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Yes, this option falls way short of my expectations. I can upgrade the music source and fade to improve the separation (which one does on any system to customize to preference) but I think this does not sound great, and barely ok for the money. I feel raising the issue to Lexus might improve our chances of a software update and at least they revise this system in new model years. And beware to new buyers to not buy the system if they are audiophiles. Poor sales on this feature with bad reviews is what's needed for change. I personally won't swop out components on such a new car... Perhaps in a few years after I have scratches and dents and miles on the ODO.
Yes, this option falls way short of my expectations. I can upgrade the music source and fade to improve the separation (which one does on any system to customize to preference) but I think this does not sound great, and barely ok for the money. I feel raising the issue to Lexus might improve our chances of a software update and at least they revise this system in new model years. And beware to new buyers to not buy the system if they are audiophiles. Poor sales on this feature with bad reviews is what's needed for change. I personally won't swop out components on such a new car... Perhaps in a few years after I have scratches and dents and miles on the ODO.
I think they just didn't put enough speakers in the rear doors and didn't tune it right. a better sub/enclosure would help as well. not sure what else to do other than tear apart a 70K car and put new drivers in with an amp and DSP which is not worth it to me...
I agree! This is my 2nd Mark Levinson and it is horrible in comparison to the other one. I had an F Sport Mark Levinson(maybe 5 years ago) and the sound was amazing. Two weeks ago I bought a 2013 Lux Mark Levinson and the sound isn't even comparable to the other RX350''s that weren't ML. The car has been in the shop for 4 of the 14 days that I've had it because the speakers just turn off. I NEVER use carplay with my RX's because it never worked properly. I use my USB cord exclusively, and once the speaker goes out you cannot play FM or XM radio. You have to turn the car off and then back on to get the music to work again. My dealer (bought 8 cars over 2 decades from the same location) said they did an update and it works now. I've had the car back for two days and today the speakers cut out again. But I guess I should be happy that this time the GPS didn't go out like last time. The sound is tinny and randomly turns down and then back up. I reached out to the dealership after having the car for three days and they said I have no recourse outside of trading this one in, taking the loss and buying another. So they offered to *fix", and after two days I'm back to square one. So I listen to my music through my phone while driving my new Lexus. Lexus has always been behind the times with technology (GPS, Bluetooth...) and I've dealt with it over 8 cars (because the ride, tires, dependability, traction in snow...) but NO MUSIC and inconsiderate GPS... I'm screwed.
Originally Posted by Bluemus
I have to say that I'm disappointed by how poor the sound quality is with the ML system, for my preferences. It sounds very tinny to me and frankly irritating to the point that I'm not sure I'm going to be able live with the sound. The Sony system in my prior Ford Explorer was considerably better. This is a disappointing downgrade for us. It's almost as if no one checked the sound while building the system. Doesn't make any sense...
The only way I can tolerate the sound is by turning the treble all the way down, the mid one notch from the bottom, the bass a couple of notches from the top, and shifting the balance a couple of notches to the back of the car as was suggested above, but I still find the sound annoying.
Frustrated... This is my first Lexus. Does Lexus ever release software updates that include updates to EQ settings? I'm not sure if more flexibility with the EQ would help.
Update 1:
I just tried playing music from my phone where I can use my phone apps' equalizer and the sound is way better. Lexus needs to fix the EQ in the ML system. Still not enough base, but definitely better.
Update 2:
Here are the equalizer settings that my wife and I applied in our Samsung phone settings in case this is helpful for anyone else to see, appreciating that everyone's listening preferences are different.
Before folks go spending extra money on replacing part, I would encourage everyone to reach out to Lexus directly with your displeasure and experience. The more voices they hear the more likely they are to resolve this. In speaking at length with a tech at the dealership there would likely be a software tuning fix with the DSP that Lexus "could" do. Again, the more folks they hear from, the more likely there is to be action: https://support.lexus.com/s/questions-comments select Multimedia Tech > Other for topic > sub-topic. I've had several calls with Lexis directly and they have been responsive (at least to listening and engaging with the complaints) and provided a path to also submit a more formal issue with Lexus as a result of the above path.
Thanks for the support link, just submitted my issue. Taking my ML 2024 RX350 for the second time and haven't owned it a month yet. Speakers (and occasionally GPS) go out.
while I agree with you, most of the speakers are in the front and when you bias the fader to the rear is sounds a little more balanced, it then just doesn't sound any better overall...
I agree with the above. If I fade the sound to the back, I get better balance, but it comes at the expense of base (which is already sacrificed by the system) and general fullness of the sound, so overall, I prefer keeping the balance in the middle even though it sounds like all the sound comes from the front.
I really can't get over how badly they botched this system and continue to hope Lexus will somehow make the system sound better or offer to replace the system because it's clearly a dud.
I agree with the above. If I fade the sound to the back, I get better balance, but it comes at the expense of base (which is already sacrificed by the system) and general fullness of the sound, so overall, I prefer keeping the balance in the middle even though it sounds like all the sound comes from the front.
I really can't get over how badly they botched this system and continue to hope Lexus will somehow make the system sound better or offer to replace the system because it's clearly a dud.
thanks for your input and agreeing.
unfortunately I don't think Lexus is going to replace anything. a software update might even be a stretch. the brand as a whole has had their audio fall off compared to prior years but overall the car is really nice so I have very few complaints.
unfortunately I don't think Lexus is going to replace anything. a software update might even be a stretch. the brand as a whole has had their audio fall off compared to prior years but overall the car is really nice so I have very few complaints.
The ML was definitely my biggest let down but that was an easy fix and I love the TX as well. Checks all our boxes and then some and the price point is low too.
Please take your cars in service for defective sound system and open a case with Lexus. It seems that they know about the issue and they are working on a fix and the fix will show up November or December. If more of us complain, Lexus will do something.
So sad that a public company like Toyota will let a supplier destroy their Customer Satisfaction with the product.
If they won't fix the issue with ML I will trade out of it.
Please take your cars in service for defective sound system and open a case with Lexus. It seems that they know about the issue and they are working on a fix and the fix will show up November or December. If more of us complain, Lexus will do something.
So sad that a public company like Toyota will let a supplier destroy their Customer Satisfaction with the product.
If they won't fix the issue with ML I will trade out of it.
I dropped my TX500h off this afternoon for it's first service. I mentioned that I was disappointed in the ML audio system and the lack of bass. The service advisor noted that he's heard that from at least one other customer and would be sure to note it as it's important that Lexus gets this feedback.
For my first ever Lexus service experience, the first part went well. I got an RX500h as a courtesy loaner, so it was nice to get something mostly comparable to what I daily. When I bought my TX, I was originally looking at the RX as I'd driven Honda Pilots for 17 years and was thinking that I really didn't need the 3rd row for work anymore as my position has changed and I don't have to haul as much stuff/people these days. Having the RX for s short time has reassured me that I'm glad I went TX. I'm sure the RX is probably more fun in a canyon, but for my everyday travels, I like the extra roominess and the smoother ride the longer wheelbase provides.
If I want to have fun in a canyon, I'll take the Vette
I have a TX 350 Lux with ML and all the previous complaints. I’ve had a 2008 and 2014 GX460, both with ML, and they were amazing, even just listening to XM. My Lexus Master Specialist confirmed a fix at the end of the year with amp replacements on sold TXs and a change to stock at production. Fingers crossed. This apparently is an issue across the entire 2024 line of vehicles with the 21 speaker ML.
I have a TX 350 Lux with ML and all the previous complaints. I’ve had a 2008 and 2014 GX460, both with ML, and they were amazing, even just listening to XM. My Lexus Master Specialist confirmed a fix at the end of the year with amp replacements on sold TXs and a change to stock at production. Fingers crossed. This apparently is an issue across the entire 2024 line of vehicles with the 21 speaker ML.
this seems insane. what an undertaking to replace 40,000+ amplifiers. would be welcoming news if this is the case as long as the sound quality gets better. I wonder where the amps are and what the labor procedure looks like for this job.
Originally Posted by Swami101
So, the replacement will cover a 24 RX plug in with ML? I have the same issues. The sound quality is unbearably bad.
who knows. only time will tell. the least you can do for your RX is complain to your dealer about it...
Has anyone heard an update on the possible amp replacement? I spoke with one of the mechanics at my local dealership yesterday about the sound issues and it was the first he had heard about this.
Toyota and Lexus Join Mille Miglia For The First Time
Slideshow: A five-car lineup spanning more than five decades of Toyota performance and engineering will tackle one of Italy's most celebrated automotive routes.
