july1988

To the original poster: just take your time and find the right car that equips with all options you want.
You drive it everyday, you pay a good amount of money for it, make it something you enjoy all the time. ML sounds great for me. You know what is greater: it fits like it was was designed for the car LOL j/k, don't forget everything is covered by factory warranty LOL.
Why settle for less, then spend money (maybe more than you would on ML) and headache to research, order parts, installing etc., and probably more money, headache and hassle later if something break, trying to retro fit some other stuff to the car. It will never look OEM, my opinion, and it probably just devalue the car...

rogerdiaz

Hi all, I have a 2020 CPO ES300h without ML. Best I could find during COVID as I was still driving for military work.

I come from BMW 3 series HK Logic 7 with 16 speakers multiple gens.

Any brand recommendations or speaker upgrades to pioneer system? Is it even worth it?

I have a galaxy S23 hardwired android auto with Apple Music High quality, sometimes lossless streaming while driving. maybe placebo for me.

Thanks

rogerdiaz

correct. like me

BBQapple

ML sounds nicer than base system yes, but if you like to listen very loud it’s disappointing. If you’re the kind of person who doesn’t know or care about acoustic suspension vs band pass vs ported enclosures, or what RMS power is, you’ll probably love it.

mikemu30

I don't know what any of those things are and I still don't love it. It's fine but so are the base systems offered by Lexus as far as I'm concerned.

LexFinally

Here's an excellent source both for compatibility recommendations and products to upgrade your Pioneer system. I've had positive experiences with these guys in the past.
https://www.crutchfield.com/car/outfitmycar/mycar.aspx

asadani

I waited for 8 months but I had to have ML. I waited for 3 months with my Audi but I had to get Bang & Olufsen. In short music is important to me and I like factory endings. External upgrades are always a headache. Moreover ML has extra speakers on the top of the door that really enriches the sound. my recommendation, drive anything but wait for the ML. don't settle. There will be lots that will tell you that the premium audio is good but in my personal tests between both, I didn't like the premium audio.

hope this helps

UltraLux22

Instead of regurgitating superfluous, inordinately hashed-out subjective information, I've curated a collection of links that, in my opinion, present an objective perspective with tangible examples and evidence as it relates to your ongoing deliberation on whether to hold out for the ML allocation or upgrade a non-ML model.

Relying on impressionistic opinions and biased perspectives can create a skewed perception of reality and cause unnecessary overthinking. Which frequently leads to disappointment. It is crucial to build a solid foundation of factual knowledge to support your ideas and beliefs as they relate to your decision. I recommend comparing each option against each other to determine which one is the best fit for your needs. It's essential to thoroughly evaluate all of your options before making a decision. Then at least, you will have a stronger foundation if you pursue the aftermarket route.
I have noticed a significant rise in ML audio allocations in my area.

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/es-...l#post11487075

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/es-...l#post11505818

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/es-...l#post11503650

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/es-...l#post11494641

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/es-...l#post11491926

lex-ative

I've had the ML on both my vehicles and it does provide a better sound based on the source. Regular radio sounds crap. XM radio sounds good. Dvd audio sounds awesome. For me it was worth it.