LexFinally

Apologies if this has been covered in previous threads; I did do a search.

To my limited understanding, both the Pioneer and Levinson 2019 sound systems were very weak in sending sound from the back, even with the fader set there. I see that some posters have recommended shutting Surround off to minimize the problem. I also see there was a 2020 TSB that addressed a weak rear amplifier component or somesuch, which I'm guessing reflects that Lexus implemented a fix on the fly for 2020 and newer builds.

My question is this: I've repeatedly seen it said that the ES's Mark Levinson system is calibrated for a "soundstage" experience that plays out mostly across the front. Problem is, I don't want a soundstage in front of me; I want what many other premium cars can give me, an immersive surround experience that makes maximum use of all the speakers. What can you experts tell me about the newer Levinson's ability to deliver that, and whether the new system has decisively fixed the problem with the 2019's?

Thanks for lending your experience.

mikemu30

My 19 FSport with ML - most of the sound is in the front. Good quality from good sources but not much in the rear.

LexFinally

Thanks for weighing in, Mike.

My hope is that someone will also report here who's heard both the 2019 setup, and the newer one that was presumably built with the apparent TSB running change to the rear amplifier that raises the volume back there. Anybody?...

brazencpl

I have 19 ES300h with base Pioneer system. I had the amp recently replaced under the TSB and it improved rear imaging slightly. I also have heard the ML system. Both have majority of the sound staged in the front. The ML will play louder and has deeper bass. The base system isn’t bad once you dial in the sound. If you are an audio geek spend the extra $1k and get the ML. I have this 19 as I got a good deal on it but will upgrade to 20 with ML over the next year. There isn’t any amp integration yet for these unless you use a high level input converter which isn’t worth it in my opinion.

LexFinally

Thank you for your contribution. I appreciate it.

Tell me, have you had the chance to hear a '20 or '21 with either stereo, and does the front/rear situation sound any different than on your '19?

brazencpl

Hi yes my dad had a 2020 with ML and like I stated above, rear speakers are just for fill. The main stage is the front as designed.

LexFinally

Wow, you're a two-ES family. Two generations of luxury! :.)

Seriously, thanks for sharing that. It's very informative for me.

JCDell

I have the 2019 that had the TSB applies. It did fix the problem Sound from the rear now, works like it should.,

LexFinally

Thanks, JC. That's also helpful. I was specifically wondering if the fixed cars had more sound in the back. (I'm assuming they made the same modification as a running fix on later models.)

TechNut

I think that "fixed" may be subjective. I also had the TSB applied to my 2019 and the sound (fader) is definitely better now, but the rear is still pretty quiet compared to other cars I have owned. I have to crank the volume up considerably to get much audio from the rear. I would suggest the only way you will know if it meets your expectation is to go sit in one and test the audio adjustments to ensure they meet your expectations based on your own experiences. There really isn't any way around this as we are all going to have different perceptions as to whether this concern has been properly remedied.

bostonsnow

it seems the low volume in the rear was not automatically corrected - I have the same issue in my new 2023

so it is worth the hassle of giving up the car for some days to get the TSB? It seems the majority of people find it is just a small improvement, not a major one? I fear that the small size of the rear speakers may be a limiting factor? trying to decide whether to bother to ask for the TSB versus just put up with what seems like essentially a front-only sound.....

mikemu30

Fuggetaboutit. Lexus clearly designs these cars this way.

bostonsnow

arrghhh. ok time for me to stop wasting time about TSB and look into aftermarket upgrade.....

BBQapple

I have a 23 with the Pioneer. It sucks. The 23 ML systems are not much better to my ears. But if you’re a person who never turns the volume up more than half way you’ll probably like it.

F3Woody

I don't even think the TSB covered 2023, only 2019. I had it done and the document clearly states that it covers the 2019 model year only. And yes, like others have said, sadly this is intentional by design and the replacement amp in the TSB did very little to even the output. So if you can't live with it, aftermarket is the only way to go.

EDIT: It does not cover past 2019. The TSB, attached, indicates that it only covers "vehicles produced BEFORE the production change effective VINs shown below"
I take that to mean they incorporated the newly programmed amps at some point during/after the 2019 production cycle, so anything after that will already have the update.