Just wondering for those of you who've been in a 2IS previously with ML and went to a 3IS with ML, how did it compare? Or to stretch it a bit, a 2IS with base audio vs 3IS ML audio? I'm looking at replacing my 2IS within the next few months and wanted to go with something loaded this time around and audio was a bit of a concern this time.

Looking more specifically for at least a 2017 in the F-Sport flavor for all the nice interior refreshes/exterior refreshes over the 14-16's since I imagine they'll be flooding the market in the next 5 or so months when they start coming off of their leases, 2018's will prob be out of the budget although the FKS and LSD would be nice to have.

 

My friend had a 2IS with ML at the same time I got my 3IS with ML so we compared the sound.
The 2IS was a bit more punchy, with the bass hitting from the back.
The 3IS bass is about as strong, but smoother, so you don't feel it coming from the back.
We both thought that the 3IS ML is just a tiny bit better for everyday listening.

 

I have owned a 2IS and a 3IS, both with ML audio. To me, they seem pretty much the same. I do agree with the post above that I felt the 2IS had a little more bass to it while the 3IS may have a bit more clarity, but it's hard to say for sure since I didn't own them at the same time and am purely going off memory. I will say that I have never been in one without ML and I don't find either terribly impressive, but if the standard audio system is quite a bit worse than ML then that it must be quite lacking.

When I bought my Toyota Tundra, I shopped the standard vs upgraded audio. I found both to be very underwhelming and the JBL system is a pain to upgrade. So I just got the base audio since it can be easily modified. Not sure how the standard audio is in the IS, but if the quality matters that much to you and it's easier to upgrade then that could be a route to go since the ML system is not very aftermarket friendly.