A repeat client from Mechanicsville recently visited Extreme Audio to talk about upgrading the sound system in his 2024 Acura TLX. While this is a premium vehicle with a relatively good factory-installed stereo, it simply doesn’t have enough power to play loudly enough or have good enough speakers to be crystal clear. This client has owned JL Audio W6-Series subwoofers before, so it was no surprise that he wanted us to improve the audio system’s bass response.
After discussing some of our amplifier, speaker and subwoofer options, we designed a studio-quality audio upgrade for this client. He loved the plan and gave us the go-ahead to schedule an appointment to begin the upgrades.
Heat-Rejecting Window Tint
Before we started the audio system upgrade, we installed 3M Ceramic IR window film on the Acura’s windows. The client chose this film for its heat-rejecting properties. Ceramic IR can block 67% of the sun’s heat unlike conventional films. The result is a much cooler interior on hot summer days and less load on the air conditioning system.
As always, we cut the film using our computer-controlled plotter, which ensures that the glass or plastic trim pieces are free of scratches.
Acura Audio Upgrade Features Audiofrog Speakers
The stock sound system in the Acura has rear and overhead speakers with advanced surround processing. We left those alone as they would only be used at moderate volume levels to wrap the sound around the listening space. Replacing the front speakers was the key to transforming the sound in this TLX into something exceptional. We replaced the door speakers with a set of Audiofrog GB60 6.5-inch woofers. Our team made a set of mounting adapters that allow these new audiophile-grade woofers to bolt into the factory fastener locations.
We also added a set of Metra IBSBF65 speaker baffles. These silicone rubber rings mount around the speaker to seal against the factory grille. The goal is to prevent sound from bouncing around inside the door panel. The Metra kit also includes egg-wave foam pieces for the door skin behind the speaker. We finished the doors by treating the interior skin with a layer of SoundShield triple-layer sound-deadening material.
Upgraded Midrange Drivers and Tweeters
Next, we installed a set of 2.5-inch GB25 midrange drivers in the door speaker location forward of the grab handle. Once again, we made mounting adapters for the new speakers that kept the speaker cone away from the grille while allowing them to connect securely to the door.
We finished the door upgrade with Audiofrog GB10/OE 1-inch tweeters. These tweeters are mounted in the stock locations in the A-pillars. The OE version of these tweeters doesn’t have the big grille and chrome cup like the regular retail version.
The final upgrade was to replace the speakers in the center channel. We installed a GB25 midrange and a GB10 tweeter in the center of the dash. We created a little trim piece in front of the grille for the tweeter to make it look like it belongs.
Acura TLX Subwoofer System
The client wanted the same JL Audio 12W6v3 subwoofers in the Acura that he’d had in previous vehicles. We constructed an enclosure for the drivers that optimized the space in the vehicle, then added a custom LED back-lit trim ring to add some style. We also created a laser-etched Type S logo for the bottom of the trim piece.
ARC Audio and JL Audio Amplifier Upgrades
The next step in upgrading this Acura audio system was integrating new amplifiers into the system. Our fabrication team created an amp rack for a JL Audio RD1500/1 monoblock and an ARC Audio PS8-50 eight-channel amplifier. The JL Amp can provide up to 1,500 watts to the subs, and the PS8-50 is rated at 50 watts per channel for the mids and highs. From how the system sounds, we think it makes more than that, though. The PS8-50 also handles all the signal processing, including equalization and crossovers for the front speakers. While ARC Audio rates the amp as capable of producing 50 watts per channel, we know it makes significantly more than that. We used our calibrated audio analyzer to measure each speaker’s output in the vehicle and then fine-tuned the frequency response to ensure a smooth and natural tonal balance.
Richmond’s Audiophile Car Audio Experts
After a few days of work, the new equipment was integrated into the Acura, and everything was dialed in. The client returned to Extreme Audio, and he immediately hopped into the car for a listen. The clarity and volume level were precisely what he wanted. Notably, the bass had great impact and played nice and low. If you want to transform your new vehicle’s sound system into something exceptional, drop by our Midlothian or Mechanicsville store and talk with a member of our team. If you can’t get to one of our Richmond-area locations during regular business hours, call or send us an email.
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