How is the ELS sound system
Thread Starter
5th Gear
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 5
Likes: 2
How is the ELS sound system
Does anybody here own a second gen. Acura TSX with the tech package and ELS sound system? How would you rank it against a regular 4 or 6 speaker system?
Also, does the TSX have a 6 CD changer or a single disc CD changer? Thanks!
Also, does the TSX have a 6 CD changer or a single disc CD changer? Thanks!
Unregistered Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 1,419
Likes: 405
From: NorCal
I had the TSX with tech package and have experienced the ELS sound system, but have not been in one with the 4 speaker system. I do however now own an Accord sport with 4 speakers... I would take the ELS system over the 4 speakers any day.
My TSX had the 6 disc changer.
My TSX had the 6 disc changer.
Suzuka Master
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 5,478
Likes: 1,279
The ELS is reputed to be one of the best OE sound systems available regardless of price. While I haven't compared it to the base unit, the ELS sounds better than the HK in my old BMW and MB, the Bose system in my S6 and is even better than the aftermarket KEF I had in my Jaguar. It is a very accurate sound so it may not have the extra bass that some listeners may want, but it is one of the most accurate OE systems around.
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
Exercise: compare the cost of the Tech Package to the equivalent cost of the separate pieces from Audi, MB or BMW. You'll be shocked! Even if the ELS isn't quite as good as the premium Mannheim Steamroller System ;-) on the Bimmer, the cost is nowhere near.
Racer
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 357
Likes: 25
Acura changed the format for the 2011-2014 model years. Prior to that, it was 6-CD changer. Starting with the 201 MMY update, it was a single CD player with a 15 GB hard drive that automatically records any CD that is inserted into the player (defeatable). It does not rip music in other electronic formats (e.g., MP3) due to DRM restrictions.
I am not impressed by the ELS system in my 2011 TSX. The amplifier is designed to send an adulterated signal to compensate for the cheap Panasonic speakers. I pulled one of my blown speakers and showed it to a friend in the audio industry. He estimated the BOM cost of the speaker was less than $9.
So even if you replace the speakers, the amp will still send a signal that limits the dynamic range because it pre-splits the signal rather than allowing the aftermarket speaker's built-in crossover to do it. So pretty much a waste of money unless you choose a replacement speaker very carefully or use a signal summing device.i
HOWEVER, playing a DVD Audio does showcase what the system is capable of. Unfortunately, Acura once again jumped on a DOA format. Who honestly owns a DVD Audio, unless you bought it by accident?
Another irritation: the hard drive will only record music at 128k. That's so Acura can advertise that you can save 5,000+ songs on the HDD. I would have preferred saving only 1,500 songs, but a much higher bit rate for better sound quality.
I am not impressed by the ELS system in my 2011 TSX. The amplifier is designed to send an adulterated signal to compensate for the cheap Panasonic speakers. I pulled one of my blown speakers and showed it to a friend in the audio industry. He estimated the BOM cost of the speaker was less than $9.
So even if you replace the speakers, the amp will still send a signal that limits the dynamic range because it pre-splits the signal rather than allowing the aftermarket speaker's built-in crossover to do it. So pretty much a waste of money unless you choose a replacement speaker very carefully or use a signal summing device.i
HOWEVER, playing a DVD Audio does showcase what the system is capable of. Unfortunately, Acura once again jumped on a DOA format. Who honestly owns a DVD Audio, unless you bought it by accident?
Another irritation: the hard drive will only record music at 128k. That's so Acura can advertise that you can save 5,000+ songs on the HDD. I would have preferred saving only 1,500 songs, but a much higher bit rate for better sound quality.
Last edited by kixo; Jul 21, 2016 at 03:20 AM. Reason: typo
VTEC just kicked in, yo!
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 4,361
Likes: 1,113
From: Toronto, ON
Acura changed the format for the 2011-2014 model years. Prior to that, it was 6-CD changer. Starting with the 201 MMY update, it was a single CD player with a 15 GB hard drive that automatically records any CD that is inserted into the player (defeatable). It does not rip music in other electronic formats (e.g., MP3) due to DRM restrictions.
I am not impressed by the ELS system in my 2011 TSX. The amplifier is designed to send an adulterated signal to compensate for the cheap Panasonic speakers. I pulled one of my blown speakers and showed it to a friend in the audio industry. He estimated the BOM cost of the speaker was less than $9.
So even if you replace the speakers, the amp will still send a signal that limits the dynamic range because it pre-splits the signal rather than allowing the aftermarket speaker's built-in crossover to do it. So pretty much a waste of money unless you choose a replacement speaker very carefully or use a signal summing device.i
HOWEVER, playing a DVD Audio does showcase what the system is capable of. Unfortunately, Acura once again jumped on a DOA format. Who honestly owns a DVD Audio, unless you bought it by accident?
Another irritation: the hard drive will only record music at 128k. That's so Acura can advertise that you can save 5,000+ songs on the HDD. I would have preferred saving only 1,500 songs, but a much higher bit rate for better sound quality.
I am not impressed by the ELS system in my 2011 TSX. The amplifier is designed to send an adulterated signal to compensate for the cheap Panasonic speakers. I pulled one of my blown speakers and showed it to a friend in the audio industry. He estimated the BOM cost of the speaker was less than $9.
So even if you replace the speakers, the amp will still send a signal that limits the dynamic range because it pre-splits the signal rather than allowing the aftermarket speaker's built-in crossover to do it. So pretty much a waste of money unless you choose a replacement speaker very carefully or use a signal summing device.i
HOWEVER, playing a DVD Audio does showcase what the system is capable of. Unfortunately, Acura once again jumped on a DOA format. Who honestly owns a DVD Audio, unless you bought it by accident?
Another irritation: the hard drive will only record music at 128k. That's so Acura can advertise that you can save 5,000+ songs on the HDD. I would have preferred saving only 1,500 songs, but a much higher bit rate for better sound quality.
ROTAREDOM
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 5,675
Likes: 1,488
From: Dublin, OH
Acura changed the format for the 2011-2014 model years. Prior to that, it was 6-CD changer. Starting with the 201 MMY update, it was a single CD player with a 15 GB hard drive that automatically records any CD that is inserted into the player (defeatable). It does not rip music in other electronic formats (e.g., MP3) due to DRM restrictions.
I am not impressed by the ELS system in my 2011 TSX. The amplifier is designed to send an adulterated signal to compensate for the cheap Panasonic speakers. I pulled one of my blown speakers and showed it to a friend in the audio industry. He estimated the BOM cost of the speaker was less than $9.
So even if you replace the speakers, the amp will still send a signal that limits the dynamic range because it pre-splits the signal rather than allowing the aftermarket speaker's built-in crossover to do it. So pretty much a waste of money unless you choose a replacement speaker very carefully or use a signal summing device.i
HOWEVER, playing a DVD Audio does showcase what the system is capable of. Unfortunately, Acura once again jumped on a DOA format. Who honestly owns a DVD Audio, unless you bought it by accident?
Another irritation: the hard drive will only record music at 128k. That's so Acura can advertise that you can save 5,000+ songs on the HDD. I would have preferred saving only 1,500 songs, but a much higher bit rate for better sound quality.
I am not impressed by the ELS system in my 2011 TSX. The amplifier is designed to send an adulterated signal to compensate for the cheap Panasonic speakers. I pulled one of my blown speakers and showed it to a friend in the audio industry. He estimated the BOM cost of the speaker was less than $9.
So even if you replace the speakers, the amp will still send a signal that limits the dynamic range because it pre-splits the signal rather than allowing the aftermarket speaker's built-in crossover to do it. So pretty much a waste of money unless you choose a replacement speaker very carefully or use a signal summing device.i
HOWEVER, playing a DVD Audio does showcase what the system is capable of. Unfortunately, Acura once again jumped on a DOA format. Who honestly owns a DVD Audio, unless you bought it by accident?
Another irritation: the hard drive will only record music at 128k. That's so Acura can advertise that you can save 5,000+ songs on the HDD. I would have preferred saving only 1,500 songs, but a much higher bit rate for better sound quality.
Trending Topics
ROTAREDOM
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 5,675
Likes: 1,488
From: Dublin, OH
lol of course I did.. but this is coming from a friend who used to work for a TPMS supplier lol. He told me their BOM cost was like $3 haha
Then look at the price of any OEM sensor.. its insane! Don't forget too, all parts (like every automotive part) are made by suppliers for some cost, marked up to sell to the OEM, then OEM marks up to sell the car to dealer, then dealer marks up again. Not to mention tariff/tax at each transaction. $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
Then look at the price of any OEM sensor.. its insane! Don't forget too, all parts (like every automotive part) are made by suppliers for some cost, marked up to sell to the OEM, then OEM marks up to sell the car to dealer, then dealer marks up again. Not to mention tariff/tax at each transaction. $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 42
Likes: 13
From: Sierra Nevada
I just got a 2013 to replace my totaled WRX (
thanks uninsured doofus) and was uploading CDs when I tried turning it up and up and up. Sounded great, with very little distortion to nearly full volume! I didn't know ELS so I Googled it and it turns out some call it the best stock system of any price. Wow, that's a nice perk to an already great car! I'm sure one could build a better aftermarket system, but I was concerned about the custom design and challenge in upgrading if I need to. Turns out I love the system. The rest of the car is also great, although I'm not impressed with the funky key fob. Although I miss the power and pull of the WRX, I think I love my new family highway cruiser.
thanks uninsured doofus) and was uploading CDs when I tried turning it up and up and up. Sounded great, with very little distortion to nearly full volume! I didn't know ELS so I Googled it and it turns out some call it the best stock system of any price. Wow, that's a nice perk to an already great car! I'm sure one could build a better aftermarket system, but I was concerned about the custom design and challenge in upgrading if I need to. Turns out I love the system. The rest of the car is also great, although I'm not impressed with the funky key fob. Although I miss the power and pull of the WRX, I think I love my new family highway cruiser.
VTEC just kicked in, yo!
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 4,361
Likes: 1,113
From: Toronto, ON
I just got a 2013 to replace my totaled WRX ( thanks uninsured doofus) and was uploading CDs when I tried turning it up and up and up. Sounded great, with very little distortion to nearly full volume! I didn't know ELS so I Googled it and it turns out some call it the best stock system of any price. Wow, that's a nice perk to an already great car! I'm sure one could build a better aftermarket system, but I was concerned about the custom design and challenge in upgrading if I need to. Turns out I love the system. The rest of the car is also great, although I'm not impressed with the funky key fob. Although I miss the power and pull of the WRX, I think I love my new family highway cruiser.
thanks uninsured doofus) and was uploading CDs when I tried turning it up and up and up. Sounded great, with very little distortion to nearly full volume! I didn't know ELS so I Googled it and it turns out some call it the best stock system of any price. Wow, that's a nice perk to an already great car! I'm sure one could build a better aftermarket system, but I was concerned about the custom design and challenge in upgrading if I need to. Turns out I love the system. The rest of the car is also great, although I'm not impressed with the funky key fob. Although I miss the power and pull of the WRX, I think I love my new family highway cruiser.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
TSX69
3G RLX Audio, Bluetooth, Electronics & Navigation
94
Sep 17, 2018 07:45 PM
TheChamp531
3G TL Audio, Bluetooth, Electronics & Navigation
3
Jan 5, 2016 02:18 PM