sfmarine0311

I know it's a crazy question and obsolete as well (since no one even used cassette back in '05 when the TL debuted its new model), but I was driving home and the thought just came to me.

Does anyone know the reasoning behind it? I'm guessing they wanted the TL to have it all so they threw in a cassette player as well. So why not the RL? I'm not complaining one bit but it is very interesting. Just wanted to see if anyone had any feedback on it. thanks!

dwboston

The RL launched with DVD-Audio, which never really took off. I'm guessing they wanted a higher tech showcase for the Bose audio system than cassettes.

BDoggPrelude

The 3rd gen TL was launched a year before the RL. I'm pretty sure it's the last new model Acura to come with a cassette deck. In fact, you can't get a factory cassette deck in any new car at all anymore. The Lexus SC430 was the last new car to come with the option.

http://www.leftlanenews.com/cassette...-industry.html

HEAVY_RL

iTrader: (1)

They had to clear the warehouse some how.

ParaSurfer1979

And the 3rd Gen TL launched in 04 before the RL with DVD-Audio. I never understood why the RL got Bose vs. the better ELS system that every other Acura model gets to enjoy. I think the Bose EQ's their system more along the liking to the middle age (45yo+)plus crowd (jazz/classical) vs. the ELS' college grad to middle age (21-45yo) crowd (Rock/R&B/Hip-Hop). Just a guess but who knows. I worked for an Honda/Acura dealer and have heard both systems back2back. I'm curious if anyone else has and what they heard different? To me the tweeters in the RL weren't as "bright" as the TL's as well as the bass wasn't as deep in the RL as the TL. But the cassete player i really dont understand because the 03+ Accords didnt have them with the 98-02 Accords being the last Hondas to see CD/Cassette combo radios.

Ken1997TL

Remember who designed which vehicle.

Honda of America designed the TL, Honda in Japan designed the RL. From what I've been told by people rather high up the food chain, the Japan design for the 3rd gen TL would have been very similar to the RL, far less sporty and more luxury focused.

I'm sure when the TL was being designed in the US in '01 and '02, the cassette tape was added since they had the dash room, plus I'm sure enough studies showed that people owned cassettes to make it worthwhile.

Ken1997TL

The RL has better overall quality audio, the TL has significantly better volume and bass.

acurasuks07

There should have never been a cassette payer, i think that was obselete, and Acura made a good step to make it that way.

oo7spy

The question makes sense regarding the demographic of te target audience. Who owns all the cassette tapes of the world? The old people.

I have to agree with the DVD-Audio answer in regards to the fact that Acura wanted to show case new technology and innovation, not dinosaur music.

HEAVY_RL

iTrader: (1)

First off... LoL thats for you Maker.
http://www.acura-tsx.com/forums/showthread.php?t=769525

The reality is that clearly there WERE people using cassettes in 04/05 or the design team at Acura would not have invested in it.

So to post that you think it was obsolete or that no one was using them is a little off base.

Now to answer OPs question IIRC the 04 3.5RL had a tape deck and the 04/05 TL had a tape deck, to me the models seem aligned until the 05 RL got a refresh and it was then deemed obsolete by that team which as Ken mentioned was a totally different team from the TL designers.

HEAVY_RL

iTrader: (1)

PLUS if it weren't for the tape deck you guys wouldnt have this sweet ass invention.

https://acurazine.com/forums/3g-tl-audio-bluetooth-electronics-navigation-94/diy-ipod-dock-factory-radio-lots-pics-vid-811514/

phishfood

Sucks they didn't include an audio jack the second they dropped cassette.

HEAVY_RL

iTrader: (1)

Agreed... but I love the USA spec/NavTool option.

lumpulus

My RSX/S had a casstte in it. Cassettes had their moment back in the day, juat likw 8 Tracks did.

dwboston

I prefer the ELS system to the Bose system well. The ELS system just sounds better to me.

sfmarine0311

Thanks for the feedback everyone. Very interesting responses especially with the Bose DVD Audio vs the ELS sound system found in the TL.

HEAVY_RL - I guess I shouldn't have used obsolete as my description for a cassette player. More like the majority ops for a cd player.

HEAVY_RL

iTrader: (1)

no worries, its the internet

rockstar143

iTrader: (6)

Wow...if the ELS system has better volume and bass, I feel sorry for the RL's system.

HEAVY_RL

iTrader: (1)

I gotta admit, windows up its great. Mostly because the car is so quiet.

But with the windows down... meh. I think I've heard used civics with more range.

rockstar143

iTrader: (6)

Honestly, I'm all about rolling windows down (mostly a hwy drive to work) and my biggest complaint was not being able to hear the music. So I fixed it...oem HU and some power upgrades ( )