Is the subwoofer on ELS completely underwhelming or is mine broken?
09-23-2014, 05:10 PM
#1
Instructor
Thread Starter
Is the subwoofer on ELS completely underwhelming or is mine broken?
My 13 TSX premium had a better subwoofer than this.
Switching it from -6 to +6 is literally barely any noticeable difference. Where as all my previous Acuras it was noticeable. Mirrors would vibrate/shake when subwoofer was maxed and maxed volume... My TLX I can barely tell there is any ?
Is everyone elses like this or is there an issue with mine?
Switching it from -6 to +6 is literally barely any noticeable difference. Where as all my previous Acuras it was noticeable. Mirrors would vibrate/shake when subwoofer was maxed and maxed volume... My TLX I can barely tell there is any ?
Is everyone elses like this or is there an issue with mine?
09-23-2014, 05:53 PM
#2
I am not a bass freak but am an audio professional. Playing the jazz station on XM there is plenty of bass. On a purist basis--it's probably got too much. I haven't tried to adjust the levels but will try tonight and report back.
JLawrence
JLawrence
09-23-2014, 08:57 PM
#4
Instructor
Thread Starter
Makes me feel better this is an ELS issue. This sound system is actually garbage.
Bass literally is ZERO in this car
09-23-2014, 08:59 PM
#5
Intermediate
We have not taken delivery of ours yet but the 3 we test drove (Advance) add a decent amount of bass. We tested some bass heavy tracks from Portis Head, etc. to try it out and we were pleased. Also tried some very clean tight bass tracks from Pink Martini and it was great.
09-23-2014, 09:01 PM
#6
Have you tried to play music from a different source? In my TL with the ELS, SiriusXM sounds pretty hollow, especially with Dolby Pro Logic ON. If I turn off Dolby Pro Logic, and play music from Spotify, for example, the bass really thumps.
09-23-2014, 09:15 PM
#7
Instructor
Thread Starter
ive tried SVC off ... DTS off... all levels...
but the issue is when changing from -6 to +6 on subwoofer on all sources. There is literally no difference and i have to constantly switch it up and down to see if i can tell what's changing.
but the issue is when changing from -6 to +6 on subwoofer on all sources. There is literally no difference and i have to constantly switch it up and down to see if i can tell what's changing.
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09-24-2014, 12:46 PM
#9
Have you sat in the back to listen or look/feel the middle of the rear deck are to feel the thump of the sub? If you don't hear or feel anything at all then there must be a problem. I have the base model and can definitely feel the sub.
09-24-2014, 04:50 PM
#10
Also... Are you adjusting the bass slider or only the subwoofer? On mine the bass slider provides a noticeable difference while the subwoofer slider offers minimal difference.
09-24-2014, 05:37 PM
#11
Instructor
Thread Starter
ive tried both
and that should be the opposite. Subwoofer should provide the main bass output in any car. its been significant in EVERY car ive ever owned.
The bass is literally non existant in this ELS audio and its pathetic for a premium sound sytem
09-24-2014, 06:19 PM
#13
I second and third the remarks that there must be a disconnected wire between your head unit and the subwoofer. Our subwoofers are clearly audible and provides bass that you can unmistakably feel in your butt.
09-24-2014, 09:34 PM
#14
I agree as well, the subwoofer in my car is definitely working... if a tad underwhelming. I've got mine set like this:
Bass + 4
Treble + 4
Subwoofer + 4
RR + 3
Center: Center
SVC: Low
Surround... still playing with it... When I first go the car I thought I liked it on, but lately I have been keeping it off.
Hopefully you can get this fixed quickly.
Bass + 4
Treble + 4
Subwoofer + 4
RR + 3
Center: Center
SVC: Low
Surround... still playing with it... When I first go the car I thought I liked it on, but lately I have been keeping it off.
Hopefully you can get this fixed quickly.
09-25-2014, 12:50 PM
#16
Racer
I have the same issue with my system is completely underwhelming. I don't think its a connection issue though. It seems under powered. I've tried all settings as mentioned above too.
09-27-2014, 06:31 PM
#17
What source do you usually use? I've noticed a pretty big difference between audio sources. I get decent bass through bluetooth and pandora, but almost nothing through fm (supposedly hd) and xm sattelite radio.
Maybe this is an issue of lower bandwidth music not being decoded properly by the various processing the car puts music through? I honestly don't understand how those svc settings work.
Maybe this is an issue of lower bandwidth music not being decoded properly by the various processing the car puts music through? I honestly don't understand how those svc settings work.
09-29-2014, 06:52 PM
#18
Some more observations on the sound system...
Music source selection is critical. Testing with CDs or USB where you controlled the rip quality seems to be the best. When I stream Pandora (the free version) through my MotoX , some songs seem fine and others have degraded audio quality (tinny/no bass).
One mistake I made which I have since rectified is fading to the rear of the car too much. Old habits die hard... use to the speakers in the back being the major source of bass. Turns out, that is not the case here. Now I am running as follows
Treble +4
Bass+5
Sub+5
RR+1
DNS off
SVC low
With this, I seem to get some reasonable bass. If you fade more - say RR+3, you can hardly feel any bass in the front.
Regards,
Keith
Music source selection is critical. Testing with CDs or USB where you controlled the rip quality seems to be the best. When I stream Pandora (the free version) through my MotoX , some songs seem fine and others have degraded audio quality (tinny/no bass).
One mistake I made which I have since rectified is fading to the rear of the car too much. Old habits die hard... use to the speakers in the back being the major source of bass. Turns out, that is not the case here. Now I am running as follows
Treble +4
Bass+5
Sub+5
RR+1
DNS off
SVC low
With this, I seem to get some reasonable bass. If you fade more - say RR+3, you can hardly feel any bass in the front.
Regards,
Keith
10-03-2014, 11:26 AM
#19
Burning Brakes
Wow! Next project is to look at my bass. I thought it was light on bass as well. I didn't hear or feel any thumping. I did notice that DTS Neural is off by default. With DTS Neural on, the system springs to life with great sound. No so much bass, still, but enough for me.
10-03-2014, 03:17 PM
#20
Burning Brakes
The bass is bad... somehow when test driving I overlooked this. I've changed the settings in almost every combination possible, and I also have the neural surround sound enabled. If you compare the specs of the 4G TL and the TLX, the TLX system appears to have less power than the previous els version. My 4G TL with the right settings was the most amazing system I've experienced so far... I've been trying really really hard to just get used to the TLX system but I'm still disappointed a bit.
10-03-2014, 03:52 PM
#21
You guys should test out deactivating or unplugging your ANC unit.
I am told by some turning it off in diag mode gets reset when the car is turned off.
But I have the ELS system in my ILX and noticed the system to be very underwhelming as well... though it is still much better than the average 7 speaker non ELS system.
Anyways, I unplugged the ANC unit behind the glove box and now have to turn my treble down because it seems to be too much and my rear view mirror now vibrates visually to the bass which I did not witness before.
Also, per acura, sound quality is better using the HD. However, while listening on a smartphone plugged in or via bluetooth you can change the equalizer far more drastically than your cars system. Turning my media player on my phone to bass+treble makes the bass really noticable in comparison to listening on HD where the sound is crisper but the bass isnt any deeper.
I am told by some turning it off in diag mode gets reset when the car is turned off.
But I have the ELS system in my ILX and noticed the system to be very underwhelming as well... though it is still much better than the average 7 speaker non ELS system.
Anyways, I unplugged the ANC unit behind the glove box and now have to turn my treble down because it seems to be too much and my rear view mirror now vibrates visually to the bass which I did not witness before.
Also, per acura, sound quality is better using the HD. However, while listening on a smartphone plugged in or via bluetooth you can change the equalizer far more drastically than your cars system. Turning my media player on my phone to bass+treble makes the bass really noticable in comparison to listening on HD where the sound is crisper but the bass isnt any deeper.
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4WDrift (10-04-2014)
10-03-2014, 03:58 PM
#22
Burning Brakes
You guys should test out deactivating or unplugging your ANC unit.
I am told by some turning it off in diag mode gets reset when the car is turned off.
Anyways, I unplugged the ANC unit behind the glove box and now have to turn my treble down because it seems to be too much and my rear view mirror now vibrates visually to the bass which I did not witness before.
I am told by some turning it off in diag mode gets reset when the car is turned off.
Anyways, I unplugged the ANC unit behind the glove box and now have to turn my treble down because it seems to be too much and my rear view mirror now vibrates visually to the bass which I did not witness before.
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tlxsteve (10-03-2014)
10-04-2014, 08:04 PM
#24
there's loads of projects on driveaccord,net whi h involve bypassing the ANC module. I'd have thought though....it would do nothing with the car running the stereo with the engine off. Is there a difference when the car is on the move or stationary...?
10-04-2014, 10:13 PM
#25
Instructor
You know thinking about it, did Acura totally account for the audio when designing ANC/ASC? Maybe it's reading some of the bass as noise to be cancelled? I'm going to unplug / disable it as I like my engine noise.
10-04-2014, 10:27 PM
#26
Originally, we started messing with the ANC (active noise control) because a guy without ELS installed a new sub and his car would make weird noises when first turned all. All from the speakers. A low drone buzzing sound. After a couple minutes it would go away I guess. But his sub was under performing from what he was used to. He unplugged the ANC as I did (i got the idea from him really) and his sub really kicked from that point forward.
I, with the ELS system but no aftermarket bass, swear I feel the bass and tremble has both increased. I wont rule out that it would be a placebo effect matched with some wishful thinking. But like I said, both treble and bass sound MUCH more defined with ANC off.
10-05-2014, 09:26 AM
#27
Burning Brakes
This is what some other guy have thought as well.
Originally, we started messing with the ANC (active noise control) because a guy without ELS installed a new sub and his car would make weird noises when first turned all. All from the speakers. A low drone buzzing sound. After a couple minutes it would go away I guess. But his sub was under performing from what he was used to. He unplugged the ANC as I did (i got the idea from him really) and his sub really kicked from that point forward.
I, with the ELS system but no aftermarket bass, swear I feel the bass and tremble has both increased. I wont rule out that it would be a placebo effect matched with some wishful thinking. But like I said, both treble and bass sound MUCH more defined with ANC off.
Originally, we started messing with the ANC (active noise control) because a guy without ELS installed a new sub and his car would make weird noises when first turned all. All from the speakers. A low drone buzzing sound. After a couple minutes it would go away I guess. But his sub was under performing from what he was used to. He unplugged the ANC as I did (i got the idea from him really) and his sub really kicked from that point forward.
I, with the ELS system but no aftermarket bass, swear I feel the bass and tremble has both increased. I wont rule out that it would be a placebo effect matched with some wishful thinking. But like I said, both treble and bass sound MUCH more defined with ANC off.
Thanks.
10-05-2014, 05:42 PM
#28
From : 2015 Acura TLX: Interior - Honda.com
Active Noise Control (ANC) and Active Sound Control (ASC)
Keycontributors to the TLX's quiet, refined interior are Active Noise Control (ANC) and Active Sound Control (ASC). The two systems are comprised of dual overhead microphones, an ANC/ASC electronic processor, and the audio system's speakers. ASC/ANC operates whenever the engine is running, even if the audio system is turned off.
ANC is designed to reduce low frequency sound in the cabin caused mainly by the roughness of the road surface. The overhead microphones pick up sound waves and send them to the ANC/ASC processor, which creates and sends a precisely timed "reverse phase" audio signal to a special amplifier. In turn, the amplifier drives the door speakers to cancel the original noise signal.
ASC is a related technology designed to improve the engine sound quality by making the sound pressure level more linear as the engine revs increase. Typically, engine noise doesn't increase in a linear way with rising revs; instead there can be many resonances that create peaks and valleys in the sound pressure level and an uneven sound. ASC helps smooth out the engine sound by creating a same-phase or reverse-phase sound signal as needed and sending it to the speakers. Though the system offers benefits from idle to redline, it makes the largest difference in the range between 1400 and 2400 rpm (V6) and 1000 and 1800 rpm (4-cyl.), where it lowers the sound pressure level with a reverse-phase audio signal.
ASC is part of the Integrated Dynamics System (IDS). When the IDS is in ECON or Normal mode, the ASC system is tuned for a smooth, unobtrusive engine sound. When the IDS is switched to Sport or Sport+, the TLX's interior engine sound takes on a more aggressive note.
10-05-2014, 05:53 PM
#29
Here is the first discussion the ILX and a few other guys had. A few posts in there is a video on where the ILX ANC is located. Not sure if this is the same for your car however.
https://acurazine.com/forums/acura-i...estion-905459/
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tlxsteve (10-05-2014)
10-05-2014, 09:44 PM
#30
From : 2015 Acura TLX: Interior - Honda.com
Active Noise Control (ANC) and Active Sound Control (ASC)
Keycontributors to the TLX's quiet, refined interior are Active Noise Control (ANC) and Active Sound Control (ASC). The two systems are comprised of dual overhead microphones, an ANC/ASC electronic processor, and the audio system's speakers. ASC/ANC operates whenever the engine is running, even if the audio system is turned off.
ANC is designed to reduce low frequency sound in the cabin caused mainly by the roughness of the road surface. The overhead microphones pick up sound waves and send them to the ANC/ASC processor, which creates and sends a precisely timed "reverse phase" audio signal to a special amplifier. In turn, the amplifier drives the door speakers to cancel the original noise signal.
ASC is a related technology designed to improve the engine sound quality by making the sound pressure level more linear as the engine revs increase. Typically, engine noise doesn't increase in a linear way with rising revs; instead there can be many resonances that create peaks and valleys in the sound pressure level and an uneven sound. ASC helps smooth out the engine sound by creating a same-phase or reverse-phase sound signal as needed and sending it to the speakers. Though the system offers benefits from idle to redline, it makes the largest difference in the range between 1400 and 2400 rpm (V6) and 1000 and 1800 rpm (4-cyl.), where it lowers the sound pressure level with a reverse-phase audio signal.
ASC is part of the Integrated Dynamics System (IDS). When the IDS is in ECON or Normal mode, the ASC system is tuned for a smooth, unobtrusive engine sound. When the IDS is switched to Sport or Sport+, the TLX's interior engine sound takes on a more aggressive note.
Active Noise Control (ANC) and Active Sound Control (ASC)
Keycontributors to the TLX's quiet, refined interior are Active Noise Control (ANC) and Active Sound Control (ASC). The two systems are comprised of dual overhead microphones, an ANC/ASC electronic processor, and the audio system's speakers. ASC/ANC operates whenever the engine is running, even if the audio system is turned off.
ANC is designed to reduce low frequency sound in the cabin caused mainly by the roughness of the road surface. The overhead microphones pick up sound waves and send them to the ANC/ASC processor, which creates and sends a precisely timed "reverse phase" audio signal to a special amplifier. In turn, the amplifier drives the door speakers to cancel the original noise signal.
ASC is a related technology designed to improve the engine sound quality by making the sound pressure level more linear as the engine revs increase. Typically, engine noise doesn't increase in a linear way with rising revs; instead there can be many resonances that create peaks and valleys in the sound pressure level and an uneven sound. ASC helps smooth out the engine sound by creating a same-phase or reverse-phase sound signal as needed and sending it to the speakers. Though the system offers benefits from idle to redline, it makes the largest difference in the range between 1400 and 2400 rpm (V6) and 1000 and 1800 rpm (4-cyl.), where it lowers the sound pressure level with a reverse-phase audio signal.
ASC is part of the Integrated Dynamics System (IDS). When the IDS is in ECON or Normal mode, the ASC system is tuned for a smooth, unobtrusive engine sound. When the IDS is switched to Sport or Sport+, the TLX's interior engine sound takes on a more aggressive note.
10-06-2014, 09:31 PM
#32
Burning Brakes
Diag Mode?
Tonight I tried to get into Diagnostic mode, but I could not figure it out.
To my amazement, I heard loads of bass when I was in Accessory mode. I was surprised how different the sound was.
I tried the method referred to earlier, but I cannot figure it out. Can someone tell me how to get into diag mode? I did not understand the 1+6 part of the equation.
Thanks.
To my amazement, I heard loads of bass when I was in Accessory mode. I was surprised how different the sound was.
I tried the method referred to earlier, but I cannot figure it out. Can someone tell me how to get into diag mode? I did not understand the 1+6 part of the equation.
Thanks.
10-07-2014, 09:45 PM
#34
Burning Brakes
Yahoo!
Found how to get into Diag mode. Turned off ANC. Looking forward to the drive into work to see if there is an improvement in bass and treble.
10-08-2014, 11:46 AM
#36
Burning Brakes
ELS is amazing once ANC is disabled
Wow! The ride into work was great. The ELS sounds like it was designed by a sound engineer, now that ANC is disabled.
The sound is much more clearer and has strong treble and bass components even with the default settings set to center.
Now I am thoroughly happy with my new BRP I4 tech 2015 TLX.
The sound is much more clearer and has strong treble and bass components even with the default settings set to center.
Now I am thoroughly happy with my new BRP I4 tech 2015 TLX.
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a77 (10-08-2014)
10-08-2014, 11:49 AM
#37
Burning Brakes
Awesome sound without ANC
I will find the link and get back to you. It was on the MDX site. The MDX ELS could be the same or must be close.
10-08-2014, 12:46 PM
#38
Instructor
Thanks for all the birddogging guys! Greatly appreciated. I too think the TLX Premium system overall sounds anemic compared to previous 2013 TSX and three each 3G TL ELS systems, using identical music input on all three vehicles.
I sat in back seat of my TLX doing a test listen and the sound quality is very bad even compared to what's coming from front seat area and much worse than previous cars mentioned. Really miss the ELS system on my 3G TL's!
Don't know enough about ANC to chime in conversation but quickly learning. Thanks again!
I sat in back seat of my TLX doing a test listen and the sound quality is very bad even compared to what's coming from front seat area and much worse than previous cars mentioned. Really miss the ELS system on my 3G TL's!
Don't know enough about ANC to chime in conversation but quickly learning. Thanks again!
Last edited by Davinci547Acura; 10-08-2014 at 12:50 PM.
10-08-2014, 01:59 PM
#39
Burning Brakes
Thanks for all the birddogging guys! Greatly appreciated. I too think the TLX Premium system overall sounds anemic compared to previous 2013 TSX and three each 3G TL ELS systems, using identical music input on all three vehicles.
I sat in back seat of my TLX doing a test listen and the sound quality is very bad even compared to what's coming from front seat area and much worse than previous cars mentioned. Really miss the ELS system on my 3G TL's!
Don't know enough about ANC to chime in conversation but quickly learning. Thanks again!
I sat in back seat of my TLX doing a test listen and the sound quality is very bad even compared to what's coming from front seat area and much worse than previous cars mentioned. Really miss the ELS system on my 3G TL's!
Don't know enough about ANC to chime in conversation but quickly learning. Thanks again!
10-08-2014, 02:43 PM
#40
It seems like an ANC system should be pretty easily programmed to ignore the specific frequencies coming from the music being played. If this is confirmed to be the problem, does that mean there is some sort of design flaw with the ANC not communicating properly with the media system?