dat dude

Hey Guys,

Had a quick question regarding the Lexus GS Premium Sound System and its comparison to the ML option. As I just got this GS, I have a XM trial which sounds like total crap! I toyed with the Bluetooth Streaming and noticed that the stock system sounds much better than even the ML system in my RX! Has anyone here been able to compare the ML to the stock system in the GS? If so, how do they compare?

Thanks!

rominl

iTrader: (4)

my opinion. the mark levinson systems in recent lexus (including GS) doesn't provide that much of a gain anymore over the regular premium system, especially given the price premium. i have listened to both the ml and premium systems in the GS, i think they are very similar. of course a lot of this has to do with the type of audio source, you probably need very good source to tell the difference. but then that's my point too, most people just do BT from their phones which are mostly compressed audio formats already.

dchar

It seems like they recently added the Clari-Fi technology to the Mark Levinson system on the GS. I noticed a major difference on my 2017 and past 2015 GS compared to my past 2013 GS. Satellite radio is finally decent to listen to.

Lexus added Clari-Fi technology on the Mark Levinson system around 2014/2015. It restores audio quality from compressed music, resulting in crisp, clear, dynamic sound from any source.

JDR76

Correct. Clari-Fi technology was added to ML for the 15 model year.

Davenlei

iTrader: (1)

To me the Mark Levinson system seems to have better soundstage and presence than the premium system.

MustangSal

Imho the ML is vastly superior to the stock premium audio. It's really down to the numbers. The subjectivity of what people are using to determine "sounds better" is where we are losing some translation. You really need to go into the each vehicle system settings (side by side) set the digital settings identically, using the same source (fm, Bt, direct USB, sat) and then compare at different volumes. If you haven't done that, you can't make a comparison. Those settings can have a need to vary depending on music and preference too.

Again, ML champions the audio system in the GS hands down. And really, why sell it with ML if it was only as good as the premium audio offered in every GS?

roblim

I have a 2016 RX350 with ML and a 2014 GS with Premium. ML does sound better to me, but i also find that i have to crank the volume louder to really enjoy it. The Premium system is also very good and while not as clear as the ML, it holds up just fine when listening to a wide range of music. I have had Premium audio in a Lexus NX and it sucked big time. ML wasn't even offered as an option on the NX in the U.S.

I think the best system i have had in a car was the B&O system in my 2014 Audi A5. That was a very fine audio system for not much markup, just $800 or so. Worth every dollar.

y2tony3

I think the ML is more for classical music. the clarity is awesome but if you listen to any other music, I think it is a disappointment. That is just my opinion of course...

gflexus

I'm a musician and a long time audiophile. I finally got a chance to critically compare the ML audio system in my new '16 F Sport against the premium system in my prior '15 GS 350. I'm basing this on listening to classic rock on some DVD-Audio discs and FM radio.

First of all, as many have noted, the stock premium sound system is probably one of the best stock systems. In my listening so far, I feel the ML system is more powerful, has clearer mids, and reproduces very low bass when present (in other words, the ML's frequency response goes lower than the premium system). If you crank the bass too much on the ML, you will get some loud "thuds" if very low bass is present (some may like that!).....I found I have to back the bass off slightly in certain cases. High and mid-bass were about the same as the premium system.

All the speakers in the ML system are in the same spots in the car as the stock system. Some of them are 2 way speakers, so they count them as "more" speakers!

So, all in all, I feel the ML system is superior, but you may have to be an audiophile to appreciate it.

jtrue28

Comparing systems between the models I have had...

'16 ES350 - Standard system....garbage
'08-'11 GS350 - Premium system - sounded good for what it was
'13 GS350 - Premium system - didn't notice any difference compared to the 3GS cars that I owned
'15 GX460 - ML - By far the best sounding OEM system I have heard, hands down.
'16 GS350 - ML - Very good, but doesn't sound as good as the GX
'10 RX350 - Standard system, however, we have the OEM rear entertainment system. Even though it is not ML, they have to add the surround features for DVDs...so even though it's not ML, it's likely only missing extra amplifier watts. - Sounds very good.

careramike

Imho Sat Radio & MP3 are not the best music to test system clarity and fidelity. Play a CD of music you know is clear.
Here is a VERY GOOD article about car Audio systems
http://www.roadandtrack.com/about/a3...-audio-system/

marjenmill

I can notice a big difference in sound quality if my Android phone has the volume maxed over having the sound at lower volumes - especially more lower (bass) sounds.

jtrue28

I've noticed my stereo sounds much better when listening to traditional radio stations.