Urlik

DM Sound reviewed the ML system in the TX here: He seems to notice that same harshness between mid and treble that some of us here complain about. Now this is a TX and not RX but I suspect the underlying system is identical with maybe slightly different tuning, all but the rear speakers are basically in the same spot as in our RXs. Overall he gave it an A (some comments saying he was too generous based on his comments in the video) but said it has no Wow factor and was a step down from ML in older models. I thought it was interesting that he preferred the sound with surround set to on rather than off, I had actually switched to it being on a few months ago myself and left it.

Hilltop

The base sound system is made by Panasonic.

WellsB

Thank you. I listen to audiobooks and the surround was causing strange and distracting sound variations.

Urlik

yeah, surround would be horrible for audio books or pod casts.

BytesU

I'm not in love with the RX's standard sound system either but its hard to compare to the JL Audio that I have in my Tundra. I like my sound clear with my lows tight but not enough to spend big bucks to change out the RX.

TruthBalance

Any difference in sound quality if you use a data cord?

jugdish

took a luxury for a test drive and put the ML through some songs.... I think its a step back from the ML system in my 2018 RXh. Soundstage is hollow and the low end just isn't very good.

Drumr13

Didn't watch the full video but on the Surround comment, I'd have to agree. Had a 2016 GS before my now current 500h and sound was terrible when surround was turned on but with it off it was amazing. In the 500h, seems to sound better with Surround on. Have to give the ML more time but not as impressed as I was in the GS but maybe had higher expectations as the RX is 8 years newer and has more speakers and wattage!

mikemu30

I find the ML in my ES is best with SURROUND ON - many others think not. We bought our new RX sans ML and the system sounds just fine to our ears

AudioDriver

If your system sounds better with surround off, IMO, the source material is likely old tech. Including CD’s. At some point, iTunes began upgrading its content for modern systems. It may sound like sacrilege, but save the old “better quality” source material for what it sounds good on. And buy the new tracks from iTunes. They are remastered for these modern systems. As is the CarPlay feature. And even the latest Bluetooth.

Yes, we’re getting screwed having to buy new phones. And having to rebuy songs we already own. But you always get screwed trying to get better sound.

You know they’d figure out better ways to screw everyone. This is how.

Turn surround back on. And buy new equipment and songs.

ColoradoDavid

Just started experimenting with Tidal via CarPlay as a source. Pretty impressed so far, and I am listening to music I know extremely well. I have the ML system and have been pleased with it, but not blown away. Until now. When configured correctly I believe Tidal offers far higher quality than any other option, including Sirius. I’m thinking the source has to be great to get the ML system to show its stuff

tolson37

I think the base system sounds great - whether Sirius XM, Apple Music, or FM Radio (ESPN). My other vehicle is a 2023 Ford F150 Tremor with the B&O upgraded system - my Lexus sounds just as good as the upgraded F150 system. I also typically use wireless Apple CarPlay. Works great.

I typically listen to Rock, Jazz, and some Pop.

Urlik

I’ve never heard anyone call Sirius high quality. It’s not even close to lossless music. Streaming Sirius is better than satellite for quality though. I’ll stick with my FLAC files on USB.

ColoradoDavid

Sirius lulls folks because of the relative ease of use, variety, etc. But it is really subpar compared to FLAC or higher bitrate sound like Tidal. I had forgotten the difference until I started experimenting with Streaming Tidal as a source.

happy1977

Sirius is like <128 kbps. And it's also moot to listen to lossless in vehicles due to road noise. Lossless is better experienced on home audio or head/ear sets (wired).