Right. sound vs. human ear. Number is not everything. If your ear/brain like whatever the setting is I'd just leave it there. Likewise
in Home theater, if we run room correction software the result is not perfect to our ears. Mess with the settings until you hear good.
Still purists listen to pure music using 2 channel system. This surrounds sound is the result of trying to bring in Cinema hall sound
into our living room. Pretty soon Dolby Atmos enabled speakers will be flooding the market. Cars with ceiling speakers too I guess.

I even wonder car speakers are all matched with +/- 2db tolerance to begin with. Car interior is not a perfect place to reproduce good
music.

 

Why I remember back in the early 60's, I had '54 DeSoto and we used to drive around town blaring Elvis, Chuck Berry, Butty Holly, etc. and it sounded great!!! LOL

 

I had a 73 Olds Cutlass Supreme with FOUR speaker FM stereo and man was that cool for that time.

 

Ha ha I was think the same thing....and an 8 track!

 

Ah yes the 8 track player and that was before we graduated to the in dash cassette player. Oh how the times have changed👍

 

remember the pullout radio to prevent theft days. guys were seen carrying their fancy radio receiver with them.
Then couple years later, only the face plate had to be removed.
Those days we never bought mfr in dash radio and installed our own for sound quality.

 

When we were shopping, we tried the ML system & I was shocked. I picked a couple different types of music pieces & played it on the ML system & then the same on the premium system. The ML system was a little more brilliant sounding, but in no way worth the $1500 extra or whatever was the cost difference then. That was the first time I noticed a top of the line system that didn't cut it for the price.

BTW, Consumer Reports just published results on reader's surveys on automotive infotainment systems in their latest October 2017 issue. Lexus has TONS of work to do! The Lexus Remote Touch was #10 out of 25 with 48% of owners being very satisfied. The Lexus Remote Touchpad was dead last at #25 of 25 with just 26% of owners being very satisfied! The Volvo Sensus Connect Touch was #6 with a score of 54% that were very satisfied. These are the overall usability scores.

I'm curious to know if anyone has decided to replace their entire system with aftermarket equipment? To me, that would be a monumental task & I wouldn't want to do it, but if I had a system that was that bad, I would at least consider it.

 

The touchpad as in the NX is awful but I like the interface in the RX.

 

i like the touch pad on NX a lot more than the **** on RX. And looks better.
Touch pad gets me more accurate results more quickly.
However I like the up/down buttons on RX.
Never had premium sound system prior to this RX, but obviously the ML is best sound system we have ever had, probably due to more powerful amp.

 

This may be a simple question for my fellow mates here.

I am thinking of upgrading the sound system in my 2017 RX. Its a factory installed sound system (premium package with 12" navigation) and i am not pleased with it. I would say overlooked that factor when picked my car up. So what is the best way to upgrade the sound system now. Will I be able to upgrade to ML system? If so, what should I do and what are the expected cost and all. Also if not ML what are the options I got. Appreciate your thoughts.

Thanks

 

there is no point in going with ML now. you can get something way nicer with what you spend with ML for you can spend 1/4 of that price and get you something that sound just like ML or better.

 

That's exactly what I wanted to know. Anyone upgraded like this or any suggestions?

 

The ML in the RX is the worse system I've ever owned in a vehicle. Definitely try another solution.

 

Wow... I couldn't disagree more! I've spent thousands of dollars on high end car audio, and all I've had to do with the RX ML system is add a sub. I find the system quite neutral if not a bit forward, but not bright at all. It's far better than any other stock high end system that I've owned, including past Lexus', Infinit's and BMW's.

To the point of the post, paying list for ML after the fact is insane. I would recommend Hertz speakers, powered by a Helix P Six MK2 and a separately amp'd JL Audio Subwoofer. Professionally installed and tuned (which is vital), you're looking at $3800. But that system will bring a smile to your face and will blow away the ML. Plus, when you get rid of the RX, you can take the components with you.