FYI: I am a huge Honda/Acura fan. I bought a certified '99 TL about a year ago. I am totally satisfied; I've had no mechanical problems. My only beef is this: with such a great reputation, why did Acura put such a piece of junk in the dash and call it a CD player??? A Bose at that! I've researched this topic for over a year and have found that many people have complained about this same problem. Like mine, many other people's don't play burned CDs, won't play regular CDs hardly ever, and when they do play, the volume is not as loud as the cassette player. Any solutions, explanations, etc.? The dealer kind of blows it off and suggests replacing it; blah, blah, blah. I shouldn't have to.

 

the cd player itself isnt bose (pioneer) just the speakers are bose. ive have problems with playing burned CDs untill i started using sony CDRs. they worked great, then lastnight i tried all me other CDs that didnt work and now theyre working perfect. i have no explaination for this but maybe u should try a better CDR or just change the headunit.(many have). by changing the headunit u lose the sub.

i personally like the sound of my stock system.

 

Your best bet is to either buy 02+ 6 disk HU from the TL or the even better option to go aftermarket

 

if you are this unsatisfied get a real HU like Alpine, Clarion or Pioneer Premier, if you go that route you will want to upgrade you speakers too. it can get expensive. personally i thinkt he stock stereo sounds pretty good considering the speakers are just full range cones(no tweeters).

 

If its a good HU you will be much more satisfied with the oem speakers with a aftermarket HU than with the oem hu, PLUS you will be able to use what ever brand CD-R andy burn speed and most will play MP-3's, and also now most offer teh ability to hook up a ipod and control it from the HU.