szilu

Thanks for that,actually I have not tried switching it off,as it made the sound stage far better in 3gs. Honestly, Lexus should rethink their strategy, we also have a '14 RX450h with ML and the sound quality could not be much worse. However Lexus told me that RX ML sound bad because of the subwoofer lacking enough space due to the shape of the trunk, and GS is definitely better, but the difference is not that much.

szilu

THX, I do not see the request you sent, will check it on the laptop maybe the mobile version is the problem.

I will try to use the aux port with a portable DAC and some high quality lossless source and see if that makes any difference...

99alta

I recall reading somewhere that ML quite suppling the head unit for the Lexus GS/ML system a couple years ago. No matter how good the ML AMP/speakers are an inferior head unit would easily result in poorer sound and lack of Codecs that the unit used to have.

Anyone tried a different head unit ?

Mr. Klean

iTrader: (2)

Everyone hears sound "quality" at different levels...which is why you have some who hear the system at "quality" standards and others who do not.

I went from a 3GS ML to a 4GS premium and to be honest, the sound similar. I didn't opt for the ML because in the 4GS I test drove with the ML, it didn't sound as well as the 4GS premium in the F-Sport. I tuned both before I went on the test drive and played the same song through my phone on both.

balfor

I also feel let down by the ML system. It is ok, but really not that special. There does not seem to be a lot of "presence" or depth to the sound. I did turn off surround over the last week to see if that helps but for me, it does not seem to improve the system. Overall bass is weak and I find the treble to be weak as well, not crisp like some other systems.

I also had a 2013 F sport with the base system, and I think the base and ML are very close. The ML is better, but not really worth the price in my opinion. I'm surprised as there are a lot of good reviews for the system.

I had a 2005 TL way back when and from what I remember it would blow this system away, which is embarrassing for Lexus considering the GS costs a lot more and 10 years have passed. My TL also had a lot more adjustability, for example you could adjust the sub-woofer level separately from the bass. The GS ML system really has very few adjustments when you think about it.

99alta

Your memory serves you well ! My 05' TL's system does sound better than my ML! Listening to the Eagles in true 5.1 surround is AWESOME, but alas the ML doesn't even play the format

Afrosheen

99alta, you should be able to play video DVD's with surround tracks encoded on them. Some DVD-A discs work also, surround or stereo.

To be honest though, for absolute quality, stereo is better with a higher bitrate than Dolby 5.1 surround. I think there's a codec limitation with DVD-A and surround, maybe because older systems it was designed for didn't have the bandwidth for 24/96 or higher bitrates in 5.1 channels.

DLKC

I find the ML system to be good with nice mid and high and very good detail level, What it lacks is it could do with a little more bass. I replaced the sub with two focal subs of the same size, firing in with two monoblocks. With the enhanced bass, it is a very good setup.

To give the setup a chance to perform, here is what one can do:
-turn off surround
-turn off automatic sound leveler

These actually muddied the sound.

With a flat balance level, the sound is skewed too much to the front. Have the setting down a couple of notches to make it more centralized (imagine the center to be at the end of the front row seats ie the center of the vehicle).

If you are not using CDs, please have your songs in loss-less format. Any mp3 or equivalent format will not sound good. I use WAV format which can only take about 35 albums on my ipod

My setting is:
-bass- flat (as it should be with two sub-woofers)
-mid- +2
-treble - flat

Give it a try and see if it works.

Typical volume level is about 25 to 30 (more towards 30).

Try and see if it works



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jjscsix

I think the system is pretty good, but do agree it could be better. I really think all it needs is a true equalizer to fine tune the sound to our individual tastes. My BMW 550 had the Premium system with a full equalizer and I think it was the best all around car system I've ever had, and I've owned a number of (relatively) high end factory systems.

rominl

iTrader: (4)

that's because of marketing. if you want to play the system so loud the next street can hear you, you go for more power (wattage). but if you want quality, clarity, etc... it's all about the db and other details including speaker placements.

i was actually a little disappointed when lexus started focusing on saying how many watts their systems have in order to deceive people

well, honestly coz' that's how unimpressed the 3gs ml was, imho