bigblack06

iTrader: (20)

I have to say I like the LS 500's ML sound system. I get enough bass as well but the music sounds clearer than my GS that's for sure, then again that was the regular pioneer speakers that came with it. I'm guessing you already raised the bass level up,which should be more than adequate given the bigger sub in it.

cuzi

Do you use in 2D or totally off? I am having the same issue.

mpy1

Speaking for myself 3D seemed better, but not great. As others have stated, bluetooth (mostly Pandora) is more acceptable than XM. I now limit XM to just news stations. Does the CD player hold only 1 CD at a time? I couldn't get it to load additional discs but haven't checked the manual.

nsaldanh

Yes the CD/DVD player can only hold one disc at a time. Lexus phased out the 6 CD/DVD Changer in 2013.

bigblack06

iTrader: (20)

Yes only 1 CD, I currently use my ipod and I get good quality. I def don't bother with XM which is funny cause in my GS it sounded better for XM.

Wandl

Just as a reference, you guys should test drive a 19 Acura RDX Advance with the ELS 3D sound system - by far the best I've heard (partly because the car is smaller but the surround sound is outstanding).

I think the LS500 ML is better than the 4LS ML system but not "wowed", personally the B&O from a A8 still tops on my list. I'm no audiophile though just a normal joe.

angrypengu

Certainly agree the 5LS ML is better than the 4LS ML, but I will say I disagree with you with the B&O on the A8. I prefer the 5LS ML to the $5100 B&O Advanced 3D sound system with 1920 watts and 23 speakers with 23 channels.

Yeah, I love the 5LS ML that much, mainly because of true 3D sound (not in the A pillar like on the A8, but on the ceiling)!

mpy1

How do you listen to your music library? If on ipod, do you keep ipod connected to USB indefinitely in 1 USB port and then connect iphone to the 2nd USB port when wanting to listen to internet radiio through Carplay?
Or listen to internet radio (Pandora) bluetoothed from iphone?
I'm thinking of purchasing an ipod to keep connected always in 1 of the 2 console USB ports.

charley95

The standard unit in my 14 RX sounds much better than the ML in my 18 GS. Not worth the option price in the GS.

bigblack06

iTrader: (20)

Didn't have ML. Stated the stock Pioneer unit.

yardie876

Comparing stock systems I've used in loaners over the years made me appreciate the ML system in my MY13 GS.

jefmedia

I am driving my 5th LS with the ML system, I find the one in LS5 to be quite different to the previous systems. It seems brighter to me, not a bad thing, but definitely different. From previous experience in the the Home A/V market, I have learned that most high end speakers take time to break in. I have Thiel's in my HT and they sounded to shrill when I first bought them, as time went on, they mellowed and now sound really natural to my ear, when very clear highs and mids. It took time though. I have Focal's in a Ford F150 Limited, they too sounded to abrasive when I first had them installed, now they too have softened and sound great. Not saying this will be the case with the ML, but I am hopeful. My biggest gripe I guess is that Lexus has not given me the ability to play FLAC files on the USB input, only MP3's which I won't do, or WAV files which are way to large. I do have my iTunes converted to Apple Lossless, it's just a pain. At least I can access it through CarPlay, which is nice.
BTW, I really love the car, my brother, hugh BMW fan, drove it, and really liked it. Thought that would never happen.

nsaldanh

The LS500 supports FLAC on USB - see section 4-6 page 152 of the multimedia and navigation manual. That might not be the case with the previous generation LS 460.

jefmedia

I'm sorry I missed that! Now that I have RTFM, I will retract my obviously misinformed comment. That being said, has anyone been able to make this happen? If so any advise? Will xFAT format work? Also is anyone using a USB 3.0 drive, I know they are supposed to be backward compatible but... I have had cases where they were not.
BTW my page number was 158 for some reason. 18v19 maybe?
Thanks nsaldanh, you made my day, now if I can get it to work.

nsaldanh

jefmedia: I have a 2018 LS and yes a USB 3.0 drive works. I'm using a 32 GB USB 3 drive. I'll have to check how its formatted. It's at whatever the default was for that drive as I did not change it.