I traded an '06 Avalon with the JBL audio system in it and thought it was very satisfactory. I bought the Luxury Edition ES350 with the premium sound system and am highly impressed with the sound. I wouldn't pay extra for the ML system. Comments about XM are right on, CD's are fabulous. Don't use BT for music so can't comment on that. Every person's ears are different and what I think is great may be a loser to another. All subjective...

 

The base system is rather poor for rock music. Classic/ jazz sound ok enough. Rap is best, as you can actually hear the sub. Although i like to feel it more than hear it. I am told the krell audio system in the acura rl Is the best stock offering at the moment. although i have never sat in one and listened to it. Let alone even seen an rl for that matter because nobody is buying them. ������