ML audio system revision
Lead Lap
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 611
Likes: 91
From: FL
I still contend that the main issue with the system is what you're listening to. Compressed streaming audio, MP3s and satellite radio aren't very good quality, and my experience having the same car without ML and then with ML is that these lower quality sources actually sound WORSE with the ML. Its like watching an old SD TV show on a 4K HDR OLED TV.
Try downloading TIDAL on a trial, make sure you have the HiFi subscription and have the settings on the APP set to MASTER. Then plug your phone in via USB and see how THAT sounds. TIDAL is the only streaming service I believe that streams music at bitrates higher than 320 KBPS. The difference in my LS with ML is substantial, and I went from being disappointed in the system to really loving it now. $20 month which isn't cheap but I cancelled XM because I cant stand listening to it now. Spotify, etc are better but not nearly the same as TIDAL. One warning, it uses a LOT of phone data.
Here's a worthwhile article:
https://www.gottabemobile.com/tidal-...y-tidalforall/
Try downloading TIDAL on a trial, make sure you have the HiFi subscription and have the settings on the APP set to MASTER. Then plug your phone in via USB and see how THAT sounds. TIDAL is the only streaming service I believe that streams music at bitrates higher than 320 KBPS. The difference in my LS with ML is substantial, and I went from being disappointed in the system to really loving it now. $20 month which isn't cheap but I cancelled XM because I cant stand listening to it now. Spotify, etc are better but not nearly the same as TIDAL. One warning, it uses a LOT of phone data.
Here's a worthwhile article:
https://www.gottabemobile.com/tidal-...y-tidalforall/
Thread Starter
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 5,312
Likes: 1,604
From: SE PA
The sound in my 21 year old Chevrolet sounds better than this one...
Pole Position
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 2,258
Likes: 1,600
From: CA
I don't see why one who spends a significant amount of money for a premium sound system, then must subscribe to a monthly charge to hear a premium sound system. Ridiculous IMO. Then there is the whole thing with the phone transfer, downloading, data usage, and on and on. I sincerely regret buying the ML system in my UL 2019 ES and apparently many others do too... I said it before:
The sound in my 21 year old Chevrolet sounds better than this one...
The sound in my 21 year old Chevrolet sounds better than this one...
I daily drove my C7 for 3 years and had the upgraded Bose system, which was regarded by most as the best stereo in any generation Corvette. I got to know the limitation of that stereo system very well. The ML system is leaps and bounds beyond the Bose system in the C7. Chevrolet's biggest investment in the Corvette is and always has been in the drivetrain and chassis. Not the stereo.
But trying to follow some logic here... if you don't want to play premium music why would you buy a premium sound system?
Would you supercharge your Corvette and put 87 octane gas in it? Then complain when it loses power and/or blows up?
Would you buy a top of the line 4K TV then hook up your old VCR to watch some good 'ol VHS tapes? Then complain the tapes look bad and be upset you have to buy 4K material for your 4K TV?
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 5,477
Likes: 959
From: IL
At least you guys, it seems, have the capability to play FLAC files. Even if they get downgraded to 44khz.
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 68,826
Likes: 4,103
From: Maryland
I upgraded to an unlimited data plan so its no issue. I use about 35 gb a month.
Lead Lap
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 611
Likes: 91
From: FL
Lead Lap
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 611
Likes: 91
From: FL
It supports FLAC on Android and ALAC (Apple Lossless) on IOS. However the Tidal app on your phone cannot access FLAC or ALAC files that you load on your phone. You will need some other app. for that.
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 260
Likes: 32
From: CA
I don't get all the flac the ml system gets, is it the ES consumer demographic, not knowing what quality audio is or have quality music to listen to take advantage of the b system?
I listened to SACD rips of Elvis, Andrea Bocelli, and Boston with the ml system via aux and wasn't underwhelmed
I was more impressed with the Acura Krell system, Bowers & wilkins in Volvo, and Lincoln's Revel system over ML IMO.
I listened to SACD rips of Elvis, Andrea Bocelli, and Boston with the ml system via aux and wasn't underwhelmed
I was more impressed with the Acura Krell system, Bowers & wilkins in Volvo, and Lincoln's Revel system over ML IMO.
Last edited by Hifiman1; Jul 12, 2019 at 10:54 PM.
Pit Crew
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 168
Likes: 32
From: Arizona
Tidal
I still contend that the main issue with the system is what you're listening to. Compressed streaming audio, MP3s and satellite radio aren't very good quality, and my experience having the same car without ML and then with ML is that these lower quality sources actually sound WORSE with the ML. Its like watching an old SD TV show on a 4K HDR OLED TV.
Try downloading TIDAL on a trial, make sure you have the HiFi subscription and have the settings on the APP set to MASTER. Then plug your phone in via USB and see how THAT sounds. TIDAL is the only streaming service I believe that streams music at bitrates higher than 320 KBPS. The difference in my LS with ML is substantial, and I went from being disappointed in the system to really loving it now. $20 month which isn't cheap but I cancelled XM because I cant stand listening to it now. Spotify, etc are better but not nearly the same as TIDAL. One warning, it uses a LOT of phone data.
Here's a worthwhile article:
https://www.gottabemobile.com/tidal-...y-tidalforall/
Try downloading TIDAL on a trial, make sure you have the HiFi subscription and have the settings on the APP set to MASTER. Then plug your phone in via USB and see how THAT sounds. TIDAL is the only streaming service I believe that streams music at bitrates higher than 320 KBPS. The difference in my LS with ML is substantial, and I went from being disappointed in the system to really loving it now. $20 month which isn't cheap but I cancelled XM because I cant stand listening to it now. Spotify, etc are better but not nearly the same as TIDAL. One warning, it uses a LOT of phone data.
Here's a worthwhile article:
https://www.gottabemobile.com/tidal-...y-tidalforall/
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2019
Posts: 547
Likes: 146
From: CA
I had to spend some time recalibrating my aftermarket sound system because the HIFI and Master tracks have a lot more bass. It's really amazing how much of a noticeable difference there is.
Rookie
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 52
Likes: 20
From: California
I agree , the Mark Levinson package is a bit of a disappointment. Even with the bass all the way low it is still way too loud for me. I usually stream from Youtube but i might look into creating a few CDs to see how the system plays directly from the disc.
Is it possible to swap the amplifier with another one ?
Is it possible to swap the amplifier with another one ?
Pole Position
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 2,258
Likes: 1,600
From: CA
I agree , the Mark Levinson package is a bit of a disappointment. Even with the bass all the way low it is still way too loud for me. I usually stream from Youtube but i might look into creating a few CDs to see how the system plays directly from the disc.
Is it possible to swap the amplifier with another one ?
Is it possible to swap the amplifier with another one ?
Please read through all of this thread as well as the several other threads on the topic. Streaming music is about the worst audio quality you can get. Definitely try a CD or usb drive with high quality audio files.