Mark Levinson 25 speaker sound quality is horrible.

[ShottsCruisers]

Lexus, or any other OEM, has no control over the audio quality supplied by Sirius XM. As I alluded to in my post above in order for Sirius XM to provide so many channels of programming, and because their satellite has finite bandwidth, they find it necessary to bandwidth limit each channel of programming, vary the bitrates, and use a lossy compression algorithm. Because of this you will hear the limits as some are describing and are trying to correct for in their eq. To be clear the perceived lack of audio quality with their ML system when listening to Sirius XM programming is not an issue with the ML sound system but merely a consequence of the source. Doc, you have also described, as I speculated, that with higher quality sources and transports the ML system is actually quite good relatively speaking to the cost and environment that bounds it.

True...to a point. But to say the lack of quality or clarity is not an issue with the ML system...that's simply wrong. The ML system, speakers, etc...suck. Sirius in my Corvette sounds amazing. Our old 2022 4Runner...VERY GOOD. This LX...sucks. But yes...Sirius will not sound as good as Thumb Drive, CD, etc.

 

[garyculb18]

Is it possible to hook my old iPod that has no Bluetooth. If yes how do I do it?

Best,
Doc

 

[ShottsCruisers]

Is it possible to hook my old iPod that has no Bluetooth. If yes how do I do it?

Best,
Doc

Apple USB-C to 3.5mm Headphone Jack Adapter | Verizon

USB-C to 3.5mm Headphone Jack Adapter: Connects devices that use 3.5 mm audio plugs with USB-C devices. For use with headphones, speakers and more. Get it at Verizon.

www.verizon.com

That should do it!

 

[PhilNew]

It has pretty much been conformed by many audio installers that the rear doors woofers (in the lower section) are dummy plastics. I've seen online videos that they simply oder lexus/ML speakers (with Lexus/Toyota part number 86160-60710) and it appears to be a simple plug and play job. Also I've actually seen a diagram showing the LX is supposedly equipped with rear door speakers but somehow Toyota/Lexus decided to use dummies instead. What a shame!

 

[ShottsCruisers]

It has pretty much been conformed by many audio installers that the rear doors woofers (in the lower section) are dummy plastics. I've seen online videos that they simply oder lexus/ML speakers (with Lexus/Toyota part number 86160-60710) and it appears to be a simple plug and play job. Also I've actually seen a diagram showing the LX is supposedly equipped with rear door speakers but somehow Toyota/Lexus decided to use dummies instead. What a shame!

I'm going to have to turn the sound up and stick my ear down here. Hard to believe...but anything is possible. (Because they system SUCKS).

 

[garyculb18]

Please let us know which speakers need to be replaced. Plug and play if possible. Thanks,

Doc

 

[Webbcorp]

I'm not hearing good things about the sound quality in the new LX. I had an 2015 LX570 and it was excellent. I'm curious what new owners say about it.

We have an LX 700h Overtrail purchased in March 2025. We test drove the Lexus GX 550 Overtrail Plus the same day and decided on the LX, there was really no comparison. And in fact the Mark Levinson in the LX was one of those items you simply cannot compare in any objective way. I have had BMW's, Mercedes, etc. and I can tell you I have never heard any automobile stereo system that is even close. But there is more to a stereo than just the amp and speakers. If your car is not quiet, hushed and refined more volume is not going to help. The LX is the quietest vehicle I have ever driven. I have a theory about any suggestion the Levinson in the LX is not great and that is, if you play your favorite song from the 70's with terrible production no sound system will make it sound good, yet people think it's Mark Levinson, it will make anything sound good, no! I have also seen reviews of great songs to listen to on a great car stereo and even some of those are really off! Some old albums they liked but again, terrible production or just not up to today's standards. If you get one and you wonder if it sounds not too great, go to Apple Music, pay $1.29 and get Slightly Stoopid 2AM. Once you hear that song on that system you will know, the Mark Levinson in the LX (Not other Lexus models, but the flagship LX) is outstanding! ANd I had to share a photo of my girl of course.

 

[ShottsCruisers]

We have an LX 700h Overtrail purchased in March 2025. We test drove the Lexus GX 550 Overtrail Plus the same day and decided on the LX, there was really no comparison. And in fact the Mark Levinson in the LX was one of those items you simply cannot compare in any objective way. I have had BMW's, Mercedes, etc. and I can tell you I have never heard any automobile stereo system that is even close. But there is more to a stereo than just the amp and speakers. If your car is not quiet, hushed and refined more volume is not going to help. The LX is the quietest vehicle I have ever driven. I have a theory about any suggestion the Levinson in the LX is not great and that is, if you play your favorite song from the 70's with terrible production no sound system will make it sound good, yet people think it's Mark Levinson, it will make anything sound good, no! I have also seen reviews of great songs to listen to on a great car stereo and even some of those are really off! Some old albums they liked but again, terrible production or just not up to today's standards. If you get one and you wonder if it sounds not too great, go to Apple Music, pay $1.29 and get Slightly Stoopid 2AM. Once you hear that song on that system you will know, the Mark Levinson in the LX (Not other Lexus models, but the flagship LX) is outstanding! ANd I had to share a photo of my girl of course.

VERY GLAD you're so happy. Sound, music, etc is a funny thing. Some people like home speakers that sound like speakers (Klipsch). EVERY song has the same "tone". Then there are others that want speakers to not add personality and just play the music like it's made (B&W). For the LX ML system, it actualy sounds OK once you set the 3-band EQ to your liking. But one BIG DOWNFALL of the sysstem is how the system processes the main front speakers (in any mode setting). The system runs L, C, and R speakers up front. That's like using a Dolby Pro Logic setting at home for music. WRONG! This RUINS stereo separation. Much of the STEREO (L&R) music comes from the Center speaker. Almost every song sounds like it's Mono-ish and not Stereo (with few exceptions).