Glad to see you got some satisfaction. The ML undoubtedly sounds a bit better now!

 

Better, or SWEETER?

 

I think the sound is incredible with the new amp, probably the best of any of the several Lexus vehicles I have listened to with the ML (it is certainly night and day improved over my LS460 with ML). The bass is amazing, thunderous, better than I could have hoped for. The sound to the rear has definitely been turned down quite a bit but it balances out nicely using the balance controls, by setting the front/rear balance to +2 or +3.

 

I too now have the new amplifier installed. The only thing I can say to anyone that has not been satisfied with their Harman system is to go get the new amplifier installed immediately. They have made SIGNIFICANT improvements. I can now enjoy listening to my music.

I have long considered myself an audiophile and have had many very expensive car audio systems in my vehicles over the years. This system does NOT deliver to a true audiophile quality in all honesty. However, this is by far the best sounding factory stereo that I have ever listened too.

Dont wait, get the fix! You will be impressed. Too bad Lexus did not deliver this quality on the first pass!

 

Can you give a part number? My dealer pretends like there's nothing wrong .......

 

I too would appreciate any and all detailed information to assist in getting this replacement from my dealer. Thanks.

 

My dealer said he did not know about a fix and he would look into it.

 

UPDATE: Can we say "spoke too soon?" Very sad to report popping sound started with ML system yesterday. Contacting my dealership today. Frustrated and disappointed as there was obviously an opportunity for Lexus to install the fixed/updated amp before it left the factory in Japan.

Looking forward to my dealership acting with importance and urgency. Will keep everyone updated.

 

@ RazSrq,
if you just picked up your new 2013 ES350, your car was built with parts delivered early this year. When I first met with Mark Levinson in July they told me the new amps would be installed in the new cars in Japan in model 14, that means 2014. They have to perform vibration tests and make changes to the cars acoustic dampening design before making the new amp part of the ES350 standard. For those people like you and I who have a vehicle with the old amp and are not happy they will gladly replace the amp without modifying the sound dampening. So for those who buy the 2014 + ES350 they should have a slightly different car than us.

I was told we may be able to get new door panels installed in 2014 if there is a change to the sound damping. most likely they will just install a new door cluster (?) with speaker and trim since it’s the trim that now makes all the noise.

If any of your dealers are not helping you with getting a new amp, call Lexus corporate and report them. Lexus dealers rely on customer feedback to get awards and crap. so calling corporate will get things moving.
OR
have your dealer call Lexus of Riverside Service. talk to Robert in service.
3150 Adams St Riverside, CA 92504
(951) 353-0903
Robert was one of the people that assisted my amp replacement with the mark levinson engineers in July. he can answer any questions your dealer has.

 

So appreciate the info Rob. I will be reaching out to my dealership tomorrow morning. They have been extremely good thus far, so I suspect they will step right up to resolve it quickly. If I do need any supporting stories, I will be sure to have them reach out to Lexus of Riverside. I will let you know the outcome. Thanks again man.

 

First, thanks RobDog for pushing Lexus/ML to resolve the distortion issue.

This was my 3rd visit to correct the occasional distortion in my ML system. The first time I got a replacement amp. Then I got a replacement sub...the sub helped some but the distortion still remained nonetheless.

I had a scheduled service coming soon and I also wanted the ML fix. So, I contacted my dealer and gave him the info Rob put out there. Well to my surprise, the dealer said their Audio Tech was already aware of the fix and he was waiting for me to request it. I guess if you don't ask for the fix, they won't offer it. I really don't agree with that approach. Anyway, the amp was already in dealer inventory. So, I got my car serviced and the 3rd Gen amp installed.

Well the distortion is gone. They most definitely turned down the volume and faded the sound toward the front speakers. I used to keep my radio volume around 30 but now I have to run the volume at around 38 to get the same sound level as with the old amp; no big deal.

But this 3rd Gen amp really brings the ML to life...like a totally different sound system. I'm most definitely satisfied now; no distortion even with volume and bass at high levels. This is the way it should have been in the first place.

Thanks again, RobDog.

 

i tested out the ML system in the 2011 ISF. Not worth the money IMO. I currently have the premium pkg for the ISF and RX350. They're "OK", you just have to play around with settings. i thought my G35 "BOSE" was alot better than the 2011 ML system from Lexus

 

I had a 2013 RX 450h loaner for a day while my car was being serviced. It had the premium Lexus stereo system. I couldn't believe how good it sound; it was nearly on par with the ML in my car.

The premium system in the RX 450h sounded way better than the premium system I had in my 2011 ES350.

 

Traded in my G coupe with the Bose system on this ES purchase. The Bose set up stayed full and strong all the years I drove my G. It sounded great.

I have an appointment with my dealership on Friday to hopefully address the ML rear deck burping/popping sound. It sounds like those who have had the amp replaced were very satisfied. Look forward to joining those ranks.

 

I called my dealer in Atlanta on Friday, the service person that deals with Lexus corporate was aware of the problem but was not aware of a resolution as of yet. He told me they replaced an amp a week or so ago and it had the same issue. Makes me wonder if someone at a warehouse just picked one off the shelf and it was an original version. He said he will keep checking for me and let me know as soon as he had a new amp that will correct the issue.