Guys... I have a question...

Just took possession of a "new" 2012 LWB AWD with all the gizmos (except exec seats and air suspension).... The sound from the ML doesn't have the same oomfff as in my 2009 SWB.

To my ears, it sounds like the subwoofer is not working at all. Is there a specific fuse for the sub? if not, any clue?

I mean, it doesn't sound bad... but not nearly as powerful as the one in the 2009

 

You are correct the bass isn't as powerful and its very noticeable.

 

For what, you mean ? the L ?

 

I've read that it looks like on the 2010's+ the ML amp is sending less power to the Sub. I believe the reason for this was that in the 2007-2009's you were actually able to blow the subwoofer. They did this to prevent the sub from blowing. I was under the impression the limiting didn't kick in until you turned the volume quite high though.
Have you tried just putting your hand/ear by the subwoofer to see if it's working? Also check the fader and make sure it's not too far to the front.

 

The thing is... not sure where the sub is actually located.

The system sounds normal (except for the bass), but instead of listening with the volume at 20, you need to put it at around 35 to start actually hearing the sound better. Mind you, I'm an ex-club boy and I'm a bass freak... In the 2009, I actually have to reduce the bass a couple of notches, and in the 2012 now, I actually have to push it up several ones. A bit disappointing, really, if what you read is true. Then again, if it prevents the whole thing to blow up, I understand a bit more.

Thank you for your input!

 

Its in the rear center deck. So by opening your trunk or sitting in the back seat near the center with the volume up you should hear the sub woofer if its working.

 

Thanks! Just went to check and it seems to be working... urghhh...

 

I have a 2016 with ML and notice the sub doesn't seem provide much. The door speakers seem to provide more of the bass...

 

Yep... that's what I feel too. Except when you're sitting in the back where you can feel the sub more. As a driver, I don't sit much in the back

 

Bear in mind that subwoofer frequencies are non-directional, so the "bass" fequencies you are hearing from the front speakers are probably harmonics - the real bass may still be coming from the sub.

 

The bass in my 2014 ML system is very SUBtle, I'm positive it's the way Lexus wants you to hear it, like how a chef doesn't like it when you add more salt and a ton of pepper to his dish.

 

That is a fair and true point. Personally I think the ML has nice bass on songs that need it. It's just not as much as older versions.

 

Thank you all for chiming in. I appreciate and won't look like an idiot the next time I see the tech advisor at my dealership!

 

i am sure the advisors are the idiots for the most part- we as consumers especially folks on clublexus have a ton more info than the "advisor".

to add in what you can do is just add a little sub and an amp (keeping the stock system all in place) just to add a little kick to the bass

 

I don't think I need to go there, but that's a great idea. My main worry was that there was something wrong with the system as the sound was not the same as in the 2009.

Thx!