Mark Levinson 21-speaker audio sounds terrible on the GX 550 Luxury +

ksj · Sep 29, 2024

I think the ML system sounds pretty neutral stock, like my studio speakers. I tuned it a bit through the UI which made it sound much better though I think they should add more than 3 ranges, maybe in an advanced screen.

I thought the B&O system in my 2021 Q5 was better with no adjustments, but I feel like they are pretty close overall if you feel comfortable adjusting more than volume.

YellowLab · Sep 29, 2024

ksj said:
I think the ML system sounds pretty neutral stock, like my studio speakers. I tuned it a bit through the UI which made it sound much better though I think they should add more than 3 ranges, maybe in an advanced screen.

I thought the B&O system in my 2021 Q5 was better with no adjustments, but I feel like they are pretty close overall if you feel comfortable adjusting more than volume.

This one will turn into who likes this wine or whisky better. I prefer the neutral sound while some want the car to shake. It’s all in how it sounds to the individual.

Jrox · Sep 29, 2024

YellowLab said:
This one will turn into who likes this wine or whisky better. I prefer the neutral sound while some want the car to shake. It’s all in how it spunds.

I will see when I get my GX what the sounds like, can always add a bass speaker, mid and tweeter later

Toxicdog · Oct 4, 2024

I've been messing around with the system, using a few measurement microphones and seeing how this thing was tuned. If you've used grado/beyerdynamic headphones, this is a very similar sound signature. A lot of bright highs (which goes hand in hand with the amount of midrange/tweeters that are in the car) and a slight lack of bass.

I've been able to get a neutral to slightly v-shaped tune by adjusting the bass slider to around 3/4ths, the midrange at half mark or slightly below, and the treble at the half mark. Some tracks do better with the treble around 3/8ths and similar or slightly higher mids.

The audio logic does not really like being outside of surround mode, but you can try flipping the option on or off according to your taste.

Minarets · Oct 11, 2024

Just got our GX, or my wife’s I should say and when sitting in the front, I think it sounds pretty good after hitting the EQ a little bit. That said, in the rear it sounds awful! Like it’s broke or something.

I moved the sound around and put it on only in the rear and its as anemic as you could possible get. Put it back in the middle where it should and went and sat in the rear, and it is just not good back there. All the sound comes from the front the rear speakers, barely put out any sound.

Bluegill · Oct 11, 2024

yep, your GX stereo is working as designed!

Minarets · Oct 11, 2024

Bluegill said:
yep, your GX stereo is working as designed!

May not be as desired. But as it “should” be, maybe.

German88 · Oct 11, 2024

Minarets said:
May not be as desired. But as it “should” be, maybe.

Soundstage belongs out front. Designed that way on purpose. You’ll have to gut the system and bypass what Lexus sound engineers tuned into the ML system if you prefer heavy rear fill.

Minarets · Oct 11, 2024

German88 said:
Soundstage belongs out front. Designed that way on purpose. You’ll have to gut the system and bypass what Lexus sound engineers tuned into the ML system if you prefer heavy rear fill.

Certainly won’t be doing any upgrade. Sounds very good to me in the front two seats but back seat sounds like ass for the money. Definitely disappointing for the money but I won’t be back there.

German88 · Oct 11, 2024

Minarets said:
Certainly won’t be doing any upgrade. Sounds very good to me in the front two seats but back seat sounds like ass for the money. Definitely disappointing for the money but I won’t be back there.

My last 3 vehicles have all been similar. Back seats are a compromise.

Toxicdog · Oct 12, 2024

Minarets said:
Just got our GX, or my wife’s I should say and when sitting in the front, I think it sounds pretty good after hitting the EQ a little bit. That said, in the rear it sounds awful! Like it’s broke or something.

I moved the sound around and put it on only in the rear and its as anemic as you could possible get. Put it back in the middle where it should and went and sat in the rear, and it is just not good back there. All the sound comes from the front the rear speakers, barely put out any sound.

Sitting in the back seat, I made this adjustment with the eq, surround mode on, and the fade slider 1-2 clicks back. It seems to have filled out nicely.

I imagine one could get creative and purchase the land cruiser rear door woofers where we currently have blanks on ours and connect it to fill it out?

2024 Toyota Land Cruiser Rear Dr Speaker 86160-60700 | Conicelli Toyota

Rear Dr Speaker - 8616060700. Genuine Toyota® Parts & Accessories. Manufacturer Warranty. From the Dealership to your Door.

parts.conicellitoyotaofconshohocken.com

Minarets · Oct 12, 2024

Toxicdog said:
Sitting in the back seat, I made this adjustment with the eq, surround mode on, and the fade slider 1-2 clicks back. It seems to have filled out nicely.

I imagine one could get creative and purchase the land cruiser rear door woofers where we currently have blanks on ours and connect it to fill it out?

2024 Toyota Land Cruiser Rear Dr Speaker 86160-60700 | Conicelli Toyota

Rear Dr Speaker - 8616060700. Genuine Toyota® Parts & Accessories. Manufacturer Warranty. From the Dealership to your Door.

parts.conicellitoyotaofconshohocken.com

I have it set for one click towards the back. My mid and bass are the same as yours as well but I have the treble almost all the way up.

luxpow · Oct 12, 2024

Hating this sound system so much.
Where did they put 21 speakers if they left out the rear doors !?!?

Toxicdog · Oct 13, 2024

luxpow said:
Hating this sound system so much.
Where did they put 21 speakers if they left out the rear doors !?!?

5 of the speakers are combo tweeter/midrange. This is not including the additional 8 tweeters and 8 midranges in the doors. With only two woofers and a subwoofer, this creates a very bright system and I would really hesitate to have the treble/midrange settings above the middle mark for many people.

Minarets · Oct 13, 2024

Toxicdog said:
5 of the speakers are combo tweeter/midrange. This is not including the additional 8 tweeters and 8 midranges in the doors. With only two woofers and a subwoofer, this creates a very bright system and I would really hesitate to have the treble/midrange settings above the middle mark for many people.

I actually really like the treble almost all the way up. Sounds very crisp but not harsh. In the front two seats I still think it sounds great. That I can hold onto since I will most likely always be there. Would definitely be disappointed sitting in the back though.

cloey701 · Oct 23, 2024

YellowLab said:
This one will turn into who likes this wine or whisky better. I prefer the neutral sound while some want the car to shake. It’s all in how it sounds to the individual.

I wish the system would adjust to which way you like it. To me it gives out more treble and less bass. I have a 2014 GX and that baby thumps so I have a really good comparison and the new GX sucks with and lacks bass. Yea, I turned off surround and did all the techy details with no avail. I feel it lacks sub woofers

YellowLab · Oct 23, 2024

cloey701 said:
I wish the system would adjust to which way you like it. To me it gives out more treble and less bass. I have a 2014 GX and that baby thumps so I have a really good comparison and the new GX sucks with and lacks bass. Yea, I turned off surround and did all the techy details with no avail. I feel it lacks sub woofers

I'm very disappointed we only have 3 adjustments for $1500 more than the base system. I'd bet an old Corona has the same adjustments. I should be able to play with many more settings. To your base point - wonder how difficult it would be to install and integrate a sub into the system that would compliment it

cloey701 · Oct 23, 2024

YellowLab said:
I'm very disappointed we only have 3 adjustments for $1500 more than the base system. I'd bet an old Corona has the same adjustments. I should be able to play with many more settings. To your base point - wonder how difficult it would be to install and integrate a sub into the system that would compliment it

The GX went backwards on their sound system and this is what’s keeping me from trading in my old GX because the sound is excellent

Minarets · Oct 23, 2024

cloey701 said:
The GX went backwards on their sound system and this is what’s keeping me from trading in my old GX because the sound is excellent

I still contend the sound is excellent in the new one….just only in the front two seats

German88 · Oct 23, 2024

Minarets said:
I still contend the sound is excellent in the new one….just only in the front two seats

I don't have a reference for the old GX system but zero complaints on the base system in my OT save for below 60hz. (subwoofer range). Front soundstage is excellent IMHO. Played with the ML system at my local dealer using my reference play list. Honestly could not say I like the ML better than the base. Not worth the extra $...

Mark Levinson 21-speaker audio sounds terrible on the GX 550 Luxury +

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