IS500 Mark Levinson
#16
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From an unbiased passenger opinion standpoint, the ML impresses all of the guests who have been in my car. The depth of sound and bass response are usually what appeals to them.
I'd have to agree with the better sound richness than other stereos but I've found clarity gets muddled in the rear seats with the single free-air subwoofer. Harman Kardon mounts two subwoofers under the front seats; while bass frequencies aren't supposed to be directional I find that it just sounds better for rear seat passengers. Still doesn't have the depth of ML though.
I'd have to agree with the better sound richness than other stereos but I've found clarity gets muddled in the rear seats with the single free-air subwoofer. Harman Kardon mounts two subwoofers under the front seats; while bass frequencies aren't supposed to be directional I find that it just sounds better for rear seat passengers. Still doesn't have the depth of ML though.
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Carolina50 (08-22-22)
#17
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I love the ML in my IS500 except when the front doors panels are not literally rattling out of the door. Can't believe I would ever mention the word rattle with a brand new lexus.
#18
drives cars
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You should absolutely take it to the dealer. They should be able to provide something. The only persistent rattles I've had in my Lexus cars have been fixed by the dealer at no charge.
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#19
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From an unbiased passenger opinion standpoint, the ML impresses all of the guests who have been in my car. The depth of sound and bass response are usually what appeals to them.
I'd have to agree with the better sound richness than other stereos but I've found clarity gets muddled in the rear seats with the single free-air subwoofer. Harman Kardon mounts two subwoofers under the front seats; while bass frequencies aren't supposed to be directional I find that it just sounds better for rear seat passengers. Still doesn't have the depth of ML though.
I'd have to agree with the better sound richness than other stereos but I've found clarity gets muddled in the rear seats with the single free-air subwoofer. Harman Kardon mounts two subwoofers under the front seats; while bass frequencies aren't supposed to be directional I find that it just sounds better for rear seat passengers. Still doesn't have the depth of ML though.
I like the sub setup in our cars, i just think the IS needs more. Subs can be designed to run in infinite baffle (like free air in a trunk) and sound excellent doing so. The psycho home theater guys will put 16x 18" subwoofers in their attic and make you tap out in pain when the bass hits lol
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HydrantHunter (03-25-24)
#20
drives cars
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Funny thing is ML is a division of Harman LOL
I like the sub setup in our cars, i just think the IS needs more. Subs can be designed to run in infinite baffle (like free air in a trunk) and sound excellent doing so. The psycho home theater guys will put 16x 18" subwoofers in their attic and make you tap out in pain when the bass hits lol
I like the sub setup in our cars, i just think the IS needs more. Subs can be designed to run in infinite baffle (like free air in a trunk) and sound excellent doing so. The psycho home theater guys will put 16x 18" subwoofers in their attic and make you tap out in pain when the bass hits lol
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HydrantHunter (03-25-24),
wthrman2 (08-23-22)
#21
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HydrantHunter (03-25-24)
#22
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My mom's LS is the only one that hasn't developed any rattles. My Corvette had a tiny rattle in the hatch, which I was able to fix myself and didn't make a squeak after that. Being honest, if a super stiff suspension Corvette doesn't develop rattles a cushy Lexus shouldn't either. They're 0/4 with us in that area of build quality.
Last edited by 95bat; 08-23-22 at 05:40 PM.
#23
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The radio is off half the time so I can listen to the engine. When on, it’s just okay up to volume level #21. After that it starts to sound amazing (IMO), especially at 30.
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MYIS500 (12-22-22)
#25
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My music catalog is extremely diverse and the results are the same, no matter the genre. The CDs (real ones, not the homemade), Sirius, and Pandora fair better at 21 but not by a ton. If it’s just me in the car it’s no biggie to crank it up, but not if there are passengers. Maybe I’m expecting too much and you can’t get that surround sound richness under 21. 🤷🏽♂️
#26
drives cars
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I tried the EQ settings, and didn't really like them any better than having them at +1, 0, +1. I think volume is the real secret like you said. 20+ sounds gooooooood.
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DLPTony (08-26-22)
#27
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Pretty much! 😞
My music catalog is extremely diverse and the results are the same, no matter the genre. The CDs (real ones, not the homemade), Sirius, and Pandora fair better at 21 but not by a ton. If it’s just me in the car it’s no biggie to crank it up, but not if there are passengers. Maybe I’m expecting too much and you can’t get that surround sound richness under 21. 🤷🏽♂️
My music catalog is extremely diverse and the results are the same, no matter the genre. The CDs (real ones, not the homemade), Sirius, and Pandora fair better at 21 but not by a ton. If it’s just me in the car it’s no biggie to crank it up, but not if there are passengers. Maybe I’m expecting too much and you can’t get that surround sound richness under 21. 🤷🏽♂️
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arentz07 (08-26-22)
#28
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The system is pretty good, good frequency response, low distortion, speakers have good quality.
It is very good.
I wish it had a graphic equalizer with 5-7 bands, but it does not.
Anyways, I'm always on Android Auto and the phone itself has a graphic equalizer.
So I created one profile for the car and the end result is very very good. A pleasure to listen to.
It is very good.
I wish it had a graphic equalizer with 5-7 bands, but it does not.
Anyways, I'm always on Android Auto and the phone itself has a graphic equalizer.
So I created one profile for the car and the end result is very very good. A pleasure to listen to.
#29
Pole Position
#30
drives cars
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