luvlexus16

Thanks everyone for your replies. I knew that it would not compare to such audio systems as in the Maybach and in the A8's. @ LexBob2 i really like the es so I do not want to search for another car JUST for an audio system. If the Lexus Premium Audio System is as good as it is in my 98' es300 there will not be any complaints. For being a '98 with a base audio system it sounds good!

2008ES

Interestingly, Mark Levinson is owned by the same folks that own Harmon Kardon.

Mark Levinson

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luvlexus16

hmm I didnt know that. Thanks 2008ES.Well if they are owned by them I would expect them to be atleast close in comparison!?

frankbcnt

I dont think the ES sound system is THAT bad to break a deal give me a break. If you really want good quality out of your cars sound system you need to go custom anyways. Save your cash buying the ML and all the upgrades the dealer is going to bend you over dry for and change out the speakers and amps to something of better quality. It is going to sound wayy better than any stock bose, HK, or whatever you can think of from any car manufacture out there. All the stock speakers are mainly paper crap anyways even if they are bose , inifinity, ect. If you want something to last forever you need better speakers that are polypropylene, ect. MB Quart, Inifinity high end stuff, JL Audio, ect...

bobsobi

Get ready to complain!

My '99 ES, like your '98, had great sound. The stock system (which Lexus calls "Premium"), took a nose dive in SQ with the next ES generation. When I lost my '99 and started shopping a new one, I was surprised at how awful the stock system in the current ES generation sounds. I wound up with the ML system, even though it has its own issues.

stanjohn12

If you want awesome music system with the same everything that the Lexus ES 350 has or better except the badge. Please try out the 2011 Toyota Avalon . It's JBL synthesis music system is just amazing. 660 watts of pure power and music.

LexBob2

I've heard the JBL system in the Avalon and it sounded nice. In fact, on the 2011 Avalon Limited you can get pretty much the same ammenities as in the ES350. For me it came down to styling and personal preference. I think the interior materials are better in the ES350, but that can be subjective.

stanjohn12

Well honestly if there was one thing to complain about the Avalon, it would only be the looks. The interiors were pretty nice.

Compared to the ES here in the Gulf, the Avalon is just better since it costs a lot lesser than the ES 350 and provides everything if not more than the ES, except the badge.

Well I would consider the ES 350 and Avalon to be equally bland or understated looking. Both are not great lookers. Not offending anyone, but it's just my thoughts.

luvlexus16

Thanks again everyone for the replies.. as I have said before I am not going to look at another car just because you guys say the ML is not 'up to par'. @bobsobi, that is extremly disappointing to hear! . As for the Avalon I have considered that as well. I like the reclining rear seats as well as the power sunshade. The exterior look O.K., but what really turned me off was the wood on the inside of the car. It looked so fake! I know it is cheaper than the es and maby a little longer but I have to spend my time on the inside. Also, I have heard Avalons have had their fair share of problems? I may just be set in my ways, like others, but I really like the es!

RTSM

FWIW, I was shopping around for a new car and tested all of the usual cast of suspects. Audio is important to me so I had to test the Lexus with ML. The first one I tested was the GS450h, the ML sounded good but lacked separation and bass. I was curious on the ES350 because instead of 6.5" in the doors it has 6x9's. As stated in this thread it was very hard to find a ES with the ML to compare against my wife's 2007 ES350 with Premium sound which is ok. I had a 2000 Buick Regal GS with the Monsoon audio of which I added a 10" Bazooka tube, it was pretty good. Once I found a 2011 ES with the Ultra Luxury and ML I had to test it out. I was pleasantly suprised that the ML in the 2011 ES was Great and I bought it on the spot. I could adjust the audio for Rock, R&B or Classical, it has great separation and dispersion and can get enough bass to put a smile on my face. Like stated before it is not the bass that will blast the streets but enough IMHO to sound great and I have not even tested CD or DVD-A yet. Btw, my dealer told me that he has installed the rear spoilers on the 2011 ES's but it cost a bit more in labor as they have to shape the middle of the spoiler to fit around the secondary puck. Try a 2011 ES with ML and spend some time playing with the audio settings and through the SAT radio, to me it sounds excellent.
Best of luck to you.

luvlexus16

thanks for all of that information RTSM. That helps alot, but I purchased an 09' GX470 about 3 weeks ago and I love it. The ML sound to me is just great! I love turning the radio up and 'jamming' haha

RTSM

Enjoy! The GX is a nice SUV, really much diffferent then the RX.