nTurn off the surround sound setting. Replace dash speakers for a simple upgrade. Next add a powered sub in trunk. Crutchfield has lots of stuff for ES, not sure about 2019

 

I've pushed this for several hours now at the dealership and with Lexus customer complaint line. I've sat in similar ES300h 2019 and 2020 models and the rear speakers have a little more sound than mine. But, the canned line they will repeat and you just have to give up, "This is how the system was designed and there is no fix since this is within spec." You can reply that "I can't believe a luxury car manufacturer would put such a crummy system into a ES Luxury version!" The response will be "this is how we designed it." You can ask why did they even wasted money and time putting speakers in the back that have minimal volume. "This is how we designed it." So...the conclusion is Lexus designed this vehicle to have a **** stereo system unless you buy a Mark Levinson upgrade for $2k Plus. Who would have thunk!

 

My ML sound system was only $900 since I got it without navigation. Definitely a steal at that price and even at $2k it’s worth paying the extra amount for that great sound.

 

I agree with Kale.

 

I agree with you...but the solution can't be to trade my car in a buy one with Mark Levinson. Wish Lexus would just figure it out, but that's not going to happen. Again, I have come to the conclusion I'm just out of luck. My mistake for thinking a "Luxury Lexus" would have such a crap sound system. My fault for not making that a key check item when I test drove it. Who would have thunk? My 2019 Rav4 Limited edition hybrid blows away this system.

 

Ok - how do you get the ML sound system without navigation? Is this an alteration that is possible at the dealership or do you have to custom order it? I’m looking to buy the base plus premium package (44.5 sticker price). Seems like a lot of effort just to get acceptable sound.

 

I had a 2016, upgraded two dash speakers under $50, DIY easy. Big difference. Then added a 10" powered sub in trunk $250 DIY hardest part was pushing power wire thru firewall. When I sold it, I removed the sub and wiring to use some time in the future. A reasonable solution for lease cars.

 

When I shopped for my 2019 ES in July/August 2019, the only models on the lots in my area were either luxury with both ML and Navigation or base units with neither. If I wanted one but not the other, I would have had to ask the dealer to find one or custom order one.

I happen to have a 2020 ES base loaner this weekend. I miss my ML audio a lot. The base system is OK, but the ES ML system is amazing. The difference is huge.

 

that is a little melodramatic. I agree they should have put in more powerful speakers at the rear doors, but to say the RAV4 speakers are better is simply not true. I tested the 2019 RAV4 limited hybrid speakers before buying the lexus ES (stock piooner), and they are nothing to rave about. The ES stock has much better soundstage and depth IMO.

 

He's not looking for a solution or assistance, just disappointed and venting to the forum.

 

Sounds like you work for Lexus. My Rav4 Pioneer blows these away. So, I guess you can have your opinion and I can have mine. Even the Lexus service writer said your Lexus system is horrible. I mean hardly any sound out of the rear speakers. He even wrote that on the service ticket and called Lexus about it. But again, my Lexus is uniquely designed. So, not melodramatic. My car is just uniquely designed the way it came off the line. But I guess for $50K...damn...I guess I could be melodramatic!

I am not venting...just sharing that as the heading to this string says and confirming, it is a Garbage Sound system!

 

The exact language written on Service ticket. "The rear speakers are INOP. No parts. Confirmed condition. Lexus working on remedy. No repairs at this time. Compared to two other ES300h on the lot, they are Op."

 

u have problems. anyone who disagrees with u now ''works for lexus''? By ur logic, does that mean u work for toyota? i also wrote to lexus expressing the problem with low-volume rear speakers, and i did in fact tried the 2019 RAV4 limited speakers, and while rear speakers are loud, they in no way ''blow the ES out of the water''.

 

Ok. You convinced me. My Rav4 Limited no way blows the Lexus front speakers away. The Lexus stereo is not garbage and I am a fully satisfied customer and will never complain or raise what has been a common issue up on this board. So glad you have fixed my concern. Now when I ride in my Rav4, I'll realize how lucky I am to have my Lexus. All is good in the world.

 

u have ur opinion and i have mine, like i said, no need to be melodramatic.