Hi everyone,

Been looking and browsing RDX's for going on a month now - think my wife and I will finally end up settling for the Technology package since the ASpec and Advanced, while nice, simply don't seem to warrant the $5k-$7k upcharge (especially after discovering that we can use remote start on the Technology simply by getting the app).

One thing I'm worried about is the sound system, though. When we test drove the ASpec, we absolutely fell in love with the sound system. I know that the technology does not have the "3D" system... but does "3D" simply refer to the fact that there are four ceiling speakers instead of two? Have any of you been able to listen to the sound in both vehicles, and were you able to notice a significant difference?

 

I suggest you visit the dealer again and listen using the same source in the two vehicles. Listen from a source you will be listening to normally (FM, Sirius, phone, USB).
They are different systems, # speakers, power, tuning.

 

That's what I was afraid of - different speakers/tuning altogether, as opposed to simply a couple less speakers.

I'd imagine the Tech's package's system is still generally "very good" in comparison to other vehicles, though? Would that be a fair assertion?

 

Yes, it is ‘very good’. So good that I, as a non-audiophile can tell how bad the sound quality is with XM and bluetooth compared to wired Carplay.

 

XM sucks

 

I believe the Tech package comes with 12 ELS speaker.
Advanced and A-Spec has 16 ELS speaker.
Advanced has the acoustic windows in the front

I have driven the base and tech package. The tech speakers are really crisp, and I have HyperX headphones for my computer system. Though, if audio is a do or die for you, you might be better off just getting the advanced then for the acoustic front windows.

 

The windshield is acoustic also. It is stated that the acoustic glass keeps out noise, not specifically to enhance the sound.

 

I went with the Advanced, but not because of the sound system. If that’s all you’re worried about then go with the Tech. It has a great sound system.

 

Almost every review video I saw before buying my RDX was of the A-Spec model (they were really pushing that model from the start, I think). Universally reviewers raved about the stereo - saying it was easily best in class if not best of any class. So when I got into my Tech RDX and cranked the music, I was expecting to be blown away. I wasn't. It was good, and I've grown to love it, but my first impression wasn't that it was amazing. So I think there may be a noticeable difference between the Tech and upper trims in the audio area. I'm no audiophile, and pretty much all I listen to is podcasts and FM radio (BTW HD FM is great!) so even if I did have those extra speakers I don't know if I would notice a difference either way.

 

Aspec looks nice from outside to me, others dont care and want features.
pick your priorities!

 

It actually also keeps reflections inside the cabin under much better control. Like a studio or listening room. Pretty nice.

 

If you drive this car alone, difference between tech and a-spec/adv is minimal. If it is family car with passengers in the back, so yes it is noticeable difference for passengers. I has same dilemma. When playing 5.1 music, there are no difference at all for front passengers. What I miss in tech, it is vented seats. What I dislike in A-spec, it is red on silver cluster lightening, 20" tires (ride quality) and seats with suede. If you have extra 5k, take adv.

 

It sounds good in the front, but rear seat passengers have complained that quality is poor. (Tech pack here.)

 

Really? From an audiophile perspective, I think the rear passengers get the best listening experience. Better than any other vehicle's audio system I've heard from the back seat. In most cars, vocals are drowned out and clarity is poor. It was the opposite in the RDX.

 

Are you talking about Tech or A-spec? OP was asking about Tech's sound system. A-spec & Advance are supposedly excellent in the rear.

 

Forgot to mention that - I'm referring to the A-spec. Is the Tech really that bad? The ceiling speakers don't make a huge difference, so it must be how the system was tuned.

 

Yes, Tech really is that bad for rear seat passengers.

 

A side note as a Tech owner.... there is a notable improvement in sound quality when connecting via USB and using Android Auto versus Bluetooth.

I had always thought the RDX's infotainment system supported the aptX codec for near CD quality sound due the vehicle came out in 2019 and aptX had been around for a couple of years. Turns out it only supports AAC as far as I have been able to determine. I just started using a Samsung Galaxy S10+ and in the Developer Options you can see what BT codec is in use. My phone shows AAC for the RDX. It does show aptX when connected to other devices that do support that codec. I've tried to force aptX to the RDX from the phone but it always reverts to AAC.

I have to say this is disappointing in consideration of how good the musical output is for this vehicle. I would hope that Acura adds aptX and aptX HD in future firmware updates. Thee are times when the convenience of BT is desired, such as having other phones in the vehicle used as a source without wanting to physically plug them in.

.

 

I haven't tried this in our RDX Tech (Fiance's car) but in my Volvo XC90 with the Bowers Wilkins system I have been using Amazon Music HD via USB connection (Carplay) and the sound quality is great. Maybe try that with the RDX and see if it makes a difference?

 

When connecting Android Auto with a cable or when using wireless Android Auto, the audio quality is lossless. When connecting via Bluetooth, the audio is much more compressed. For better audio, always connect Android Auto with a cable or use wireless, if the feature ever comes.

 

So much depends on the quality of the audio source. If you use high quality 5.1 music put together by a pro, the Tech is amazing. The Advance is just better . But, believe me, with the right source, the Tech sounds better than the Advance with the wrong source. Properly made 5.1 flac files in a Tech sounds way better than XM or Bluetooth streaming in an Advance. If you can get the source right, a good 5.1 in an Advance, there are few cars that one would buy that can beat it.

 

Very true!
Although I might argue the Advance sound system being better than my Volvo XC90 Bowers Wilkins

 

If the BW system is better, more power to you. It must be (as my friend Tony T. Tiger says) grrrrrreat.

 

Interesting article as it has Acura listed as well but with a Krell system? Wonder how the Acura Krell system compares to the new RDX system?

https://www.automobilemag.com/news/s...s-to-the-test/

 

Sounds vaguely Klingon to me.

I could be wrong; I don’t speak that language, but...

 

The bottom line is do you want the better stereo system or not. For me its important and I can afford the extra, and for me it's a no brainer. I don't want to get a lessor stereo system and regret it. You only live once.