I am about ready to buy a used 2013. It has a ML system in it. I have read that since 2009, there is not enough base or power in the ML system. I am going to trade in my 2007 LS. I put a PDX-5 amp and Alpine Sub woofer in the 2007 as it did have only the standard factory stereo. This gave me all the power and great base. I am thinking about removing these and put them in the new 2013 LS 460.
Question one: Can I just change out the amp and sub woofer and still use the ML connections? Will this solve any power or base problems in the newer LS 460's ? Or will this mess up everything in the ML system? Or should I leave the factory amp and sub woofer and just go with it? Help. Any suggestions would be helpful. Thanks

jarm

 

Leave it alone. As a long-time audiophile I believe it sounds beautiful. Why mess with a good thing? I've had the Nakamichi and ML in my four Lexus LS models and they've all been great.

 

Congratulations on the imminent new arrival!

Others on here are better equipped to speak to the connections. My contribution is more in the context of having owned a 2008 and now owning a 2010, both with ML.

Indeed, the bass was deeper in the 2008, and the system arguably felt more powerful. However, the "updated" ML amplifier is hardly a dog; it still sounds awesome. If the swap turns out to be easy for you connection-wise, great. Otherwise, keep this in mind; you can always try the system on the '13 first. I suspect you may be more comfortable with it that you expect.

 

Thanks everyone. May just leave it alone for now.

 

I'd let you ears decide. Personally, I'd leave it all alone and only change out the amp if you find it doesn't measure up to your previous LS' sound.

 

Nothing like the original ML system and I would leave it as is.

 

I would listen to it closely before committing to the swap. My '13 ML system sounds incredible (to my ears) and the bass is plenty powerful, but more importantly it's clear, clean and strong. I usually keep my eq flat and tracks generally sound superb, well-balanced, and rich at all volumes, even when cranked. I was a bassist for many years in another life, so I am particular about the focus and presence of the low end for all sorts of music including jazz, soul, hip hop, rock and electronic/new wave. Once you've spent some time with it, you may choose otherwise, but my strong recommendation is first to experience it as designed.

 

It's standard eq is very flat. But with bluetooth streaming through a phone app that has eq (Soundalive) settings really surprised me with the quality.

 

I have a 2014 LWB and the sound is fine. It's not as good as the 2007 - 2009 models, but much better than the 2010 - 2012 models.

 

Well I got the new 2013 LS with the ML. The sound is really good. Better than the aftermarket I had in the 2007 LS. I have noticed that you have to turn up the volume more to hear sound level that I want to hear. Some music I play loud and some I do not. But overall the sound is incredible. I will leave it alone.
jarm