[YSK]

Well...we just got a 2004 Acura TL, finally, first time our family ever owned such a nice car. Anyways, its technically the family car, but ill be damned if i dont use it. The point of this thread is, I would like to get a revamped audio system for the car, but it seems the audio set up which came stock with this car is actually really good, so is it better to just add a couple of subs into this car, or keep it with a stock system, or totally revamp the sound system?

Also what is a good brand, ive been leaning towards pioneer, JBL, or infiniti. Its been awhile since ive looked poked around sound systems so im seriously outdated.

[kelvin6]

I'd say for starters, swap out the speakers. I haven't actually listened to the Acura systems before, but i recommend having a Infinity Reference (the Kappa Series have a deep mounting, so they might not fit) like the 5012i or 6012i (5.25 or 6.5) in the front and either keeping the rear stock or another bass-ier speaker pair. I have Infinity speakers in my car (the 5012i) and i have a pair of 6x8 (6812cf) that isn't in the car anymore and from my experience, the Infinity speakers have good mids and treble, but the bass is usually lacking in most instances, due to in-proper enclosure (door).

The next step up, if the stock doesn't have it already, is to add a 4 channel amplifier to the system. Believe me, i've done car audio installs for friends and such, and even for my own car, this gave the stock system a day and night difference. The stock head unit sounds so good now, i have no intention to ever replace it (plus the stock look makes it less tempting to steal). My rear speakers (doors and rear shelf) are stock speakers and they pound hard with bass with the 4 channel amp, almost don't even need a sub. Suggestion here, if possible, add a 4 channel amp such as a 4x50w amp, and it will make a big improvement. Avoid using a adapter to convert speaker-level outputs to line level, those sound horrible. It maybe be possible to have a custom adapter to allow RCA outputs directly from the headunit.

If you still lack bass or you are some bass junkie, then a sub is in order. If trunk space is a concern, then it might not be best to have seperate sub and amp combo. A powered sub like the Infinity Basslink is a good choice, but beware, in the trunk, it may not have much bass effect because of the closed design of the trunk. If you have rear shelf speakers (rear speakers by the rearview window), remove them so that the bass can pass from the trunk through to the cabin.
If you really want the sub and amp combo, the smallest sub that I can recommend to conserve space (which would be preferable in a family-use car, or when space is a concern) i recommend the Elemental Designs EU-700, which is not expensive at all, but its a 6.5 inch sub driver, the best 6.5" woofer i've ever heard and seen, can easily rival most 8" woofers out there!

Notice that I didn't not mention upgrading the headunit. In some cars, like newer high end vehicles, its sometimes is impractical to install a aftermarket headunit because the stock headunit shares functions with like climate control or the headunit display is shared with other devices. I've seen many newer vehicles (such as the Volvo S40) that have the headunit box in the trunk, but the controls in the 'water-fall' dash.

Currently my setup is quite satisifying for me and i have no more plans to upgrade. No subwoofer, sounds good enough already!

1995 Volvo 850 Sedan
Stock headunit
Infinity 5012i (5.25") in the front doors, front dash speakers removed.
Stock 6x8 in the rear shelf and stock 6.5 in the rear doors.
4x50w Planet Audio Amplifier (wired directly to a custom RCA output connectors on the stock headunit, not the speaker level inputs)
Alpine 6 Disc CD Changer (wired up to a home-made control box)
Blitzsafe AUX in (for stock headunit (wired up to a home-made control box))
Xact visor Sirius Radio
iPod 4G 20GB
Power antenna down switch.

[swtness_x3]

when upgrading the speakers, there are built in amps in the TL. it is recommended that you upgrade to a 4ch amp.

check this out...something i wrote up for my forum.

http://acura-legend.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=86915

oh and this isnt my id lol, jus realize it. its my sisters.

oh and check out
acuraworld.com

[YSK]

^Lol i was about to ask about the ID name. Ok, thanks for the info.

[jphase]

i think the stock sound system in the TL's are nice haha... but that might just be me..

[youngnottheold1]

although i find the stock system lacking in bass a bit, the elliot scheiner els (?) in the tl was greatly praised when it came out... i remember reading about consumers rating it over the lexus and benz sound systems in some test.. tried to find you the link but its been awhile.

[sgkchoi]

Honestly for me...if you're looking for subs...i would recommend Rockford Fosgates...you can't go wrong with their Punch line.

[Dj AwDaMaDDiX]

Audio's always nice.

But you did mention it's a family car right? If you're gonna do something, go all out and get the best. But if that makes it too loud and powerful or a system that is constantly used on a low volume level than don't do it.


Whatever subs you get, I personally think JBL sucks. SO scratch that.