[smpcorp]

I'm anxious to post our experiences with our new 2015 TLX Advance. So far I've only driven it 30 miles on the highway at 75 mph and the drive was delightful. Acceleration is adequate, not nearly as quick as our Infiniti G37 but then again, this isn't a sports car.
The Technology features are mind boggling. There's a lot of really cool stuff you can set and personalize to your own preferences, most of which you don't want to do while driving. The stereo system? Ummm, about the worst I've ever heard in any vehicle of any make or year. I am very much into really good sounding music quality and it didn't take long for my wife and I to determine that the speakers themselves, placement, phasing and EQ was designed by a deaf person. The subwoofer is a joke. Even setting it to the highest output and the bass control to the max it still cannot deliver good bottom end response. The tweeters are extremely harsh and the rear speakers sound like the sound is coming from plastic Solo cups. We plan to replace all of the speakers and entire amplifier system with something better. I haven't needed to go to this extreme in a car since the early 1990's.

Other than the stereo system disappointment, the car and other features are quite nice. I will be posting more as we spend more time in it and experience all of the features the "Advance" package offers.

 

[Summest]

I'm anxious to post our experiences with our new 2015 TLX Advance. So far I've only driven it 30 miles on the highway at 75 mph and the drive was delightful. Acceleration is adequate, not nearly as quick as our Infiniti G37 but then again, this isn't a sports car.
The Technology features are mind boggling. There's a lot of really cool stuff you can set and personalize to your own preferences, most of which you don't want to do while driving. The stereo system? Ummm, about the worst I've ever heard in any vehicle of any make or year. I am an audiophile and it didn't take long for my wife and I to determine that the speakers themselves, placement, phasing and EQ was designed by a deaf person. The subwoofer is a joke. Even setting it to the highest output and the bass control to the max it still cannot deliver good bottom end response. The tweeters are extremely harsh and the rear speakers sound like the sound is coming from plastic Solo cups. We plan to replace all of the speakers and entire amplifier system with something better. I haven't needed to go to this extreme in a car since the early 1990's.

Other than the stereo system disappointment, the car and other features are quite nice. I will be posting more as we spend more time in it and experience all of the features the "Advance" package offers.

Welcome to the Forum. I see this is your first post.

Look around the forum and read the many posts. You may find answers to your questions.

Also, try Sports mode, and try turning ANC off. Also keep providing input on what you find with your TLX. Enjoy the drive.

 

[SameButDifferent]

Great to have you here.

Are you thinking about getting an aftermarket sound system? Too bad to hear that the sound system sucks.

 

[smpcorp]

I plan to start by removing the factory speakers and amplifiers. I'll have to see if I'll need to add an external 16 band equalizer to work with the original audio system. Right now I really can't determine if it's just the speakers or a really weird EQ programming of the head unit. You can't replace the sound system on the current higher-end cars. It's all tied together in the tech packages. Kind of like, if I remove the radio the brake lights won't work.

 

[J233]

Not to come across too silly but have you actually looked at the sound settings ? They are all set to zero by default.

 

[smpcorp]

Of course. I mentioned about setting the sub and bass levels to max without any impressive results. Our Infiniti G37actually has even more settings than the Acura. I turned all the "effects" settings off and it still sounds like a cheap audio system. The Infinity sounds fantastic with barely any boost on the Bass or Treble settings.

 

[sp90]

Like suggested above, maybe try to turn off ANC and see if it improves your sound experience before you try an aftermarket system

 

[J233]

Of course. I mentioned about setting the sub and bass levels to max without any impressive results. Our Infiniti G37actually has even more settings than the Acura. I turned all the "effects" settings off and it still sounds like a cheap audio system. The Infinity sounds fantastic with barely any boost on the Bass or Treble settings.

OK, get that, but somehow I still can't get over what I read in your initial post and I am quite familiar with the G37 model. Personally, I don't find the ELS system on the TLX so dramatically (that's how I read your post) worse than what's on G37. As a matter of fact, I don't think G37 has a better sound, maybe bass, yes a bit.
You also compare the acceleration to G37 and state that TLX is adequate. Again, I don't find G37 superior to TLX in acceleration, not to mention handling with SH-AWD model. I know that the 3.7 engine offers this "Inifinity signature growl" but it is an old, thirsty engine and this was one of a few major factors (in addition to the old Sonata like center stack) why I dropped the Q50 choice from my list
Consider these disappointments, I really wonder why you decided to get the TLX after all ?

 

[smpcorp]

Well, ok. I'm not going to have a battle with you on this thread. My professional "opinion" is that the ELS system is a marketing gimmick. Yes, it does dramatically change the sound stage. I plainly don't like it. There is audio phase shift all over the place (look that up) that gives me a headache. The sound stage is just plain wierd. As I said in my previous post I have all that stuff turned off. Yes, the Infiniti G37 with the integrated NAV unit blows the Acura's audio system out of the water, hands down. The Infiniti audio system with the Integrated NAV is quite different from the non-NAV (I'm sure you already know that). But then again, I am a long time musician and audiophile, and my professional occupation is an Electronics (analog & digital) and Mechanical Design engineer. I know a bit about this stuff.
As far as power and performance, I can honestly say that MY G37 will blow MY 2015 TLX away in a 1/4 mile run without question. I was not at all implying that the Acura was inferior to the Infiniti, just making a general statement. Yea, the Acura power IS adequate, ok more than adequate. The handling of the TLX is excellent and can't wait to do some heavy cornering to test it's limits.

We didn't go for the new Infiniti Q50 (G37 replacement) after reading all the software and steering issues with this new model. The TLX test drive offered a much quieter ride and great handling. I like many of the new features the Advance model offered so we went for it (my wife will be mostly driving it). I really like the TLX and look forward to offer "unbiased opinions" of it as I experience all of the niceties of the new gadgets and features it offers.

 

[2015tlx]

I am having similar feelings about the sound system. How do I disable the ANC? I would definitely like to try it before I begin swapping out components.

SMPCORP, have you mapped out your system upgrades yet? I am interested in your opinion.

 

[ELITE2013]

Guys, this forum is based on freedom of expression, everyone is entitled to their own views of the car and how they feel about their car. Let's keep it friendly

 

[Summest]

Welcome!

I am having similar feelings about the sound system. How do I disable the ANC? I would definitely like to try it before I begin swapping out components.

SMPCORP, have you mapped out your system upgrades yet? I am interested in your opinion.

Welcome to the Forum! I see this is your first post.

Go into Diag/Developer mode or pull the plug on the box.

 

[2015tlx]

Welcome to the Forum! I see this is your first post.

Go into Diag/Developer mode or pull the plug on the box.

Hello and thanks for responding. I have searched the forum on how to enter diag/developer mode; however, the posts reference the nav button which I don't have. Is there a way to do it with the base/non-nav model?

 

[smpcorp]

Thank you Summest for your reply. I didn't disable ANC. Could you provide details to get me into diag/ Developer mode? I followed a post from the MDX forums to get into it and actually did succeed but there was only one Developer page (the bottom screen) and I didn't see anything in the menu to get into ANC. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Summest]

Hello and thanks for responding. I have searched the forum on how to enter diag/developer mode; however, the posts reference the nav button which I don't have. Is there a way to do it with the base/non-nav model?

Hmm! I do not know. I heard some reference to an older model to press 1 and 6 and some other button. But I don't have number buttons so I dismissed the article. Sorry.


=========
I forgot, you can just sit in accessory mode and listen to the radio with the engine off. When the engine is off, ANC is off. I noticed a difference right away. It saved me from pulling the plug since I didn't know the secret key sequence at the time.

 

[Summest]

Thank you Summest for your reply. I didn't disable ANC. Could you provide details to get me into diag/ Developer mode? I followed a post from the MDX forums to get into it and actually did succeed but there was only one Developer page (the bottom screen) and I didn't see anything in the menu to get into ANC. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

I think you might have missed the last step. I know I did for the first time through. Once you get into diag mode, press and hold a key till the screen changes to developer mode. I believe ANC is on the third page. I just can't remember if it was the menu button or the settings button, but it is mentioned in the MDX link. If I was in my car I would know.

 

[smpcorp]

I think you might have missed the last step. I know I did for the first time through. Once you get into diag mode, press and hold a key till the screen changes to developer mode. I believe ANC is on the third page. I just can't remember if it was the menu button or the settings button, but it is mentioned in the MDX link. If I was in my car I would know.

There is no 3rd page on the 2015. Yes, I DID go into diag/Developer mode by holding the menu button again for 5 seconds after the 3 button NAV-Back-Menu press. There's only one page there. I spent over an hour in my driveway trying all kinds of settings. I also updated the NAV firmware while I was there (it does it via satellite connection, pretty cool).

Ok guys, here's the deal...
I spoke to a "Audio and Technology Speciaist" from my dealer over the phone and told me that there is no "ANC" on the 2015. It is now called "SVC" which can be easily accessed through the Audio settings menu. I already had it turned off (I already had turned everything off to try to make it sound better). Whether he gave me good or bad information, I am still at square one with an awful sounding audio system.

 

[Summest]

ANC does not equate to SVC

There is no 3rd page on the 2015. Yes, I DID go into diag/Developer mode by holding the menu button again for 5 seconds after the 3 button NAV-Back-Menu press. There's only one page there. I spent over an hour in my driveway trying all kinds of settings. I also updated the NAV firmware while I was there (it does it via satellite connection, pretty cool).

Ok guys, here's the deal...
I spoke to a "Audio and Technology Speciaist" from my dealer over the phone and told me that there is no "ANC" on the 2015. It is now called "SVC" which can be easily accessed through the Audio settings menu. I already had it turned off (I already had turned everything off to try to make it sound better). Whether he gave me good or bad information, I am still at square one with an awful sounding audio system.

Man are you trying to confuse me?

SVC is for speed volume control. A totally different animal.

SVC increases the volume when you drive faster, due to road and engine noise. ANC is the noise control feature. The ANC sits behind your glove compartment. I have seen videos on how to remove it. On mine, I am sure I found it on screen [3/3]. I will see if I can find a picture.

The Audio and Technology Specialist needs to go back to school. There is a published article that was posted here somewhere that describes ANC in fuller detail.

I need to step away from the keyboard before I explode. I don't want Elite2013 on my case.

 

[smpcorp]

Man are you trying to confuse me?

SVC is for speed volume control. A totally different animal.

SVC increases the volume when you drive faster, due to road and engine noise. ANC is the noise control feature. The ANC sits behind your glove compartment. I have seen videos on how to remove it. On mine, I am sure I found it on screen [3/3]. I will see if I can find a picture.

The Audio and Technology Specialist needs to go back to school. There is a published article that was posted here somewhere that describes ANC in fuller detail.

I need to step away from the keyboard before I explode. I don't want Elite2013 on my case.

LOL! Summest, stand in line. I'm ready to lose it myself. Where in the world do these so called "professionals" get off putting out pure BS as technical facts? I am new to the Honda/ Acura brand. I'm not at all familiar with their technical acronyms. I didn't know the difference between SVC and ANC, only that I knew I want it all turned off. I can only go by my experiences and what I am told.
Thanks again for your assistance. I know you want to get to the bottom of this almost as much as I do. I'll keep looking (not at my dealer's service dept.). I WILL find the answer.

 

[Summest]

LOL! Summest, stand in line. I'm ready to lose it myself. Where in the world do these so called "professionals" get off putting out pure BS as technical facts? I am new to the Honda/ Acura brand. I'm not at all familiar with their technical acronyms. I didn't know the difference between SVC and ANC, only that I knew I want it all turned off. I can only go by my experiences and what I am told.
Thanks again for your assistance. I know you want to get to the bottom of this almost as much as I do. I'll keep looking (not at my dealer's service dept.). I WILL find the answer.

Sorry @smpcorp. You had me going. Guess I got too much caffeine this morning. Here is the direct link to Honda's explanation of the technology on the TLX. Scroll near the bottom to learn about ANC.

Also, check out this other forum. There is a lot of good info in there if you haven't been there yet.

http://www.tlxforums.com/forum/2015...2762-els-anc-have-you-felt-bass-too-weak.html