I rarely see stereo upgrades on BMW or Lexus, which is disappointing as I always want it. However, even the base audio in BWM and Lexus is better than most brands. The audio also sounds better because both are so quiet inside.
You can use the two arrows on the bottom RIGHT side of the steering wheel to advance or return tracks. Saves you from having to drill into the video screen.
I tried that same file on a new Lexus ES300h with the Mark Levinson and got the same results, no discrete 5.1 audio. I also noticed that the music was very front biased which I read a lot of ES owners complaining about. I then tried the file in an Acura RDX with the ELS Studio 3D and it worked perfectly. 5.1 FLAC files surround you in music in the RDX, even better than in my 2013 TL using 5.1 DVD-Audio discs. I'm wondering if any Lexus ML systems support true 5.1?
Great review!!! Are you planning on testing the stock TX350 radio? I'm asking just to see if the $1,100 dollars is worth the upgrade. Thanks, I hope so soon, I'm getting ready to order one. And please keep us the great testingj.
It’s too bad ML rarely gets your s-tier rating. It feels like Lexus in general is falling behind. The fact that this brand new family hauler didn’t perform well in iihs crash test is another disappointment.
If Toyota is going down in the auto industry, then the entire auto industry is going down. We’re past the peak of the auto industry. It’s going to be nothing but decline and disappointment from now on.
@faheemabbas3965 Misplaced rants won't change/hide that the Lexus TX is a mediocre SUV offering which doesn't live up to Lexus "pursuit of perfection" standards.
@@iloveanime1313 Your premise is incorrect There are quite a few reviewers that have panned the Lexus TX, & rightfully so. Outside of the additional cargo room/3-row space, the TX isn't competitive or even a true *luxury* SUV, particularly when you compare the less advanced mechanical components, oldfangled technology & limited features the TX has to offer vs the other mid-size 3-row luxury SUVs in its class that are similarly priced.
tested this last week No way worth the 1100 premium price....plus you will only find it in the luxury trim so around 70,000 for the car. The louder i turned it the worst it sounded. Thanks for your work
Ls has that old school sound system like that of lexus lx 570. I believe lx570 and LS have the best bass for a sound system fitted in a car. Bass galore.
in my rx500h I turned the treble all the way down and the mids almost all the way down, and bass over centre, it cranks, good bass with my rock on sirius xm, quite loud, but very bright, thats why I turned down the treble. after a year and a half ownership, I am happy with the system, and traded the car on a sq8 with the BO system optional upgrade... so should be interesting to compare them. Get the car next week. I might put some comments about it on here after I compare them.
Love your videos on the audio systems but I feel like you’re giving Lexus the benefit of the doubt with these scores because of the M/L name brand. My brother just bought a TX with the M/L and it’s probably the worst I’ve heard from ML. It even sounds tinny in some situations. Several in the TX groups are complaining and even some have written Lexus or they’re making upgrades. I feel the same with the LX. Did it really deserve an A?
Recent TX350 owner with the ML here.....disappointed in the extra money I spent. Maybe he has to do with the sound source. Maybe it is the ML system itself. Either way, I've gotten better sound with less systems.
@@thedarkwonder9954same here man! I’m not an audiophile by any means but I’ve been spoiled by whatever has been standard in the MBs I’ve been leasing in the past few years (E class, GLE, C43, and EQE). I honestly didn’t even test the audio when I purchased our TX350 Luxury…and now that I’ve had the car for 3 months I feel like the ML setup is super underwhelming. Many say it’s the “source” but when I stream Spotify over Bluetooth in my EQE, music sounds great….i can’t say the same for the TX..everything sounds…tinny and without any substance.
Not that great for an almost 80K vehicle. Even my 2015 Subaru Outback has a 7-band equalizer with presets for Rock, Pop and Jazz this came with the standard stereo. Can you test the Cadillac Lyric with the newish AKG system? I want to see how it compares to the system in the TX.
I've had several Toyotas with JBL and one Lexus with ML (2022 RX 450h). The ML is a noticeably more premium sound than the JBL's we've had. I have never been impressed with JBL stereo in my old Toyotas.
Our TX 350 Lux with ML has no bass. The high and mid levels is so loud when the first hint of bass even enters the equation. I have been very disappointed so far. For something that cost over a grand extra its insane. I drive a 22 MDX ASpec and the ELS system is far superior. I can only assume there are setting issues, I am basing my comments off default settings with surround on and off and on slight modification. Turning bass 3/4 to full made things worse and didnt really raise the bass impact. It is strange, I can't even tell there is a subwoofer installed
@@AlKororo99 Id go with the premise that perhaps the GX received “more attention to detail” with the engineering given the extra effort and emphasis from Lexus (even going on to promote a “documentary” of its design and origins etc.) but the TX is a new vehicle itself. *shoulder shrug* going to buy a GX500 regardless though
@bmo7454 As a vehicle in complete I gotta Agee its a very good well designed suv even I would love to buy one, but strictly sound system idk if it will be s-tier i hope it will but ML been off their game lately
It seems like ML have been disappointing with their 2022-2023 lineups because why fix something that's not broken, I used to own a 2011 es350 yes it was old but man that sound system was phenomenal like s-tier but then I tried out the 2022 es350 ML and I was super disappointed it wasn't even close, I guess it's true don't fix what's not broken and ML is a company that went from S-tier to A-tier what a shame.
Agreed, I've listened to both the updated ES ML and the previous gen ML in the ES, the one in the previous generation sounded way more impressive. Not to say the new ML systems are bad, but I think they could be done a little better.
@@AlKororo99I think lexus lx 570 had the best system ever fitted in terms of bass. What do you think ? Like a proper pro bass system. Built for beats or party music.
@oriondoublecrossed I mean that's an S-tier system it had great bass and sub bass the mids and highs were perfectly balanced overall it's up there with the best 👌 however the lx600 seems like a step down from the former Lx570 which is sad. Don't fix what's not broken especially if it's perfection because you can't beat that.
@@AlKororo99 true. Someone in forums said that if you volume up after 40 the car automatically reduces bass to protect the speakers. And there is no fix to it. Thats horrible. Shambolic. Its a design issue or issue in earlier batches too. You know. Earlier toyota apologized for poor build quality of land cruiser 300 initial batch. The infotainment flexed a bit in the new landcruiser 2021 batch models. This quality issue has never happened in the previous toyota land cruiser/lexus lx. In general toyota is going down. Basically the whole industry not just toyota. Earlier we had many sound system with s tier rating. Now we have only 3-4.
I recently picked up my TX 500h Luxury, and I must say, I'm puzzled by your "A" rating for the audio system, especially when comparing it to the ML in the LX570. Calling the system a massive disappointment feels like an understatement. Your testing seems to have focused on higher listening volumes (40+), but when you turn the system down to a conversational level, the bass virtually disappears. Lexus's decision to apply such a strong DSP curve, attenuating bass frequencies at lower volumes, is baffling. A luxury audio system should deliver a balanced sound across all volume levels, but this one doesn't. While the system clearly has power at higher volumes, at lower levels it feels weak and tinny, even with the bass settings maxed out. Compounding the issue is the limited EQ functionality-just a basic 3-band adjustment, which is disappointing for a system in this class. I strongly disagree with your high rating unless the TX you tested differs significantly from the 100+ other TXs I've collected feedback on. I'm actively sharing this feedback with Lexus corporate in hopes of addressing these issues.
@DailyMotorSound i agree with @jbhome2. I have a 2024 TX500h Luxury and the Mark Levinson system sounds horrible at moderate volume. Very little bass even when set to Max.
This system is down graded and sounds worse with no bass or depth. I have 2014 GX and it rocks great. My husband got the new 2024 GX and it’s shallow with no bass or depth. Very disappointing! Sound system is a big thing for me and will probably shop elsewhere when I’m ready for a new vehicle
Nissan patrol is a better proposition than any of the lexus lx and land cruisers in production rn. Especially with the beige interior patrol is a luxurious limousine but on offroad. Name me one suv where you can put 34 inch tyres without lifting? Name me one only the patrol can.
14:56 bless you.
I rarely see stereo upgrades on BMW or Lexus, which is disappointing as I always want it. However, even the base audio in BWM and Lexus is better than most brands. The audio also sounds better because both are so quiet inside.
You can use the two arrows on the bottom RIGHT side of the steering wheel to advance or return tracks. Saves you from having to drill into the video screen.
Is there any chance you'll be adding a bass track that really tests 50hz and lower bass frequencies?
I am looking into some new tracks for next year
Will you be able to test the 12 speaker base for TX? Kinda hard to find ML unless it is the highest luxury trim…
Should be very similar to 12 speaker RX and around a B/B+.
I tried that same file on a new Lexus ES300h with the Mark Levinson and got the same results, no discrete 5.1 audio. I also noticed that the music was very front biased which I read a lot of ES owners complaining about. I then tried the file in an Acura RDX with the ELS Studio 3D and it worked perfectly. 5.1 FLAC files surround you in music in the RDX, even better than in my 2013 TL using 5.1 DVD-Audio discs. I'm wondering if any Lexus ML systems support true 5.1?
Great review!!! Are you planning on testing the stock TX350 radio? I'm asking just to see if the $1,100 dollars is worth the upgrade. Thanks, I hope so soon, I'm getting ready to order one. And please keep us the great testingj.
Thanks! Probably not, as I'd have to get an entirely separate TX loan in order to review it, so it probably won't happen soon unfortunately.
Thanks for the fast response. I guess I will have to find a dealer that has both. please keep up the great reviews.
@@DailyMotorSound
1100？ probably worth it. I hated my grand Highlander JBL so much I am thinking getting a b&O portable in it
Even listening to your own final thoughts this should have been a B rating.
My favorite car sound system ever was in a 2021 Chrysler Mini Van. Never heard a ML system
It’s too bad ML rarely gets your s-tier rating. It feels like Lexus in general is falling behind. The fact that this brand new family hauler didn’t perform well in iihs crash test is another disappointment.
If Toyota is going down in the auto industry, then the entire auto industry is going down.
We’re past the peak of the auto industry. It’s going to be nothing but decline and disappointment from now on.
@faheemabbas3965
Misplaced rants won't change/hide that the Lexus TX is a mediocre SUV offering which doesn't live up to Lexus "pursuit of perfection" standards.
@@faheemabbas3965 what makes you say that?
Im sorry but how is the TX mediocre? Every review and driving impression is positive... @@TheBjjones
@@iloveanime1313
Your premise is incorrect There are quite a few reviewers that have panned the Lexus TX, & rightfully so. Outside of the additional cargo room/3-row space, the TX isn't competitive or even a true *luxury* SUV, particularly when you compare the less advanced mechanical components, oldfangled technology & limited features the TX has to offer vs the other mid-size 3-row luxury SUVs in its class that are similarly priced.
tested this last week No way worth the 1100 premium price....plus you will only find it in the luxury trim so around 70,000 for the car. The louder i turned it the worst it sounded. Thanks for your work
I really like the brand unfortunately there is nothing premium with ML labeling
The one thing I wish my mom’s Highlander had was a desperate subwoofer adjustment. I like to have my bass in the main speakers down but the sub up.
Will you test the ML in the gx550 if you had the chance?
Yes. Unfortunately the test vehicle we had was a pre-production without final sound system tuning, so I'll have to get a new one at some point
I went to the LA auto show and pretty much listened to all the ML. The only good system on Lexus is the LS.
Hows the new gx ml system 🤔
@@rashid-go1hk unfortunately, the new gx’s audio system in the auto show was not playing for me. I didn’t really know
Ls has that old school sound system like that of lexus lx 570. I believe lx570 and LS have the best bass for a sound system fitted in a car. Bass galore.
I have the mark levinson system in my RC and I have the same issue with harsh snares
excellent job🚀please review corvette e-ray or z06 sound systems
have you ever done a video on what you use to film? I like that you can see your hands.
Would like to see a Lexus LS review.
in my rx500h I turned the treble all the way down and the mids almost all the way down, and bass over centre, it cranks, good bass with my rock on sirius xm, quite loud, but very bright, thats why I turned down the treble. after a year and a half ownership, I am happy with the system, and traded the car on a sq8 with the BO system optional upgrade... so should be interesting to compare them. Get the car next week. I might put some comments about it on here after I compare them.
Love your videos on the audio systems but I feel like you’re giving Lexus the benefit of the doubt with these scores because of the M/L name brand. My brother just bought a TX with the M/L and it’s probably the worst I’ve heard from ML. It even sounds tinny in some situations.
Several in the TX groups are complaining and even some have written Lexus or they’re making upgrades. I feel the same with the LX. Did it really deserve an A?
Tough to say. Perhaps I'm getting too soft during the holiday season
I have the ML in the new RX. I suspect they are basically identical and I agree that it wasn't worth the extra cost at all.
Recent TX350 owner with the ML here.....disappointed in the extra money I spent. Maybe he has to do with the sound source. Maybe it is the ML system itself. Either way, I've gotten better sound with less systems.
@@thedarkwonder9954same here man! I’m not an audiophile by any means but I’ve been spoiled by whatever has been standard in the MBs I’ve been leasing in the past few years (E class, GLE, C43, and EQE). I honestly didn’t even test the audio when I purchased our TX350 Luxury…and now that I’ve had the car for 3 months I feel like the ML setup is super underwhelming. Many say it’s the “source” but when I stream Spotify over Bluetooth in my EQE, music sounds great….i can’t say the same for the TX..everything sounds…tinny and without any substance.
Not that great for an almost 80K vehicle. Even my 2015 Subaru Outback has a 7-band equalizer with presets for Rock, Pop and Jazz this came with the standard stereo. Can you test the Cadillac Lyric with the newish AKG system? I want to see how it compares to the system in the TX.
Been trying to get one for some time, but GM is having trouble getting them out.
its standard system is made by Fender/Panasonic
Will it sound different or better the RX 350 2024?
It sounds the same.
JBL in grand Highlander probably also A tier…
c tier......i tried one in test drive....i just turned it off
ruclips.net/video/7dkNn9MTKJg/видео.htmlsi=15yGDpdaOUvzUw8t
I've had several Toyotas with JBL and one Lexus with ML (2022 RX 450h). The ML is a noticeably more premium sound than the JBL's we've had. I have never been impressed with JBL stereo in my old Toyotas.
Any CD slot?
No. After 2018, I think, the CD slots went away on Toyota/Lexus products. (My 2017 had one, but my 2024 does not).
Our TX 350 Lux with ML has no bass. The high and mid levels is so loud when the first hint of bass even enters the equation. I have been very disappointed so far. For something that cost over a grand extra its insane. I drive a 22 MDX ASpec and the ELS system is far superior. I can only assume there are setting issues, I am basing my comments off default settings with surround on and off and on slight modification. Turning bass 3/4 to full made things worse and didnt really raise the bass impact. It is strange, I can't even tell there is a subwoofer installed
Same with our RX. I suspect the systems are identical. A big let down. I wonder if they'd put woofers in the rear doors if it would have helped.
So, no CD player no more on Lexus? And yes, I expected better sound from brand new luxury
The old ML systems were way better.. my rc, gx pounded
Is Mark Levinson one of the numerous brands that's owned by Harmon Kardon?
yes
Yes. They own pretty much everything besides Bose, Bowers and Wilkins, ELS, and Burmester.
Some of his Conclusions:
He says missing 5 or 9 band EQ. He says it is missing the Wow faster. He’s not super impressed
Hopefully the 2024 GX 550 is S-Tier (.___.")
Idk because the Lx 600 got A tier too which was supposed to be the saving grace for ML
@@AlKororo99 Id go with the premise that perhaps the GX received “more attention to detail” with the engineering given the extra effort and emphasis from Lexus (even going on to promote a “documentary” of its design and origins etc.) but the TX is a new vehicle itself. *shoulder shrug* going to buy a GX500 regardless though
@bmo7454 As a vehicle in complete I gotta Agee its a very good well designed suv even I would love to buy one, but strictly sound system idk if it will be s-tier i hope it will but ML been off their game lately
It seems like ML have been disappointing with their 2022-2023 lineups because why fix something that's not broken, I used to own a 2011 es350 yes it was old but man that sound system was phenomenal like s-tier but then I tried out the 2022 es350 ML and I was super disappointed it wasn't even close, I guess it's true don't fix what's not broken and ML is a company that went from S-tier to A-tier what a shame.
Agreed, I've listened to both the updated ES ML and the previous gen ML in the ES, the one in the previous generation sounded way more impressive. Not to say the new ML systems are bad, but I think they could be done a little better.
@Orangematz the new ones are better than 80% of what you get in the car market whereas previous generation was better than 99% of the car market
@@AlKororo99I think lexus lx 570 had the best system ever fitted in terms of bass. What do you think ? Like a proper pro bass system. Built for beats or party music.
@oriondoublecrossed I mean that's an S-tier system it had great bass and sub bass the mids and highs were perfectly balanced overall it's up there with the best 👌 however the lx600 seems like a step down from the former Lx570 which is sad.
Don't fix what's not broken especially if it's perfection because you can't beat that.
@@AlKororo99 true. Someone in forums said that if you volume up after 40 the car automatically reduces bass to protect the speakers. And there is no fix to it. Thats horrible. Shambolic. Its a design issue or issue in earlier batches too. You know. Earlier toyota apologized for poor build quality of land cruiser 300 initial batch. The infotainment flexed a bit in the new landcruiser 2021 batch models. This quality issue has never happened in the previous toyota land cruiser/lexus lx. In general toyota is going down. Basically the whole industry not just toyota. Earlier we had many sound system with s tier rating. Now we have only 3-4.
I recently picked up my TX 500h Luxury, and I must say, I'm puzzled by your "A" rating for the audio system, especially when comparing it to the ML in the LX570. Calling the system a massive disappointment feels like an understatement.
Your testing seems to have focused on higher listening volumes (40+), but when you turn the system down to a conversational level, the bass virtually disappears. Lexus's decision to apply such a strong DSP curve, attenuating bass frequencies at lower volumes, is baffling. A luxury audio system should deliver a balanced sound across all volume levels, but this one doesn't.
While the system clearly has power at higher volumes, at lower levels it feels weak and tinny, even with the bass settings maxed out. Compounding the issue is the limited EQ functionality-just a basic 3-band adjustment, which is disappointing for a system in this class.
I strongly disagree with your high rating unless the TX you tested differs significantly from the 100+ other TXs I've collected feedback on. I'm actively sharing this feedback with Lexus corporate in hopes of addressing these issues.
I appreciate your comment and mostly agree. The TX could use a reevaluation
@DailyMotorSound i agree with @jbhome2. I have a 2024 TX500h Luxury and the Mark Levinson system sounds horrible at moderate volume. Very little bass even when set to Max.
So sad. ML on LX also sounds real bad.
Why does it sound like this
This system is down graded and sounds worse with no bass or depth. I have 2014 GX and it rocks great. My husband got the new 2024 GX and it’s shallow with no bass or depth. Very disappointing! Sound system is a big thing for me and will probably shop elsewhere when I’m ready for a new vehicle
Yeah, unfortunately ML seems to be coming down a bit. GX 460 and LX 570 were outstanding
Disappointed with lexus Mark Levinson System in TX. Bose in my old Audi was much better.
Mark lenvision harman luxury team 😂.
*….$78,000 USA Dollars or Canadian $$$????*
I regret getting this radio!!!! It sucks!
Doing an audio lesson... of a car... through youtube is one of the silliest things that a person can do
…Yah, especially on my iPhone speakers
Terrible music too me. Listening on iPhone speakers does no good.
The ML stereo is very terrible compared to others . Toyota corolla stereo sounds better than the TX. Lexus sounds system is falling behind drastically
Nissan patrol is a better proposition than any of the lexus lx and land cruisers in production rn. Especially with the beige interior patrol is a luxurious limousine but on offroad. Name me one suv where you can put 34 inch tyres without lifting? Name me one only the patrol can.
was expecting to see actual measurements...even the best ears have bias.
How smart is it to be driving 70 mph in traffic and messing with audio controls.
…Not smart but I have done it. The trick is to let everyone to go ahead of you with nobody behind you as much as possible
..2022 Lexus RX-350 has a track pad. Non ML stereo sounded terrible
fake? made in China?
….Get Trump on it when he gets in office in January 2025