Mark Levinson vs Standard Audio System
2nd gear
Joined: Dec 2023
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Oregon
Pre-Owned, Certified from a Lexus dealer. And the "130" point inspection wasn't that thorough, as after the first day of driving it it's back to the dealership for three things (sticky buttons center console, heated seats that don't, and the rear seat release doesn't release the seat all the way. The seats and sound system are the concerns.
Pit Crew
Joined: Jan 2023
Posts: 147
Likes: 17
From: NJ
I have the Base model No ML Sound System the subwoofer in the back is just for show & it's not even connected . I decided Not to upgrade the speakers for now don't have the cash thou I went to BestBuy to checkout how much does it cost , Harness better Amp , DSP board & better speakers is around $1700.
Racer
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 1,939
Likes: 581
From: New York
I have the Base model No ML Sound System the subwoofer in the back is just for show & it's not even connected . I decided Not to upgrade the speakers for now don't have the cash thou I went to BestBuy to checkout how much does it cost , Harness better Amp , DSP board & better speakers is around $1700.
Pit Crew
Joined: Jan 2023
Posts: 147
Likes: 17
From: NJ
I discovered the sub in the hatch is not even wired when the guy at BB was giving me an estimate because he checked all the speakers right in the shop while I was standing next to the car . Not sure what happened there never paid attention to the sub.
Racer
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 1,797
Likes: 227
From: GA
ClubLexus Stories
Celebrating Lexus & Toyota from Around the Globe
Top 10 Lexus & Toyotas to Drive Before You Die!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Lexus/Toyotas With The LEAST 5-Year Depreciation
Joe Kucinski
Lexus LC500 Convertible Auction: A Preview of Rising Values?
Brett Foote
GX 550 vs TX 550: Best 3-Row Luxury Lexus Family Hauler
Michael S. Palmer
9 Best Lexus Models You Can Buy for Half Price (And 1 You Shouldn't!)
Joe Kucinski
2026 Lexus NX Buyer's Guide: Models, Features, Prices & More!
Brett Foote
Top 10 Reasons to Buy a Lexus TX 550h+ (& 3 Reasons to AVOID!)
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Lexus & Toyota Models of the 1990s RANKED!
Joe Kucinski
10 Great Toyotas That Could Have Been Lexus Models
Joe Kucinski
Rookie
Joined: Mar 2022
Posts: 47
Likes: 10
From: TX
2021 RX350 ML Sound Quality
I own the 2021 RX350 Luxury w/ ML Sound. I have had my local dealership check it out, I had Corporate Lexus communicate with them and they did sound tests, etc. I noticed that the sound quality of this generation RX is poor, no base, adjusting the sound in every way possible does not make it any better. My other Lexus cars all had ML sound so I know what ML should sound like. This 2021 is just absolutely horrible IMO. There is zero base even if you adjust it. Has anybody found a solution to making the ML system better than what it is? I had the tech ride in a 2023 RX loaner with a base sound system then ride in my 2021 ML and even he noticed the sound system of that year is nowhere near as good. Anybody modified a ML system to get real quality out of it? I'm to the point of just unloading it if I can't find a solution to a poor system design.
Racer
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 1,939
Likes: 581
From: New York
I own the 2021 RX350 Luxury w/ ML Sound. I have had my local dealership check it out, I had Corporate Lexus communicate with them and they did sound tests, etc. I noticed that the sound quality of this generation RX is poor, no base, adjusting the sound in every way possible does not make it any better. My other Lexus cars all had ML sound so I know what ML should sound like. This 2021 is just absolutely horrible IMO. There is zero base even if you adjust it. Has anybody found a solution to making the ML system better than what it is? I had the tech ride in a 2023 RX loaner with a base sound system then ride in my 2021 ML and even he noticed the sound system of that year is nowhere near as good. Anybody modified a ML system to get real quality out of it? I'm to the point of just unloading it if I can't find a solution to a poor system design.
Rookie
Joined: Mar 2022
Posts: 47
Likes: 10
From: TX
2021 RX350 Luxury ML
There in lies my challenge. I thought about going to Car Toys to see what they recommend but because I'm not a speaker guy what do you buy that simply brings out the sound to be a true upgrade. I thought about maybe different subwoofer or an amplifier but what I don't want is something external that can't be hidden.
Racer
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 1,939
Likes: 581
From: New York
There in lies my challenge. I thought about going to Car Toys to see what they recommend but because I'm not a speaker guy what do you buy that simply brings out the sound to be a true upgrade. I thought about maybe different subwoofer or an amplifier but what I don't want is something external that can't be hidden.
Rookie
Joined: Mar 2022
Posts: 47
Likes: 10
From: TX
Actually, I thought about that yesterday so I plan to reach out to my Lexus dealer that takes care of my car to see what the speaker difference is on a 2024 RX350 vs my 2021. The 2024 sound on the ML is far better and I am hoping some subtle changes to mine will get me close.
Pit Crew
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 170
Likes: 35
From: OR
Something has got to be wrong with your ML system, you mentioned the sound quality is poor with zero bass, I’m wondering if the amp is not performing as it should or what speakers are not hooked up. Mine is a 2016 with ML, granted 5 years earlier and first year of 4th generation, but there’s no way I’d describe the sound quality as poor with no bass. It’s very good for a stock factory system IMO. The mid range and treble is clear and crisp, won’t distort even at high volume levels, and music with low end will shake the mirrors when it hits every time. Even the door speakers put out quite a bit of mid bass. Good luck!
