'16 RX350 - audio upgrades
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Driver School Candidate
Joined: Feb 2020
Posts: 10
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From: Tennessee
'16 RX350 - audio upgrades
I searched through the audio sub-forum but didn't see much other than a Word doc that listed the speaker locations. I've got a new-to-us '16 RX350 with the base audio system and Nav. The audio is, well, lacking, especially in the low end. Has anyone done a modest system in one of these? I'm not looking for anything crazy - just an improvement in overall sound. I installed a modest system in my F-150 (JL components and a 12" sub with a 5-channel amp) so I can likely do the work myself. I'm not looking to wake the neighbors any more, but I do appreciate a good sounding system. It may just be that it needs a sub? Although, if the factory speakers are anything like what most factory speakers are - they're junk. You're not going to get a lot out of a couple of 2.5" or 3.5" dash speakers, that is for sure.
It looks like a good set of components should fit up front (doors and dash) and just leave the center speaker out of it. All they tend to do is muddle the sound stage, unless it's needed for chimes/bells/etc. Then a sub in the back (nothing crazy, as space is already limited in the rear).
It looks like a good set of components should fit up front (doors and dash) and just leave the center speaker out of it. All they tend to do is muddle the sound stage, unless it's needed for chimes/bells/etc. Then a sub in the back (nothing crazy, as space is already limited in the rear).
If it's simply lacking some low end to you, I'd just toss in a sub/amp and call it a day. https://www.clublexus.com/forums/rx-...amplifier.html
Otherwise, for speaker replacements, I know the fronts are 6.5 and components can drop in with a harness, but just don't expect to get much more power out of the OEM amp. You might gain clarity and some better mid-range response, but if you're lacking power already, you won't get it just doing this. Crutchfield should have all of this stuff, and specifically tells you what will and won't fit with the existing system.
Otherwise, for speaker replacements, I know the fronts are 6.5 and components can drop in with a harness, but just don't expect to get much more power out of the OEM amp. You might gain clarity and some better mid-range response, but if you're lacking power already, you won't get it just doing this. Crutchfield should have all of this stuff, and specifically tells you what will and won't fit with the existing system.
Rookie
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 36
Likes: 17
From: Utah
I searched through the audio sub-forum but didn't see much other than a Word doc that listed the speaker locations. I've got a new-to-us '16 RX350 with the base audio system and Nav. The audio is, well, lacking, especially in the low end. Has anyone done a modest system in one of these? I'm not looking for anything crazy - just an improvement in overall sound. I installed a modest system in my F-150 (JL components and a 12" sub with a 5-channel amp) so I can likely do the work myself. I'm not looking to wake the neighbors any more, but I do appreciate a good sounding system. It may just be that it needs a sub? Although, if the factory speakers are anything like what most factory speakers are - they're junk. You're not going to get a lot out of a couple of 2.5" or 3.5" dash speakers, that is for sure.
It looks like a good set of components should fit up front (doors and dash) and just leave the center speaker out of it. All they tend to do is muddle the sound stage, unless it's needed for chimes/bells/etc. Then a sub in the back (nothing crazy, as space is already limited in the rear).
It looks like a good set of components should fit up front (doors and dash) and just leave the center speaker out of it. All they tend to do is muddle the sound stage, unless it's needed for chimes/bells/etc. Then a sub in the back (nothing crazy, as space is already limited in the rear).
Not going to happen without serious modification. You'd be better off trading in your RX for one with ML compared to the time and money spent trying to swap everything as it's not a simple drop-in and forget it replacement.
At this point, if ML isn't scratching your itch, I'd go to an audio installer (you're looking for a shop that specializes in higher-end cars) and seeing if there's anything they can do with the system since so much of it is integrated to the car itself.
At this point, if ML isn't scratching your itch, I'd go to an audio installer (you're looking for a shop that specializes in higher-end cars) and seeing if there's anything they can do with the system since so much of it is integrated to the car itself.
Driver
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 51
Likes: 9
From: TX
Thanks for that piece of advice. I'll just hang on to it until I need to get a replacement
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Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Feb 2020
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From: Tennessee
I haven't heard the ML audio system personally, but if it's anything like the other automakers "premium" systems, it's very underwhelming, especially at the price they charge.
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Driver
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 51
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From: TX
When I was buying mine they didn't have one equipped with it and the salesman convinced me it was just a bit louder, Then when mine was in for warranty work, I got to spend a few days with one that had it and wished I had it
Pit Crew
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 148
Likes: 57
From: ca
The ML system is pretty impressive. I dont think you can build a better sounding system with the same amount of money in any other vehicle. I think the staging of the 3x 3.5in up front is priceless to audiophiles
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Feb 2020
Posts: 10
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From: Tennessee
I'd like to hear the ML system at some point. None of the vehicles we looked at had it. My aunt has an F-Sport RX, I don't know if hers has the ML system or not. I need to check with her and see.
The platform is certainly set up to build a good-sounding system if you wanted to go down that path. The factory locations are pretty much spot-on to build a good sound stage.
The platform is certainly set up to build a good-sounding system if you wanted to go down that path. The factory locations are pretty much spot-on to build a good sound stage.
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