Opinions on stereo
Lexus Champion
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,973
Likes: 55
From: Ohio
I'm perfectly happy with the non-ML system. However, that statement does not make sense. Why would Lexus have an ML option then? You should always take everything salespeople tell you with a grain of salt.
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 908
Likes: 59
From: Lincon, CA
Hope this helps.
Ray A.
Lead Lap
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,999
Likes: 37
From: FL
Best to take a high quality piece of music with you to the dealership and listen to the two systems back-to-back. Do not use an MP3 file as those are in a lossy format. Rather, an actual CD or a file stored in a lossless format the system can read. The real audiophiles in the audience will know what I am talking about and can chime in about which formats can be read by the new RX sound systems.
Of course, this assumes a dealership will have one of each system in an RX for you to use in your testing. Not the same if the system is in a different model vehicle.
Of course, this assumes a dealership will have one of each system in an RX for you to use in your testing. Not the same if the system is in a different model vehicle.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 13,276
Likes: 1,889
From: WA
It makes me wonder if the salesman didn't have any RXs with ML to show you, and would rather you got one off the lot that he did have to choose from. "You want ML? Eh, I don't have any with ML to show you, but the premium audio, which I DO have in stock, is even better..."
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Brett Foote
Rookie
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 77
Likes: 0
From: Ca
It makes me wonder if the salesman didn't have any RXs with ML to show you, and would rather you got one off the lot that he did have to choose from. "You want ML? Eh, I don't have any with ML to show you, but the premium audio, which I DO have in stock, is even better..."
The two Salespeople I spoke with had no idea that there was any other stereo available. We just bought an RX and the standard stereo is more than fine (as my wife will drive more than I).
BUT if this was going to be "my" car, I would have ONLY bought the ML one, as I really enjoy music, (to the extreme of owning over 5,000 CD's/LP's) and I have no doubt that it sounds better.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 1,068
Likes: 11
From: California
+1 on using a CD to compare an ML and a standard surround system.
And it depends on what you're listening to, as others have pointed out.
BUT, here's the problem i see,
the placement of the subwoofer in an RX350 and the mostly empty trunk.
Comparing ML RX 350 vs an ML sedan ( GS350, ES350 etc) the sedan SOUNDS better.
Comparing an ML RX 350 with a JBL toyota RAV4, the RAV 4 SOUNDED Better.
Now, going back to a Non ML RX350, if you tweak it right anc have a good source ALways it's actually good.
BUT if you're listening to XM radio 90% of the time, then you wont hear the difference.
I find an FM signal in HD broadcast Better than XM too.
And it depends on what you're listening to, as others have pointed out.
BUT, here's the problem i see,
the placement of the subwoofer in an RX350 and the mostly empty trunk.
Comparing ML RX 350 vs an ML sedan ( GS350, ES350 etc) the sedan SOUNDS better.
Comparing an ML RX 350 with a JBL toyota RAV4, the RAV 4 SOUNDED Better.
Now, going back to a Non ML RX350, if you tweak it right anc have a good source ALways it's actually good.
BUT if you're listening to XM radio 90% of the time, then you wont hear the difference.
I find an FM signal in HD broadcast Better than XM too.
Lead Lap
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,999
Likes: 37
From: FL
There are reference CDs you can purchase for the purpose of setting up a home or vehicle stereo system, such as the ones from Stereophile:
http://www.stereophile.com/reference/176
http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/271436437024?lpid=82
Of course, listening to your own music is important as well. There have been complaints by some that the sound systems in the RX lack bass. The large open area in the back does not lend itself to concert hall quality sound either. Now, I have never noticed it much in the ones I have owned or was given as loaners over the years. Perhaps I never noticed it because I listen to a lot of jazz without much bass or just news/NPR radio when driving. However, if your music tastes lean towards music with a heavy hitting bass line then you may find the RX setup a bit lacking. Therefore, another reason why you bring your own music along for testing.
http://www.stereophile.com/reference/176
http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/271436437024?lpid=82
Of course, listening to your own music is important as well. There have been complaints by some that the sound systems in the RX lack bass. The large open area in the back does not lend itself to concert hall quality sound either. Now, I have never noticed it much in the ones I have owned or was given as loaners over the years. Perhaps I never noticed it because I listen to a lot of jazz without much bass or just news/NPR radio when driving. However, if your music tastes lean towards music with a heavy hitting bass line then you may find the RX setup a bit lacking. Therefore, another reason why you bring your own music along for testing.
Thread Starter
Lead Lap
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 401
Likes: 4
From: Texas
This guy has sold me 4 cars over the past 8 years and I always trustred his judgement but now i'm begining to have doubts.
As far as him having an RX with ML, No. they don't have any 2015s yet.
I may just go across town to another dealer and see what he has to say.
I have an RX without ML and an SC with ML. Listening to the same CD in both, I can tell you that there is not much difference however, the ML system did produce a few notes that the "premium" system missed. You don't even have to listen very closely to notice the subtle difference. Try both and see how important it is to you. I would suppose the ML option adds some expense.
Thread Starter
Lead Lap
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 401
Likes: 4
From: Texas
I have an RX without ML and an SC with ML. Listening to the same CD in both, I can tell you that there is not much difference however, the ML system did produce a few notes that the "premium" system missed. You don't even have to listen very closely to notice the subtle difference. Try both and see how important it is to you. I would suppose the ML option adds some expense.