Mike728

^^ Truth! Can you say SiriusXM?

LCNA

I have several aif files now given the recommendations, but my car won't read the stick. Do I have to convert these files? Thanks so much.

DavidZ

It looks like the Lexus infotainment system doesn't support that format. There's a discussion in this thread.
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/es-...lays-flac.html

LCNA

Thsnk you. I downloaded again in ALAC format. It worked and sounds stunning. Thanks for the HD tracks referral.

DavidZ

Page 158 of the Navigation manual lists the compatible file formats.

mikemu30

I have a loaner ES today - not for mine but for my wife's RX which is in for service. This ES has the base audio system so now that I have a basis for comparison, man is that system inferior to the ML.

DavidZ

Were you ever able to figure this one out?

Hifiman1

Well if you wanted the best quality possible, you'd bypass the headunit Processor/ conversion and use AUX connection.

Streaming services are inferior quality and so is USB with car infotainment.

I wouldn't recommend settings until I run a frequency sweep with an RTA or Microphone.

Julio Iglesias - Caruso
Dire straights - Money for nothing
Queen - who wants to live forever
Mariah Carey - I still believe

nsaldanh

Are you assuming that AUX bypasses all processing and is purely in the analog domain? I've never seen any mention of a pure direct or direct mode where all DSP processing is bypassed. Another thing to consider is the quality of the DAC within the head unit and its published specs. That will determine how good your music sounds coming from high quality digital files on a USB.

Hifiman1

Correct, I assume that the DAC(Digital Analog Converter) chip Is inferior to that in a high end smartphone or Digital Analog Player.

I believe you'd lose some DSP function of the headunit via aux. But your media player equalizer would work fine. The system is not neutral, it has its own sound signature imbedded already that can only be tweaked with equalizer and not turned off.

With Aux you'll be able to play higher bit rate and quality content than what the head unit is capable of with less conversion by the DAC.

mikemu30

I'm sure I'm not the only one here that has no idea what they are talking about My ML system sounds just fine

DavidZ

I totally disagree with this. No meter is going to tell me how to listen. My ears are the final judge.
Depends on the streaming service, doesn't it?

What are you talking about? I'm getting fantastic sound using the USB!
Really? Have you tested this out yourself or are you just theorizing? What differences do you hear? I can't imagine you're getting better sound quality using the AUX input than I'm getting using USB.

How can you make this assumption? What are you basing it on? Certainly it depends on the smartphone, right?

Also, the DAC is just one component in the chain that affects sound quality and may not be the weakest link.

Again, what are you basing this statement on? Please supply hard data.

Mike728

How dare you question "Hifi Man"!

Hifiman1

Well let's just say if the headunit was the weakest link in the signal chain. Due to inferior electrical components or Dac.

You'd have better quality via aux connection from something such as a LG V phone or discreet audiophile grade player. Better spec components, Higher bit rate playback, and better measuring components inside with only one D/A conversion needed.

USB connection would rely on the headunits DAC and limitations it may have. I'm sure they didn't put high quality components inside. Just the minimum Chinese electronics that they saw fit.

DavidZ

And if pigs had wings they could fly.

You have absolutely no basis for what you're saying, do you?