Weak subwoofer?
#1
Weak subwoofer?
I've had my RDX A-spec for a month now and have found the bass out of the ELS system a bit lacking. It's not that it's not present (I have the bass adjusted to +5), but I find the it is concentrated too much in the front speakers and very muddy. By comparison, the sub from the ELS system in my 2007 RDX was uniformly strong throughout the car and gave the low-end a defined punch.
At first I thought that was just how this new system works, but now I'm wondering if there's something wrong with my subwoofer. I believe it's located in the trunk (like the '07 RDX) but I don't really feel any bass presence coming from there at all...only the front speakers.
Is this normal? Is there any easy way to test whether my sub is functioning properly?
At first I thought that was just how this new system works, but now I'm wondering if there's something wrong with my subwoofer. I believe it's located in the trunk (like the '07 RDX) but I don't really feel any bass presence coming from there at all...only the front speakers.
Is this normal? Is there any easy way to test whether my sub is functioning properly?
#2
What i have noticed is that the sub only comes on when very low frequency is used in the sound mix. Not all music goes that low so sometimes it sounds like it is coming more from the lower door woofers. That is all I can guess is the the crossover point for the back sub is very low.
#3
What i have noticed is that the sub only comes on when very low frequency is used in the sound mix. Not all music goes that low so sometimes it sounds like it is coming more from the lower door woofers. That is all I can guess is the the crossover point for the back sub is very low.
#4
I suggest turning down the center speaker and/or turning off simulated surround sound. The bass will be much more pronounced. I don't have a 19, but on my 15 there is a separate adjustment specifically for the subwoofer. I have that turned up about half way. That is separate from the bass control. Not sure if your car has that adjustment.
The following users liked this post:
SUVGuy (10-08-2018)
#5
I suggest turning down the center speaker and/or turning off simulated surround sound. The bass will be much more pronounced. I don't have a 19, but on my 15 there is a separate adjustment specifically for the subwoofer. I have that turned up about half way. That is separate from the bass control. Not sure if your car has that adjustment.
#6
I find on medium/lower volumes all mid-lows disappear.
I would like a subwoofer control, specifically on the crossover frequency.
See my post here,
https://acurazine.com/forums/3g-rdx-.../#post16301268
I would like a subwoofer control, specifically on the crossover frequency.
See my post here,
https://acurazine.com/forums/3g-rdx-.../#post16301268
#7
I was trying to look for sub woofer location but could find that information anywhere. Does anyone know if there is a separate sub woofer installed in tech/advance or it is itegrated with one of the speakers?
I hope there is a standalone sub woofer at this pricepoint. No sub woofer setting made me think otherwise.
I hope there is a standalone sub woofer at this pricepoint. No sub woofer setting made me think otherwise.
Trending Topics
#10
#11
I had some time try some of samiam's suggestions today. Turning off the simulated surround sound does seem to have a noticeable effect on bass. The low-end feels a bit punchier and more defined now, though it also made the vocals slightly more front-car biased too...which is expected I guess. I still wish there was a way to keep the surround effect and tweak the bass to my liking. I doubt Acura will add a subwoofer setting, but here's hoping!
Surprisingly, using the AUX output made the biggest difference - the bass was definitely better - but losing Carplay and having lower-quality audio wasn't worth the compromise. Using a different USB cable (Apple vs 3rd party), switching to bluetooth streaming, and playing with the center speaker volume had little to no effect.
Surprisingly, using the AUX output made the biggest difference - the bass was definitely better - but losing Carplay and having lower-quality audio wasn't worth the compromise. Using a different USB cable (Apple vs 3rd party), switching to bluetooth streaming, and playing with the center speaker volume had little to no effect.
#13
I had some time try some of samiam's suggestions today. Turning off the simulated surround sound does seem to have a noticeable effect on bass. The low-end feels a bit punchier and more defined now, though it also made the vocals slightly more front-car biased too...which is expected I guess. I still wish there was a way to keep the surround effect and tweak the bass to my liking. I doubt Acura will add a subwoofer setting, but here's hoping!
Surprisingly, using the AUX output made the biggest difference - the bass was definitely better - but losing Carplay and having lower-quality audio wasn't worth the compromise. Using a different USB cable (Apple vs 3rd party), switching to bluetooth streaming, and playing with the center speaker volume had little to no effect.
Surprisingly, using the AUX output made the biggest difference - the bass was definitely better - but losing Carplay and having lower-quality audio wasn't worth the compromise. Using a different USB cable (Apple vs 3rd party), switching to bluetooth streaming, and playing with the center speaker volume had little to no effect.
#14
Yep! the 1/8" (3.5mm) jack under the main console.
Totally agree. Having more controls over sound would be ideal but music listening is very good as-is.
I went for a test drive today. Tried the same on tech with 12 speakers. It did improve bass significantly. It was not window shaking but pleasant enough for me. I would have preferred separate sub woofer setting to increase bass even more. But not a deal breaker for me.
#17
If you've ever sat in a car with a "sound quality system" you would be surprised at how seamlessly integrated a subwoofer should be when tuned properly. In fact, car audio SQ competition judges will deduct points if they sit in your car and locate the subwoofer when listening. The term they use is "engulfing" in regards to the perceived listening experience. IF this is what your experiencing then stop because you've already arrived.
#19
#20
I suggest turning down the center speaker and/or turning off simulated surround sound. The bass will be much more pronounced. I don't have a 19, but on my 15 there is a separate adjustment specifically for the subwoofer. I have that turned up about half way. That is separate from the bass control. Not sure if your car has that adjustment.
#21
I've noticed the same - at volumes below 10 the frequency response is a bit treble heavy. This is due to not quite following the equal loudness contour. Human ears are a quite a bit less sensitive to bass at low volume levels. Combine that with low frequency road noise and you get a perceived feeling of low bass output. It should be fixed.
That being said - if the system is capable of reproducing good lower mid-range from the main drivers, most instruments should NOT activate the subwoofer. This highly depends on the crossover frequency to the sub. The whole point of a subwoofer is to reproduce sub-bass (<100 Hz).
That being said - if the system is capable of reproducing good lower mid-range from the main drivers, most instruments should NOT activate the subwoofer. This highly depends on the crossover frequency to the sub. The whole point of a subwoofer is to reproduce sub-bass (<100 Hz).
The following users liked this post:
Gate 17 (07-14-2019)
#23
I just picked up my 21 RDX last week and man I thought the same thing bass is very underwhelming considering it has a SUB... my 2010 Acura actually had sub volume control to my surprise this car does not.... The sub is probably garbage so they don't want anyone turning it up :| gonna have to turn off the surround sound I guess.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Knertified
3G TL Audio, Bluetooth, Electronics & Navigation
18
12-13-2006 09:04 PM