Just took delivery of my RX330 on April 24, and am now exploring every details of this baby.
At this moment, my interest is concentrating on the ML. sould systems. After satisfying myself that there are indeed 11 speakers, I am looking for the amplifer. According to the Lexus-ML web site, the amplifer is located under the passenger seat, but I could not find anything similar to a amplifer under the seat.

Anyone know the exact location and appearance of the amplifer?

Thanks.

crkao

 

hmm i havent got mine yet but getting close to 8 weeks on order. i will have the ml system too. i heard one in a ls but not in the rx yet. am concerned there is no subwoofer. not sure why. is your bass solid? what about the overall sound. andy

 

Congradulation on your new car!

To be honest, IMHO the ML sound system on the RX is good but not *that* good. The bass is adequate for playing classical, but may not be for playing other types..

I also do not understand why a subwoofer is missing in RX? To save a few bucks?

By the way, I am still looking for the missing amplifer.

 

I went to the dealership today to take another look at the ML system. I want to purchase the Performance package and the ML system is not available with Performance, so I went to check out the differences.

As far as amplifier placement, the Lexus GX, and LX models that have the ML put the amplifier under the front seat. The amplifier is definately not under the front seat of the RX. I tried to poke around under the dash, but could not see anything without starting to remove panels, and I figured the dealership might not like this. Perhaps some owners out there who have looked around can shed some light on this.

As far as the speakers it appears to me that the ML and Non-ML versions of the RX330 have different speakers. As stated earlier the rear speakers on the ML are co-axial, and on the Non-ML version it's just a single speaker. The speakers themselves in all poslitions appear to be different between ML and Non-ML. This is based on peaking through the grills with a flashlight. The cones used in the ML system appear to be made from different materials than those in the Non-ML system. Also the speakers in the ML version appear to be the same speakers used in the ML version of the GX and LX cars.

As stated earlier the main thing lacking in the RX330 is a subwoofer. The GX and LX use the same 6x9 door speakers for most of the bass. They also add a small 6.5" subwoofer to handle the bottom octave. It would have been nice if they did the same for the RX330. For those who really want bass, they will have to add a subwoofer later. At least it won't have to be to a big one as the door speakers do seem to handle the upper bass range.

For me, I guess I will have to either put up with the Non-ML stereo, or put in an aftermarket system after I get my car.