Just recently purchased a new 21 is350. Currently enjoying the car.... the only caveat it did not come with the Mark Levinson package.
The base sound system doesn't sound the greatest. Seeking to upgrade my stock sound system to the ML or upgrade to an aftermarket system.

Any ideas if the car is already pre-equipped with ML plugs/ports ?

 

I would think a good car audio store would have no problem making it sound great.

 

True indeed, but I would like to retain all OEM features and head-unit. In addition I don't want a sub-woofer box in my trunk like I'm a teenager.

 

It's not worth it IMO. I have ML audio I wouldn't say it's the best but I've never heard what non ML audio sounds like. If I took a blind test I would say ML sounds ok it won't blow you away especially on IS. ML supposed to sound amazing in higher end cars like LS500.

 

The GS owners say the ML in the modern GS is also not that great. I guess not all Mark Levinson's are created equal. I guess we'll have to wait for SavageGeese to review the ML audio on the new IS.

 

You can just change out speakers and add a amp for better sound and you don't have to add a Sub if you don't want a box in the trunk and still retain all your factory controls. Really not a big deal. Most after market car audio is a lot better than the factory ML system that's for sure. Just go talk to a good reputable car audio shop.

 

My two cents? You really have to use the surround sound function. It sounds much better that way, at least to me, subjectively. Also, it's hard to take advantage of it without decent quality audio. Finally, I had to experiment with EQ for a few weeks to dial it in. It's actually quite neutral with every frequency band in the middle, if slightly bass-heavy.

I agree, it's not the best sound system I have ever used, but it is by far the best in a car I have actually owned. The only other "premium" sound system I've had in a car was the Fender system in the GTI, which was actually a great system. It doesn't quite have the mid-tone clarity of the ML but otherwise is 90% as good. That could be explained by the IS being a generally quieter vehicle.

 

I'm no audiophile but I have a 2019 IS 300 F sport without Mark Levinson and my gf has a 2019 ES 300H with Mark Levinsons. I don't think the difference is that great at all.

 

Aren’t some of the speakers hard to upgrade because they are not a standard size?

 

Speaking from experience with upgrading the non ML audio system/speakers in my car (the 2021 has the same speaker setup, at least it does for the non ML), most of the speakers are a standard size with the exception of the front door speaker which is a 8" mid-range woofer, but audio shops can make/install or sell you a conversion adapter plate that goes in that hole to convert it to hold a 6.5 if you want, which is a good option for the front door. The rear deck 8" I would either keep the OEM one and connect it to the aftermarket amp, or replace it with another 8" low range subwoofer, but the mounting depth may limit your options. You can find aftermarket 8's but they are an uncommon size (as far as mid range for front doors, so you don't have a lot of options. 8" low range subs are easy to come by so the rear deck would be easy to upgrade).

The front dash speakers are 4" for highs, those are easy to find. The rear doors have 6 & 3/4 but will fit 6.5's just fine, which are also a common size with tons of options.

Connecting to the OEM amp isn't really an easy option, so you would be looking to do a full amp + speaker setup, likely with the help of a car audio shop.

Our headunit cannot be replaced as it's intergraded with other systems in our car, but they sell a harnesses that ties into the OEM stereo to provide the RCA output for an amp.

As mentioned by others in this thread, upgrading a non ML system to a ML system would be a massive hassle, crazy expensive, and just not worth it. If you are set on upgrading your stereo system, a full aftermarket amp + speakers + DAC/ audio control line out converter unit (for adjusting/tuning and balancing the sound stage) is the way to do it.

 

 

As to this comment, I agree that a big speaker box in the truck is not an elegant solution, and and bigger sub is not really needed, depending on what type of music you listen to and your preferred amount of low range sound, but there are options for a a sub without a big box if you desire it, keeping your trunk space, like this:



Or as mentioned by me above, you can just upgrade the rear deck speaker to a moderate level 8" sub, or just keep the OEM one and power it with the new amp, which will make it sound better.

 

Thanks. Does anyone have the speakers’ specs like frequency range, sensitivity? That would help decide the upgrade path. If I can get away with just upgrading the speakers, I’ll take it. However, I certainly don’t want to go down that path if it ultimately will still mean adding an amp or a self powered sub.

 

i actually made sure this IS did not have the Mark Levinson package, I had it on my 2019 ES 350 and really disliked it.

 

I think ML in my IS is not the most amazing system I've experienced, but for people like me who don't plan to change it, it's a must. It's got far better bass and midrange/treble clarity compared to the base system.