HeyItsJoel

Hello. Just picked up my 2002 ES300 with navigation, blk/blk. Love the car and it's everything I thought the Lexus driving experience would be....except one.

I've heard great things about the Mark Levinson audio which is why I stand perplexed as how the sound coming out of the speakers leaves so MUCH to be desired. I'm not an audiophile but the mids and highs are weak and the bass is flat. Is this what Lexus is marketing out to the public? I tried adjusting the equalizer but no improvement.

I'm just hoping that for a 5 year old car, I would like to think that it is the speakers and they need replacing (but they're not blown or anything, the sound just stinks). Just to let you know, I test drove a 2004 ES330 and the audio in that was marvelous! Did they put different speakers in later models?

So now, as it stands, I need to fork over money already to replace the speakers ASAP. Anyone else have this problem with their ES300 stock speakers?

JSM1284

My 02 ES300 speakers sound Awesome! All I have done was unhooked the stock sub and added a 10"

eyezack87

iTrader: (4)

Mine are starting to blow out. I got the 96 ES so its understandable seeing its getting old and all. Great base and sound but as soon as my sis hooked up her Ipod and put on a rap song with her eq on bass, all was lost on my right side

I try to save it now by adjusting it more to play on the right. Still some crackling though

92ES5sp

My stock system sounds great. I get a few pops and crackles in the upper range and a little distortion if the bass is too high but ill adjust the settings to compensateand still have good sound. The FM reception can easily drowned out even though the antenna still works but every Toyota ive had has done that to an extent. My Solara with the JBL sounds worse than the ES300. The mids are way too high and higher frequencys arent all that clear.

mick_foley

I don't like the stock system on my '04. I just bought a replacement sub and I might have a few other tricks up my sleeves. Does anyone know how much power the stock amp already has?

Edit: I guess that question is irrelevant since you can't adjust the stock gain settings.

Slick68

I've got to agree with "mick". I just purchased a 2004 ES330 without ML. My previous car was a 1997 ES300 and i actually prefer the sound system in that car (wasn't Nak either). It was much more responsive, and the bass was tight.

Now I have 2 challenges.

#1. SIRIUS!!! I miss my 1997 setup! It wasn't anything fancy, just effective.
See It "Here"

#2. Fix the awful bass response. I wouldn't mind raising the crossover point on the door speakers either, because think it's trying to push too much low end and sounds muddy.

Any suggestions? I've spend hours (probably more like days) trying to find a good solution to these, but haven't had much luck so far.

vassey50

I test drove a couple of '03 and 04's for an upgrade not too long ago and i had to say that the stereo systems were very weak. My 2001 (again not the Nakamichi) sounded far superior in all respects, probable one of the silly reasons i didn't upgrade mine. But i guess not so silly if you value the time spent in a vehicle. Haven't heard the new 350's, anybody?

V

nanners83

I have an 03 with the base sound system and it sounds all right but ive already upgraded the sub
If anyone has any info on upgrading the sound system on these it would be very helpful

Limen

I have a TDX sub in my trunk, so my 97 has the bass on the car speakers turned all the way down. I think having the bass down on the car speakers help a lot by cleaning up the sound since they dont have to try to hit the bass too.

Slick68

Did you do an upgrade of the stock sub or just disconnect the stock and add another in the trunk?

JSM1284

Add a Factory sound processor:

http://www.crutchfield.com/App/Produ...318850&tp=6870

parnzen

my stereo is awesome. i never hear a crack and the bass never sounds distorted

MoreMGD32

iTrader: (1)

i got the hook up on all Infinity Car Audio equiptment if you decide you want upgrade the system... usually 50% to 70% off. They have subs, amps, speakers, components, the works, even navi, PM for more info if interested.

www.infinitysystems.com

B

nanners83

hey slick
i just had 2 12s and an amp put it in, the stock sub i still hooked up
But i've thinking about taking it out

Monkiee

most stock setups are decent for the average driver. But for the not average driver, fork over the money and buy some speakers that suit your ears. it is exspensive but worth it in the long run. ive owned cars where there was more in the audio than the actual car. xD. good luck and if you have any questions just ask away, me and everyone i work with al are sound nuts.