RuninRoach

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.

pauljcl

My 2cents - You speak of the ML system (which I have not listened to) and I am sure it is better than the base system. The OP wrote of the base system - which I also have - and, to be honest, it 'sucks'. Shameful. I went to a auto-radio store to see what they could do, and they suggested anew system, said the current base one was not upgradeable to reasonably good sound. Whereas the ML has a sub-woofer, the base system has no provision for one. The channels are not separately adjustable in such manner as to obtain good sound. So, for me and the OP, the fact that the ML system is good is irrelevant. It would cost more to install it in our cars that to install another - non-Lexus - system that sounds equally well.

spacecraft

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.

takeshi74

Sounds like you got lucky with the Outlander or just prefer its system. I wouldn't assume any factory system to be good but that's just my audio preference. The system in our RX isn't the best I've experienced but it isn't the worst either. If you're unhappy with any factory system then address its shortcomings.

Sound is a very subjective matter. It doesn't matter if you and others are happy with the base or ML systems, others could have differing priorities and goals when it comes to sound. If there was no need for the audio aftermarket then it wouldn't exist in the first place.

Never assume that your preferences are universal no matter what the topic. Your clue that something is subjective is the word "better".

Opinions with numbers are still opinions. The numbers don't make it objective. It's still subjective. Just because the best car audio system is a 40 to you doesn't mean that 40 is the ceiling for others.

zman78

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.

pauljcl

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'.

zman78

The technician was guestimating Bose or Pioneer, so maybe it is Pioneer. Actually I was 'hoping'? it would be a defective amplifier. I'd rather replace one amplifier then (potentially) 11 speakers? ouch. Thanks for the info on the 3 channel amp, I'll pass that info along to them. This looks/sounds like some sort of malfunction somewhere along the line, there is no way on earth that an 11 speaker system from Lexus has 0 bass at max bass settings. Something is not right and I'm gonna get to the bottom of it!
Side note; felt nice when he was sitting in the pass seat saying; damn this rig is in nice shape!

zman78

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?

RX330inFL

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

zman78

Clicked on the links, I see that. A Pioneer system throughout it looks like, thanks. My challenge is to find an aftermarket amp that will support this system. I'd rather (if I can) get a new system then a new/used amp from the internet.

RX330inFL

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.

RX330inFL

We have one Lexus Technology Specialist who frequents this part of CL on his own time and does not mention his dealership. No one from Lexus who is here in any official capacity, nor do I believe that Lexus monitors the forums here in CL in any manner.

zman78

It's a shame they don't.

1koolfella

iTrader: (1)

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.

dragosdor

iTrader: (1)

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