There is certanly a lot of very good information on this site about upgrading the ELS audio system. What is the right way to approach replacing tweeters in the a-pillars of a 2010 TL.
Do you remove the tweeter cover somehow?
Do you remove the a-pillar molding and is this risky considering the side curtain airbag is back there?

Any advice would be appreciated..

 

I just checked the photos from my install and I can only see one pic with the pillar removed. Unfortunately, it doesn't reveal anything ... but I've got to go back on the 12th and I'll try to remember to ask them about it. I'm assuming there is a holder for the tweeter (as opposed to it being affixed to the grill from underneath), but I don't know if this the case or not. The center channel does in fact screw into the grill, so it's hard to say.

 

The ELS system is a top rated unit. It is designed and tuned for the car. Recent evaluations on line has revealed it to out perform some of the best systems on the market. So I should ask is this to replace a defective unit, that would be covered by warranty, or is this an upgrade? If an upgrade, why?

 

The ELS is a very good "Factory" system....probably one of the best. But is still does not hold a candle to a properly installed and tuned aftermarket system with good components. We are still talking night and day.

 

there is also the problem with source material. the lack of desired titles on DVD-A is a very serious limitation when considering staying stock or going aftermarket.

 

Source material should have nothing to do with replacing a tweeter.

 

 

 

Best factory system is like saying the smartest retard. Aftermarket is ALWAYS better in EVERY way. (except for maybe cost lol)

 

Care to explain? Please tell me how lack of source material for DVD-a would have any bearing or consideration on if you should replace the factory system with an aftermarket one? I would love to hear this reasoning!

 

 

?? I think you took that the wrong way. Replacing the factory unit is a waste of money. As for the DVD-A issue. This one really pissed me off. Acura made a point of advertising the system with DVD-A, an excellent audio experience when mixed properly, and yet I couldn't find a record store in 2008 that sold them. DVD-A is the Betamax of the Aughts, the Zeroes, the Nils, Singles, the 2Ks, or "The Turn of the Century." Whatever you want to call it.

 

No problem, sorry for getting defensive and taking it wrong. I agree, I was also excited about the DVD-A, until I realized the same thing.....there aren't any! What is the point.....ugh! Although, I can say this....from my experience with audio, since this HU has DVD-A, it will have a 24bit D/A converter inside, so even tough you can't find DVD-A, you are still getting some sonic benefit (arguably, of course) from the HU.

 

^ Especially when you feed the Front channel/Sub outputs thru an MS-8 into a decent set of amps and replacement speakers.

 

Now your talking. I'm thinking about doing that for the RDX.

 

If anyone needs an MS-8, let me know! I just set myself up as a 12volt dealer with High End products and the MS-8 is one I can get.

 

I'm starting to like where this thread is going. Being an audio gearhead I'd love to replace the speakers in my TL. The only downside is that I have a lease and it really would be a waste except for a few very minor improvements.

Does anyone know the specs of the ELS speakers? Are they standard 4 ohm mids and tweets?

 

Keep in mind that this comes from someone who has B&W speakers and MacIntosh audio equipment for my home 7.1, but we are talking a car, with a certain amount of road noise and yes the ELS does have a road noise canceling system, but read this review.. A lot went into the overall design of the TL audio system... Changing things out will NOT necessarily reveal better results, could be worse.. It is all about balance and compromise when it comes to car interiors... This rating did not come about because the TL needs new tweeters.... I would rather trust what my ears tell me every day I drive the car, phenomenal audio...

Here is the link >>> http://www.acura.com/content/pdf/Edmunds_article.pdf <<<

 

Has anyone put an MS-8 into their ELS TL yet?

 

So it cost $800 and can be installed while you go get lunch or do it yourself if you can change a light switch??? I downloaded the installation guide as I would have to figure out how this is done with a system that is Black Box technology in the TL and Speaker harnesses plug into the box.

So it looks like it takes your Speaker Wires and used radio audio, High Level , and feeds it to the MS-8.. As a Audio File I have one problem with this, Distortion and radio audio setting... Your radio has a certain amount of audio distortion, and JBL is assuming that by using its Analog to Digital back to Analog unit with its special software, it can clean up the signal... Well that will work and if they , JBL, Designed the DSP chips, then it might in fact enhance the system.
They do use a Microphone for calibration reasons, the same thing Yamaha, Denon and many other home systems make available.. Yamaha calls it YPO for its RX-V3900 amplifier costing $1800....

I think your question about hooking it up is to figure out first where are the Speaker Wires that you need to CUT. And does this VOID your factory warranty?

The TL system is darn good, but it is also not a home theater system, and one has to ask the question, is it worth the $800 +++ cost to install it... If I was stuck in Los Angeles traffic for hours every day, I would say, sure why not as good music always sooths the nerves...

 

Diverging a bit here, but has anyone watched movies (Netflix app) on their iPad/iPhone with the sound routed via Bluetooth Audio on the TL's ELS system? If not, check out a good movie (while parked of course) and then decide whether to change out the audio system components.

 

I know in the 3rd gen TL's the ELS system has 2ohm full range drivers/4 ohm center channel/4 ohm tweeters. We over in the 3rd gen forum are replacing speaker 1 to 1 with the only 2 ohm aftermarket speaker on the market. Infinity/jbl 2-ways. I plan on doing this only for one thing. I can't speak for the 4g but since there are only highs coming for the dash, I and others just want more clarity so by switching the full-range drivers in front door/rear deck, it goes a long way to clarity with a tad more volume but still maintains the balance I so enjoy with our stereo. As for not many dvd-a offerings, i still enjoy the 2chl discs with the dolby 2 feature turn on. It goes a long way to giving the effect of dolby 5.1.

 

Bluetooth audio is already a compromised transmission format, so why use it to determine the ELS quality? Placing a Test CD into its slot is the real way to validate the sound system... I have a iPad and a iTouch and use either a pair of Bose Quiet Comfort 2 headphones directly connected or a Bluetooth Stereo headset, Motoroke S9-HD.... Naturally the BOSE blows away the other. Bluetooth uses GFSK modulation, and Power Consumption is a big concern for portable devices, so in the end it is Nearly Impossible to get a true representation of the actual frequency response on a wireless device, Saying that I feel your test is invalid.

If you feel bored here is the BT specafications..

http://www.bluetooth.com/English/Tec...ification.aspx

 

lol... I wasn't trying to say that Bluetooth Audio is the best way to test an audio system's true capabilities. My point was that even with audio streamed over bluetooth, the sound's darn good.

 

I have a base TL SH-AWD, I am curious to know how difficult it is to change the tweeters?

 

I get maybe replacing the door drivers and the rear drivers with some focals or something with a better range and tighter sound; adding a sub, but as far as clarity goes on a good source, I've not found anything factory that compares.

 

So you're saying you like the tweeters in the base models? I think one of mine blew which is why I want to replace it. It is still under warranty but, I have a set of HAT Unity series components on the way.

 

I've not heard a need to. With them being under warranty especially. Why mar up the interior trying to replace them with something that may or may not fit/rattle/etc. I guess the older I get, the less I want to fool with it, lol. Ten years ago, I'd of had some Focal PolyKevlar's in there a week after buying it.

 

Ya I hear you on that. I've been back and forth deciding wether I want to replace them at all lol. I was in touch with my dealership and they said that they're not hard to install

 

I've blown speakers quite a bit in my '09 TL w/tech. I just bring it back to the dealership, and they replace them. Eazy Peazy!

 

haha maybe I'll bring mine in and have them install the aftermarket ones

 

I asked them which after market speakers they recommend at the dealership and they said NONE! LOL

 

Very easy. Just remove the A-Pillar. The tweeter is mounted to the pillar by a set of screws.

 

MS-8 was installed and removed due to it's limitations. Ended up going with a JL Cleansweep into my old Alpine PXA-H701 (including controller). A lot happier with being able to tweek everything on the fly (X-over, timealignment, EQ, etc).

 

Just wondering if you have ever looked into the Audison Bit One? From my limited experience with it, I think I'd consider it if I was going aftermarket in my car. It seems to have a lot to offer.

 

Just blow them out and go back to the dealership, they'll replace them as long as they're under warrantee, true story!

 

The Bit One can only be adjusted via a laptop computer with the exception of bass, treble and subwoofer level. I wanted to be able to adjust my system real time. Also, my audio shop installed a Bit One in a SH-AWD and I wasn't impressed at all.

Alpine will be shipping the new PXA-H800 in the states soon which will allow for the same (if not more) flexibility than I have with my old PXA-H701.