I'm really debating on skipping out on the ML audio and installing other speakers. Is it really worth the money to get them?

 

I was having that decision to make as well when i was going to purchase mine. I waited 3 months and we could never get one with it . My dealership just started getting some in and so i went to see and hear the difference . For the 800$ I would say yes it is after hearing both unless you'd rather put a custom system in the car yourself . Now I wish I had waited another 2 months to get my car but either way I am happy with everything about the car. I will just a dd a sub in a few weeks to pick up the slack of the stock none ML system.

 

ML sounds decent to me! IMHO, when I buy a car, I always try to get all the options....just because

 

Plus for only a 800$ option it is worth it . Custom systems will cost a lot more .

 

+1, if you need more bass, that would be an easy addition.

 

I had the ML in my LS430 and several cars with the BOSE system (very inferior in my Caddy and current Audi Q7), and I loved the 240,000 miles I drove with that system. I have a new Wrangler and their top of the line radio is a piece of sheiss - almost painful.

I currently have an RX350 with the premium radio and it's ok - but for $800 I see that as a no-brainer. Of course, you should listen first and make up your own mind as I don't know how good it sounds in an IS (but I suspect it's very good).

BTW, I'm an audiophile and have nearly as much invested in my home system as my new RX cost and while the ML won't let you "stage" the band with your eyes closed, it has wonderfully clear sound.

Good luck.

 

I thought the ML package was an extra $1,250+ or so! If it's really $800, then I'll definitely get it because I doubt that I could put together a better 7.1 - 835 watt system for that.

 

I think the ML package is definitely worth it. I had it in my 2IS, and was very happy with the sound. Most of the 3IS cars at my dealership didn't have the ML. Salesperson insisted there's no difference. I drove a loaner car with non-ML. It sounded like crap. IMO, it took away from the experience of driving a Lexus. So I made it a point to get ML included. One of the best decisions I made when purchasing mine.

 

The best sound option out of dealer is always my first option. JBL in the Verza, Bose in the Silverado and now ML in the Lexus. Yes it is worth it.

 

The standard system in my IS350 is far better than the premium one in my 750Li, which was $1,200. Happy, but not. :|

 

It's definitely worth it. GET THE ML! You won't regret it

 

I definitely agree with the other posters here who say it's worth it. It would be difficult to get the same audio performance for the asking price of the ML.

 

Why is it next to impossible to find an IS with ML at a NY/NJ dealer?

Also seems RWD IS' are more likely to have ML.

Strange.

 

I'm not an audiophile but my $0.02, it's an awesome system... Loud when you want it to be with no distortion. The ability to change the sound parameters of each source is great because both my wife and I listen to different music and we adjust as necessary. So, worth the investment, considering after market units would cost a lot more...

Johnny
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2014 Lexus IS 350 FSport Ultra White / Rioja Red / Mark Lev / BSM
K&N drop in Air Filter │Coming Soon... Plasti-Dip Emblems │TRD Body kit

 

I listened to ML vs. stock systems at the dealership before I bought the car. I wanted the AWD version of the IS350 F Sport. Unfortunately, ML and AWD are usually not sent together to the Northeast region (yet, this combo is regulary provided to the Pacific Northwest!).

So, I had the choice in August of getting a car with the stock system immmediately or wait four months, special ordering AWD with ML. I liked the ML so much that I chose to wait. I am picking the car up later this week!