For anybody that still has the stock audio system. If are not looking to do major upgrades to your stock audio system, but think the system is lacking in the BASS department, you may want to look into what I just did. After owning my 2006 TL for about 3 weeks I was already tired of listening the grill on my sub buzz louder than the bass it put out. I got a quote of $793 from a local sound shop to install a MTX SLH-T7512-D Single 12", T7500 SledgeHammer 2 Ω 400W Box with a MTX Thunder 3401 400W Amplifier. I was looking on the MTX web site when I noticed the MTX Factory Outlet link. In the ENCLOSURE section, I found a list of 195 items. One was the RTP212R. It included an enclosure with two 12" subs and a 250W amp for $159. It seemed to good to be true. I know that this was the entry level MTX equipment, but I figured that I would give it a try before dropping almost $800. I ordered it and went to Best Buy and bought a 8AWG amp installation kit and installed it myself last night. Wow, I am really impressed with the sound. It's not going to win any SPL (sound pressure level) contests, but it beats the hell out of that OEM scrap 8" sub. I ran the power cable from the battery through the firewall grommet under the trim and back seat to the trunk. I disconnected the OEM sub and hooked that to the Speaker Level input to the amp, this way you can still use the SUB control of the factory raidio. If you don't want to DIY, then Best Buy or similar can do it for you. Although most people aim the subs toward the rear of the car, I elected to aim them towards the front. I think this keeps the trunk lid rattles down, plus I open the pass-thru door to allow all that lovely bass to flow into the cabin. Just thought I would pass my experience along.

Later
jjh1234

http://www.mitekfactoryoutlet.com/pr...=ok&PN=RTP212R

 

Right on! Do your 12's drown out the sound of the rest of the stereo?

 

It will sound better with the woofers facing the rear of the car. Get some fatmat off ebay if you have rattles

 

No, not at all. It sounds very balanced. Like the factory radio should. Bose would have done a much better job with this system. I am happy with my factory system in my Audi A8 and my Mercedes SLK 230. The 12's in my TL tromp both of them now.

 

I know that seems to be the way everybody is doing it. I may fool with it over the XMAS break. I already had to put Dynamat on my license plate to stop it from buzzing. I really don't want to tear the trunk apart to install more. I was thinking of removing my factory sub to allow the bass to enter the cabin that way as well, but I don't want the hassle of removing the entire back seat and prying up that rear shelf.

Later
jjh1234

 

How did you get the remote turn on for the amo to work ?

Thanks

 

MTX Uses something called SmartEngage on the High Level inputs to sense the voltage and automatically turn on the amp. No need for the remote turn on wire. Check out the install here:

http://www.mtx.com/caraudio/products...MTX_RT251D.pdf

jjh1234

 

yea man thats the thing...i had a box and subs and amps in my integra i'm tryin not to stick a box in the trunk of my car which makes it look tacky in a luxury car. maybe i can go to an audio shop here in san diego and see what they can do...thanks for the advice though.

 

whoops! wrong forum

 

Nice post- Thanks. My passenger door round speaker sounds shot (huh?after 16 months and 49K mi) and I've decided to upgrade.

You've steered me well for a Christmas project.

 

Jl Audio Makes a really good OEM interface. Chk it out.

http://mobile.jlaudio.com/products_c...php?page_id=79

Her is also one of various other threads that discuss it: https://acurazine.com/forums/showthr...ght=cleansweep

 

i have an o3types with the bose system. when i was shopping for systems, the manager of one store said my stock system is better than all the sh!t he sells. he talked me out of getting a sony xplod 12", amp & kicker box all for $340, 2 years ago.
is he retarded or was that good advice?

 

xplods do suk....so i would say yes

 

i didnt want to spring for JLs. my lease is ending in feb so im planning for my '06. probly MTX

 

fuk the xplods!! u prob went to bestbuy huh? good thing u didn't get it..
well i work in a audio shop soo i know wats sounds good or not...
i just installed 2 12" w6's JL in my car and its wroth buying..over 2500 watts in that bitch hahah the day before i had 1 12" w7's but the box for it couldn't fit the trunk.. well it did but i had to flip it over facing the driver sit. had like 1 inch space left in my 04 TL..haha
i recommend u guys JL's if u like that super clean dark bass..

 

jjh1234: do you have any pictures on where you ran the wires thru the firewall, I've been having trouble finding a spot.

 

I ran the 8ga power wire thru the rubber grommet that the rest of the oem wires use. It is on the driver's side above the fuse box. I poked a new hole on the right side of the grommet with an awl and pushed the wire thru. Does that help?

jjh1234

 

Thanks, I got it

 

FYI: Your link says the system is "remanufactured" which means it is used & repaired. Good luck you might still be ok...hopefully came with solid warranty.

 

I'm OK with remanufactured. Especially at 1/2 price. I think it had a 90 day warranty. Most quality companies check their remanufactured equipment as good or better than new. Hey, for $150 it's not that big of a risk. I'll probably upgrade soon anyhow. I'm always changing things.

later,
jjh1234

 

Hey im pretty new to the forum and had a couple questions. I just got a 06' TL and want to increase loudness and a little bass to the system. With replacing as least as possible of the factory system, what would I have to change? I was thinking replacing the factory front, and rear speakers, and keeping the factory tweeters and center speaker. Would I need to get an upgraded amp? Does anyone know some good front and back 6.5'' speakers that have decent bass and loudness? Can anyone help me out? Thanks

 

how did you hook it to the line levels? dont they usa RCA inputs on amps? or did you use a line converter?