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I'm beginning to wonder if the service advisor is conflating navigation with ML audio because there are different parts for with and without navigation.
This thread made me wonder how loud the rear ML speakers really are. I disconnected my aftermarket subs, moved fader to the rear, and picked a random song in my playlist.
I sat in the middle rear seat and was amazed at how loud it was. Also, I was surprised at how well the stock sub sounds and feels.
Song: Nirvana - Come as you are
Surround: On
Volume: 55
High: +3
Mid: +3
Low: 0
Connection: Bluetooth (in order to take the picture)
Source: Amazon music HD
Result: An average of 100 dB
Noticeable differences: With surround mode on about 2-3 dB louder during the chorus. While connected via Carplay also louder vs Bluetooth (same sound parameters, yes I made sure)
Finally, I lowered the bass (Low) to the lowest setting in order to maximize hearing the rear door speakers and the result was an increase of about 2 dB.
I only spent about 10 minutes testing the sound since I usually listen to music between 45-55 volume and at those levels, I hardly ever hear the rear speakers. The front stage and aftermarket subs completely overpower the rear. My curiosity was satisfied.
This thread made me wonder how loud the rear ML speakers really are. I disconnected my aftermarket subs, moved fader to the rear, and picked a random song in my playlist.
I sat in the middle rear seat and was amazed at how loud it was. Also, I was surprised at how well the stock sub sounds and feels.
Song: Nirvana - Come as you are
Surround: On
Volume: 55
High: +3
Mid: +3
Low: 0
Connection: Bluetooth (in order to take the picture)
Source: Amazon music HD
Result: An average of 100 dB
Noticeable differences: With surround mode on about 2-3 dB louder during the chorus. While connected via Carplay also louder vs Bluetooth (same sound parameters, yes I made sure)
Finally, I lowered the bass (Low) to the lowest setting in order to maximize hearing the rear door speakers and the result was an increase of about 2 dB.
I only spent about 10 minutes testing the sound since I usually listen to music between 45-55 volume and at those levels, I hardly ever hear the rear speakers. The front stage and aftermarket subs completely overpower the rear. My curiosity was satisfied.
What exactly are you saying? Are you saying that the ML rear speakers are plenty loud, but they're overpowered by the subwoofer?
What exactly are you saying? Are you saying that the ML rear speakers are plenty loud, but they're overpowered by the subwoofer?
Yes, the rear door speakers are plenty loud (over 100 dB) in my vehicle and they are overpowered by my aftermarket subs. Depending on the song and how much I push the subs they can also overpower the front stage.
I have never been a fan of the front-bias of the base (non-ML) audio system in my early 2019 ES350, nor the way the fader behaves. I’ve been lurking here and hoping/praying for a fix from Lexus, so I’d like to express my gratitude to “mcomer” for posting the TSB.
Armed with the TSB, I visited my Lexus dealer on Saturday. They ordered the part without a fuss and they installed it today (4 days after it was ordered). The results in a moment. My theory going into this was that I’m probably going to get the exact same amplifier that is in the most-current 2020 ES350. Therefore I would expect the fix to make my early 2019 sound like the current 2020. This wouldn’t be a cure-all, since people complain about the 2020 as well.
As luck would have it, they gave me a brand-new 2020 as a loaner (900 miles on the odometer), so I spent an hour playing with the fader while listening to some CDs that I consider to have excellent sound and stereo separation. The fader in the 2020 is most definitely better than my 2019 (pre-fix).
Drum roll……….My 2019 sound is now better. Not great, but better, and a noticeable improvement in how the sound transitions when you push the fader to the rear. My 2019 fader now functions and sounds EXACTLY the same as the current 2020 ES. So the current 2020 sound is going to be “as good as it gets” without going aftermarket.
If the TSB applies to your VIN, get it done!
For those who worry about the dealer having to take the dash apart, don’t. The amp is under the driver’s seat under a plastic cover. According to the TSB, the repair takes 0.3 hours (18 minutes).
Last edited by AZSteve; Jun 3, 2020 at 06:46 PM.
Reason: clarification
How do you guys tell whether my VIN matches the one on the TSB? I have an ES300h and my VIN starts with JTHB21B1
You look at the last 6 digits of your VIN and compare it to those on the TSB. For a 300h, the cutoff is JTHB21B1#K2047220. If your vehicle is less than 047220, you're covered.
You look at the last 6 digits of your VIN and compare it to those on the TSB. For a 300h, the cutoff is JTHB21B1#K2047220. If your vehicle is less than 047220, you're covered.
I wonder if that means im not covered. Mine starts with #K2049XXX I'm in Canada, so i wonder if that makes a difference.
