Hey I'm new here so I hope I'm not breaking any rules by posting this as my first post.

I am considering buying a 2011 acura tsx wagon base, the main thing I was wondering about is how much it would cost to redo the audio on this car to get it to a solid level for a wide range of music.

I currently have a 2008 Infiniti G35 with Bose Studio on Wheels and routinely blast it up to near full volume and sometimes at full volume.

I don't have any experience with car audio and don't really get how it works, but from what I've read here when browsing the main components that would be replaced in a car audio system to improve it would be the speakers, subwoofer and amp?

Also is this a job that I could do myself, or how much do you think it would cost to do? (Btw i did test drive the tech and came away not so impressed with its audio system either)

Btw if it helps the type of music I listen too is all over the place from Rock like AC/DC Hell's Bells to hip hop, country, movie soundtrack instrumentals, hindi soundtracks etc for the most part i cover most genres

I was wondering if anyone knew where I could find the instructions on how to take apart the doors and such to get at the speakers and suggestions for how to go about this.

If getting an excellent audio system is possible in this car without damaging the car itself (as in I can revert back to factory settings if I ever need to) i probably will pull the trigger and replace my G and my families Chevy Traverse with it.

Thanks in advance hope someone will be able to point me in the right direction regarding this.

Btw does anyone know the brand and models of the existing speakers?

Thanks

 

btw forgot to add is there a way to set up the 2 rear surround speakers like in the ELS package

and would anyone know where the amplifier is located if one wanted to replace that?

 

Panasonic makes a LOT for Honda/Acura. It wouldn't surprise me if your components aren't just that.

As to tricking out your ride. I like to use Crutchfield's configurator. It is very easy to use and has a lot of solid information. Google their site and go crazy.

 

As an audiophile and a 2011 TSX Sportwagon owner, I'm pretty impressed with our 'stock' audio system. If I was to upgrade any component, it would be the 8" subwoofer that tends to distort at high levels. I listen to mostly rock (Deftones, 10 Years, 32 leaves, etc) and when approaching level 20 on the volume meter, the subwoofer can no longer handle the output.

 

Im seriously considering it if they will buy out my trade which in theory is worth exactly what I owe in terms of trade in value

if I do do you know what would be an ideal sub for the wagon. like best one could get working with factory wiring and amp just replacing only SUB?

 

If the tech audio isn't loud enough, you probably already damaged your hearing listening to that Infiniti radio at full blast. It would be cheaper to leave the Acura system stock, buy a pair of hearing aids and turn those up to eleven inside the car.

 

was gonna go base ... wagon

because the price for upgrading to tech was too much for just audio ... and audio didn't impress me enough to drop that kinda $$ for just audio since

nav
power lift gate
and those kinda features not really of use to me

 

My thoughts exactly. Spending an extra $4k for really only $1k in upgrades is rediculous. Not sure what Acura was thinking with the tech package pricing (oh wait, just too gouge customers)

 

I actually ended up with a Blue on Ebony Tech because the only dealer in a 100 miles that was willing to work with me on the trade in only had those on hand. I ended up losing 2k on my trade in with them vs losing 6-8k everywhere else I asked.

When I calculated it it was cheaper in total cost over 36 months including initial at signing with them than the other dealers ...

Not too thrilled about the tech other than the audio system... I know i'm not going to use the power lift gate, the nav sucks I tried it twice now and the navigon app on my iPhone is far better than the OEM nav on the car. And the back up camera feels like they only included 1/2 of what shoulda been included.

All said tho I am still happy with my purchase for the most part and due to ending up at a tech + losing some $$ at trade won't be doing any upgrades for the foreseeable future.

btw if anyone wants to know I'm saving money despite the loss on the trade in in gas insurance and payments.

 

I went base for all the same reasons. Power tail gate on a wagon, really? All Honda/Acura Navs suck. Audio does not live up to the hype. $1200 in audio upgrades and my car rocks.

 

Hi - I have a new-to-me wagon and it has the non-tech stereo system. My ears literally can't handle the treble/high frequency sound coming from the front speakers - regardless of the audio settings that I choose. The doortop tweeters hurt my ears as well as the treble coming from the OEM 6.5" door speakers.

My old car was a Mazda 6s w/ what I consider an awesome sounding Bose stereo system. It had a lot of bass and midrange punch to it w/ just enough treble for my taste.

However, the TSX is just killing my ears. I don't get enough bass without turning up the volume, but when I do that - the treble hurts my ears. There seems to be no midrange/mid-bass punch, regardless of the combination of audio (bass/treble) settings that I select.

To make matters worse - I went to a stereo shop today and they replaced the door speakers with a new set (Memphis Audio 6.5" 2-way coaxial) and disconnected the tweeters at the top of the doors. I thought for a few moments that this made things better, but it's actually worse as I now have even less midrange/mid-bass....and seemingly even more TREBLE!!! I think the stock ones were better - especially for the bass. I think I just wasted money.

I am so frustrated that I am totally regretting buying this car. I don't really want to spend 1000$ on a new amp, processor, and speaker components...which is pretty much what they are telling me my option is. I don't know much about audio equipment and have searched the forums.

Is there anything that I can do to help this situation? Can anyone suggest a better/different set of speakers to install to eliminate some of the treble and increase the midrange punch? Or am I doomed with the factory system?

 

I Suggest going back to the place that did your speakers and get a small sub and amp connected to the factory system. I have the ELS system and it pretty much sucks when you compare it to BOSE, and Mark Levinson sound systems on other cars.