A lot of the Hondas (and other manufactures) are using automatic noise canceling systems were you cannot alter the stereo without disabling their ANC system. The new Pilot for one, you cannot add an aftermarket amp + sub without disconnecting the ANC mics. If you don't, the mics sense "noise" and generate a louder tone. If you disconnect the ANC system then you hear noises that engineers worked to get rid of. I guess the engineers didn't design the Pilot with audio hackers in mind.

I've owned a couple MDXs. I've just tapped into the OEM sub wiring, adding my own amp and sub. Worked great. Can you do this with the RDX or are there known issues?

 

Yeah you can do that. And as you prolly know its alot safer to use the powered output wires than the inputs ( which carry a separate shielding wire) Just make sure that the amp that you use can accomodate the high level input!

 

Good to know. Most higher end cars have pretty good audio systems these days, but usually can be helped by some better low end. I've simply added a sub + amp to the last 4 cars I've bought and kept everything else stock.

Does the RDX have a separate amp for the factory sub? The newer MDXs do and its built into the sub box (just a small class-D amp with a DVC sub). My 05 MDX just had a passive sub driven from the main factory amp (though it was a 10" which was quite nice!).

 

Yeah I think that the RDX has the same setup.

 

So is the consensus that replacing speakers and adding higher power amp will not cause noise problems?
I have a 2007 with tech package and I want to replace the front speakers and the sub and use after market amps but I'm not going to do it if its going to cause noise issues.
There doesn't seem to be a whole lot of information about audio upgrades for the RDX

 

Well, I have heard of some issues with noise but it sounded to me to be a case of the amplification of inherent noise of the factory system, but cant be sure.

I'd say to stick with quality low noise emitting components, ensure proper grounding, don't run signal wires and power wires together, and keep away from tap/using the factory signal level sources soley because of how Acura does the shielding for the wires!

 

Ide say go ahead and do it. I dont have any noise issues and i have all new speakers and 2 amps (sub mono and 4 channel). I also used an MTX line output converter so I Could keep the head unit stock (and keep all controls). It had a bace enhancer and signal cleansing if that means anything. Point is, i dont have any sound issues.