Ahheck01

iTrader: (2)

Hey all, I'm in the market for an '05-'06 ES330. My wife doesn't really want the NAV screen, but she's a huge music nut and wants the premium audio. Curious if there's really a noticeable difference in getting the ML sound, for those who have heard both?

Dispin

I've only heard the Mark Levinson and I don't think it's anything special. To me, if she wants premium audio it would make more sense to plan on upgrading the stock speakers. I'd focus more on finding a car in good condition and a color she likes, then just plan on upgrading the system if it's not good enough.

funcrusher

I have never heard any stock audio system that's impressed me. You need to go aftermarket if you're serious about music

Fritz330

I have the ML with nav and I can honestly say it's the best stock audio I've ever heard. Throw enough money into a aftermarket system and you could probably top it but why bother? Do yourself a favor and actually listen to the ML system before passing judgment.

wise2k

I haven't heard the ML system but I'd say my regular "Lexus Premium" 03ES stereo is fairly good for stock, gets loud with decent sound - adequate bass and treble. With aftermarket speakers in the doors I think it would sound good. Only thing the ML would improve on would have to be the treble/highs and maybe better speakers. Just saying I'm more with Dispin, quoted below:

jltait

I've spent a good amount of time with the ML sound system in the ES. It's very "airy" sounding to me. Exceptional for classical or jazz, but doesn't seem to perform well with rock and hip hop, genres that are more demanding of punchy bass and dynamic volumes (sound pressure levels).

It is a very nice system, but definitely wasn't worth the premium cost when new. That said you can buy that option for pennies on the dollar today so go for it if it's included on a model you already like otherwise. After market, as others have said, is definitely the way to go however if you're serious about premium sound.

KLF

I have it in my '05 and I don't think it's that great. The JBL system in my brother's Highlander Limited is MUCH better sounding. The nav system is worthless, the interface is terrible and I just use Google on my phone, the maps are much better and always up to date. I never use the nav in my car anymore.

speedkar9

I have the "Lexus Premium" sound system in my 2005 and it sounds terrible for a luxury sedan. The audio isn't that clear and there is almost no bass to speak of, despite the subwoofer on the rear deck.

The JBL sound in my 1999 Toyota Solara without a subwoofer is miles and miles better, I'm actually impressed that a car that old with a stock stereo sounds so good, its better than a lot of new cars. The system my friend's 1999 ES is even nicer.

As mentioned by KLF, the navigation on the ES is outdated so don't make that a selling point when looking for a used car.

Fritz330

The Nav system is updateable and I find it adequate, nothing to brag about but adequate.

Sppedkar, are you sure your sub is working? I understand they have a high failure rate.

hypervish

I agree, the Lexus Premium Sound System in the 4ES is not that great. My RX300 Lexus Premium Sound System is 10x better, it has a ton more bass and overall just sounds way richer.

In fact, I think many older Lexus and Toyotas had a better stock sound system than my 4ES.

wise2k

Check your audio settings and subwoofer as suggested above by Fritz330, it might have failed because in my 03 there is adequate bass. It doesn't rattle the trunk, if that's what you desire but it's definitely audible and it would be inaccurate and misguiding to say 'there is almost no bass to speak of'.

In general, I find the old school 6x9 in the rear-deck speaker arrangement much better sounding than the subwoofer in rear-deck with tiny 4" speaker in rear doors.

lostape45

Obviously my car isn't a 4th gen but my 01's sound is pretty good for a stock system. And I'm pretty sure it's just the base system. It blows away my mom's GMC Acadia Bose system in terms of bass. I do agree that the 4ES stock system isn't as good as the 3ES because my dad's 05 base system doesn't sound nearly as good as mine.

speedkar9

It does work, I can hear it faintly when I'm in the back seat (Bass turned to +5 on the controls), and can definitely hear it when I put my head in the trunk. It just doesn't have that umph that my JBL system in the Solara has, or the 3ES for that matter. I would have expected something half decent for a car that came with a dedicated subwoofer.

The other weird thing is that the Lexus system doesn't have MP3 playback, while the Camry (and other Toyota's) of the same year does...

Fritz330

Yea, lack of mp3 playback really pisses me off. I'm still looking for a solution.