Is anyone aware of how I might get detailed specs on the ML system offered in the 2014 IS which show the similarities/diffferences among the ML systems offered in other Lexus models?

My apologies if this information is available somehow by using the search function. I tried, but could not find the comparisons outlined above.

Thanks!

 

Lookie here...

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/is-...io-system.html

 

Thanks Brklyn. That thread details the differences very well between the stock system and ML system on the IS. Does anyone know how/if the ML system offered on the IS differs from ML systems offered currently on the ES, GS, LS, etc. (other than number of speakers)?

 

sound is always different... you need to listen to it yourself to make decision.

 

I'll pick up my IS with ML next friday. If you want i can give you a review of the audio.
I am very picky when it comes to HiFi. I had a >3000USD custom sound system in my previous car. I expect a crisp nice trebble, balanced mid and a powerful but not intrusive bass.
The bass is where i think th ML will fail a bit since the speaker is a free air mount.

 

Thanks JHS82. I look forward to your review.

 

I'll write a small review myself of the ML system. I have it in my car, and I have bulit a couple of high end stereo systems in cars before.

First. I'm an enthusiast when it comes to sound. I have had expensive custum built stereo systems in all my cars the last years.
The last system was a build that cost about 5000$, which i built myself. I sound deadend the whole car to get the best possible sound from the stereo.
This was done in a way that wouldn't affect the weight of the car to much either, all in all, the whole build weighed about 50kg. I also have expensive taste when it comes to home stereo. (record player that cost about 3000$..)

So I'm not just another guy with no clue when it comes to having an opionion.

So the ML system. As far as i can read from the specs both the speakers and cd player\amp should be Mark Levinson.

In my ears, it sounds good for a car system. Not great. But better than most of the stock systems avalible. I'm sure that both the audi boose series and the merc's B&W systems sounds just as good or better.
The ML systems has two flaws in my ears. The first is that the sound is not clean and crisp enough. Condsidering how quiet the car runs (especially the hybrid) the sound should be even clearer. Especially when you consider how much the ML option costs. (at least where I live)
It is better than most stock systems, but give any car an expensive cd palyer, an expensive amp and some very good speakers, and it will sound better than the ML system in the lexus. A JL audio HD amp, mixed with some infinity kappa perfect speakers and a good alpine cd player, will outpreform the ML system any day.

The other thing I miss in the lexus is good soild bass. It has bass, and you can hear it pretty good to. It does not sound to bad either, but you can not feel it in any way, like you should be able to with a good bass.
One other small thing worth mentioning is the very limited option when it comes to adjusting the sound and other equalising functions. You can adjust treble, mid and bass up and down. That is it.

So is it worth the money? Yes, if you like good sound and want to upgrade the stock system without tearing the car appart.
Can you get anything better? Yes, but you will probably have to pay a proffesional installer closer to 10k to get it.

 

Thanks Magne, very interesting and helpful.

 

I've tried out my ML a little bit, and agree with magne. The mid and treble is pretty good, but there is no solid bass. No punch at all, and it seems to cut of pretty high, somewhere around 50Hz. Low end piano sound good, but bass drum is pretty much non existent.

The BOSE-system in the Audi A6 has better bass, but lacks the same detail that Lexus ML have higher up.

 

Can anyone comment as to the sound quality difference for ML compared to the 2IS system? I had a 2008 (w/ ML) and am still waiting for my 2014 to arrive. Am curious if it is the same system, better, worse, etc.

 

Having experienced premium sound with my Rx300 and Rx400h, I actually find the standard stock audio system in my 3IS to be comparable. I'm happy with it. Plus, I don't need DVD capabilities

 

I've been pushing the ML pretty hard during the last week, and it seems to loosen up a bit. Still not that proper deep base, but the punch is better.

My settings are trebble +1, mid 0 and base +4.
The music is a lot of Nightwish and Evanescence.

Surround settings are off. That affects the sound pretty much.

I think the speakers need to be broken in properly for 15-20 hours to really come to life.

 

Any special methods needed for the speakers "to be broken in properly?"

 

Don't overload them while they are cold.
I've started with level 20-25 for the first couple of days. Day 5 i started at lvl 20 for 15 minutes then gradually increased them to full power. Lvl +5 every 10 minutes or so. Had them at full power for about 15 minutes.

After that they sound a bit better.