Something is wrong with my new Mark Levinson
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 22,608
Likes: 105
From: Waiting for next track day
Nothing came off my call to lexus other than it's working the way it was designed to.
I did however figure out how to boost the volume of blue tooth audio on the Mark Levinson system (this might work on the non ML system as well, so maybe someone can try that and report back). Go into the hidden service menu (there are videos on You Tube that show you how to get into the hidden lexus menu). Once you get to this hidden menu look for the functions/settings menu. Under that you will see an option for blue tooth. Go into that and boost the level of the receiver to 3 or 4. The default is 0. I have not figured out how to exit the menu but have found that if you turn of the car it saves the option.
This also works on a 2012 GX 460 with the Mark Levinson audio system
I did however figure out how to boost the volume of blue tooth audio on the Mark Levinson system (this might work on the non ML system as well, so maybe someone can try that and report back). Go into the hidden service menu (there are videos on You Tube that show you how to get into the hidden lexus menu). Once you get to this hidden menu look for the functions/settings menu. Under that you will see an option for blue tooth. Go into that and boost the level of the receiver to 3 or 4. The default is 0. I have not figured out how to exit the menu but have found that if you turn of the car it saves the option.
This also works on a 2012 GX 460 with the Mark Levinson audio system
Thread Starter
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 904
Likes: 3
From: Florida
Nothing came off my call to lexus other than it's working the way it was designed to.
I did however figure out how to boost the volume of blue tooth audio on the Mark Levinson system (this might work on the non ML system as well, so maybe someone can try that and report back). Go into the hidden service menu (there are videos on You Tube that show you how to get into the hidden lexus menu). Once you get to this hidden menu look for the functions/settings menu. Under that you will see an option for blue tooth. Go into that and boost the level of the receiver to 3 or 4. The default is 0. I have not figured out how to exit the menu but have found that if you turn of the car it saves the option.
This also works on a 2012 GX 460 with the Mark Levinson audio system
I did however figure out how to boost the volume of blue tooth audio on the Mark Levinson system (this might work on the non ML system as well, so maybe someone can try that and report back). Go into the hidden service menu (there are videos on You Tube that show you how to get into the hidden lexus menu). Once you get to this hidden menu look for the functions/settings menu. Under that you will see an option for blue tooth. Go into that and boost the level of the receiver to 3 or 4. The default is 0. I have not figured out how to exit the menu but have found that if you turn of the car it saves the option.
This also works on a 2012 GX 460 with the Mark Levinson audio system
I tried looking on youtube and couldnt find how to get into the hidden service menu. Can you give me a description or a link. Thanks. I would love to have all doors open when I unlock the car. I hate having to press the unlock button again to let the passengers in. My GS did all doors and I would like my LS to work the same
Lead Lap
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 611
Likes: 91
From: FL
Sorry Sal - It's handsfree volume setting. That's how the phone communicates to the head unit -- so when you boost receiver volume it raises the input level for your music as well.
I8AMBR: What year is your LS 460? If 2010+ you should have a setting in the normal menu where you can adjust vehicle settings. If earlier than 2010 you have to get the dealer to adjust the setting for all doors to unlock.
I8AMBR: What year is your LS 460? If 2010+ you should have a setting in the normal menu where you can adjust vehicle settings. If earlier than 2010 you have to get the dealer to adjust the setting for all doors to unlock.
Last edited by nsaldanh; Aug 9, 2012 at 03:26 PM.
Thread Starter
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 904
Likes: 3
From: Florida
Okay, so I raised the volume for bluetooth. Perfect. What a difference. If only I could do the same for USB. I suppose when I want to listen to my music really loud, I'll disconnect my device from USB and run it via bluetooth. It's a shame, though, as I don't remember seeing playlists in bluetooth. Maybe I'm just forgetting.
Lead Lap
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 611
Likes: 91
From: FL
Assuming you are using an iPod or iPhone you can do the following:
1. On your device select the playlist that you want to play. Press Play and then Pause.
2. When the car system connects to your device it will start playing your playlist.
3. I created special playlists for the car where I have about an hour's worth of music. That way it does not stop while I am driving and I don't have to meddle with the iPhone to get another playlist setup.
4. The car unit doesn't give you the ability to select a playlist using the car's touch screen. The manual indicates that it can on certain blue tooth devices, but does not tell you which ones.
It's a big pain compared to the older unit on my 2008 that had a hard drive, but it works for me.
1. On your device select the playlist that you want to play. Press Play and then Pause.
2. When the car system connects to your device it will start playing your playlist.
3. I created special playlists for the car where I have about an hour's worth of music. That way it does not stop while I am driving and I don't have to meddle with the iPhone to get another playlist setup.
4. The car unit doesn't give you the ability to select a playlist using the car's touch screen. The manual indicates that it can on certain blue tooth devices, but does not tell you which ones.
It's a big pain compared to the older unit on my 2008 that had a hard drive, but it works for me.
Thread Starter
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 904
Likes: 3
From: Florida
I'm going to pick up a 32gb version of the newest iPod Touch with bluetooth and see how that works. I'll report back with results when I get it. I'm guessing it MIGHT be easier to work with considering it'll always be charged and hooked up via USB and then - maybe - when I convert to bluetooth via navigation system - it'll pick up on the playlist where it left off...
Lead Lap
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 611
Likes: 91
From: FL
Sal, Here's something else that I just did. In the iTunes app store there is an equalizer app from Denon Audio (D&M Holdings). Install that app and it will allow you to play your iTunes playlists. It has a pretty good graphic equalizer that allows you to tweak the sound to your liking. I boosted the bass and now the sound is as good as the 2008 LS Mark Levinson unit that I had. I am guessing that Lexus tweaked the ML system and cut the bass -- why I have no idea.
Anyway I am back to really liking the audio system in the car with this tweak,
Anyway I am back to really liking the audio system in the car with this tweak,
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: Colorado
I've been disappointed in the ML sound on the 2012 GX ML system as well. I had 2003, 2006 and 2009 GX's with ML prior to this one and the ML in them all had much better sound with a lot more bass. The sound is better on FM stereo than anything other mode, but just slightly.
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