Question about the Mark Levinson system
 

Greetings, a long time Toyota owner here. We are looking on picking up a third car for our family. I have narrowed the choice down to a 2016 to 2018 Lexus ES 350. The one question I have is regarding the Mark Levinson system. Could I please get some input and advice as to how much better the ML is versus the standard system that Lexus installed in these cars. I have an Apple iTunes account and normally listen to music from the iTunes library in our 2017 Toyota Camry XLE via bluetooth. We have ample time available in acquiring this third car, so we can be patient and take our time. Thank you all for your help.

your questions is likely best answered in the ES subforum:
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/es-...2013-2018-247/

generally to me ML is better than the standard audio in any car, but it's not outstanding. if you're used to the bluetooth fidelity then it's likely the standard audio will be fine for you since it will be a step up from the camry regardless.

I have a 2022 ES 300h with ML audio. I took my car in for service yesterday and was given a loaner with the standard audio package. The difference was significant and I probably wouldn't have bought my ES had I test drove (driven?) a car without the ML package. The ML sounds very, very good. I listen to a ton of music and listen with a critical ear, so for me ML was a must.

I've had one Lexus without ML and one with. I could never go back!

You can definitely hear the difference on the ES. In some other models like the GS, standard is very good. Not on the ES though.

I sought out the ML because I wasn't impressed with the base system in my 6th gen ES and hoped it would be significantly better with the ML in the 7th. It's good in the highs, mids, and surround but lacking in low frequency bass. Mid bass is decent but not the lows. I added two under-seat subs and that brought it to life. Now it has the low bass tones from the aftermarket subs and the mid-level bass from the stock sub. That's exactly what I did with my 6th gen (along with new speakers) and that one also sounded very good afterwards. I personally think if you went with the base system, possibly upgraded the speakers then added a sub, that it would be very nice. The advantage of going with the ML is that it's tuned already and uses good speakers to begin with so all you have to add is bass. It is tricky to find however. I was shopping used and only about 1 in 5 ES hybrids had the ML system.

And I have an Gen 7 Ultra Lux with Levinson audio. Listening to other manufacturer's audio systems I think that the ML system simply can't match with the audio quality.

As previously mentioned you'll find more info on the Audio forum...

i use sirius XM radio as input for the ML audio and it sounds better than the free HD channel. downside is the subscription fee. Does USB as input source sound better. what is the file format and compression to use.

Thanks

From the instruction manual for a 2014…

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.clu...0fbc9a834f.png
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.clu...a2409ccad5.png
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.clu...7ceaca0526.png

There are many, many posts regarding the ML option. Do a search and you'll find numerous opinions pro and con...

I just sat down and read this entire thread looking for the same answer most normal people would be looking for, regarding the ML system. I am a Long time lexus owner (Since early 90's) and my son just bought his first car, a used 21 IS350. I guess I am just al old guy who expects my car sound system to sound great with FM, CD etc. without having to jump through hoops or provide music on as specific format or bit rate. Like a previous poster said, I want to be able to turn on system to FM and get great music with rich tone. It is "NOT there" with the ML system in my son's 21 model year. Sounds like an AM radio. Tried all the setting and it only improved marginally. CD's sound a bit better but don't hold a candle to my 2016 ES350 or my 2013 GX 360. As far as I am concerned Lexus/ML fell flat on their face with this system. I am sure audiophile's can get the system to work well but this is a car, not a home system. I will be looking for a replacement for my ES350 shortly, but if the systems available on the 24's are the same as on my son's 21 IS350, I will not be getting another Lexus. In case anyone asks, yes, it is that important to have a decent "easy to use" music system in a car. Such a shame that something as simple as an audit system may end up forcing me to switch brands.

I have a 2022 ES300h with ML. I listen to Sirius XM and Amazon Music via Bluetooth. Both sound spectacular. FM, even HD, sounds terrible and I never listen to it. I think the source is critical. As a note, I consider myself a serious listener and my home audio system is centered around a pair of Revel F208s.

I have a 2014 ES 350 UL/ML and it sounds great. I rip my CDs at the highest bit rate and put 'em on a USB and listen that way. Unfortunately, I can only have 9999 songs--I have much larger collection. If you are using bluetooth, you are compressing the music. People who care about quality should not use bluetooth--i.e., stream from their phone. While I cannot speak about Android Auto, Apply CarPlay uses wifi (so I'm told) to stream and you do not loose quality.

Anyway...I'm happy with my 2014 ES with ML. Piano solos are ear-piercingly clear, for example.

There are threads informing how to adjust the sound, add components, change speakers, make CD's, attach a smartphone, and on and on to maximize the sound from the Levinson system. Some members even went as far as to buy an additional phone and to replace all of the speakers in the car to increase quality. Maybe I'm in the minority here but I think that when you pay extra for what is supposed to be a premium sound system, you should turn the on/off knob, sit back and enjoy the music. That is not the case with the ML system in the Lexus ES350's IMO. And I reject the idea that you must buy a subscription to an additional music source to enjoy your music. This is one of several areas where Lexus dropped the ball in supplying their buyers with what was promised. The quality is simply not there when compared with other manufacturer's systems. :nono:

I am looking for this info as well. Did you ever figure it out? Thanks for any insight