JohnnyCNote

Are any of the premium audio systems available without the tech package? I'd like an improved system, but don't need the GPS.

Thanks . . .

Colin

No, the ELS system is bundled with the Tech package.

JohnnyCNote

That's what I was afraid of. I wish they'd offer it without the GPS.

Thanks!

terpfan29

I'd imagine that if they offered it separately though, it'd cost over $1000. So Essentially the Navi system and the other few features are costing $1500 or so. I think it's worth it.

davidspalding

The base sound system in the '09 TSX is reported as being much better than the 2004-2008 setup. It even has the iPod connection for the basic system.

marley1

Is it a Ipod only? Thats the one thing i didn't look into when i purchased my 09. I thought i read that it was just a USB jack and you could use flash drives as well.

Kinda curious, I hate ipods so would like to be able to just throw some songs on a flash drive and plug it in.

davidspalding

You're right, it's an USB connection, with an adapter that works with iPods (I think), and the audio system will interface with either. The manual's online, take a look, don't trust my memory.

marley1

just looked at hte manual, will work with Ipod and USB Flash Drives.

WOOT! Im gonna load up a drive or two for my ride home fromt he dealer

White92

And it only has a single disc CD player. Everyone is switching to iPods and whatnot.

prballard

The tech package has a six disc player (CD/DTS/DVD-Audio)

White92

Yes, but the OP was asking about the standard stereo.

JohnnyCNote

One improvement in the stock system that I noted on the website is that it will play MP3's and WMA's (if I'm not mistaken). I can get approximately 150 songs on a CD, and prefer putting it on random. Then if I don't want to hear the song that comes up next, I can hit the button and try the next one. It's like having a radio station that plays just what I want to hear.

I've had MP3, etc, capable players in my past 2 cars, and really grew to like it. The idea of a USB drive is intriguing, especially if it would work the same way. I could get virtually every song I'd ever want to hear on a 2 GB drive . . .

jsalaita

Also, the upgraded audio system that comes with the Tech package has a "Note" feature that allows you to record and save 10 seconds of any given song you're listening to. It can save up to 50 songs, which you can play back at random any time you want to. Once you reach 50 songs, it kicks out the oldest saved song and replaces it with the newest one (I hope this makes sense). This is a pretty cool feature if you hear a song you like and you want to be able to pull it up later, but can't remember the name of it.

davidspalding

^ That's for XM only, I believe.

White92

It is for XM only. It's called XM Note. Another thing I noticed was that we finally got the seek feature on the steering wheel controls. On the TL, MDX, RL and RDX with Tech package you could hold down the channel button (up or down) and use it as a seek button for the radio. I tried it on the Tech 09 TSX and it works, but I don't know about the base model. I'll have to try that tomorrow.

davidspalding

As per p. 236, the XM Note feature appears to only work with the navigation system.

123456SPEED

XM note seems stupid.
offer a hard drive that will at least capture or replay entire songs.

Colin

I'm sure the RIAA would have problems with that.....

123456SPEED

Why, there have been after market recordable head units before. We can record TV shows to rewatch on DVRs at home. Not for copying or stealing, just to replay from the in-car device. RIAA has a lot of problems for sure, most their own making.

Colin

XM is a digital medium which means 'in theory' perfect copies. The whole idea is to drive people to go and buy music, not to give it away.

The DVR analogy proves my point. The RIAA is not the broadcast industry. They might not like DVRs, but they didn't go out of their way to litigate against every recording medium out there. The RIAA on the other hand......

davidspalding

Done. Got mine playing right now at my desk. It's like Tivo for XM.


They did. They sued XM and Sirius in 2006, IIRC, calling the radio services a "download service" since they partnered with companies making a device that would record an entire song regardless of when the listener pressed RECORD. The suit was settled out of court and in a hush-hush manner.

@ RIAA .

09TSX

Hey everyone....I had the chance to listen to the new stereo on the 09 TSX as part of the technology package and it sounds pretty darn good. I decided NOT to get it though as I prefered to put the money on the body kit. I don't need nor use NAVI out here, I certainly can back up with a camera (I've done it for 20+ years) so in canada, I'd be paying an extra 3500 for a nicer stereo...Nahh...I'll get a nicer stereo for the home where I won't have to sell it with the house when or if I move!!

That being said, I think the base stereo sound a wee bit better than my 06 TSX due to the sub woofer configuration. It could be a placebo effect, who knows, but it certainly doesn't sound worse than what I am used to in my 06 TSX.

The thing I wish it had was Sirius instead of XM...I am debating getting a Sirius translator that apparently can convert an XM signal into Sirius bu twill need to look more into this. I don't want an aftermarket antenna not a device sitting on my dash so if its completly intergrated in the car stereo, the fine, otherwise, I'll stick with XM....

I just love the "roadhouse" on Sirius!! Classic country music in a sporty TSX, I know, doesn't seem to go well together but hey, has anyone seen the front grill of the 09 TSX?! *laughing* Still getting one anyway! I am sure it will grow on us just like everyone hate the refreshed TSX in 06...the wheel bashing on the 06 was horrible...and yet, they sold how many of the 06, 07 and 08?? You get my drift

davidspalding

Google for news ... Sirius and XM are merging, have been for a while, I just don't know the latest on channel sharing and new pricing. But I suspect that some Sirius stations will appear on XM (I'm hoping for NPR).

bgrimes

Hi - tiny bit of background

- I'm new to this forum
- Just picked up the TSX (Non-Tech, Grigio w/ Ebony)
- I'm a bit of an audiophile

A "good" stereo is always a highly subjective judgement, but I was not impressed with the difference between the non-tech system and the "upgraded" system in the tech package. I didn't need navi, but I did strongly consider going with the tech package if the quality of the upgraded stereo would have kept me from dumping the same money into aftermarket upgrades. There was a difference, but I would say the tech package stereo is about 20% better than the non-tech. It's a great little bonus if you're going tech anyway for navi, but I sure wouldn't fork over $2.5k just for the stereo...the differences just aren't that stunning.

A couple of Sirius notes

- there is a new package to convert the XM to Sirius available for Acura's and it should run about $330 installed at any decent stereo shop.

- XM / Sirius merger has been approved by the Justice Department, but is still waiting on FCC approval. This has dragged on for over a year, so it could happen any day. On the same token, it could be shot down all together or drag on for another year.

- Once the merger is approved, there is no way to be sure that 'cross content' will be available on day one.

The moral is, the deal isn't done and if you can't live without Sirius just pay the $300 to convert the stock XM over! (although I'm certain the deal will be approved the day AFTER I fork over the $300!)

Ben

davidspalding

Or ... just get an external Sirius radio for the car for the time being, and if you can get your favorite Sirius channels on XM later, you can always subscribe and add your radio ID (available on channel 000). That way you're not "burning any bridges." (Don't know how extensive the conversion is.)