TSX stereo isn't REALLY a 360 watt system

[harddrivin1le]

The "360 watt" rating is a PEAK power rating and not a "continuous" (RMS) power rating.

The speakers are lower level Pioneers and are made in China.

Here's what's printed on the back of the rear deck speakers:

"Max Continuous Power Handling 30w".

The speakers would have to be able to handle 60 W continuous if the system were a TRUE (RMS) 360 watt system.
:eek:

In terms of REAL ratings, it's a 180 watt (RMS) system.

[Equ222]

dude who the hell are you? why dont you go and pick on someone else's car? all i care about is that the TSX is a great car for me and a lot of the people on the site. why dont you go to an accord lovers site and leave us alone or. I think you should be banned. Anyone esle agree with me?

[harddrivin1le]

Originally posted by Equ222
dude who the hell are you? why dont you go and pick on someone else's car? all i care about is that the TSX is a great car for me and a lot of the people on the site. why dont you go to an accord lovers site and leave us alone or. I think you should be banned. Anyone esle agree with me?

Can't you handle THE TRUTH?:confused:

An OPEN SOCIETY should WELCOME the truth. CLOSED/tyrannical societies CENSOR the truth. Which would you rather live in?

Look @ the bottom of your speakers in your rear deck (via the trunk)...

What does it say on the bottom? Try using "30 watt max continuous" speakers in a REAL 360 watt (RMS) stereo system and they'll fry like eggs on a red-hot griddle.:eek:

[sublime3sixteen]

Oh and if it's not a 360 Watt Stereo where the hell did they get that number from? And if they just managed to pull it out of there ass, that's false advertisment buddy. :)

[harddrivin1le]

Originally posted by sublime3sixteen
Oh and if it's not a 360 Watt Stereo where the hell did they get that number from? And if they just managed to pull it out of there ass, that's false advertisment buddy. :)

It's 360 PEAK watts @ a high level of distortion.

It is NOT 360 CONTINUOUS (RMS) watts @ a low level of distortion and no-where does Acura claim that it is. People like you just ASSUME that it is because you're not educted enough on the subject to know the difference.

My "Monsoon" stereo was advertised as a "300 watt" stereo. That's also a BS "peak" rating that has little to do with reality. The difference is that I knew that when I bought it.

Acura is using 30 watt max "continuous" speakers in the car...That says it all right there.

REAL stereos are rated per the example below:

100 watts per channel RMS @ .05% THD

That means 100 CLEAN watts (just .05% distortion) per speaker.

Want to LEARN about the OEM TSX stereo:

Go to:
(substitute a "u" for the "*")

http://www.cl*btsx.com/bbs/engine/forum/51.html

Here's a preview:

"Posted by: fcaron

I test drive Acura TSX yesterday April 18th and I am too really dissapointed with the sounds system.

I checked in the TSX trunk and saw the 6x9 brand. These speakers are Pioneer speakers rated max 40W, nominal(RMS) 20W. It's written on the speaker magnet, everybody can see that.

So my guess is that all those speakers are low quality Pioneer stuff. The 360W system that Acura uses is actually made of two 4*45W standard amps found in regular audio dash units.

Then I went road test. I won't comment here on the driving impression (positive) but while testing sound, I made sure to use all the flat ajustements, except for the fader ajustement which I set +1 to the rear seats.

Overall, the sound system is an ok system, but nothing impressive. Not a lot of bass, vibration is early present in doors when you add a bit of bass. I played jazz fusion and Massive Attack. I concluded that this audio system is not the one I anticipated. The RSX Bose system is way better!!!!!

Those of you who don't care about audio quality and presence will be satisfied with the proposed audio system in the TSX. That one is not for me, I will certainly change speakers and add amp if I finally choose the TSX.

Cheers!


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Posted by: Splashman24

You have confirmed what I have posted earlier. For a "premium" system it sounds horrible. I have a TSX on order. When it arrives in May, I too will have to make changes. I'm almost 40 so I am not interested in a loud booming system. I want a clean sound with the appropriate low end."

[harddrivin1le]

Originally posted by sublime3sixteen
Oh and if it's not a 360 Watt Stereo where the hell did they get that number from? And if they just managed to pull it out of there ass, that's false advertisment buddy. :)

http://www.electronixwarehouse.com/education/amplifiers/power-ratings.htm

"RMS

Which stands for Root Mean Square, the only reasonably accurate, consistent, comparative measurement of power exchange that should be used for both amplifiers and speakers. RMS is an average of the power transfer between a generator and normative load that is obtained by measuring the AC power with the formula P=EI cosine Ø where cos. Ø is the power factor.

Generally( but not always), RMS is half or less of the value usually attributed to alternative methods such as:
Peak power
Max power
IPP - Instantaneous Peak Power
PMPO - Peak Music Power Output
and other measurement schemes, that while having a nebulous mathematical consistency, are still little more than schemes to create higher numbers to increase sales. Be wary! ...very wary.

Many manufacturers provide specifications without mentioning what kind of watts are being measured. Again, be wary; this almost always means that those are not RMS watts, and the actual power is half or less than the number indicated."

[ssmtsx]

I looked at my speakers and they both say 40Watts.

[harddrivin1le]

Originally posted by ssmtsx
I looked at my speakers and they both say 40Watts.

PEAK - NOT RMS/continuous.

What to they say for CONTINUOUS?

ANSWER:

Go to:
(substitute a "u" for the "*")

http://www.cl*btsx.com/bbs/engine/forum/51.html


"Posted by: fcaron

I test drove Acura TSX yesterday April 18th and I am too really dissapointed with the sounds system.

I checked in the TSX trunk and saw the 6x9 brand. These speakers are Pioneer speakers rated max 40W, nominal(RMS) 20W. It's written on the speaker magnet, everybody can see that. "

[ssmtsx]

I couldn't find "continous" I'll go look again in a few minutes.

[harddrivin1le]

Originally posted by ssmtsx
I couldn't find "continous" I'll go look again in a few minutes.

"Posted by: fcaron

I test drove Acura TSX yesterday April 18th and I am too really dissapointed with the sounds system.

I checked in the TSX trunk and saw the 6x9 brand. These speakers are Pioneer speakers rated max 40W, nominal(RMS) 20W. It's written on the speaker magnet, everybody can see that. "

[ssmtsx]

MAX 40 WATT
then it says 20 watt, but it doesn't say continous before. It had three letters NOM (i think.)

[harddrivin1le]

Originally posted by ssmtsx
MAX 40 WATT
then it says 20 watt, but it doesn't say continous before. It had three letters NOM (i think.)

NOM means NOMINAL; that's the same thing as Root Mean Square (RMS) and CONTINUOUS.

So those speakers are designed to handle 20 CONTINUOUS WATTS.:(

[brentd1]

harddrivin1le: The point you are making is true. I don't own a TSX yet, but I'm sure it isn't 360 watts RMS. The only thing your not pointing out is every audio mfg. ( especially head units ) use maxium power. Is a Alpine,Eclipse,Clarion,Sony Moble ES, Kenwood, and Pioneer cheap? They all may say 45 x 4 on the head unit but RMS they are only about 18 x 4. RMS and maxium power are two different scales of measurement. Like inches and feet.And as far as THD (Total Harmonic Distortion) do you think any factory radio is even below 1% at its given RMS? I don't think so. Every car manufacture rates there radio's on this bullshit scale, so what is your point? If you plan on having a great sounding system, you may have to consider a after- market stereo.
Does the stereo in a Impala sound any better?

[harddrivin1le]

Originally posted by brentd1
harddrivin1le: The point you are making is true. I don't own a TSX yet, but I'm sure it isn't 360 watts RMS. The only thing your not pointing out is every audio mfg. ( especially head units ) use maxium power. Is a Alpine,Eclipse,Clarion,Sony Moble ES, Kenwood, and Pioneer cheap? They all may say 45 x 4 on the head unit but RMS they are only about 18 x 4. RMS and maxium power are two different scales of measurement. Like inches and feet.And as far as THD (Total Harmonic Distortion) do you think any factory radio is even below 1% at its given RMS? I don't think so. Every car manufacture rates there radio's on this bullshit scale, so what is your point? If you plan on having a great sounding system, you may have to consider a after- market stereo.
Does the stereo in a Impala sound any better?

NO, "EVERY" audio mfg DOES NOT use "maximum power" ratings. In fact, nearly ALL of the names you mentioned use RMS ratings!:

http://www.crutchfield.com/cgi-bin/S-xvYyFKUuxr0/ProdGroup.asp?c=3&s=0&g=300&cc=01&avf=N

EXAMPLES:

http://www.crutchfield.com/cgi-bin/S-xvYyFKUuxr0/ProdView.asp?s=0&c=3&g=300&I=113KDC3022&o=m&a=0&cc=01&avf=N

http://www.crutchfield.com/cgi-bin/S-xvYyFKUuxr0/ProdView.asp?s=0&c=3&g=300&I=023PASADEN&o=m&a=0&cc=01&avf=N

And any AMPLIFIER that's worth its own weight in sand is rated per an "RMS @ THD" method.

EXAMPLE:

http://www.crutchfield.com/cgi-bin/S-xvYyFKUuxr0/ProdView.asp?s=0&c=3&g=120&I=113KAC8401&o=m&a=0&cc=01&avf=N

Now, which amp do you think makes more REAL power. The "240 watt" Kenwood unit posted above or the "360 watt" piece of crap that comes in the TSX?

BTW:

The ONLY reason I posted the Impala is to demonstrate the RELATIVE EFFICIENCY of its "inefficient" pushrod/2 valve/iron head engine.
:eek::rolleyes:

[sublime3sixteen]

Did you pal check everyother speaker too besides the back ones? I dont think so. :)

[harddrivin1le]

Originally posted by sublime3sixteen
Did you pal check everyother speaker too besides the back ones? I dont think so. :)

The rears are THE WOOFERS.

They require MORE POWER than any other type of driver. Yet, they are rated @ 20 watts NOMINAL and 40 watts PEAK.

The OEM stereo is VERY MEDIOCRE relative to what could be bought in the aftermarket for less than $900.

[brentd1]

Originally posted by harddrivin1le
NO, "EVERY" audio mfg DOES NOT use "maximum power" ratings. In fact, nearly ALL of the names you mentioned use RMS ratings!:

http://www.crutchfield.com/cgi-bin/S-xvYyFKUuxr0/ProdGroup.asp?c=3&s=0&g=300&cc=01&avf=N

EXAMPLES:

http://www.crutchfield.com/cgi-bin/S-xvYyFKUuxr0/ProdView.asp?s=0&c=3&g=300&I=113KDC3022&o=m&a=0&cc=01&avf=N

http://www.crutchfield.com/cgi-bin/S-xvYyFKUuxr0/ProdView.asp?s=0&c=3&g=300&I=023PASADEN&o=m&a=0&cc=01&avf=N

And any AMPLIFIER that's worth its own weight in sand is rated per an "RMS @ THD" method.

EXAMPLE:

http://www.crutchfield.com/cgi-bin/S-xvYyFKUuxr0/ProdView.asp?s=0&c=3&g=120&I=113KAC8401&o=m&a=0&cc=01&avf=N

Now, which amp do you think makes more REAL power. The "240 watt" Kenwood unit posted above or the "360 watt" piece of crap that comes in the TSX?

BTW:

The ONLY reason I posted the Impala is to demonstrate the RELATIVE EFFICIENCY of its "inefficient" pushrod/2 valve/iron head engine.
:eek::rolleyes:



Hey dumbass, I said on the head unit ( Cd player, Tape player , eight track ) If you look on the face plate it will tell peak power. I have a Alpine CD player and it says 45 x 4 on the face plate. Is that RMS Mr stereo? Hell no. Its 18 x 4 RMS. If you are a true audiofile like you pretend to be, why are you supprised a factory stereo doesn't blow your mind. I invested over five grand in a stereo to get 148 db out of two 15'' speakers. I've never heard a factory stereo that would not sound better if installed with high quality componets. Is the TSX the only factory stereo your dissapointed in? I hope not. And another thing, Infinity Kappa's are made in China. Are they cheap?

[harddrivin1le]

Originally posted by brentd1
Hey dumbass, I said on the head unit ( Cd player, Tape player , eight track ) If you look on the face plate it will tell peak power. I have a Alpine CD player and it says 45 x 4 on the face plate. Is that RMS Mr stereo? Hell no. Its 18 x 4 RMS. If you are a true audiofile like you pretend to be, why are you supprised a factory stereo doesn't blow your mind. I invested over five grand in a stereo to get 148 db out of two 15'' speakers. I've never heard a factory stereo that would not sound better if installed with high quality componets. Is the TSX the only factory stereo your dissapointed in? I hope not. And another thing, Infinity Kappa's are made in China. Are they cheap?

Take a loot at these HEAD UNITS and let me know how they're rated:

http://www.crutchfield.com/S-q0RbIktH4Qn/cgi-bin/ProdGroup.asp?c=3&s=0&g=300&cc=01&avf=N

Where does Acura post its RMS specs? ALL I see is the PEAK ("360 watt") rating.

Have you actually LOOKED INTO the TSX's speakers? EVERY SPEAKER in the car is a ONE WAY design. I especially like the "full range" drivers in each of the 4 doors.

The TSX stereo uses 8 drivers TOTAL; that's the same number that can be had with FOUR (4) co-axials.:rolleyes:

[brentd1]

My point is this Alpine head unit is rated at 23 x4 rms. On the head unit it says 50 x 4. Here is the address http://www.crutchfield.com/cgi-bin/S-k1TxtVL6SoT/ProdView.asp?s=0&cc=01&g=300&id=morephotos&pi=1&i=500CDA9807&display=L#morephotos
What does the Alpine say on the face plate? What? 50 x 4. Is Alpine a lier too? I guess because its only 23 x 4 rms. I agree that max or peak power is not a true rating.But you are acting like Acura is the only one using this bullshit rating. If you look in a Crutchfield book they will tell you the rms below each receiver in the specs. If you buy a car and it has a Alpine receiver already installed , or any other brand, a uneducated stereo person would say it was 50 x 4. Because this is what it says on the receiver.In reality it is only 23 x 4 rms. Is this not the same as what Acura is doing with there factory radio ? If your looking for a stereo go to Crutchfield. If your looking for a CAR go to your local ACURA dealer and tell them how much time you spend in the TSX forum.

[brentd1]

Oh yeah, just think of how good the stereo will sound with 8 three ways. Better than 4- three ways!

[harddrivin1le]

Originally posted by brentd1
My point is this Alpine head unit is rated at 23 x4 rms. On the head unit it says 50 x 4. Here is the address http://www.crutchfield.com/cgi-bin/S-k1TxtVL6SoT/ProdView.asp?s=0&cc=01&g=300&id=morephotos&pi=1&i=500CDA9807&display=L#morephotos
What does the Alpine say on the face plate? What? 50 x 4. Is Alpine a lier too? I guess because its only 23 x 4 rms. I agree that max or peak power is not a true rating.But you are acting like Acura is the only one using this bullshit rating. If you look in a Crutchfield book they will tell you the rms below each receiver in the specs. If you buy a car and it has a Alpine receiver already installed , or any other brand, a uneducated stereo person would say it was 50 x 4. Because this is what it says on the receiver.In reality it is only 23 x 4 rms. Is this not the same as what Acura is doing with there factory radio ? If your looking for a stereo go to Crutchfield. If your looking for a CAR go to your local ACURA dealer and tell them how much time you spend in the TSX forum.

And my point here is that REPUTABLE aftermarket manufacturers are at least HONEST ENOUGH to publish BOTH RATINGS!

In contrast, Acura publishes JUST the PEAK rating for its "360 watt" stereo system.

And the "8 speakers" thing is a joke, two. While it's true that it has 8 speakers, it's also true that it has 8 TOTAL DRIVERS!

- two tweeters (dash)

- 4 "full range" single drivers (doors)

- 2 woofers (rear)


So it's an 8 speaker stereo with 2 tweeters TOTAL!
:eek:

[sublime3sixteen]

You are a very frustrated person. :)

[Miseaujeu]

I just purchased my TSX last week and I absolutely love every detailed aspect of it! I found this post interesting since I have had issues with the sound system. I have taken the car in twice to have a rattling in the passenger door checked. It only happens on a high bass setting with moderate volume. The dealer checked it the first time and told me that the bass can not be turned up with the volume up. I was disappointed but lived with and continued on with the bass set at 0. A couple days later, while listening to fm talk radio, I had the same issue. Took it in again and they "fixed a loose screw in the speaker housing". I hope this doesn't happen again, but if it does, I will be very disappointed with this "premium sound system".

Any suggestions?

[Neeks]

If anything, why couldn't Acura put a Bose system in the TSX in the first place, like every other one of their models?

[TSX-CL7]

harddrivin1le i have just had enough of your bullshit and tsx bashing around the forums. I work at a Car Audio shop and yes it is true 360 watt is max power not RMS under THD<0.1%... so what man? most of the car shops are rated to the customer in MAX anyways. So is some of the head units... they say 50watt x 4 but it is really about 15 watt RMS each channel. And who cares? If you don't like your stereo, then go get a aftermarket that can push 150 watt RMS, we dont care. Not everyone is a audio freak here. If you got a problem with the car, then go deal with it yourself. Try to have some respect for other people's car. now, just get lost plz....leave us alone!
oh yeah! let me know if you find a stock car that can push 360 RMS in the price range of a TSX!

[oo7bondgrrl]

Really, man, calm down. I just got here, and I'm already sick of yer cryin. So you don't like the stereo...that's fine. Stop SCREAMING at people and go buy an aftermarket setup that'll make you happy.

[Typeaccord]

I think the stock sound system is pretty decent for everyday use. No need to upgrade for me as of now. I am not too much of an audiphile.

[vtecfreak]

I have a kickass system at home.... I've yet to hear a car stereo that remotely compares to it... and I used to compete! So I just deal with less accurate sound in the car! By the way, the TSX's stereo is not that bad... I cross shopped a 3 series BMW, and that didn't sound as good!
The moral of the story is that Honda had to compromise some things with the TSX so the price would be competitive... I think they did a very good job.

[Horus]

I definetely noticed a lack of quality in the speakers.. lots of static and shaking at the doors...

*sigh*, guess I'll have to find a way to get a Bose system in there...

[vtecfreak]

I think you'll go from bad to worse... BLOSE sucks! All they are, is an excellent marketing concept... Their product is very cheap, and in my opinion is not much better than our stereo. Don't get me started on their home stereo products; way overpriced and sound horrible!

[Horus]

Originally posted by vtecfreak
I think you'll go from bad to worse... BLOSE sucks! All they are, is an excellent marketing concept... Their product is very cheap, and in my opinion is not much better than our stereo. Don't get me started on their home stereo products; way overpriced and sound horrible!

They're not as bad as you say they are in my A4, or my dad's A8...

I'd actually go as far as saying I'd rather listen to my music in my Bose-equipped car than with any Sennheiser or Sony headphones. They really are that good.

[Dreamworks18]

eeeewww is that a pic of a Monte Carlo?? what ever it is, its FUGLY!! lol Looks like a Lumina had sex with a Grand Prix and thats thier offspring!! lol american cars really need some help....

[gerardo]

lol wow, you brought back a for year old thread? nice... -.-

[Dreamworks18]

oh damh, i didn't notice that!! lol

[EX ITR]

That looks like an Aussie GM=Holden if I'm not mistaken. GTO is based on that thing, right??

[fmanfrank]

guys, I have a 06 TSX, and its true. There is a huge difference between "peak" or LOUD ass , bad quality noise, VS. "continious" or normal sounding measurement.

[Project_TSX]

harddrivin1le,

This thread is pointless. but thank you for pointing out what most of already knew and didnt care about.