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I'll start out by saying I've had several Lexus' before with the ML stereo in them and was pleased.
Came out of a Bronco Raptor that had a decently upgraded system including a 13" JL sub and upgraded amps/speakers.
The ML in my 25 LX 600 just does not sound good. Missing mid details like crazy and the treble is either not there or harsh. Bass is so-so and underwhelming.
Talked to my local shop today and we are going to try the following.
Keep stock components and install a multi channel DSP/AMP removing the ML amp from the system. This will allow tuning of the factory speakers. If this doesn't solve the issues I'm hearing (or not hearing), we will move to phase two which will be speaker upgrades.
Also removing third row seats and using space to install a custom box that will be flush with the rear cargo space floor that will house 2 downward firing JL audio 13 tw5's and adding 1200 watt amp to drive those.
I'll start out by saying I've had several Lexus' before with the ML stereo in them and was pleased.
Came out of a Bronco Raptor that had a decently upgraded system including a 13" JL sub and upgraded amps/speakers.
The ML in my 25 LX 600 just does not sound good. Missing mid details like crazy and the treble is either not there or harsh. Bass is so-so and underwhelming.
Talked to my local shop today and we are going to try the following.
Keep stock components and install a multi channel DSP/AMP removing the ML amp from the system. This will allow tuning of the factory speakers. If this doesn't solve the issues I'm hearing (or not hearing), we will move to phase two which will be speaker upgrades.
Also removing third row seats and using space to install a custom box that will be flush with the rear cargo space floor that will house 2 downward firing JL audio 13 tw5's and adding 1200 watt amp to drive those.
Haven't picked out DSP/AMPS yet.
Will post some pics of project and when done.
Please keep us posted. I too am extremely disappointed with the supposed "premium" ML sound system. Compared to my Mercedes and several past generation LX's, this is very poor sound quality.
I must agree. I have messed round with all of the settings and it simply pales in comparison to the Burmester system I had in my 2013 Cayenne--that had 2 tweeters that were broken!!! The Bose in my other Porsches sound better than the ML frankly. What were they thinking with this system? I noted this feedback in the customer survey they sent as well.
I agree! the JBL in my LC HE sounds way better than this Mark Levinson of 2025 LX! Truly disappointing as its the no1 option I made sure I get with the LX
Interesting topic. I was just having a discussion with a friend yesterday that had a 2025 ES w/ Mark Levinson and now has a brand new Prius with a stock system and not even an upgrade saying how much better the sound is in the Prius.
I think its just the newer ML system that lacks the quality that older MLs had. My ML system in my LS430 and LS460 both sounded amazing. The ML in my LC500 and LX600 just doesn't hit the mark.
It's interesting, on my LC I have the surround turned off but on my LX it's on. My LC is hard to judge since it's a convertible. I used the settings suggested in the LC forum for both the LC and the LX to start with then adjusted to taste from there.
I purchased use used 2024 NX, dealer loaner car, for what I think was a good price and with 4 years of remaining warranty. The car had the luxury package so I have the upgraded sound system. I too think the sound system is good but not great. I was disappointed to see only a treble, mid, and bass EQ. I would have thought a premium sound system should have had as a minimum a 5 or 7 band EQ. I came from a 2011 GMC Terrain and the sub in that car was great. Even with the bass turned all the way up in the NX the sub is it just adequate.
The ML in my 2018 LC hits pretty hard and actually sounds better the louder it goes. Sounds is extremely subjective to pretty much everyone, but I feel it lacks nothing and I'm a pretty decent audiophile.
My home set-up... (I have somewhat of an ear for music)
Vintage Pioneer SX-1080 (pre amp)
Anthem MCA 225 (amp)
Eversolo T8 (streaming i2s)
Denafrips ARES 15th
Wharfedale Super Linton's
Elac Varro RS 500 sub
Rega P3 50th Edition turntable (Nagaoka MP-500 cart.)
Love the Pioneer receiver, classic! Watching the backlit power meters and the balance of the tuning **** were great.
Had it since I was a Marine in Okinawa. Bought it brand new from the PX on base. $650. Every dollar I had at the time, lol. She's still in mint condition...thanks.
Had it since I was a Marine in Okinawa. Bought it brand new from the PX on base. $650. Every dollar I had at the time, lol. She's still in mint condition...thanks.
We always headed east (NATO Squadron). Jealousy ran deep for the ones who went west and had access to the latest/greatest electronics. Best we could do was get some great equipment second hand. Semper Fi!
We always headed east (NATO Squadron). Jealousy ran deep for the ones who went west and had access to the latest/greatest electronics. Best we could do was get some great equipment second hand. Semper Fi!
A WestPac was definitely the best way to get your hands on the good stuff, (electronics). I did 2 Med Floats as well, like you said...nothing out East, lol.
Semper Fi
Mark Levison disappointing
