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What’s the 800 number?As expected, my dealer said "the stereo functions as designed", so now I was able to call the 800 number to log a complaint with Lexus. They tried to tell me the same thing, to which I replied there is a design flaw that numerous others are complaining about.
I described it as:
Has anyone made progress from Lexus on this? While I'd love a half-way decent system, I'd be happy with my $1100 back.
- Switch the fade to rear and there is almost no sound. Sounds like two 2" speakerphones, no bass. Though technically I hear sound out of the 4 speakers in the second row.
- The only bass I can hear is coming out of the mid front door speakers.
- Subwoofer in the hatch does nothing.
- Of 6-7 new cars I've owned, none sounds this bad nor had an $1100 upgrade. Anemic was a good choice of words from another poster.
I've also thought of contacting Mark Levinson as it tarnishes their good name.
Rob
Think a good approach would be for as many as we can get on the forum complain to Lexus - we could give them lots of direct pressure on this and other issues. Complaining one person at a time seems to do littleAs expected, my dealer said "the stereo functions as designed", so now I was able to call the 800 number to log a complaint with Lexus. They tried to tell me the same thing, to which I replied there is a design flaw that numerous others are complaining about.
I described it as:
Has anyone made progress from Lexus on this? While I'd love a half-way decent system, I'd be happy with my $1100 back.
- Switch the fade to rear and there is almost no sound. Sounds like two 2" speakerphones, no bass. Though technically I hear sound out of the 4 speakers in the second row.
- The only bass I can hear is coming out of the mid front door speakers.
- Subwoofer in the hatch does nothing.
- Of 6-7 new cars I've owned, none sounds this bad nor had an $1100 upgrade. Anemic was a good choice of words from another poster.
I've also thought of contacting Mark Levinson as it tarnishes their good name.
Rob
I think the people who like the ML system haven’t faded their system to the rear to understand there is lack of sound and bass. People who have an ear to good quality sound will notice this. I think the ones who don’t notice don’t care, and never really invested or heard what good quality sound system should sound like. For a $90,000 vehicle I expect superb sound and not Kia sound systemI’m loving mine so far. OT+ Solid and clean sound.
If you can get through to someone at ML that “could” add some additional pressure on Toyota/Lexus. A friend who is in the industry and has worked with the Exec Engineers at ML said they would be mortified to hear feedback like this. That said, it takes a LOT to get a multinational brand to make changes for an issue like this that is probably very low on their priority list. I love this vehicle but have told at least 8-10 ppl to not buy it yet, wait until Lexus gets back to delivering higher quality in their product.As expected, my dealer said "the stereo functions as designed", so now I was able to call the 800 number to log a complaint with Lexus. They tried to tell me the same thing, to which I replied there is a design flaw that numerous others are complaining about.
I described it as:
Has anyone made progress from Lexus on this? While I'd love a half-way decent system, I'd be happy with my $1100 back.
- Switch the fade to rear and there is almost no sound. Sounds like two 2" speakerphones, no bass. Though technically I hear sound out of the 4 speakers in the second row.
- The only bass I can hear is coming out of the mid front door speakers.
- Subwoofer in the hatch does nothing.
- Of 6-7 new cars I've owned, none sounds this bad nor had an $1100 upgrade. Anemic was a good choice of words from another poster.
I've also thought of contacting Mark Levinson as it tarnishes their good name.
Rob
Thanks. I gave this a shot on the non-ML system and somehow it made the treble more clear to my ears. No idea if it's a placebo effect.I’ve been messing with the settings again, and found some more improvements with adjusting the eq.
I used to have the bass at +4, mids at +1 and treble at -1. I had been hearing some clipping at higher volumes and was wondering if the amp could push better lows if i reduced the total system demand.
I’ve since switched the settings to bass at 0, mids at -3 and treble at -4. Fade is one click back. System sounds much more balanced at low volume. Surround sound is give or take, but I prefer it off. Give these settings a try.
What’s the 800 number?
Agreed. My wife was riding shotgun the other night and asked why it sounds so bad. I turned off the “surround” option and she said it sounded a bit better. She drives a Tesla Y and the sound is much better in her car without any premium sound system upgrades. I agree that the upcharge for the ML is a waste of money.
My sub does work. If you’re back there with your head near the sub you can tell that something is coming out, though it’s not impressive.
I have been saying that for some time. It’s good from the drivers seat or passenger. Once you get in the back it sucks. Sucks sucks.I think the people who like the ML system haven’t faded their system to the rear to understand there is lack of sound and bass. People who have an ear to good quality sound will notice this. I think the ones who don’t notice don’t care, and never really invested or heard what good quality sound system should sound like. For a $90,000 vehicle I expect superb sound and not Kia sound system
I have a $40k sound system at home and pay attention to sound. I also don't sit in the back seat and don't care what the rear of my car sounds like, I only pay attention to how it sounds in the driver seat...I think the people who like the ML system haven’t faded their system to the rear to understand there is lack of sound and bass. People who have an ear to good quality sound will notice this. I think the ones who don’t notice don’t care, and never really invested or heard what good quality sound system should sound like. For a $90,000 vehicle I expect superb sound and not Kia sound system