SUVGuy

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?

cbstsx09

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.

cm2021

I noticed the same thing. Bass is strong only on very low frequencies.

samiam_68

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.

SUVGuy

There isn't a sub adjustment in the '19s but I'll try turning off the simulated surround! I fiddled with the center speaker and it didn't really affect the bass presence to me.

Gate 17

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

JustAnotherOne

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.

Gate 17

Subwoofer, rear passenger side near wheel well.

JustAnotherOne

Ok thanks, I think it's there in this image from Acura.

JustAnotherOne

Here is the image url. Attachment did not work.

https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/2019-acura-rdx-features-els-studio-3d-premium-audio-system-powered-by-panasonic-exclusively-from-acura-300621166.html

SUVGuy

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.

Burger Steak & Eggs

You mean the analog input? 1/8" mini plug?

JustAnotherOne

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.

SUVGuy

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.

Newsy1904

I dial back the bass in my Tech by -1 or -2. I find it just too strong on a lot of music from the last 5 to 10 years. On old 70's rock classics "0" is fine and maybe even +1.

.

Havasubum

Just tried samiam_68's solution for my poorly performing 2019 Advance sub woofer. It now works much better. Thanks for the tip.

Bchester6

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.

Njbrandon

Is it me or does it sound better without the simulated surround? Seems like there's more bass.

Gate 17

I agree, more bass/lows with simulated surround off. Generally I find mid-lows are missing at volumes medium and below at any time.

Sylvain

Agree with the others; That helps. Thanks.

Vlad Grodzinskiy

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).

delita

Appreciate this tip, I was feeling the bass to be a bit low myself.

omgthedonny

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.