My local Lexus dealership was able to find an nx 350h that matches 95% of my search criteria, but it's missing the Mark Levinson upgrade, which is about $1K extra in the Luxury trim. They will sell for MSRP.

With the current supply shortages (especially for hybrids) I've decided to move forward and they expect it to arrive sometime next month. I'm willing to compromise on the audio as I think the stock premium sound will still be OK and I haven't seen many with the ML option, but I'm still a bit bummed it will be lacking that.

Question: From what I've read it seems that an aftermarket upgrade would cost significantly more than the Levinson option price to match its sound quality. Are there aftermarket audio systems/setups in the $1.5K-$2.5K range installed that would be better than stock and worth the upgrade? I've got a few reputable car stereo dealers locally, but was wondering if others had experience upgrading from stock.

I'm not looking to bump, I just want something with that is not a step down from current Ford Escape Sony system .

Thanks!

 

The standard Lexus systems is probably a step above the Ford Escape Sony system. If you don't like the sound of the 10 speaker Lexus system, the least expensive upgrade is to replace the speakers with higher quality speakers; this is a fairly inexpensive upgrade which I have done may times. The next step is to replace stock amplifiers, slightly more expensive but in the long run worth it. Listen to the 10 speaker Lexus system and adjust it before you panic; it will more than likely satisfy your audio needs.

Good Luck

YMMV,
MidCow3

 

The 10 speaker is a Pioneer system.
https://newsbeezer.com/japaneng/the-...eer-car-watch/

 

I think you will regret it…sounds like you already are. Nothing worse than being in a vehicle missing a desired option and settled for less. I’ve had the ML in my IS 350 and it was one of the best sounding systems I’ve ever heard in a affordable luxury vehicle. The base system was terrible on the IS.

 

I recall a YouTuber (Daily Motor) and he gave the 10 speaker a B-tier system while the ML is a A-tier system. So if you are an audiophile, you will appreciate the ML system. For myself, the 10 speaker is good enough for me. If I wanted to have great music, I rather sit at home and listen with the home system.

 

I’m not an audiophile but I’ve seen reviews and feedback that suggest for the base system is actually pretty good. I expect the ML is an improvement and would be a must have for audiophiles or discerning listeners. But if you’re anything like me you may find the base stereo to be more than adequate.

 

Like others mentioned, if you're an audiophile, the base isn't going to cut it for you. That said, it's more than sufficient for the average person when you tweak it.

I came from a Model Y, which had a really good stock system and I can easily tell a difference. Would I pay for a ML system? Absolutely not. This meets my needs.

 

Thanks for all of the great responses, and excellent information to consider!
When I test drove the base setup (which I now know is a Pioneer ), it sounded pretty respectable, even with Sirius XM being the source, so I think it may be sufficient for me.

I wouldn't exactly consider myself an audiophile by any means so I'm hoping it will be a minor improvement over what I have today, which is pretty good by my standards. It's just knowing that this ML system exists that makes me feel like I'm missing out on something special.

If it does end up disappointing it's good to know there are some aftermarket options for upgrading speakers and amplifiers that could lead to noticeable improvements.
Is a DSP also necessary when adding new upgraded speakers/amps? I've read a few posts indicating those are essential to keep tune the sound and keep it from being worse than stock.

Thanks again for the thoughtful and insightful comments!

 

So being an audiophile... I demand a little something above... I have the levinson system and chose to upgrade the dash with these:
https://www.crutchfield.com/p_210TU4...BoCsAwQAvD_BwE
Absolute best buy!

 

I have 1 NX with the ML system and one NX without - both 2024's.

Get a ML.... 100%, get a ML.

 

I have a 2021 RX350 with ML... It is 1000% better than the others... but still not perfect... the tuning on the sub is wonky and crossed too low and the high extension is not great... I replaced the dash speakers with these drop ins:
Morel Tempo 4" Coax
and the improvement with instantly great...

Then further I replaced the subwoofer with a custom enclosure molded to look 100% oem (retained original in case I trade in) with this driver
Morel Primo 10" subwoofer

I used this to hook up to the factory subwoofer output
KICKER KEYLOC DSP Smart Powered Line-Out Converter 47KEYLOC
This little magic box allowed me to fix the lacking 100-60Hz presence

Then I used this amplifier
US Acoustics Mike 1500 watt sub amp
And mounted the remote gain in the console where I could add or remove sub presence on the fly...

That pretty much fixed the mark levinson to where I consider it acceptable...

Now this said; you have to consider I have always installed high end SQ systems into about every vehicle I have had... I thought the levinson was decent for an OEM and I really did NOT want to go full on DSP and remove usability of the original OEM interface.... This addressed in short order the main deficiencies which were bad sub tuning and lack of top end sparkle (even with the mark levinson)

Now that said; since I am a high end audio guy (both at home and in the car)
These will likely be the next upgrade:
Morel Hybrid Integra 42 4" 2-Way Coaxial Speakers