Ultimate 5.1 Audio in the New RDX
#161
WayTooManyAcuras
Thread Starter
And thanks to the other members, like Funz51 for keeping the flame burning.
Everyone have a great Christmas, or whatever holiday you chose. Be safe in those cars and watch out for the morons. There are plenty out there this time of year!
#162
I did a test in my TLX since I saw in this thread that the RDX couldn't play 96kHz files. I ripped DVD-A tracks in both 48 kHz and 96kHz of the same album and tested them in my car. The 96kHz sounded like it was downmixed to stereo whereas the 48kHz had the expected MCH response. Is this expected or I shouldn't have been able to hear the 96kHz track at all?
#163
Racer
I did a test in my TLX since I saw in this thread that the RDX couldn't play 96kHz files. I ripped DVD-A tracks in both 48 kHz and 96kHz of the same album and tested them in my car. The 96kHz sounded like it was downmixed to stereo whereas the 48kHz had the expected MCH response. Is this expected or I shouldn't have been able to hear the 96kHz track at all?
The following users liked this post:
ELIN (12-23-2020)
#164
Expanse me
I did a test in my TLX since I saw in this thread that the RDX couldn't play 96kHz files. I ripped DVD-A tracks in both 48 kHz and 96kHz of the same album and tested them in my car. The 96kHz sounded like it was downmixed to stereo whereas the 48kHz had the expected MCH response. Is this expected or I shouldn't have been able to hear the 96kHz track at all?
The following 2 users liked this post by Funz51:
ELIN (12-23-2020),
Padre Dave (06-06-2021)
#165
WayTooManyAcuras
Thread Starter
Once the holidays are over and hopefully the world starts getting back to normal I want to try a USB stick in the new TLX. Not that I'd switch at this point, I need the space in the RDX for work and real life. My TL days are pretty much past me now.
The following 2 users liked this post by oblio98:
Padre Dave (02-27-2021),
Vince D (01-02-2021)
#166
Has anyone tried ripping home theater audio reference tracks to USB and testing car response with an SPL meter in the car?
#167
'20 RDX Adv, built 11/19
So far I have been pretty pleased listening to FLAC files off the USB in the RDX. So I appreciate this thread a lot. However I noticed since my newest software update to the RDX a few days ago, music off of my iPhone sounds more punchy. My iPhone is a new 12 Pro. I was using a 6s Plus prior. Do you guys think it's the phone or could it be the update?
#169
I noticed this before the update but I've been having a lot of listener fatigue due to the treble-bias. Someone likened the system to Bose and I do see the similarity in the lack of full-body sound and treble-bias. I've been spoiled by full-body sound at home so not having deep bass where I expect it has been disappointing.
Can anyone give good examples of tracks with decent bass response?
Can anyone give good examples of tracks with decent bass response?
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MrmissmyTLX (01-24-2021)
#171
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ELIN (01-24-2021)
#173
'20 RDX Adv, built 11/19
I just sampled some of Tidal's Dolby Atmos playlists in my RDX Advance. It is the fullest, clearest sounding surround music I've ever heard in my RDX. It was a great listening experience! I also think the newest RDX software update (d.1.5.1) has increased low frequency and mid frequency response. In other words IT SOUNDS GOOD!
#174
Expanse me
I noticed this before the update but I've been having a lot of listener fatigue due to the treble-bias. Someone likened the system to Bose and I do see the similarity in the lack of full-body sound and treble-bias. I've been spoiled by full-body sound at home so not having deep bass where I expect it has been disappointing.
Can anyone give good examples of tracks with decent bass response?
Can anyone give good examples of tracks with decent bass response?
Download via my links I still have up and put on a stick. Some awesome bass tracks on there.
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Padre Dave (02-27-2021)
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ELIN (02-23-2021)
#176
#177
I've been on Amazon HD Music for nearly 2 weeks and I don't hear any discernable quality difference from CD. I've compared my CD rip of "Beat It" against the Amazon HD one and they sound the same. I think the problem is there's no way to offload the highest quality track to a USB stick where it would benefit the most. Amazon Music HD over the CarPlay is going to be no better than CD quality due to the limitations of the iPhone itself. Forget about multichannel FLAC on the iPhone as it's not capable even if Amazon Music 3D is available.
The following 2 users liked this post by ELIN:
bbstenor (02-25-2021),
Padre Dave (02-27-2021)
#178
Retired Geezer
Thanks, I tried your settings changes and the system sounds great once again. I do feel the latest OTA update changed the sound quality somewhat.
#179
Expanse me
good to hear you are enjoying!
Last edited by Funz51; 02-24-2021 at 06:31 PM.
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bbstenor (02-25-2021)
#180
Advanced
I don't understand the comments re treble being emphasized and not enough bass. However I'm not playing 5.1 or FLAC's. Just HQ compressed via USB connected Android Auto on my 2019 RDX Tech. There is a notable difference between being connected via Bluetooth and via USB.
My hearing is OK for my age as I can hear 40Hz to 15kHz tones. I listen to a mix of music from 60's & 70's rock to modern indie pop - lots of 90's and 2000's such as the Smiths, Radiohead, Audislave, Kings of Leon, Nora Jones etc etc. So plenty of material with deep bass, kick drum, cymbals, and high hat.
I have my bass set lower by two notches and treble set at zero/flat. Bass set to flat is overwhelming for my ears at any volume level over 8. I typically listen between 8 and 10 while driving between 80km/50mph to 100km/60mph. This is unchanged since before the last firmware update - I updated about 3 weeks ago.
What I did notice is that every time I accidentally enable the "DTS Neural Surround", the system sound changes dramatically. Bass disappears and imaging & stage become like listening to mono. Also, with the DTS NS enabled, when listening to HD AM Radio, carried over FM sub bands, the sound seems to be coming from the front dash centre speaker only. Disable DTS NS and the HD AM uses more then the centre speaker.
If you're lacking bass, first thing I would do is TURN OFF the DTS Neural Surround feature.
.
My hearing is OK for my age as I can hear 40Hz to 15kHz tones. I listen to a mix of music from 60's & 70's rock to modern indie pop - lots of 90's and 2000's such as the Smiths, Radiohead, Audislave, Kings of Leon, Nora Jones etc etc. So plenty of material with deep bass, kick drum, cymbals, and high hat.
I have my bass set lower by two notches and treble set at zero/flat. Bass set to flat is overwhelming for my ears at any volume level over 8. I typically listen between 8 and 10 while driving between 80km/50mph to 100km/60mph. This is unchanged since before the last firmware update - I updated about 3 weeks ago.
What I did notice is that every time I accidentally enable the "DTS Neural Surround", the system sound changes dramatically. Bass disappears and imaging & stage become like listening to mono. Also, with the DTS NS enabled, when listening to HD AM Radio, carried over FM sub bands, the sound seems to be coming from the front dash centre speaker only. Disable DTS NS and the HD AM uses more then the centre speaker.
If you're lacking bass, first thing I would do is TURN OFF the DTS Neural Surround feature.
.
#181
I don't understand the comments re treble being emphasized and not enough bass. However I'm not playing 5.1 or FLAC's. Just HQ compressed via USB connected Android Auto on my 2019 RDX Tech. There is a notable difference between being connected via Bluetooth and via USB.
My hearing is OK for my age as I can hear 40Hz to 15kHz tones. I listen to a mix of music from 60's & 70's rock to modern indie pop - lots of 90's and 2000's such as the Smiths, Radiohead, Audislave, Kings of Leon, Nora Jones etc etc. So plenty of material with deep bass, kick drum, cymbals, and high hat.
I have my bass set lower by two notches and treble set at zero/flat. Bass set to flat is overwhelming for my ears at any volume level over 8. I typically listen between 8 and 10 while driving between 80km/50mph to 100km/60mph. This is unchanged since before the last firmware update - I updated about 3 weeks ago.
What I did notice is that every time I accidentally enable the "DTS Neural Surround", the system sound changes dramatically. Bass disappears and imaging & stage become like listening to mono. Also, with the DTS NS enabled, when listening to HD AM Radio, carried over FM sub bands, the sound seems to be coming from the front dash centre speaker only. Disable DTS NS and the HD AM uses more then the centre speaker.
If you're lacking bass, first thing I would do is TURN OFF the DTS Neural Surround feature.
.
My hearing is OK for my age as I can hear 40Hz to 15kHz tones. I listen to a mix of music from 60's & 70's rock to modern indie pop - lots of 90's and 2000's such as the Smiths, Radiohead, Audislave, Kings of Leon, Nora Jones etc etc. So plenty of material with deep bass, kick drum, cymbals, and high hat.
I have my bass set lower by two notches and treble set at zero/flat. Bass set to flat is overwhelming for my ears at any volume level over 8. I typically listen between 8 and 10 while driving between 80km/50mph to 100km/60mph. This is unchanged since before the last firmware update - I updated about 3 weeks ago.
What I did notice is that every time I accidentally enable the "DTS Neural Surround", the system sound changes dramatically. Bass disappears and imaging & stage become like listening to mono. Also, with the DTS NS enabled, when listening to HD AM Radio, carried over FM sub bands, the sound seems to be coming from the front dash centre speaker only. Disable DTS NS and the HD AM uses more then the centre speaker.
If you're lacking bass, first thing I would do is TURN OFF the DTS Neural Surround feature.
.
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Funz51 (02-25-2021)
#182
I've been on Amazon HD Music for nearly 2 weeks and I don't hear any discernable quality difference from CD. I've compared my CD rip of "Beat It" against the Amazon HD one and they sound the same. I think the problem is there's no way to offload the highest quality track to a USB stick where it would benefit the most. Amazon Music HD over the CarPlay is going to be no better than CD quality due to the limitations of the iPhone itself. Forget about multichannel FLAC on the iPhone as it's not capable even if Amazon Music 3D is available.
#183
Instructor
Is the iPhone limitation still applicable when using CarPlay over USB with Amazon HD? I would think the signal being kept digital to the car would allow full quality and multichannel support if offered by the streaming service? Since the phone is not being asked to "play" the song itself and it just a WiFi connection in this case I would not think it would limit it...
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chasator (03-05-2021)
#184
Is the iPhone limitation still applicable when using CarPlay over USB with Amazon HD? I would think the signal being kept digital to the car would allow full quality and multichannel support if offered by the streaming service? Since the phone is not being asked to "play" the song itself and it just a WiFi connection in this case I would not think it would limit it...
#185
Is the iPhone limitation still applicable when using CarPlay over USB with Amazon HD? I would think the signal being kept digital to the car would allow full quality and multichannel support if offered by the streaming service? Since the phone is not being asked to "play" the song itself and it just a WiFi connection in this case I would not think it would limit it...
#186
The Amazon Music HD streams and downloads are copy-protected, so I’m pretty sure the ELS system wouldn’t be able to play them natively, even if you were able to download them to the phone at the highest quality. Amazon Music HD is only stereo, regardless of the quality, so multi-channel playback won’t happen from that service, regardless of the capabilities of the playback system.
#187
According to the website and the app, Amazon 3D tracks can only be played on an Amazon Echo Studio device. It may be coming to any Dolby Atmos device, but not currently. Agree that only home audio devices get the best quality out of Ultra HD tracks (24/96).
#188
Instructor
Okay, I do see that the iPhone is limited when playing the Ultra HD Amazon songs... but how is it there are ways to play higher quality from an iPhone using a DAC? My assumption was that the lighting port to USB was not limiting the quality from HD streaming which is how an external DAC would work. I understand if you are using the iPhone to play the music it is device limited but wouldn't the USB into the RDX support the higher quality if the RDX DAC is handling the music? I will have to try this out when the wife comes home to see what Amazon Music shows as the device capability when plugged into the RDX...
#189
Okay, I do see that the iPhone is limited when playing the Ultra HD Amazon songs... but how is it there are ways to play higher quality from an iPhone using a DAC? My assumption was that the lighting port to USB was not limiting the quality from HD streaming which is how an external DAC would work. I understand if you are using the iPhone to play the music it is device limited but wouldn't the USB into the RDX support the higher quality if the RDX DAC is handling the music? I will have to try this out when the wife comes home to see what Amazon Music shows as the device capability when plugged into the RDX...
#190
Okay, I do see that the iPhone is limited when playing the Ultra HD Amazon songs... but how is it there are ways to play higher quality from an iPhone using a DAC? My assumption was that the lighting port to USB was not limiting the quality from HD streaming which is how an external DAC would work. I understand if you are using the iPhone to play the music it is device limited but wouldn't the USB into the RDX support the higher quality if the RDX DAC is handling the music? I will have to try this out when the wife comes home to see what Amazon Music shows as the device capability when plugged into the RDX...
#191
Expanse me
In the past, it would have been something like a firewire cable that could maintain copyrighted MCH music transmission. These days, we get that over HDMI and various other technologies that offer encryption. A lightning cable doesn't qualify as a cable with the proper encryption. Apple isn't going to give you better than 24-bit 48kHz if the cable doesn't support it.
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ELIN (02-25-2021)
#192
Instructor
From the Amazon music website...
Which iOS devices support Amazon Music HD?
Most iPhones and iPads released since 2014 (devices running on iOS 11, or later) can support HD/Ultra HD (up to 24-bit, 48kHz) without any additional equipment. In order to play songs at higher sample rates (96 or 192 kHz), iPhone customers can connect an external DAC capable of supporting those higher sample rates.
#193
From the Amazon music website...
Which iOS devices support Amazon Music HD?
Most iPhones and iPads released since 2014 (devices running on iOS 11, or later) can support HD/Ultra HD (up to 24-bit, 48kHz) without any additional equipment. In order to play songs at higher sample rates (96 or 192 kHz), iPhone customers can connect an external DAC capable of supporting those higher sample rates.If you follow this thread, we are asked to downmix 96kHz tracks to 48kHz before putting it on USB stick:
https://acurazine.com/forums/3g-rdx-...p-step-971819/
I can't comment on if this limit is for MCH only or also for stereo. Anyone know any different?
#194
Instructor
Okay, so it seems the RDX has the same limit as the iPhone... guess there is not much else to do. My concern was on high quality stereo playback rather than multi-channel anyways.
#195
Instructor
Always wondered what the exact difference was for Studio versus 3D Studio...Acura RDX ELS Studio premium audio system is offered in two configurations:
- ELS Studio (Technology Package)
- 12 speakers
- 12 channels
- 550 watts
-
- 16 speakers
- 16 channels
- 710 watts
#196
Expanse me
It is known that the DAC provided by Acura maxes out at 24-bit/48 kHz.
If you follow this thread, we are asked to downmix 96kHz tracks to 48kHz before putting it on USB stick:
https://acurazine.com/forums/3g-rdx-...p-step-971819/
I can't comment on if this limit is for MCH only or also for stereo. Anyone know any different?
If you follow this thread, we are asked to downmix 96kHz tracks to 48kHz before putting it on USB stick:
https://acurazine.com/forums/3g-rdx-...p-step-971819/
I can't comment on if this limit is for MCH only or also for stereo. Anyone know any different?
speaking of power, that 700 watts plus is peak, gotta be. All the speakers are rated at 20watts, and the sub 50 watts..add it up. Advertising peak and not rms is just a shame, and they all do it. My sub peak pushes more power than this whole system. They need to get an aftermarket high quality maker to do something special and offer a bad-ass beautiful system. Hard to get out there.
Last edited by Funz51; 02-25-2021 at 08:33 PM.
#197
Expanse me
From the Amazon music website...
Which iOS devices support Amazon Music HD?
Most iPhones and iPads released since 2014 (devices running on iOS 11, or later) can support HD/Ultra HD (up to 24-bit, 48kHz) without any additional equipment. In order to play songs at higher sample rates (96 or 192 kHz), iPhone customers can connect an external DAC capable of supporting those higher sample rates.
#198
#200
This reminds me back in the day when DTS was still relevant, there were some receivers/players that had a bug and couldn't properly decode the LFE from the DTS track. It was encoded about 10 dB lower than the rest of the track so devices that properly decode DTS know to amp it back up on the receiving end. The odd thing is we're typically not playing DTS tracks in the car unless they were rips from 5.1 DTS Audio CD's.