mtnvu

Just traded an 08 RL for a 16 RDX. Difference in audio quality is like going from Carnegie Hall to a local bar. Very disappointed and actively searching for an alternative audio setup.

oblio98

I just went from a 14 RDX Tech to a 17 RDX Advance and I have to say the new ELS system is crap. I happen to have invested in DVD-Audio's from way back and had gotten used to listening to great surround music in my Acura's via the ELS system and moving to the 17 I knew that DVD-A was gone, but the DTS CD capability would suffice - except that audio playback is horrible in comparison to my previous 09 RDX, 11 TSX, and 14 RDX. Such a let down. The DVD-A based ELS systems had clean clear powerful bass and great highs with cymbals sounding like cymbals.

This new car sounds cheap - like it was designed to play MP3 files and little else. I tweaked up the lows, the sub, the highs, and I used the DTS-CD of the Eagles "Hell Freezes Over" which is one of the best DTS-CDs out there and even that did sound anything like it did in the previous Acura's.

So, needless to say, those of you that think the new audio system sound bad, well, now there's another owner here to join with you. Very bad system.

Side note - the AM reception is weaker than in my 14 RDX (listening to sports talk radio) and the SiriusXM reception is worse as well. Going under tree cover and the signal is lost. Driving the exact same route in the 14 I lost the signal once in a while and only for a moment, yet with the new car I lose it a lot more than before.

Your results may vary............

Masta120

Yup, its very disappointing (went from a 2005 Acura TL to a 2016 Acura RDX Advance). I have found that disabling the noise canceling feature makes the system sound MUCH better. However, the only way I have found to disable it is to go through the diagnostic settings. And every time you turn off the car, you need to change this setting again.

If anyone knows how to permanently disable the noise canceling feature...please share. (other than cutting the wire on the mic).

zeusallmighty

Admittedly, Sirius-XM doesn't sound good for music. It's fine for talk (Howard, ESPN, etc.). I barely listen to FM radio anymore, so no comment there.

Bluetooth (Pandora and MP4s) sounds quite good. My CD collection sounds excellent.

Compared to my 2011 BMW M3 Enhanced Premium Audio, I give the slight edge to the ELS system in my 2016 RDX.

Acura604

I too felt the system was weak sauce when i got my 2013 and also 2017...coming from an 08 TL.

So... I experimented with some software called AUDACITY and MP3GAIN.

I boosted the bass of each of my mp3 files by +10db using AUDACITY.

I then 'normalized' the mp3s to a setting of 92 using MP3GAIN.

here are samples of the same song: (go ahead and download them to hear the difference the bass boost makes in the RDX)

song name: ACADEMIC by New Order

this song features the boosted bass as mentioned above: https://www.dropbox.com/s/3lhu69afv6...boost.mp3?dl=0

this song has no edits and straight off the CD: https://www.dropbox.com/s/iknjejhyox...demic.mp3?dl=0

my audio settings are as follows: (now, i wasn't looking for perfect clarity, etc etc... i just wanted the sub to work harder...!)

oblio98

Interesting idea to tweak the source files to compensate for the crappy audio system. I will have to give that a try as well. Good idea!

oblio98

So has anyone here with a 2016 or 2017 tried to unplug the ANC unit. It's supposed to be under the glove box in the TL's. I wonder if it's in the same place in the RDX's.
I will look around and if I find it I will post back. If anyone else has done this please let us know.

https://acurazine.com/forums/5g-tlx-...er-car-919478/

RDXSUB

I am tryign to find out the same info for a 2014 RDX.. I removed the glove box and there was no ANC module. My guess is it's located under the radio somewhere. The older RDX's it as actually part of the radio and could still be unplugged. Does anyone know if the BT Callign still works wtih ANC unhooked?

RDXSUB

Not sure if the same but I found this picture and it disabled the ANC for my 2014.. it was EXTREMELY easy.. took me like 2 minutes.. and my problem with Sub noise is GONE.. I just have not verified the BT calling is still working. I will do that later. This makes it very easy for those of us who have added aftermarket subs.. the ANC screws that up badly!

Masta120

Has anyone had any success with disconnecting the ANC in the 2016 RDX? Is it located in the same place as the 2014 (as per the pic below)?

RDXandPuppyLover

I'm nor overly impressed or unhappy with the ELS system, although I have had limited exposure to it in a test drive in what will likely be my new 2018 Acura RDX Advance. I can say it definitely blows away the sound system in my old 2006 Infiniti G35x. Don't get me started on that Infiniti, though. Has anyone updated the ELS subwoofer and amp with good results? I am very obviously a newbie here, so learning to navigate this forum slowly but surely.

alphacenturi1263

Agreed, this audio system is not good at all. Very tinny, harsh sounding, no bass response, no separation, or imaging. I have owned many luxury brands, and this is the first time I had to invest additional money replacing the speakers in a vehicle. Not really acceptable for a $40,000 luxury brand. I do like the vehicle otherwise.

gatrhumpy

iTrader: (1)

Question: Does the 2016 tech package include the center speaker? What about the base model?