All -- I have the non-ML audio system. Compared to my 2IS (which also had the standard audio), I find that the imaging is relatively poor and as a result, the sound is "muddy" or at least much less crisp. I do find that turning Surround on helps but overall the system is a noticable step backwards.

I can't find much information about the standard system. How many watts? What kind of speakers are used? Where are the front tweeters, and does the car actually have a powered sub? It doesn't seem like it does.

Starting with bass: I want the same bass performance as my 2IS. I'm not intersted in a sub box, bolting an amp in the trunk, etc. Can I bolt a sub (perhaps the ML sub) in a factory location? Would it be powered, or would I need to add a very small amplifier to drive it? What kind of signal is back there? I don't feel like I can pick up low frequencies without reducing the audio quality overall with the current setup.

Also, most of my audio is in FLAC format but I couldn't get the car to recognize FLAC using a thumb drive. Do I need to convert all of this music, or is there a way to make it recognize FLAC?

 

I have to agree that the imaging is poor and the speakers distort at the slightest inclination of bass. The 2is stock system is much better.
I'm looking for answers to boost its performance as well.

 

Hi ALl,

As the ML option is not available on F-Sport in France, I had to stick with the "standard" audio system. Compared to my previous Lexus and to my Toyota Land Cruiser the quality of sound produced by this standard audio system is way below what I expected.

Either with radio,CD's or DVD's the sound is flat and as stated earlier "muddy". The overall system sounds quite cheap. Considering that the IS300h F-Sport is not a cheap car, it is a bit irritating.

However, I am looking for solutions to improve it.

But where to start from ? Amplifier ? Subwooofer?

Any advice will be welcome.

 

According to this thread , the ML system uses a larger 'Unity' speaker in the dashboard. I am curious about what sound improvement we could expect if we swap out the three speakers in the dashboard for the ML speakers.

I don't know if they are plug-and-play or not... If the base speaker does not have a tweeter, but the ML 'Unity' speaker does, we might need to add a crossover.

 

Overall, the stock Lexus audio system is not bad. Also, for some reason, the IS system sounds slightly better than the ES stock sound system. The reason is likely due to smaller cabin in the IS.

My IS listed for $46,328 and was in dealer inventory. I only wish it had the ML option, as $1,000 is not a deal breaker.

The BMW 5 series stock sound system has a subwoofer under each seat. That would be a great addition for the stock IS system, but Lexus wants folks to spend the extra grand.

 

According to my dealer, he told me that the standard audio system was made by Pioneer. At least this was what he told me when I picked up my IS 250 F-sport.

I notice that the standard audio system is not bad for techno or house music, but if you want to play hip-hop or rap, then the bass is horrible. That was based on my personal experience so far.

 

ML audio is also bad for hip hop. So not worth the upgrade if you're looking for deep bass.

But I agree, the base audio system is horrible. They really cheaped out on the 2014's.

 

I'm thinking about replacing the speakers on the rear deck but I don't want to change the stock CD deck. Would the stock system have enough juice to power the speakers?

 

WOW ! That surprised me a lot! I was debating whether I should get ML package on my 3is, so glad I did not waste extra money on that...

I guess the only solution is through after market products..

 

Hmm, I've listened to my share of trance and hip hop on my ML, and IMO the bass performance has been fine. It's definitely not going to rattle the car next to you like an aftermarket sub could, but it's plenty strong enough for me. If you test it out, make sure to use USB or BT. Giving the ML a few ticks up in the bass EQ also helps if you're into it.

Comparatively, the bass is stronger than in my TSX's ELS sound system. I was actually thinking of getting an aftermarket sub while waiting for delivery, but after getting the car, I think the ML delivers great sound, even in the lower registers.

I didn't audition the base audio system, though, so unfortunately I can't help you guys compare. But for me, I think the extra money (and wait) for the ML was well worth it.

 

What kind of music is it good for? I listen mainly to Top 40 and EDM