So I bought a base model 2013 RDX (non-tech) and the bass is a bit lacking. Has anyone figured out a good spot to put an amp? There is no room under the shifter or in the cargo area and I would like to keep it as stock looking (and retain the cargo room)as much as possible.

I'm assuming the sub layout is the same as the 1st gen, but before I dug into panel to see if I could replace the existing sub with an aftermarket and get some sort of improvement, finding a suitable place for an amp needs to come first.

 

If you have a small enough amp you can just mount it to the back of the box. Did that with my 10-inch JL and haven't had any problems.

 

I have needs to remove the box as I add cargo, so the amp would have to come out at the same time if I did that. I'd rather not unhook power wires every time I pull the sub/amp combo. I may have to go that route if I don't come up with a better install location.

 

Does anyone have any issues with the sound system in the Base 4WD? I feel that the sound system is quite weak. Besides putting in a subwoofer, any other suggestions?

 

Well...This is not just an issue with the Base Model.....even the Tech model could use a little more oomph. I think it could be related to the open configuration of the RDX because compared to the TL, the ELS is not as punchy and filling. It is still very good, don't get me wrong, but the TL is just sublime!

I am not one to do audio mods but this could be one vehicle I may try and boost it a bit. I will talk to my Acura dealership to make sure that whatever I do doesn't not do any harm to the electronic of the vehicle. I lease my TL but the RDX, it was a purchase so depending on whether or not I keep it long term will determine if I proceed with mods or not.

All this to say that rest assured that it is not just related to the Base model

 

Indeed, the subwoofer in my tech. model would definitely be the first thing that I would swap, so if any of you perform this, or have info about performing this procedure, please let us know.

 

I agree, the bass in the RDX is weak. The sound in my '03 MDX rocks. If anyone has upgraded the sub / amp please let us know how it went and how you did it.

 

According to the manual, there is a sub setting which is different than the bass. Have you tried bumping it up? Also my bass was down 2 notches when I picked up the car so I had to adjust it for the bass to come through on "guitar music". Bass heavy music...i.e techno/house had plenty thump.

 

I concur. I just bought a black/black tech pkg and the subwoofer on the ELS system is definitely disappointing.

Coming from a Lexus IS350 with the Mark Levinson, the ELS system is a definite step down in sound quality.

Anybody have pics of a subwoofer swap with the RDX. Where did you install it? I'm looking for a clean/stealth install, maybe where the spare tire is located.

 

Ditto with everyone else here looking for a subw upgrade.
Seems like nobody has tried this yet or is sharing, so we probably need to figure things out ourselves.

Questions:
What is the stock system for the base model anyway?
Is there an amp anywhere? or are all speakers directly powered from the head unit?
Any idea on sub size? looks like a 8" or 10" sub back there.

 

I read on another post somewhere that the Subwoofer doesn't have any highpass/lowpass filters or crossovers, which means the sub is sent high, mid, and low frequencies from the headunit (just like the other speakers).

That would mean you don't need to replace anything. Just add a crossover to the sub's wiring and filter out all the highs and mids being sent to it.

Anyone feeling spunky enough to try that and report back??