Mark Levinson 21-speaker audio sounds terrible on the GX 550 Luxury + (1 Viewer)

[AGP]

Hi, would you message me and let me know the problems you have with your ML system? I use the same dealer and would be helpful to know how to relate these issues to them for the parts replacement. Thanks!

The sound is not great compared to our LX and earlier model GX with the ML systems we have. The GX550's version is far below the quality sound. but the main issue is anytime volume went north of 30 the bass cuts out and sound gets distorted. Almost as if the amp shuts down completely. I can open the hatchback and listen to the sub for a few minutes and then it cuts out completely as if it doesn't exist.

 

[PKTGX]

The sound is not great compared to our LX and earlier model GX with the ML systems we have. The GX550's version is far below the quality sound. but the main issue is anytime volume went north of 30 the bass cuts out and sound gets distorted. Almost as if the amp shuts down completely. I can open the hatchback and listen to the sub for a few minutes and then it cuts out completely as if it doesn't exist.

I noticed the ML in my GX550 is tame compared to the previous GX460. The ML in the wife’s RX500h sounds really good - no real distortion at high volumes and gets really loud. The ML in my previous GSF wasn’t bad either. Do you think the amp is bad on all the new GX or only selective ones? Changing out the head unit sounds like a big task. Not sure I want them tearing apart a new vehicle. Thanks for your reply.

 

[RickBullotta]

O

Funny thing - I think of all the car makers out there - Lexus is probably one of the few that at the national level gives a shit. I had ordered a Grenadier in the first batch of '24s to hit the US - went to the dealer and saw lots of small issues that made me walk. Friends who went on to purchase basically found out that Ineos' takes the French waiter approach - the customer is always wrong. Their national group does nothing and responds to nothing....

My interaction with them suggested otherwise. Refusal to acknowledge issues.

 

[YellowLab]

O

My interaction with them suggested otherwise. Refusal to acknowledge issues.

Might have been the rep - mine acknowledged the issue and said many are calling in. It’s all we can do -

 

[RickBullotta]

Might have been the rep - mine acknowledged the issue and said many are calling in. It’s all we can do -

Nice. The fact that it eventually got resolved for the TX is encouraging too.

 

[TexasD-90]

Who do you call?

 

[oldseniu]

I noticed the ML in my GX550 is tame compared to the previous GX460. The ML in the wife’s RX500h sounds really good - no real distortion at high volumes and gets really loud. The ML in my previous GSF wasn’t bad either. Do you think the amp is bad on all the new GX or only selective ones? Changing out the head unit sounds like a big task. Not sure I want them tearing apart a new vehicle. Thanks for your reply.

Just wondering, what is the volume level you were at? I saw people said they started to experience bass cutoff when volume level was set at 40. On my 25 OT+, I can only set my volume max at 30 or lower because at 40 as I tried once, it literally could blow my ears up. Thus, I am not sure the weak sound of the ML system others are describing are really like...

 

[PKTGX]

Just wondering, what is the volume level you were at? I saw people said they started to experience bass cutoff when volume level was set at 40. On my 25 OT+, I can only set my volume max at 30 or lower because at 40 as I tried once, it literally could blow my ears up. Thus, I am not sure the weak sound of the ML system others are describing are really like...

I tested the volume at 45-50 and can tell the ML in the GX460 and current RX is stronger and more potent. Bass is definitely less than both of these models. My normal volume is 30-35 and anything above 45 is too loud so I haven’t really experienced the sound cutoff at high volumes for extended time. Could there be isolated cases of bad amps or all stock amps are incapable of handling high volumes for longer than 5+ minutes??

 

[oldseniu]

I tested the volume at 45-50 and can tell the ML in the GX460 and current RX is stronger and more potent. Bass is definitely less than both of these models. My normal volume is 30-35 and anything above 45 is too loud so I haven’t really experienced the sound cutoff at high volumes for extended time. Could there be isolated cases of bad amps or all stock amps are incapable of handling high volumes for longer than 5+ minutes??

Unfortunately, I never experienced ML system before. I did drive other vehicle with upgraded sound system before and I guess I put more weight on the clarity than punchy bass. Therefore, when I initially listened to the ML system in the GX550, I was impressed by its clarity and found the bass was almost a little too much to my taste even at default setting. Here is the thing, different people perceive sound differently and people listen to different music styles. At least for me, I don't find my ML system weak or lack of bass. That is why I was a little surprised to find others reporting their ML system weak or lack of bass. I was also surprised to find others turn their volume to much above level 30. Unless I was the luck to get a good AMP?

 

[Cajun Heat]

Who do you call?

Lexus Brand Engagement Center, 1-800-255-3987. Or use this link. https://support.lexus.com/s/questions-comments

 

[El Chorizo]

Some guys on the LX 700h site have had luck getting Lexus to give them a credit back.... you can read about it here: Mark Levinson 25 speaker sound quality is horrible.

 

[Minarets]

I’m all in for a TSB fix. When I went for the break Fix I complained about the Mark Levinson sound system.

 

[Redbird99]

Unfortunately, I never experienced ML system before. I did drive other vehicle with upgraded sound system before and I guess I put more weight on the clarity than punchy bass. Therefore, when I initially listened to the ML system in the GX550, I was impressed by its clarity and found the bass was almost a little too much to my taste even at default setting. Here is the thing, different people perceive sound differently and people listen to different music styles. At least for me, I don't find my ML system weak or lack of bass. That is why I was a little surprised to find others reporting their ML system weak or lack of bass. I was also surprised to find others turn their volume to much above level 30. Unless I was the luck to get a good AMP?

My experience is the same as yours. I finally got a chance to hear the ML in my wife's Lux +, and after adjusting the equalizer and fade, I must say I'm quite impressed with the performance. and sound quality, even the bass. It's BTO approved in my book.

 

[Atomic Storm]

Serious question - I used to be really into audio, home and auto. But i've lived with factory auto stuff for a long time now, which at the moment means the FIsher-price sound system in a 2017 4Runner and a covid era, busted supply chain Silverado.

Would you spend the $ to get the ML system? Or could we do a lot better for the $ at a good aftermarket audio shop?

If you are after audiophile sound quality, a good aftermarket car audio shop is a must. Make sure they are reputable; personally I would take it to a shop where the installer has won IASCA trophies. Level of excellence (in both installation and sound quality) is paramount. You will pay more for such a system, but it will be worth every penny. 2 cents.

 

[Atomic Storm]

$4000 at a high end audio shop will beat the ML for sure. I’m tired of shops running wires all over my cars. Popping door panels off and messing stuff up. But sound wise you would 100% win

$4K seems to be on the low side. But I suppose it depends on what components (price wise) are selected.

 

[Minarets]

I think some may be missing fit. The system sounds great, from the front seat. It’s in the back where it ain’t the same sound as the front. It’s like they forgot to finish back there.

 

[RickBullotta]

I think some may be missing fit. The system sounds great, from the front seat. It’s in the back where it ain’t the same sound as the front. It’s like they forgot to finish back there.

The issue is that if you turn it up to 48-50 the bass and low midrange cuts out. Design flaw or defect. Requires a new amplifier which Lexus is working on with ML. TX had the same issue.

 

[Minarets]

The issue is that if you turn it up to 48-50 the bass and low midrange cuts out. Design flaw or defect. Requires a new amplifier which Lexus is working on with ML. TX had the same issue.

But will they do anything for all the existing owners?

 

[killy]

Likely only if you can some combination of prove your amp is faulty / complain enough

 

[RickBullotta]

But will they do anything for all the existing owners?

Eventually, yes. I had to complain to Lexus corporate and then leave my GX with the dealer for a day so they could document the issue. Ultimately I ended up trading my GX in on a new Defender for a variety of reasons.