I have an ES 350 with the Mark Levinson stereo. Recently the back speakers seem to be a lot quieter. In fact, the bass from the front speakers seems to be louder than the back, even though there is a sub-woofer back there. I have checked the fuse boxes in the engine compartment and under the steering wheel and cant seem to find any that are connected to the audio to be blown. I was wondering if the amp for the Mark Levinson might have fuses that are blown... if so where is the amp??? Does this sound at all familiar to anyone? Thanks for the help

 

Did you check the fader and back to front settings to see if they have been fiddled with?

Lou

 

Thanks for gettin back to me. Unfortunately yes I have checked. In fact, I have been fading it from front to back just to see if I was just loosing it. The front seems to have more power and base than the rear. Also, I've been playing some songs with some heavier base and they just dont seem to beat as loud as they used to. The speakers sound fine, so they aren't blown. They just aren't very powerful... Not like the used to be. I'm thinking a blown fuse somewhere or maybe a loose wire? any thoughts?

 

Blown fuse or loose wire, is like a switch, off or on. This sounds like a component gone bad, something in the amplification. A stereo installer could probably trouble shoot it better for you than the dealer.

Lou

 

Thanks for the help. Any recommendations about a stereo installing place I could take it to? The dealer doesn't have some sort of audio specialist? Thanks again.

 

I have a ES350 with the standard premium sound system and I too have noticed a difference in volume between the front and back speakers. The back speakers don't sound near as loud as the front. I start with the fader/balance control all the way on the front, then move it all the way to the rear and I can hear a big difference. I asked a service writer at Lexus about it and he said it was normal. I just assumed it was some kind of crossover networking of speakers to achieve the best overall sound in the cabin. If I were you, I'd find another ES350 with the ML and take my favorite cd's to compare the sound before I'd consider service. You might not have a problem after all. Let us know what you find out.

 

There is an "echo" effect option with the ML sound system. Hit up the sound button and adjust. I usually have it on with the fader tuned to just one click extra for the rear speakers.

 

What is this "echo" effect you speak of? I have ML in my car and I dont remember getting an "echo" menu when I press the sound button. Unless you're speaking about the "Surround" button in the DSP menu?

 

I’m with TRedd.
I too have just purchased the 2009 ES350 and am completely underwhelmed by the stereo system. My 2001 Camry has much better sound.
I feel that one of the major problems is the quality of the rear speakers, they just do not seem strong enough to fill the car.
When I fade to the rear of the Camry the sound still fills the car, when I fade to the rear of the Lexus it becomes a very tinny, thin sound.
I have to do something. It’s getting so annoying where I do not want to turn on the sound system anymore.

Do you think that changing the rear speakers would work?

I am going in for my 1000 miles inspection this weekend and will check with the service specialist and let you know what they say.