If you didn't see this in the Third Gen / TL forum, I thought some of the readers of this forum might be interested in seeing "Improving your ELS Sound System"

 

I have sat in my buddy's 04TL and the first thing I believe needs to be improved on the sound system is the low-end (low frequency effect). I think adding an aftermarket sub (+amp) should improve the sound dramatically.

 

drcookie,

Are you suggesting that a new sub / amp would be required to smooth out the bass, or do you think the 04TL is lacking in bass?

The 04TL's current bass characteristics are boosted higher than normal, and the car's audio suffers from that boost if you are listening to unamplified jazz / symphonic music. Vocals on jazz and rock are affected negatively as well. The '04TLs bass is pretty extended, though - it goes down cleanly and usably to around 30 Hz, which is better than most home stereos.

However, if you are looking for more visceral impact, the TL probably won't meet that need.

Personally, after many years of car stereo modifications (by myself and by professionals), I've gone entirely to manufacturer installed systems now. Why? Mainly for two reasons:

(1) No matter how many mods I personally made, I would fix one problem and usually create at least one or two new ones. What sounded awesome in the store may sound like cr@p in the car. Designing a good sound system for an auto environment still has lot of art on top of the science.

(2) Lesser chance of theft.