It is alright up to about 45 on the volume, thats the maximum where the sound is balanced (to me), after that it cuts out the bass and the mids and highs do get louder but just do not sound right. So at low to moderate listening levels its not bad. The ML was smooth all the way through, and just continued to sound full and loud.

 

To those who know, 13-15 with and with out ML, that much of a difference?
The ML in my 07 and 08 was amazing.
I've passed a few 13-14 do to no ML All I have to compare is my 13 no ML GS.
Thanks

 

Ive has both, there’s a considerable difference. The base audio in my 15 LS was not as good as the base audio in my 13 GS.

 

DavidinCT, I saw the ad for the car you are describing. My initial reaction: being a UL without the ML stereo probably makes it a one of one.

If it's otherwise what you want, buy it lest you kick yourself later.

 

That's terrible about the snow plow.

I looked at the brochure, and sure enough it suggests the ML was a separate option and not included in UL. https://www.lexus.com/documents/broc...S-Brochure.pdf But like Steve said, a high-end stereo shop could easily top the ML system.

 

Just curious...
ML has 19 speakers and premium has 10. What is in place of those missing 9 speakers? Just empty grill?

 

The panels are different between the ML and the "premium".

 

I just brought a 2010 and ML is amazing with Tidal. Turns Long Bumper to Bumper Traffic Stress to a Relaxing Oasis Zone.

 

If anyone is following and interested. I ended up turning down this car. There was some condition issues on this car that had an hefty expense tp fix and there was other issues with this car combined with having the air system with a higher mileage car, and no ML system. I think I would of leaned towards it IF it had the ML system but, not an option.

I decided I would be better off with a earlier more sorted car for less money and ML, and look at a car in 2-3 years that I really want.

Thanks for all who gave their help and thoughts here.

 

Soooo, no 13 or newer with ML is going to sound as good as my old 08 with ML?

 

I can’t speak to an ‘08, but my 2013 sounds worse than the 2011 I owned. A very noticeable difference. I would love to hear an 07/08 for perspective.

 

Probably not.

My 17 ML sounds great, but I didn't have an older 460 with ML to compare it to.

 

How about roughing it for 2-3 year in cheap reliable beater? I've notice you rack up a lot of miles since you bought your LS460L around the same time I got mine 2+ years ago. I'm currently driving a 2006 Toyota Camry V6 and I gotta tell you it had been surprising good drive! No tpms, or any fancy electronics to break, Parts are cheap and options are plentiful and I can do nearly all repairs myself. It does have a timing belt but the engine is non interference. Good smooth power deliver on the highway. I paid $5,000 out the door, The only mod I did was 6K hid kit for $150. It's riding of fat 215/65/15 tires which is smooth over bumps of course.
If I do upgrade and get rid of it I should at least recoup 1/2 at a private sale several years later, but I may hold on to it forever as a back up car. It's truly the last of the old school Toyotas.

 

That LS460L seems to hit a lot of the sweet spot in terms of equipment, the ML bit is honestly something that you could get addressed by an aftermarket stereo setup so that can be rectified after the fact. The standard sound system is still decent (made by Pioneer I think?) so it's not like you won't get crappy sound...you just won't get as good of a sound with the ML but again that's something an aftermarket sub or speaker set can address.
All in all, go for it!

 

I actually found the standard sound in the LS460 pretty disappointing. Weaker than the non ML audio in both my previous GS and ES.