Does the 4G Tech TL have the best sound system of all TL's ever ?
#1
Drifting
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Does the 4G Tech TL have the best sound system of all TL's ever ?
Just wondering. I was listening to my USB drive and then the XM and thinking how much fuller and crisper it sounds than my old TL type S and also my MDX Tech. I know the TLX no longer has the ELS system which brings it down a notch. Does anyone have the official specs on these systems ? It sounds awfully good to me and I feel no immediate need to upgrade.
#2
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Subjective debate, BUT, I think the 4G ELS system is one of the best stock systems I've heard. My 4G also sounds much better than the system in my 2010 MDX tech. A co-worker has a Jeep GC with the insane 19 speaker harmon kardon or something and it doesn't have near the punch or clarity of the ELS. He's pretty pissed for how much extra he shelled out. Father-in-law's BMW's sound like shit, and good friend's Lexus IS is very muddy sounding. No complaints with ELS here
#3
The reason the same system sounds different or worse in other models is because there is no space based correction done.
On home theater AVRs, you have several room correction calibration options based on brands that makes your speakers sing compared to uncalibrated systems.
It's the same with the ELS. It was probably calibrated based on one or a few models when it first came out and not for the subsequent models!
On home theater AVRs, you have several room correction calibration options based on brands that makes your speakers sing compared to uncalibrated systems.
It's the same with the ELS. It was probably calibrated based on one or a few models when it first came out and not for the subsequent models!
#4
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The ELS is in the TLX.
#5
Drifting
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The reason the same system sounds different or worse in other models is because there is no space based correction done.
On home theater AVRs, you have several room correction calibration options based on brands that makes your speakers sing compared to uncalibrated systems.
It's the same with the ELS. It was probably calibrated based on one or a few models when it first came out and not for the subsequent models!
On home theater AVRs, you have several room correction calibration options based on brands that makes your speakers sing compared to uncalibrated systems.
It's the same with the ELS. It was probably calibrated based on one or a few models when it first came out and not for the subsequent models!
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ggesq (04-24-2015)
#7
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I agree the stock ELS system is excellent in the 4G TL. Especially how crisp the sound is. For the majority of us this is more than sufficient. The calibration must be spot on as mentioned above.
You guys find a difference between the packages? I'm on Tech so I think it's 400 watts or so? The base package is 280 or so was it not? That might make a difference too?
You guys find a difference between the packages? I'm on Tech so I think it's 400 watts or so? The base package is 280 or so was it not? That might make a difference too?
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#8
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I believe 440 watt amplifier on Tech packages.
#9
Drifting
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#10
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I've read conflicting info. One source said 455 wats, another source said 490.
#12
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4G TL Tech and Advanced Packages: Acura/ELS Surround® 440-watt Premium Audio System with 10 speakers
2015 TLX Tech and Advance Packages: Acura/ELS Studio® 490-watt Premium Audio System with 10 speakers
2015 TLX Tech and Advance Packages: Acura/ELS Studio® 490-watt Premium Audio System with 10 speakers
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ggesq (04-24-2015)
#13
Drifting
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Good info. I wonder why they scrapped DVD-A. Its the one thing that separated the Acura stereo from the pack of other good systems. Doesnt matter to me, but I'm sure it does to some. I wouldnt mind having the extra power vs DVD-A compatibility so perhaps I've answered my own question
#14
Whether the 4G TL ELS is the best depends on whether you currently own a 4G. If you don't own a 4G, you'd naturally think that whatever you do own is better.
I thoroughly enjoy the sound in my 4G Tech, except for the tinny Sirius XM sound (which I've cancelled).
I thoroughly enjoy the sound in my 4G Tech, except for the tinny Sirius XM sound (which I've cancelled).
#15
Drifting
DVD-A is really outstanding on a properly mixed/mastered disc. It's the best sound I've heard inside a car (well, other than our V6s moving onto the high speed lobe).
#16
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I had a TLX loaner (again) last week. Compared several of my DVD-A's (using my '13 MDX) vs. CD's in the '15 TLX. I, of course also compared CD to CD and MP3 to MP3 (320 kbps ripped by me from FLAC)
The MDX has it beat in most songs. And the 4G TL is even better from what I remember. So.. I think it's a step backwards but people care more about streaming audio and particularly Pandora controls than they do about DVD-Audio.
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JM2010 SH-AWD (04-25-2015)
#17
2G TLX-S
Good info. I wonder why they scrapped DVD-A. Its the one thing that separated the Acura stereo from the pack of other good systems. Doesnt matter to me, but I'm sure it does to some. I wouldnt mind having the extra power vs DVD-A compatibility so perhaps I've answered my own question
The music industry no longer supports the DVD-A format.
DVD-A is dead, and it makes perfect sense for Acura not to add unnecessary cost to its new products by scrapping the support for a dead audio format.
#18
If they really wanted to eliminate unnecessary cost they'd remove the optical drive altogether (which I'm sure they will eventually).
Acura still hasn't given a good reason for removing the DVD-A support. When the lease is up on my 4g I'll just switch to an auto maker who still gives me the option to play high quality audio.
#19
Drifting
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Then why are they still including a CD player in the new TLX? How much of a cost difference is a DVD player over a CD player? I'd say very little.
If they really wanted to eliminate unnecessary cost they'd remove the optical drive altogether (which I'm sure they will eventually).
Acura still hasn't given a good reason for removing the DVD-A support. When the lease is up on my 4g I'll just switch to an auto maker who still gives me the option to play high quality audio.
If they really wanted to eliminate unnecessary cost they'd remove the optical drive altogether (which I'm sure they will eventually).
Acura still hasn't given a good reason for removing the DVD-A support. When the lease is up on my 4g I'll just switch to an auto maker who still gives me the option to play high quality audio.
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What cars still come with DVD-A?
#22
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DVD-A requires paying a license fee per car. I'm sure it adds up to a lot of money over time.
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ggesq (04-28-2015)
#23
2G TLX-S
Then why are they still including a CD player in the new TLX? How much of a cost difference is a DVD player over a CD player? I'd say very little.
If they really wanted to eliminate unnecessary cost they'd remove the optical drive altogether (which I'm sure they will eventually).
Acura still hasn't given a good reason for removing the DVD-A support. When the lease is up on my 4g I'll just switch to an auto maker who still gives me the option to play high quality audio.
If they really wanted to eliminate unnecessary cost they'd remove the optical drive altogether (which I'm sure they will eventually).
Acura still hasn't given a good reason for removing the DVD-A support. When the lease is up on my 4g I'll just switch to an auto maker who still gives me the option to play high quality audio.
I have to agree with Cygnus here. If they are including the CD player, they may as well make it DVD-A compatible too. I mean shoot, DVD-A was the whole selling point of the ELS system for like a decade. I could understand trashing the optical drive altogether, but not this.
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ggesq (04-28-2015)
#24
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#25
Drifting
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Plus you can make your own.
Home Brewed DVD-Audio Discs | Stereophile.com
Personally, I have about 7 or 8 of them and they never cost me more than 20.00.
I'm not THAT picky when it comes to sound, I am good with a USB stick of 320kb MP3's. But some guys are and it would certainly be nice to have the option. Just like the cassette player was an option for awhile, backwards compatibility. But in this case, DVD-A is far superior to whats in the TLX now. Its a dated format I guess, but it is a BETTER format.
#26
2G TLX-S
Time flies, technology advances, people move on.
What DVD-A does best is in the 5.1-channel surround music audio, not the 2-channel stereo music audio.
However, it needs a pro in order to create a good enough quality home-brew 5.1-ch audio disc.
Most comparatively newer retail DVD-A titles are protected by watermarks, and even til this very moment, there is still no easy way to remove these watermarks.
So, those who enjoy older DVD-A discs can continue to enjoy their pre-2015 TL's that are still DVD-A compatible.
Meanwhile, the newer generations continue to embrace the most current technologies in their 2015+ Acura vehicles, without that obsolete DVD-A capability.
I'm glad that we have well gone pass the time that someone still nags for a VHS or S-VHS compatible player in his/her modern cars which only plays DVD videos.
Same goes for the DVD-A format.
What DVD-A does best is in the 5.1-channel surround music audio, not the 2-channel stereo music audio.
However, it needs a pro in order to create a good enough quality home-brew 5.1-ch audio disc.
Most comparatively newer retail DVD-A titles are protected by watermarks, and even til this very moment, there is still no easy way to remove these watermarks.
So, those who enjoy older DVD-A discs can continue to enjoy their pre-2015 TL's that are still DVD-A compatible.
Meanwhile, the newer generations continue to embrace the most current technologies in their 2015+ Acura vehicles, without that obsolete DVD-A capability.
I'm glad that we have well gone pass the time that someone still nags for a VHS or S-VHS compatible player in his/her modern cars which only plays DVD videos.
Same goes for the DVD-A format.
#28
Drifting
Thread Starter
Time flies, technology advances, people move on.
What DVD-A does best is in the 5.1-channel surround music audio, not the 2-channel stereo music audio.
However, it needs a pro in order to create a good enough quality home-brew 5.1-ch audio disc.
Most comparatively newer retail DVD-A titles are protected by watermarks, and even til this very moment, there is still no easy way to remove these watermarks.
So, those who enjoy older DVD-A discs can continue to enjoy their pre-2015 TL's that are still DVD-A compatible.
Meanwhile, the newer generations continue to embrace the most current technologies in their 2015+ Acura vehicles, without that obsolete DVD-A capability.
I'm glad that we have well gone pass the time that someone still nags for a VHS or S-VHS compatible player in his/her modern cars which only plays DVD videos.
Same goes for the DVD-A format.
What DVD-A does best is in the 5.1-channel surround music audio, not the 2-channel stereo music audio.
However, it needs a pro in order to create a good enough quality home-brew 5.1-ch audio disc.
Most comparatively newer retail DVD-A titles are protected by watermarks, and even til this very moment, there is still no easy way to remove these watermarks.
So, those who enjoy older DVD-A discs can continue to enjoy their pre-2015 TL's that are still DVD-A compatible.
Meanwhile, the newer generations continue to embrace the most current technologies in their 2015+ Acura vehicles, without that obsolete DVD-A capability.
I'm glad that we have well gone pass the time that someone still nags for a VHS or S-VHS compatible player in his/her modern cars which only plays DVD videos.
Same goes for the DVD-A format.
#29
My problem with ELS is that it doesn't seem as well tuned to MP3 as I would like.
All my music is 320k CBR MP3 and yet they don't quite sound right. Sometimes it just kills the bass and other times it pushes it too far.
Some adjustable equalizers would have been perfect. Or field/DSP modes!
All my music is 320k CBR MP3 and yet they don't quite sound right. Sometimes it just kills the bass and other times it pushes it too far.
Some adjustable equalizers would have been perfect. Or field/DSP modes!
#30
Drifting
Thread Starter
My problem with ELS is that it doesn't seem as well tuned to MP3 as I would like.
All my music is 320k CBR MP3 and yet they don't quite sound right. Sometimes it just kills the bass and other times it pushes it too far.
Some adjustable equalizers would have been perfect. Or field/DSP modes!
All my music is 320k CBR MP3 and yet they don't quite sound right. Sometimes it just kills the bass and other times it pushes it too far.
Some adjustable equalizers would have been perfect. Or field/DSP modes!
#31
Time flies, technology advances, people move on.
What DVD-A does best is in the 5.1-channel surround music audio, not the 2-channel stereo music audio.
However, it needs a pro in order to create a good enough quality home-brew 5.1-ch audio disc.
Most comparatively newer retail DVD-A titles are protected by watermarks, and even til this very moment, there is still no easy way to remove these watermarks.
So, those who enjoy older DVD-A discs can continue to enjoy their pre-2015 TL's that are still DVD-A compatible.
Meanwhile, the newer generations continue to embrace the most current technologies in their 2015+ Acura vehicles, without that obsolete DVD-A capability.
I'm glad that we have well gone pass the time that someone still nags for a VHS or S-VHS compatible player in his/her modern cars which only plays DVD videos.
Same goes for the DVD-A format.
What DVD-A does best is in the 5.1-channel surround music audio, not the 2-channel stereo music audio.
However, it needs a pro in order to create a good enough quality home-brew 5.1-ch audio disc.
Most comparatively newer retail DVD-A titles are protected by watermarks, and even til this very moment, there is still no easy way to remove these watermarks.
So, those who enjoy older DVD-A discs can continue to enjoy their pre-2015 TL's that are still DVD-A compatible.
Meanwhile, the newer generations continue to embrace the most current technologies in their 2015+ Acura vehicles, without that obsolete DVD-A capability.
I'm glad that we have well gone pass the time that someone still nags for a VHS or S-VHS compatible player in his/her modern cars which only plays DVD videos.
Same goes for the DVD-A format.
And to answer ggesq's question, the Hyundai Genesis has DVD-A. It's also an option in most Lexus cars and the Buick LaCrosse to name a couple. I tested them all with a DVD-A and to me the ELS sounded the best so I got a TL. I'd be more than happy though with a Genesis or a nice Lexus as my next car.
Either that or I'll buy my Acura when the lease ends and keep that.
It's just an odd move by Acura to remove that feature, especially with no explanation.
Last edited by Cygnus_X1; 04-30-2015 at 06:37 PM.
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ggesq (05-12-2015)
#32
Drifting
Most people don't give a hoot about sound system quality. Too busy yapping on their phones - "yeah, I'm on the 405 - traffic sucks" - really important stuff like that.
#33
I block it all out by rolling up the windows and cranking up some Rush on DVD-A.
#34
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Ken1997TL (05-11-2015)
#37
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The few CD's we have, we put in the MDX and had it scan them into the hard drive.
DVD audio discs? I have a few dozen of them
DVD audio discs? I have a few dozen of them
#38
Drifting
Thread Starter
Very true on CD's. I have some DVD-A's and my USB drive and I'm set. I dont notice THAT much of a difference between a high bitrate MP3 vs a CD anyway, not enough for me to care at least.
#39
The next generation of drivers is all about MP3s. The guy I bought my 4G TL from was twenty-something and didn't know about its DVD-A capability. When I test-drove the car I brought a couple of DVD-A discs with me and he was like "wow."
#40
Instructor
what settings do you guys have setup in ur 4G TL?
Center channel?
Bass?
Tremble?
etc...
Center channel?
Bass?
Tremble?
etc...