2008 TL Audio - What's the best sounding upgrade?

[zambodia]

I picked up a new 2008 TL NAVI for my wife. She says the sound system ain't so hot - I drove around in it for awhile and agree with her.

I've swapped speakers in cars I've owned with good results. The guys with amps under plexiglass framed with ambient light is a 'no'.

Heck, our 2002 Highlander with stock JBLs sounds better than the ELS system in the TL.

Am I in for the big bucks to get something that has good range at normal levels?

Oh by the way, I got this from Crutchfield today:

"In regards to installing speakers in the front door of your vehicle, I am sorry to inform you that we do not have a good solution for your vehicle. The problem is that the factory speakers are very shallow so we only have a few speakers that will fit underneath the factory grille, so in order to get any speakers that will work off of the power of the factory system, you will need to modify the location. Now the problem with the speakers that will fit is that they are very power hungry speakers, so they will not work well with the power of the factory receiver, so in this case, you would need to consider replacing the receiver or add aftermarket amps to your system. I am sorry that we don't have better news.
If you are interested in either one of these options, please respond back to this email and we will get you set up with some recommendations. You also want to let us know if you are going to do the install or have a professional install the speakers.
Again I am sorry that I did not have better news for you, but I hope that I have provided you with some good options. Thanks again for contacting us today and we look forward to hearing from you soon.
Amos
Crutchfield Product Advisor



You guys on the forum know better!

What are your thoughts?


-zam

[endolphins]

Zam, I can't give any advice on speaker upgrades (anything in the amp/receiver arena is muy hassle), but I wonder if it'll make an improvement. My experience is that sound quality with this system follows the order [better to worse]:

DVD-A or Tape>CD>FM>>>XM

I've noticed large differences between FM stations. KUSC in LA is very nice, most San Diego stations are pretty bad.

I was very impressed with a cassette tape recorded from audiophile vinyl, and with the DVD-A (try The Doors track on the demo disc), so it seems those sources and the amplification/speaker sections are pretty good. [Make sure that Dolby 5.1 conversion isn't on, that really detracts from the stereo sources. ]

I do wish the FM section were better. XM is pretty terrible, but I think that's just XM. If anyone knows of improvements that work with NAVI etc. I'd love to see a followup post. -m

[MVR 155]

I have heard of alot of owners swapping in the Infinity Kappa or Reference series tweeters and or door speakers. I have seen alot of discussions on the Acurazine website, Im not registered over there but lurk from time to time.

I added a 10" sub to my stock set up in my previous 06 TL as well as my 07 Type S.... this made a big difference in overall quality and depth, I am thinking of doing the Infinity upgrade in the tweets and doors too.

[zambodia]

Endo -

I agree - the system will definitely impress when the combo is right. The DVD-A is fantastic - how many DVD-A discs do you own?

We've had the best luck from the iPod.

I have found that level 28+ is where the system perfoms. Not passenger friendly, but who talks when it sounds good?

-zam

Originally Posted by endolphins

Zam, I can't give any advice on speaker upgrades (anything in the amp/receiver arena is muy hassle), but I wonder if it'll make an improvement. My experience is that sound quality with this system follows the order [better to worse]:

DVD-A or Tape>CD>FM>>>XM

I've noticed large differences between FM stations. KUSC in LA is very nice, most San Diego stations are pretty bad.

I was very impressed with a cassette tape recorded from audiophile vinyl, and with the DVD-A (try The Doors track on the demo disc), so it seems those sources and the amplification/speaker sections are pretty good. [Make sure that Dolby 5.1 conversion isn't on, that really detracts from the stereo sources. ]

I do wish the FM section were better. XM is pretty terrible, but I think that's just XM. If anyone knows of improvements that work with NAVI etc. I'd love to see a followup post. -m