Iv'e got a question.
My new Is 500 has the Levinson sound system. Not sure if I am missing something or is it just the acoustics in a small car. I'm finding the sound a quite pichy even taking out the treble and midrange. I am an old classic rocker fan and do like to turn up the volume.
I only mention it as I leased a new Acura ZDX this month also, my daily driver, which has a Bang and Olefson sound system that is miles above the Levinson. Granted the interior is much larger, which could account for some of the issue. just wondering if I'm not doing the proper adjustments to get the sound I'm looking for. The Levinson is extremely accurate and crsytal clear as long as the volume is not cranked high....any comments or suggestions..

Yeah the ML sound system in these cars won’t blow your socks off. I find that turning off “surround” gives it a wider sound stage. It might also reduce the high treble effects you describe.

I have had 3 different Lexus cars in the past 4 years and this is the first one I have owned with ML. I have always heard how incredible it sounds and how of all the premium sound systems, ML is basically in the top 3. I might have had inflated expectations because of that and ML does sound really good but its not the most incredible sound system on the planet. It does need some adjustment and I wish there was slightly more bass and fewer highs.

there was a thread on here somewhere about the ML system and some moved treble and fader back some i think. that was able to combat some of the highs, so you could go a little louder with the system overall. seems like you have to give it some juice to shine with the right source

You are not alone, this ML system is quite different from other models and past iterations. I have owned the ML system in nearly every Lexus... GS, ES, RX, LS, and IS with the IS being the worst one, probably the only one I dislike. It's the only one that actually hurts my ears with certain songs because there is a harshness in the upper frequency range that just isn't able to be tuned out with their simple 3 band EQ.

I do normally have treble down like -3 or -4 because it is SO BRIGHT in this car. I am experimenting with -1 in mid and then adjusting treble/bass to try to eliminate that harshness. I also moved the balance up 2. I'm pretty tall and the back door tweeter is inches from my head. Moving the balance up 2 takes the edge off. I feel like those are pretty good band-aids, but don't completely eliminate that harshness.

The only way I've gotten excellent audio is by adding an EQ. I just use the EQ on my phone with USB output. I have a Samsung so it works through Android Auto. The only downside is the volume is 15-20% lower this way. I even tried a USB DAC into the 3.5mm aux port and EQ'd it which worked GREAT, but you can only change songs on your phone that way. The steering wheel controls won't change songs when you use the 3.5mm aux port.

The hard part of all this is that the ML system is heavily EQ'd already and integrated into so many vehicle systems that it makes it hard to replace with something better. If Lexus would just add a better EQ this wouldn't be a problem. They could leave the 3 band EQ and have "expert mode" or something that is more adjustable. Many other premium car brands are doing it, with Lexus being a luxury brand this shouldn't be a "want" in 2025.

I really don't know what they're doing different on newer ML models, but somebody is f'ing stuff up. I have seen harshness complaints about the new TX and new RX, even the new GX was received as underwhelming. The current ML systems are just too inconsistent and unimpressive for a premium, higher cost option!

I would have to say I am a little disappointed in the ML system in my IS500 as I would say it sounds a little chincy if that is a word. I know everyone has difference thoughts on this but I have a 2021 Lexus RX350 with the base system and I did upgrade the three speakers in the dash and I believe it sounds much better than the ML system. This may be that I am just used to the sound of my RX but I would say it sounds more bold...if that makes sense.

I was more impressed with the base sound system in the Mercedes GLB and my wife's RX than the ML system in my IS500. The ML in the IS500 was just as underwhelming as the Bose system in my previous Q50S. I did full aftermarket upgrade with Focal in both cars.

Also, you have to keep in mind that the tire noise in these cars is not that quiet. The main thing I notice in my car is that, when I am stopped, the audio sounds amazing. However, on the move, the low-frequency tire noise masks a lot of the quality of the sound.

Does anyone know of a harnerss that is sold to easily hook RCAs to install an amp, that works with ML?

What are you trying to do? Install subs?

Thinking about it. I installed a setup into my non ML 2019 and was going to leave this one alone but I am thinking I might install the setup again. I just don't want to splice into the factory wiring this time.

See if Crutchfield or any shop sells wire harness for rear deck sub. Use that to connect to a line level converter. If you order a JL Audio Loc-22 line output converter from Crutchfield, they may include the harness. Doesn't hurt to ask them Good luck


**** Also, I would remove the rear deck sub to allow more sound to pass through since you will add aftermarket subs.

So how do you guys listen to the sweet purr of the NA V8 with the sound system cranked up and blasting some sort of music? I find myself just turning the sound system down to 2 or 3 so I can hear the engine.

I've noticed the music source makes a huge difference too. Spotify has the best deep well rounded tone, Pandora is next though it lacks bass. Music on my Apple iPhone depends on the song, some sound really good and others really bad. FM radio sounds pretty cheap. My NX 300h had the standard stereo and it sounded much better than this ML . I'll have to dust off some CDs and see what they sound like.

It's a constant tug of war as great music entices spirited driving, which in return, entices greater engine sound, which then prompts one to reduce the music sound to hear the engine sound, and so forth and so on......