Lexus Premium Sound

[siva kumar]

I wanted to start this thread to talk about the Lexus premium sound and how people have setup to get a good audio experience.

Please post your concerns, what can be done to get the best possible sound out of it and how you feel about it

What mods/adjustments can be done to make it better.

I did not opt for the ML as the word 'premium' made me think the base itself is good enough for my listening. I ma not an audiophile.

Even though the dealer said its got 8 speakers and all, I did not get a chance to test it thoroughly and i am not so happy with the base sound.

[JGTNewLexusOwner]

Siva, I offer this. I bought the ML and the base is still not what I am used to. Which brings me to my point...."what I am used to". I used to have a car with the Bose System in it. The bass in the Bose system is a deep, booming bass. The ML and the Lexus Premium system to have a more "balanced" bass/treble sound. I did test out between the ML and Premium and I actually thought the bass was a little deeper on the Premium vs. the ML. However, with the ML, it is "supposed" to be true-er sound and cleaner/crisper sound. Not sure if it what you are experiencing is because of what you are used to....like what I am experiencing. I do have to say though that as I get used to the ML system, I like it more and more. Was it worth the extra $$....I am not so sure but I guess if I get another system, I may not like it because I am "used to" the ML system. Good luck in your quest to improve the audio quality!

[Navsafe]

I wanted to start this thread to talk about the Lexus premium sound and how people have setup to get a good audio experience.

Please post your concerns, what can be done to get the best possible sound out of it and how you feel about it

What mods/adjustments can be done to make it better.

I did not opt for the ML as the word 'premium' made me think the base itself is good enough for my listening. I ma not an audiophile.

Even though the dealer said its got 8 speakers and all, I did not get a chance to test it thoroughly and i am not so happy with the base sound.

You shouldn't be, the speakers are crap. It is the old adage that more is better rather than a quality speaker. Even the mark Levinson speakers are of poor quality. I am planning on a Dyn Audio speaker complement with Zapco reference or competition amps. The Lexus has a great stage for great sound and with the right audio engineer you may never want to leave your car.

[Navsafe]

I wanted to start this thread to talk about the Lexus premium sound and how people have setup to get a good audio experience.

Please post your concerns, what can be done to get the best possible sound out of it and how you feel about it

What mods/adjustments can be done to make it better.

I did not opt for the ML as the word 'premium' made me think the base itself is good enough for my listening. I ma not an audiophile.

Even though the dealer said its got 8 speakers and all, I did not get a chance to test it thoroughly and i am not so happy with the base sound.

You shouldn't be, the speakers are crap. It is the old adage that more is better rather than a quality speaker. Even the mark Levinson speakers are of poor quality. I am planning on a Dyn Audio speaker complement with Zapco reference or competition amps. The Lexus has a great stage for great sound and with the right audio engineer you may never want to leave your car.

I meant to add that a sub woofer needs to be added and by the way do not even consider Bose. I had Bose in my other car and swapped them out . . . . the difference is unbelievable.

[siva kumar]

I wanted to start this thread to talk about the Lexus premium sound and how people have setup to get a good audio experience.

Please post your concerns, what can be done to get the best possible sound out of it and how you feel about it

What mods/adjustments can be done to make it better.

I did not opt for the ML as the word 'premium' made me think the base itself is good enough for my listening. I ma not an audiophile.

Even though the dealer said its got 8 speakers and all, I did not get a chance to test it thoroughly and i am not so happy with the base sound.

You shouldn't be, the speakers are crap. It is the old adage that more is better rather than a quality speaker. Even the mark Levinson speakers are of poor quality. I am planning on a Dyn Audio speaker complement with Zapco reference or competition amps. The Lexus has a great stage for great sound and with the right audio engineer you may never want to leave your car.

I meant to add that a sub woofer needs to be added and by the way do not even consider Bose. I had Bose in my other car and swapped them out . . . . the difference is unbelievable.

Navsafe and JGT thanks for your suggestions and comments.

JGT you are right ..I certainly am going by the 'used to' factor. I don't know how to put it but i feel the sound from the speakers and the bass are all jumbled up in the Lexus premium sound resulting in an unenjoyable experience.

[JGTNewLexusOwner]

I forgot to say that I am not an audiophile either. Navsafe, it sounds like you are very knowledgeable....I am just a layman and just like good sound in my car....from a novice perspective!

[rjt65]

I have the ML and luv it---- had a bose which was good but the ML I hear so many sounds that i could not hear on the bose --as the bass was too loud!

I am not an audiophile but always upgraded my car stereos from car ! my first beloved aftermarket Alpine!

anywho in researching Ear buds for my ipod I finally went with the shure 530's--but one of the things i discovered is that a lot of cheaper speakers will boost the bass to cover up sins...;-)

so it took me some getting used to the ML but luv them . One thing i also saw was the ML was superior to the premium, there were a lot of neg comments on the premium stereo....

so good luck and post back what u do!

[Ira d]

I have the standard system in my car and it sounds ok but I dont think its any better than my 01 Camary was, but to improve the sound I would say

change out the speakers. Im going to leave mine stock While I do think the overall sound could be better when you consider the price of the car but

can live with it.

[a1s1a1]

I wanted to start this thread to talk about the Lexus premium sound and how people have setup to get a good audio experience.

Please post your concerns, what can be done to get the best possible sound out of it and how you feel about it

What mods/adjustments can be done to make it better.

I did not opt for the ML as the word 'premium' made me think the base itself is good enough for my listening. I ma not an audiophile.

Even though the dealer said its got 8 speakers and all, I did not get a chance to test it thoroughly and i am not so happy with the base sound.

My 2 cents;

The base audio system is really a practical joke by giving it a name of "lexus premium system" I will grade it as C-. I have UL/ML package, I gave my car for service this month and got a loaner with base system. Honestly, our Honda Odyssey touring Mini Van system sounds better a C+. As for ML system, I guess that it is better than the base system but overall I will give it a B+ grade. I would not classify myself as an audiophille but I do have Denon, Onkyo, Bose, JVC and a Technics system at home so one can say that I have developed an ear for clarity/bass/treble, etc. I know that ML system has 7.1 architecture and a very low THD (Total Harmonic Distortion) but a class system is based not only on some low number of THD or 10.1, 7.1 or 5.1 architecture. It is the combination of matching speakers and subwoofer to compliment the sound output along with the sound charecteristics of the cabin. I can go on in getting into some technical details but suffice is to say that the ipod sounds quite terrible on ML system. Remember that ML system is made by Harmon Kardon which is an upgraded system in many German Cars including VW. I would say that ML should be the standard "lexus premium system" and an upgraded lexus system should be better than the ML system.

One may say, well, that would come with a hefty price? actually not! My Acura TLS has a factory upgraded ES (Elliot Shinner) system. Just listen to it and/or read reviews of this system. It is an A- system.........Not only in my dictionary but be a judge yourself. I had a factory bose in my infiniti I 35 which was a B- system. Infiniti G35/G37 has come up with another bose system with burr brown speakers called "studio on wheels" again another B- system.

In conclusion: ACURA (ES) A- Grade

LEXUS (ML) B+ "

INFINITI BOSE (B-)

Honda Odyssey Touring C+

Toyota Sienna XLE / Toyota Camry XLE (JBL Premium Sound) C+ (We have owned both of these vehicles in the past)

LEXUS PREMIUM SOUND C-

Now coming to your question about upgrade. I would suggest to look into Crutchfield to get a good system or just live with it as any upgraded non factory system will require dash openening and in my book that is too much of a hassle, not to mention the seamless fit and finish which almost always gets compromised with an aftermarket or non factory system. Unless, you are the kind who likes to put 22 inches chrome wheels, chrome billet grille from e bay, pin stripes on your lexus, etc!

Sorry for being soooooooooo long winded.

Regards,

a1s1a1

[LexusTed]

I too have just purchased the 2009 ES350 and am completely underwhelmed by the stereo system. My 2001 Camry has much better sound.

a1s1a1 has a good point in that I do not want to open the dash to change speakers for fear things will never be the same.

But I have to do something. It’s getting to the point where I do not want to turn on the sound system.

That being said I feel one of the major problems is the quality of the rear speakers. They just do not seem strong enough to fill the car. When I fade to the rear of the Camry the sound still fills the car, when I fade to the rear of the Lexus it becomes a very tinny sound.

So the question is about changing the rear speakers.

Difficult?

Worth it?

What kind of replacement?

Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated.

I am going in for my 1000 miles inspection this weekend and will check with the service specialist and let you know what they say.

[poncherello]

There's not much you can do to that system unless you're going to replace the speakers and add a good quality sub. The Mark Levinson system is very well balanced and offers great performance. I'm glad I went with the ML.

[a1s1a1]

"I too have just purchased the 2009 ES350 and am completely underwhelmed by the stereo system. My 2001 Camry has much better sound.

a1s1a1 has a good point in that I do not want to open the dash to change speakers for fear things will never be the same.

But I have to do something. It’s getting to the point where I do not want to turn on the sound system.

That being said I feel one of the major problems is the quality of the rear speakers. They just do not seem strong enough to fill the car. When I fade to the rear of the Camry the sound still fills the car, when I fade to the rear of the Lexus it becomes a very tinny sound.

So the question is about changing the rear speakers.

Difficult?

Worth it?

What kind of replacement?

Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated.

I am going in for my 1000 miles inspection this weekend and will check with the service specialist and let you know what they say."

LexusTed, I wish I can be more specific however, looking at your post it seems like that you live in New York. That being said, I know that there must be a ton of specialty auto audio shops. I know that the aftermarket auto industry thrives on the inherent weaknesses of a factory product. If you take your car to one of these shops, I bet that they can suggest some better and excellent quality audio for your vehicle. I can also bet that one of these shops can install the audio in a seamless way. On the other hand I live in a small town with only one audio specialty shop and a couple of Lexus ES 350 models that you will see on the road in 1 month! No kidding!. In my enviornment I am afraid to take my car to this only shop to install an audio on my Lexus that they have no experience with.

You live in BIG APPLE that makes you a winner just call around and see who has some experience with ES 350 audio upgrade! Good Luck and if you do find something good then please share your experience with the group.

Regards, a1s1a1

[Beezer]

"I too have just purchased the 2009 ES350 and am completely underwhelmed by the stereo system. My 2001 Camry has much better sound.

a1s1a1 has a good point in that I do not want to open the dash to change speakers for fear things will never be the same.

But I have to do something. It’s getting to the point where I do not want to turn on the sound system.

That being said I feel one of the major problems is the quality of the rear speakers. They just do not seem strong enough to fill the car. When I fade to the rear of the Camry the sound still fills the car, when I fade to the rear of the Lexus it becomes a very tinny sound.

So the question is about changing the rear speakers.

Difficult?

Worth it?

I bought the 08 with premium and the stereo made me have buyers remorse. I hated it.

I found a post regarding upgrading to the ML system and did it. The ML only comes on the NAV models which I don't have. You need to find a junkyard es350 with ML and get the amp (in the trunk) and 11 speakers with grills out of it. If you try to buy the parts new from Lexus it will run about $5,000+ not including the wires. The head unit (the part in the dash) is the same and all functionality remains perfect. It takes many hours and some wire splicing and added runs but the result is sooo much better. I agree that the ML is not the best system but it is very adequate and the standard radio is not.

The standard speakers are plastic Pioneer with small magnets - the ML are paper cone and heavier magnet Harman Becker speakers.

You may be able to upgrade the amp and speakers while keeping the factory headunit but I don't know.

[siva kumar]

"I too have just purchased the 2009 ES350 and am completely underwhelmed by the stereo system. My 2001 Camry has much better sound.

a1s1a1 has a good point in that I do not want to open the dash to change speakers for fear things will never be the same.

But I have to do something. It’s getting to the point where I do not want to turn on the sound system.

That being said I feel one of the major problems is the quality of the rear speakers. They just do not seem strong enough to fill the car. When I fade to the rear of the Camry the sound still fills the car, when I fade to the rear of the Lexus it becomes a very tinny sound.

So the question is about changing the rear speakers.

Difficult?

Worth it?

I bought the 08 with premium and the stereo made me have buyers remorse. I hated it.

I found a post regarding upgrading to the ML system and did it. The ML only comes on the NAV models which I don't have. You need to find a junkyard es350 with ML and get the amp (in the trunk) and 11 speakers with grills out of it. If you try to buy the parts new from Lexus it will run about $5,000+ not including the wires. The head unit (the part in the dash) is the same and all functionality remains perfect. It takes many hours and some wire splicing and added runs but the result is sooo much better. I agree that the ML is not the best system but it is very adequate and the standard radio is not.

The standard speakers are plastic Pioneer with small magnets - the ML are paper cone and heavier magnet Harman Becker speakers.

You may be able to upgrade the amp and speakers while keeping the factory headunit but I don't know.

I recently gave my ES350 for service and got an RX350 loaner and it sounded so much better with the same lexus premium sound ... does anyone know why. I confirmed with the dealer and he said its the base system and it didn't say mark levinson anywhere and it has got a code AP1811 and its got the same interface as ES 350 base system.

I got my es350 back and it really sounds worse. If they all carry the same nakamichi systems then they all should sound the same right.

[LexPaul]

I guess I'm in the minority here. I just purchased a 09 Lexus ES Level III and I find the sound system great. I can boost the bass to a level where I'm pleased. I love music and I was not expecting a 'surround sound' experience, but no complaints.

[JGTNewLexusOwner]

I guess audio is in the "ears of the beholder". :)

[SW03ES]

I will add that a good audio shop can take the dash apart and put it back together just as well as the factory. Those guys know how to do it to these cars in their sleep, they've done it so many times.

I was worried about that too when I had my Sirius/iPod adapter installed but they did a great job, totally rattle free many years later...