on to your phone or tablet to show to your stereo shop of choice.
#27
Just wondering here...I'm a member on a few other forums on different topics as I'm sure most of you are as well. I know that on some forums there is sometimes a member(s) that is either actively working in the field of that topic. ie; a lexus employee(s) who would be technically inclined to answer some of the questions posted on this forum. Are there members here who are actively working at Lexus and authorized to answer posts on their behalf for their customer base? If not, perhaps it may be a novel opportunity in the relentless pursuit of perfection?
Last edited by RX330inFL; 09-08-13 at 08:55 PM.
#28
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It's a shame they don't.
#29
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Although I'm late, but I have to agree about the stock stereo in the 350 is not that loud. Recently I replaced my stock unit with an after market unit. Then I did a bluetooth update from Pioneer that corrupted the entire bluetooth system and had to return the unit for repair. In the meantime I still had my stock unit and comparing the two (both Pioneer) the stock system was flat and very low.
I've been teased that I play my music in my vehicle as if I'm in a library, meaning that I don't play it thumping loud so folks 3 blocks away can hear it. Even still I had the volume **** on 20 and it wasn't loud while on the highway. I'm glad to have my after market unit back and I don't have to raise it that much in order to hear it. I'm not sure if its by design that the after market unit is putting out more power or has something to do with the beat sonic kit.
Under the audio section, treble, bass and mid seems to always reset itself when starting the engine, but the aftermarket has enough thump that I don't really need to use the factory setting for assistance.
I would suggest replacing the head unit first, that may be the easier less work intensive than replacing the speakers.
I've been teased that I play my music in my vehicle as if I'm in a library, meaning that I don't play it thumping loud so folks 3 blocks away can hear it. Even still I had the volume **** on 20 and it wasn't loud while on the highway. I'm glad to have my after market unit back and I don't have to raise it that much in order to hear it. I'm not sure if its by design that the after market unit is putting out more power or has something to do with the beat sonic kit.
Under the audio section, treble, bass and mid seems to always reset itself when starting the engine, but the aftermarket has enough thump that I don't really need to use the factory setting for assistance.
I would suggest replacing the head unit first, that may be the easier less work intensive than replacing the speakers.
#30
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I would check for a faulty stereo or speaker connection.
There is no way one can say there is little to no bass in the RX. Definitely there are better systems out there but this is by far the best stock stereo I have ever heard. Base version, not ML.
I would check the front speakers. At vol 50 that is pretty loud to say you don't hear any bass. I am pretty sure you hear the mid range speakers and tweeters only, woofers are not connected.
My previous car was a 2011 Subaru WRX with the crappiest stereo I have ever seen. I dynamated entire car, inside the doors, floor panels, rear lid, I installed Kenwood navi with component MB Quart speakers and sound was barely decent. RX stock beats the hella of my upgraded WRX.
Check woofers
Check amplifier
Check wiring
my 2 cents
There is no way one can say there is little to no bass in the RX. Definitely there are better systems out there but this is by far the best stock stereo I have ever heard. Base version, not ML.
I would check the front speakers. At vol 50 that is pretty loud to say you don't hear any bass. I am pretty sure you hear the mid range speakers and tweeters only, woofers are not connected.
My previous car was a 2011 Subaru WRX with the crappiest stereo I have ever seen. I dynamated entire car, inside the doors, floor panels, rear lid, I installed Kenwood navi with component MB Quart speakers and sound was barely decent. RX stock beats the hella of my upgraded WRX.
Check woofers
Check amplifier
Check wiring
my 2 cents