My wife will be getting my 350h in a couple of weeks. It is luxury package with many other options but one, the mark levinson audio...
ML audio was one of the options that I really wanted to have but getting one with ML audio requires a looong wait.
Those of you with base audio, how good or bad is it? How does it compare to optional audios from say toyota?

 

It's very average. Lows are pretty lacking. My 300 dollar Edifier sound system at home sounds better. But it's not bad.

 

Have you heard the ML on this one? Hope is it better?

What is you turn up the pioneer all the way up on the base?

Thoughts?

 

Generally the base sound system is ok. I posted a few months ago on upgrading 2 speakers in the dash (3.5" wideband) and 2 6.5" midwoofers in the door. It sounds much better but this is subjective

 

I think it is decent for my purposes. I had a 2018 Toyota Highlander limited with JBL premium sound and the base was better. At louder volumes the JBL system was better too. But it is a good enough system for me.

 

If you have nothing to compare it to, I think it’s decent. I thought it was fine until I had to run some errands in my IS350 with ML. It made me realize how much the base audio in my NX was lacking as I listen to EDM and hip hop and there’s just no bass to bump to anymore.

 

I mean its good, could be worst, they are pioneer from what I understand so much better than the JBL sound system in the Toyotas I guess also because of the internal cabin. I came from a Mercedes Benz that had a Harman Kardon with 18 speakers, it was great but no Mark Levinson.

 

The mark Levinson should be standard at least in the premium and Luxury trims.

 

I agree but If Lexus did that, there would be an even greater shortage of vehicles at dealerships. They could not produce enough chips and components for every Lexus to have ML. A majority of Lexus customers are fine with the base sound system.

 

Yes you are right, I am one of those customers

 

I am not an audiophile, but I am perfectly happy with my base sound system - I did turn up the bass a couple of notches, but that's all I've had to do. 80's on 8, Hair Nation, and 1st Wave all sound good.

 

My wife's NX doesn't have ML, and I have ML in my IS... It's NIGHT AND DAY!!! We just completed a road trip in her NX, and in order to truly get full feel you'll have to be creative with the EQ based on the type of music you listen to for sure..

 

The base audio is not bad, but I would say it is definitely a step down from the premium sound options I had in my Ford Escape (Sony) and Subaru (Harmon Kardon)

It really does lack in clarity and base. If you listen to satellite radio or regular radionit will probably be just fine. If you listen to high bitrate audio through Android Auto or Apple Car Play you may be disappointed.

I ended up having my base system upgraded (new DSP (amp), speakers and subwoofer) and am glad I did. Really wanted the ML but didn't seem like it would ever be available at my dealership.

 

If you do not mind, could you please share your setup and the cost?
I saw that you came from HK on Subaru Ascent, interesting coincident, I currently drive Ascent with Harman Kardon audio.
I will be trading this in once I get my NX, your comment that standard audio in NX is worse than the HK in Subaru worries me a little bit.

 

I am tempted to get my audio upgraded as well. No rattles coming from the upgrades? That's my only concern. Do the upgrades play well with the OEM sound tuning ?

This is the worst audio system I've heard on a premium vehicle.