6th Generation Sound system vs 7th Generation
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 5,304
Likes: 1,593
From: SE PA
Lexus is very slow and reluctant to make changes to existing systems once a new generation is built. As far as the audio system in the ES cars, I would look for a change in generation 8 sometime around 2026-7. Buyers have been complaining about the lack of folding mirrors (available in other markets) since the beginning of generation 6 in 2013 seven years ago. And the mess they made with the remote start systems that people are complaining about even today. Which would include me... Nothing has been changed or even addressed. Add to this that I think that Lexus believes that there IS no problem with the audio system as it exists. I, for one, bought the ML system in an UL level 2019 ES 350 and honestly cannot discern a difference between my 2013 Pioneer stereo and the ML no matter how I try to adjust it. Maybe I was expecting too much but I'm here to say that I'm disappointed in the sound quality and wish I hadn't spent the money... I'm aware that there are those that love it and I'm very happy for you but for me it's a real DUD. So bottom line here is don't hold your breath for a Lexus "fix" because I don't see one coming anytime soon...
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 364
Likes: 86
From: CA
I checked with my local audio store who does have the equipment you mentioned. After some research, they said there was nothing they could do. The speakers in the rear are too small and installing a larger amp would just blow them out. I know they wanted to find a solution but said they just could not recommend anything. Suggested I just learn to live with it. Wish I had a different outcome.
I thin we are all going to have to wait for a fix from Lexus if they ever decide to develop one.
I thin we are all going to have to wait for a fix from Lexus if they ever decide to develop one.
I listened to both the standard Pioneer system and the Mark Levinson system (which is what I got on my special order) and personally I didn't notice any problems with the "front bias" people are complaining about on either of the sound systems. I thought both sounded good for high bit rate MP3s over Bluetooth with the ML system sounding better enough to where it was noticeably but not massively better. Where I did notice the biggest difference, and the reason I choose the ML system, is XM which sounds way better on the ML system.
However, I should mention that I didn't play with the front/rear adjustments and I didn't listen from the back seat so that could have an impact I guess.
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 260
Likes: 32
From: CA
I'm surprised that the panoramic sun roof is even an option! My 23k toyota came with one from the factory in 2011! Another option no reclining rear seats? Again my 2011 toyota has reclining rear seats. The es is over priced in my opinion for how it is equipped vs the competition. Real leather costs an arm and a leg.. Once again my toyota has it.
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: CA
I've only had my 2019 4 days now but I'm fairly impressed with the stock audio system. At home I'm a bit of an audio guy and have a fairly extensive stereo system. My home sources used are vinyl (my favorite), a fairly high end music server and Tidal HiFi streaming service. With the addition of Apple CarPlay to post 10/28 build date Lexus', Tidal is accessible in my car at 16bit, 44.1kHz FLAC (lossless) files with a bitrate of 1411kbps (just about cd quality). It takes a bit of work, but Tidal can be set up to suit your musical tastes and sounds outstanding.
True hi fidelity sound in a car is somewhat difficult to achieve as the ambient sound of driving a car coupled with the drivers position in the environment render the pursuit pretty much a fool's journey.
As a side note, ML home gear is first rate but a bit on the overpriced-for-what-you-get side.
BTW, Lincoln has introduced Tidal compatibility with a free 1 year subscription.
True hi fidelity sound in a car is somewhat difficult to achieve as the ambient sound of driving a car coupled with the drivers position in the environment render the pursuit pretty much a fool's journey.
As a side note, ML home gear is first rate but a bit on the overpriced-for-what-you-get side.
BTW, Lincoln has introduced Tidal compatibility with a free 1 year subscription.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 9,582
Likes: 3,407
From: NJ
I'm surprised that the panoramic sun roof is even an option! My 23k toyota came with one from the factory in 2011! Another option no reclining rear seats? Again my 2011 toyota has reclining rear seats. The es is over priced in my opinion for how it is equipped vs the competition. Real leather costs an arm and a leg.. Once again my toyota has it.
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 260
Likes: 32
From: CA
I think the best cars on the market for audio quality alone are Acura els and Krell systems, along with Lincoln and the Revel systems.
Too bad Acura has the worst interior layout from 2005 in 2018. The mkz and continental are the es competition in my book.
But for the long haul I'll pick Lexus or Kia for reliability.
Too bad Acura has the worst interior layout from 2005 in 2018. The mkz and continental are the es competition in my book.
But for the long haul I'll pick Lexus or Kia for reliability.
Last edited by Hifiman1; Feb 1, 2019 at 10:03 PM.
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 364
Likes: 86
From: CA
I think the best cars on the market for audio quality alone are Acura els and Krell systems, along with Lincoln and the Revel systems.
Too bad Acura has the worst interior layout from 2005 in 2018. The mkz and continental are the es competition in my book.
But for the long haul I'll pick Lexus or Kia for reliability.
Too bad Acura has the worst interior layout from 2005 in 2018. The mkz and continental are the es competition in my book.
But for the long haul I'll pick Lexus or Kia for reliability.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 5,471
Likes: 958
From: IL
https://www.autotrader.com/car-news/...ar-bran-259590
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Pole Position
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 2,251
Likes: 1,595
From: CA
I think the best cars on the market for audio quality alone are Acura els and Krell systems, along with Lincoln and the Revel systems.
Too bad Acura has the worst interior layout from 2005 in 2018. The mkz and continental are the es competition in my book.
But for the long haul I'll pick Lexus or Kia for reliability.
Too bad Acura has the worst interior layout from 2005 in 2018. The mkz and continental are the es competition in my book.
But for the long haul I'll pick Lexus or Kia for reliability.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 9,582
Likes: 3,407
From: NJ
Lucky for Kia, your ratings are not published.
https://www.autotrader.com/car-news/...ar-bran-259590
https://www.autotrader.com/car-news/...ar-bran-259590
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 13
Likes: 6
From: CA
2019 ES Audio System (Non-ML)
I am on the 5th Lexus. My first three were LS models, and all had great sound systems in its day. In 2015 I purchased an ES model, and enjoyed the sound system in that car. When It was time to get my 2019 ES, and I saw all of the amazing changes and re-designs coming and ordered one before they hit the lot. When mine arrived, I was so disappointed in the sound system. I thought it was so bad, I had to take it back to Lexus assuming something was wrong with the audio system. After a service guy looked it over, and an audio specialist, as well as them contacting Lexus corporate, they all came to the conclusion that this is how the new system sounds. A majority of the audio (85%+) is coming only from the front speakers. Some audio guys claim that this is a new "center stage" sound to make you feel like you are sitting in front of a concert. I enjoy having the sound throughout the cabin of the car, not only in the front. The riders in the back get next to no audio. The new ES is amazing. All of the changes made are fantastic. I hope they correct this audio issues for future models. I'm hopeful that they will come out with a fix, but I doubt it will come. Anyone experience the same, or am I old school when it comes to audio?
Pole Position
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 2,251
Likes: 1,595
From: CA
I am on the 5th Lexus. My first three were LS models, and all had great sound systems in its day. In 2015 I purchased an ES model, and enjoyed the sound system in that car. When It was time to get my 2019 ES, and I saw all of the amazing changes and re-designs coming and ordered one before they hit the lot. When mine arrived, I was so disappointed in the sound system. I thought it was so bad, I had to take it back to Lexus assuming something was wrong with the audio system. After a service guy looked it over, and an audio specialist, as well as them contacting Lexus corporate, they all came to the conclusion that this is how the new system sounds. A majority of the audio (85%+) is coming only from the front speakers. Some audio guys claim that this is a new "center stage" sound to make you feel like you are sitting in front of a concert. I enjoy having the sound throughout the cabin of the car, not only in the front. The riders in the back get next to no audio. The new ES is amazing. All of the changes made are fantastic. I hope they correct this audio issues for future models. I'm hopeful that they will come out with a fix, but I doubt it will come. Anyone experience the same, or am I old school when it comes to audio?
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 260
Likes: 32
From: CA
I'm surprised no one has measured cars factory audio systems by doing a frequency response sweep to see what brand has the best stock system. Especially since your paying a premium over the stock system in most cars.
Wouldn't be hard, just a tablet with REW, USB cable and umik-1 microphone.
I guess I'll do measurements in the ES ML system and compare it to Acura Krell system. I'll throw my Dynaudio system in comparison for good measure.
Wouldn't be hard, just a tablet with REW, USB cable and umik-1 microphone.
I guess I'll do measurements in the ES ML system and compare it to Acura Krell system. I'll throw my Dynaudio system in comparison for good measure.
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 364
Likes: 86
From: CA
Lucky for Kia, your ratings are not published.
https://www.autotrader.com/car-news/...ar-bran-259590
https://www.autotrader.com/car-news/...ar-bran-259590
Has Kia gotten better recently? Maybe, but like I said, the long term history and reputation is still pretty poor.
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 364
Likes: 86
From: CA
I wouldn't call Hyundai highly reliable but certainly better than Kia. And no, Kia isn't "essentially Hyundai". Hyundai bought 51% of Kia like 20 years ago because Kia was bankrupt. Today Hyundai owns 1/3 of Kia but they are very much independent companies. It would be like saying Volvo and Mazda were "essentially Ford" when Ford owned some portion of those companies or that Dodge was "essentially Mercedes" when Mercedes owned Dodge. It's very different than Toyota/Lexus, Honda/Acura, Nissan/Infiniti, GM/Cadillac/Buick, Ford/Lincoln, etc.