I've had the following cars with ML over the past 15+yrs:
'08 GX470
'21 GX460
'21 LX570
'22 RX450h
'25 LX700h
The LX700h has the absolute worst ML system compared to all of the others I've experienced! I'd be very interested to know if anyone upgraded either amp or speakers (or noth) to figure out which change might make the sound better.

 

That would be a lot of speakers to upgrade; https://us.marklevinson.com/in-lexus.html#lx

I can say when I first got the LC I was pretty disappointed with the ML (I've also have/had multiple Lexus with ML). But after changing the settings and input streams it's vastly improved (Pandora, Amazon, Apple etc., No to XM/Sirius, AM/FM). At least in the LC, it still only shines at louder volumes. My LX ML settings were slightly different, specifically Surround sound. It's Off on the LC but On with the LX. Both systems were maxed on the Treble and Bass then rolled back to taste.

 

GS300, GS350, GX460 that I have owned have all been far superior than my GX550 & LX600. Anything about 45 there bass & mids drop out. Then come back in again & drop off. There was a TSB created for the TX that replaces the ML amp. Sounds like the reviews on that new amp are very positive.

 

Just for curiosity, what was your impression of the Bronco Raptor?
Did you consider the Bronco Raptor R ?

Thanks !

 

The ML in the LX 570 is so good that I even couldn't find another match. Seriously I never experienced something like this and I was so excited that I wrote about the ML in my post 2019 Certified LX 570. I thought I was ignorant and it was because I never owned a flagship SUV before and there were supposed to be better surrounding audios in more expensive cars. so I went to test drive a 2025 brand new Royce Rolls Ghost with bespoke audio. I stayed in the Royce Rolls for half an hour and listened many songs and I was really trying hard to like it, but I was upset. Even though the sound was better than any BMW it wasn't as emotional, storytelling and all-encompassing as the LX.
But why? Compared with the RR ghost, my LX had 59k miles when I got it and the Mark Levinsonwas already 5 years old. Maybe it's because the Ghost is not the flagship. Next time I will check out the Phantom. so if you were upset about the ML, it was just because another ML is too good.
Someone may say why not Mercedes or Bentley. But I have an LX why would I even look at other cars rather than Rolls Royce. At the RR store, I met a Ghost owner from the middle east. He gave my LX a thumb-up and told me the LX and Land Cruiser are the very best cars in the middle east and people keep them for decades.

 

Turn off the 2D or 3D settings and your problem will be solved. When those are not used the sound actually comes out of all the speakers! Try it, you’ll like it.