I had just about enough of the ML audio system on my 06 LS430. There is obsolutely no bass and when I crank up the volume before I feel that is loud enough the sound started to distort. What is the deal with it! Is it just me or they just sucked. I just purchase a 12" woofer, set of Front & Rear MB Quartz and 2 big amps for my ML500. Maybe I should drop them in the Lexus instead as I'm only to plan on keeping my ML500 for 2 more years no more then 3 definetely.

 

Theres plenty of bass in mine. I suppose its subjective, Its not much bass if you are used to 12's bumpin, but its aot for a factory premium system.

 

I wonder why they went from a 10inch on the 95-00 to an 8incher on the 2001 ML's... I've got a lot more bass then my friends 2005 Ultra... however, sounds much more clear on his.

 

the MLevinson system leaves a LOT to be desired for sure, they set it up for more classical *mood* music, older folks music, not bumpity bump music. The MLevinson system can be integrated with, we do it all the time here at the shop, you will need a Soundgate to interface, then your amps, and speakers. You will also need a good box design, as the trunk is preaty well sealed aside from the ski chute. If you need help let me know!

 

I have an 01 with the ML system, I've had some cars that really "bumped" when I was younger. The ML system is good with base but, not near what you'd get if you had a few 10's with a good amp. All depends on the music you like and what you are looking for in bass. If your looking for a lot of "thump", I'd suggest to add an amp and sub to the ML system (look for other posts, people have done it before), because that would be pretty awsome....

 

I test again last night and the speakers are alright but the bass got distorted quick as soon as I crank up the volume. If I turn the bass back to neutral then the distortion goes away but so is the bass, which wasn't really there the first place.

I don't really want to mess around with my LS430 as its my wife's car primary and I love to keep it in factory condition since I bought the bumpep2bumper extended warranty.

 

I dont like how theres no numerical volume value. I'd like to know actually how loud the system is being turned up so I can more easily adjut it to my ideal settings.

 

Agree 100% that the ML system (at least on my 03) is terrible unless you 're a classical music type fan. I don't bump my music and I've always been more than satisfied with the stock stereos in my previous cars but I cannot adjust this ML to anything near acceptable to my tastes. It sounds 'tinny' and has no bass whatsoever. It sounds like the AM clock radio I listened to as a kid.

 

I am a bit disappointed by the ML system too. It's not too bad by factory system standards, but by my recollections the old Nakamichi systems in the older Lexus cars was actually better... I have a GX470 with the non-ML system and I almost think I like it better than the ML in the LS...

 

The ML in my old RX330 had some great bass. I'm not sure how much of that had to do w/cabin dynamics since there is more airspace in the RX. The door speakers are larger on the RX so you can "feel" the bass hitting your legs. On the other hand insturmentals sound great in the LS.

Sam

 

I don't know if anyone had this happen to them but the ML amp on my '04 is blown. No sound comes out whatsoever except the inital "pop" from the blown amp. I don't bump the sound (that much) so talk about crap. I agree with the Nakamichi statement. Oh well, I guess two weeks with no sounds means that I'm about to bust a William Hung.
Dan

 

I think even a classical music fan would enjoy more bass them the ML system has to offer. When I had "banging" system when I was younger, I did still listen to some classical music on it. It's quite impressive to have strong base for most types of music (as long as you can adjust it)

I'd have to say the ML system is pretty good, but, not what I would expect from brands like Lexus and Mark Levinson (If you know ML home systems, amps start around $25K). I'm a little disapointed but, would not call it tinny with no base at all.

Just my thoughts...

 

Depends what characterstics you like in a system. Audiophile friends have had many praises for the neutrality of the ML reproduction. I listen to jazz and guitar, it is a pretty sweet sound system as far a car audio goes. If you are after a visceral expeience with low frequency resonance, the ML system is not in this realm...it does okay.

 

Maybe I'm just not well versed in what a great audio setup should look like, but I was totally impressed with my 03' LS ML system. When I wanted to hear great sound, I would take my CDs to the car and go for a drive. And I listed to everything from hip hop to country to hard rock and it all sounded great.

The only pet peeve I ever had was that on rainy days, the computer would send too much power to the right front tweeter and it sounded like crap. Other than that, though, it was great.

 

In a recent road trip in my new RX350 my wife commented that the audio sounded "tinny". It's the standard stereo, not the ML. I agreed that it didn't sound very good. When I got home I set up a side-by-side test with my '05 LS430, which has the ML. I went back and forth between the two vehicles, listening to several XM channels and classical music on FM. I was surprised at how little difference there was. The LS's audio sounded a little better, but not much. Conclusion: neither of them is very good.