The speakers in the rear deck of sedans help fill the cabin with music better. The rear window is like a reflecter to redirect the sound forward of the cabin. In addition to this the rear window helps amplify the sound. Same concept as putting you smartphone in a glass bowl or cup making the sound louder.

 

I agree that sound is subjective and personal. I have a my06 RX with ML to ensure I have good staging and depth, only the front speakers were enabled. It sounded good but not comparable to a home system.

Fast forward, got myself a NX but without ML as it was not offered. The base system without ML is just bad.

 

I think a lot of people are not understanding what the ML sound system really brings to the table. In previous generation it was mostly about sound quality.....From what I have read and personally experienced in my RX with ML, Lexus concentrated on imaging and the stage. Both are damn near perfect. The best I have ever heard in a factory car audio system.. 20 years ago I competed in IASCA (Car Stereo Circuit) and was an IASCA judge at events. My factory ML RX stereo system was what I would typically hear in the upper 25 % of the cars competing. Is it perfect? by no means....but it is very accurate. The entire stage is in front of you with no rear speakers blaring at you. Voices come typically from close to center of dash and even the bass sounds like it is coming from in front and not behind.

Having a back deck, like the IS, can sometimes give you more volume of rear speakers, but that is not proper staging to have music coming from behind you. Think about it...when you are listening to a concert, do you face the band or the rear of the venue?The majority or the music should always come from in front of you with a slight hint of rear fill from reverb.

Like previous posts have said, if you really dont care about proper imaging or staging, the price for the ML upgrade probably isnt worth the investment for you.

 

In all ML systems I have had in other models, I honestly could never tell difference but this system in RX you can really tell difference.
Even the system in ML is nothing compared to this one in RX, I don't know exactly what they changed but I was very surpised and I am no audio guy I am really happy I got this option.

If you have any doubt test it out for yourself, but don't compare it to older models ML systems.

 

I think you nailed it! I finally got to play with some of my CDs & I noticed right away that many of the bands came across the speakers as being right in front of me with lots of separation. Previously, this is something I've only had on decent home stereo systems. The imaging is VERY accurate, especially for a car & the engineered quiet in a Lexus just enhances this experience. Thinking back to my ML test, the ML unit had even more imaging/stage presence than the "Premium 12 speaker system". I can't comment on the base system (9 speakers) as I have not heard that one. Is there a significance to whether the door speakers have a silver ring or not? Just curious, since I mine has the Premium with silver rings & I'm seeing them sold on eBay - wondering what RX models don't have the silver rings...

 

Not an audiophile so I can't comment specifically on the difference between "staging" and "imaging". I definitely wouldn't say the ML isn't worth it. In fact, I have gotten the highest trim level on 4 of my 5 previous Lexus models just to get the ML upgrade (that's the only way to get ML in Canada). I would agree that the clarity and accuracy of the sound is perfect in this generation of RX and significantly better than that of the 3rd generation RX (with ML).

I probably just prefer more of a surround experience, which is not technically accurate. But as I'm sure we can agree, sound has a degree of subjectivity. I find I can compensate for this by slightly adjusting the front rear balance 1 or 2 points towards the rear. My 2 cents worth.

 

I'm with computerwi, I also adjust a point or two towards the back. Again this is just a preference and what I am used to in most other base systems. The ML tends to default slightly forward. Love the clarity and I actually hear things that you don't hear on a standard system. I would buy again when the time comes.

 

Where are the extra speakers in the ML vs the standard system?

 

Dash, doors and C pillar. Plus the same location speakers and sub woofer are much better

 

Question for those who have the ML system: does it include an equalizer that lets you choose various modes such as rock, pop, classical, jazz, custom? extra bass option? Loudness low mid high? Surround modes vs all stereo?

 

You get surround mode only.

 

I agree completely. This is what makes it worth it. I appreciate it every time I step into my car. It's amazing

 

There is the standard 3 band equalizer for base, mid range and treble. Good enough for me.

I love my ML radio.

 

Good to know. Another reason for me not to spend over $1k for ML. They should include these features for an "upgraded" premium stereo. I put aftermarket $200 pioneer and jvc stereos in my old cars that have all kinds of sound modes and equalizer settings. They sound amazing ... I can customize them for any kind of music I like, my speakers, and my listening preferences. I can even set frequency crossovers.

 

Fairly simple and inexpensive software for Lexus to incorporate. My other luxury car has umpteen speakers but lacked something and I was able to use a music player with android auto to get improved mid bass response. Once I heard the difference I didn't want to go back. But there is the annoyance of waiting for the android auto to load every time I start the car. The jetaudio equalizer works way better than google music EQ.

does the RX include android auto and CarPlay?