Hello! I have a 2020 TLX Technology Package and I am not happy with the audio system. I’ve seen a lot of stuff about the ANC and issues with amps. So Id rather not even get into all that. I just want a strong, crisp sound. Crutchfield says to upgrade, I should replace the tweeters, front doors and rear corner deck speakers with “power bass” speakers. Does anyone have any input as to whether or not doing this would actually make a noticeable difference? I don’t want to do all that and find out the audio is either worse or no better. Also, would replacing the 8 inch sub do anything?

 

Our car has the ELS system which is tuned to the acoustics of the car etc. Start by trying to adjust the sound controls (bass / treble / fader, etc) and use "neural" mode to see if you like it. I think changing the speakers may cause more harm than good (including introduction of rattles in the doors and any of the trim that was removed/replaced). Also important to ensure the speaker impedance match if you decide to replace them.

 

Thanks for the info. Although I’ve played with all of those settings and still not 100% happy, I did wonder if there was more to the speakers that may cause more harm by replacing them.

 

As V6Guy mentioned the "Rabbit Hole" that you're looking down may be more complex than imagined. I've got a 2020, with tech package and yes improvements might be nice, but "at what cost?"

Since you indicated that you've played with the settings with no luck, then to go further you might end up pulling on a loose thread so to speak. You mentioned speakers (Crutchfield just happens to sell speakers... what a surprise that they recommend swapping out!), but if you're still not happy then do you tear out the interior panels to install sound deadening material (watch out for the multitude of air bags and hidden/breakable clips!), and if you're still not there.. do you think about replacing the head unit with the endless ties to other car functions (sorta like Whack a Mole.. fix one compatibility issue and another pops up), or do you swap in an upgraded amp?

You may not be in love with your sound, but consider that Elliot Scheiner is one of the best in the business. Granted, he had to work within a defined budget, but his expertise likely resulted in the best possible system for the money, for the physical constraints, and for the electronic compatibility requirements. Many very qualified folks have tried to improve, but I've yet to hear of anyone who truly got it done. If you do enough surfing you'll find several threads from folks that gave it their best shot... and usually bit the dust.

Best of luck and, if you elect to give it a shot, please feel free to post updates from time to time. You just might get it right and inspire the rest of us!!

 

I figured it out! iTunes was causing the audio issues and quality. Running it through VOX and adjusting their equalizer made a huge difference! The speakers sound amazing now! Thanks for the replies! I’m so glad I didn’t touch the speakers. I think it would have led me down a rabbit hole.

 

Great news!! You still might get that ol "wanna improve" itch at a later date, but at least you're starting from a much stronger position. Anyone with a "Resistor value chart" as his emoji clearly knows his stuff... or maybe he's just one weird guy. Either way V6Guy led you down the best path. Thanks for your update. This website is only as strong as the quality of its postings.

 

I did the swap and the difference in clarity for the mids is like night and day. I didn't realize how much detail I was missing (especially on XM). I did use Dynamat while I had the door panels off and the rear deck on my tech package. No thump or drastic bass response improvement from the new speakers but again the clarity is much better. They will distort around 35 / 40? on the vol. knob. And yes 1-2 stock speakers had fine cracks on them. They are flimsier than a thin plastic dinner plate.
I've run power wiring for an amp but haven't hooked it up to a sub yet for some reason. I'll just not use the factory 8. However, I do have a 2ohm kicker 8" which I put in just for grins and it thumped pretty well but up above half way on the vol. it begins to distort. Not enough power. To keep it clean maybe get a free-air sub with a smaller amp. I think that will accentuate the 10 speaker sys. I have a Kicker 15 I took out of my '01 CL when I traded up but it's just heavy and belongs in a pickup truck or large SUV. I may wait and get a 12" kicker in a shallow box and like I said just not use the factory sub.
Tweeter location and install is a different matter.

belongs in a pickup truck.

 

You are my hero!!! 2019 TLX SH-AWD w/A-Spec and was close to spending $4k because I hated the stereo THAT much!!!