TeshPatel

Hey guys, I've had my Acura for just over 4 months now, I absolutely love it, it's way better than my old Altima I used to have. Except, I miss the sound system I had in my Altima. I was thinking about getting a system for my acura, I don't know whether I should start with speakers or just subs and an amp. I was thinking something along the lines of a 15 inch subwoofer, but I haven't really seen/heard of any good ones, if you guys have any input you can give me, that would be really great!

aimtimes100

First things first
year and packages?

2nd. Assuming you have a 4th gen TL its all preference. I've seen multiple people continue to leave their sound systems stock and keep having their door speakers replace. Then their are others who believe in the philosphy "the best turd is still a turd" and go aftermarket all around. some people just add a sub. some do speakers and and a sub.

Question on what to do first is what do you want? Do you just want pleasant bass or seat vibrating bass? if pleasant just get aftermarket speakers all around and see how it sounds. If vibrating just add a sub to the trunk.

As for what to buy, more opinion based, only owned 3 subs before a kicker, one buy boss audio, other was sony xplod. sony xplod i ASBOLUTELY HATED, worth nothing in comparison to the other two. Kicker was beautiful but is pricey, boss audio is beautiful, and less pricey in my opinion.

There are tons of threads on this, just do a search on something along the lines of "sound systems". Everyone seems to have no problem telling what they put in. With that said, don't be surprised if you don't seem many post on this thread. Some members are highly annoyed one someone posts a thread on something that already been done

Hope this helps

big10purdue

just like the previous posted indicated, year and package will help people guide you on where to start. Also, a 15" sub in this trunk is HUGE. Take your lifestyle into consideration (golf bags, luggage, strollers, etc).

TeshPatel

2008 Acura TL Type S 5SPD Auto. I Don't know I didn't really think about getting a new sound system untill I heard the Mark Levinson system in my friends Lexus GS, I really like the feel of that kind of base, which is more aftermarket speakers. I was never really a speaker guy so I don't really know where to start.

oc48bound

You would probably get better and more accurate responses posting this message in the 3G forum. I have spent a lot of time in the 3G forum and there are literally hundreds of threads on audio upgrades. Let search be your friend.

One recommendation I have is that the sub in your '08 is probably toast being 4years old. In my '04 it didn't last much longer than 4 years and then started rattling every time I went over a bump. I never did find an aftermarket replacement that would fit in the space of the stock sub. Good luck and enjoy the ride, it is a sweet one!

Brew0360

Depends on your budget. How much are you willing to spend on an upgrade?

PRNole47

Look, I'm 65 y/o, former musician, and have what I consider an outstanding sound system AT HOME. However, my 2012 TL's ELS system is strictly stock. It sounds pretty good to me, listening at about the 12-15 volume range when alone and about 8-10 when I have a passenger. For those of you who change out the stock speakers with various aftermarket systems, just exactly what are you looking to replace -- or enhance -- sound-wise? It's still being played inside a car, with road and wind noise, poor insulation from outside environment, relatively small enclosure and space. No way to control external sound intrusions. To my ears, accustomed to hearing relatively subtle sound nuances AT HOME, I cannot imagine how much of an enhancement I could benefit from by swapping out the stock speakers and adding the level of quality speakers I have at home (Klipsch Palladium floor series, center, sub, etc., powered by similar quality Denon receiver). Would love to hear opinions from thos of you who enjoy upgrading your car's speakers

Brew0360

If you like what you hearing from the stock system don't change it. If you listened to my system for less than 30 seconds you would not feel the same way about aftermarket systems. Also changing the car insulation will dramatically change the external sound intrusions. I can't speak for those who swapped speakers since I only use the OEM headunit as a source. For home I have Bowers and Wilkins CM9 speakers powered by a Yamaha RX-A2020.

It's all preference.

Six Shifter

First and foremost, the stock ELS system - when not playing DVD-A's (which in and of themselves are few and far between) - is far too heavy with its emphasis on the midrange. No matter how much you attempt to boost/cut the treble/bass respective, there is just toooooo much mid presence. While there are pros/cons to almost every stock system, some overly emphasize certain parts of the spectrum which ... to those of us who spend more time in a car than what it takes to make errand runs ... lessens the driving experience. However, this could also be due to other factors ... such as my years as a morse operator in the military/government. The B&O in my S5 could use some help with the lower frequencies, but at least the overall tonality isn't obscured by a preponderance of midrange.

Mr Marco

Your car is a terrible enviroment for listening to music. Save your money and go out to see a live local show instead.

Bernie Gov't

first you can start by turning the bass down on the regular speakers.. make sure the marker is in the middle.. turn the tribble up about 75% and then you can TURN UP YOUR SUB as loud as desire... if thats not good enough you can always change out your stock sub to a self powered sub... that should give you more power...
if that still dosent do justice then your then required to change out all interior speakers and install a proformance sound system.. in which you would need to visit your local audio specialist to get them to custom build for you..

Good luck

Tonyware

I have concluded after years or try and try again, that on a stock system its better to first do the road noise insulation (maybe dynamat) and then start thinking of upgrading speakers, amps, stereos etc etc. The main reason is that even if you upgrade all electronics in the world won't stop the noise of the road. Also, a better, more quiet set of tyres helps. So, dynamat the heck out of the doors and floor and then decide if you really need new speakers. Also, while you are at it and you are spending some serious money for all this, get yourself some production DVD-A music that tends to be a bit pricey. Just some thoughts.