Makes me trust ur reviews a lot more. So many people fall for placebo that 31 speakers make it S tier. There’s no point of having over 14-18 speakers if it’s tuned properly
Hell, no serious point in having over 8 or 9 with a sub… seriously a well tuned high end system with 8 good speakers will kill even a s class burmister
Because this is an actual Bang&Olufsen system with the proper made in Denmark Bang&Olufsen drivers. Not the “B&o” junk that for uses. That’s just ford drivers with a nice DSP and amp. Only the fully branded systems use their Denmark drivers. Acura, genesis, and Audi are the only 3 I know off the top of my head right now that get the full system. Aston used to have it and bmw has it for a short while
This is just my personal opinion, but it’s absolutely unacceptable that you cannot control the bass, treble, or midrange. Until I bought my 2021 Audi RS7 with the $4,900 optional Bang and Olufsen Advanced sound system, I had never experienced a vehicle stereo that did not have a midrange adjustment feature. I don’t understand why Bang and Olufsen doesn’t let the driver have more control and adjustability with the sounds settings in their stereos. Although my car stereo doesn’t have the Beosonic sound control that this Acura has, it does have bass and treble controls - but no midrange! I finally found that if you use Spotify premium, which has a built-in equalizer, it completely changes the sound quality of the stereo and really makes it shine. I now love the stereo in my RS7, as Spotify and its built-in equalizer transformed it into a completely different sounding system in my opinion.
I had a similar experience with my '23 Acura. It does have a high, mid, and bass/low adjustment but that's not nearly enough to fine tune the sound the way I like it. I found out spotify, which I use to listen to all my music, has a built in equalizer. Huge difference. I believe manufacturers are doing this to hide imperfections in their sound systems. The way my Acura was configured I needed to turn up the sound very high to get a full sound immersion. On lower volumes it becomes clear the sound system is lacking in many aspects. But spotify did help a lot with the issues although its still not perfect.
@@josephquinto5812 . That's probably what I'll end up doing soon. Going to drop a couple of grand to get a proper sound system in that car. I especially want to add a good subwoofer, maybe replace some of the door speakers and add some dynamat to the doors.
I work at an Acura store, at first I was disappointed but that disappointment went away once I heard the 19 speaker B&O. Clarity is JUST as good, if not better. And it has noticeably more bass which is awesome. I haven’t heard the 31 yet but I can only imagine how much better it is.
Thanks for the review!! Like I’ve mentioned in the past, I’ve never owned a car where the default sound settings sound the best. However this does give me some prospective of what to expect.
I agree! The problem is whatever sounds best to me might not sound best to you. Flat EQ is supposed to be what the trained professionals think sounds best, so that's usually what I try to go off of. However, for some vehicles I will make EQ recommendations if I really think it helps.
Great review, I currently have a 22 Type S. I think the ELS is pretty good except for the bass quality. I had to add a sub and I think it sounds fantastic now. I would love to hear how the 25 Type S sounds in person
@trb1589 it's not hard, but you will get feedback from time to time, and it will go away after like 30sec. It be cause of the noise canceling system in the MDX.
@MrSupernova111 I think there is but it might take extensive work if the person have known about that type of system. I think the shop didn't want to play around too much with mine. The feedback is a bit annoying, but it certainly goes away, and you'll have great bass to listen to. I'd like to hear the new BO on 25 type S to compare
Great review. So were you using Bluetooth or Wired CarPlay/AA? I always figured BT would have some decent sound degradation but maybe things are much better than past versions of BT? In modern cars how bad is it to use wireless vs wired?
Thanks! I've actually never received confirmation about what technology wireless phone projection uses for audio streaming, if it's the Wi-Fi connection or the Bluetooth. Typically we use USB so that it's lossless, but you're right, I should switch to cable for Android Auto to ensure there's less loss.
Flagship vehicle for Acura, best-selling 3-row SUV/Crossover of all-time... and what do they do? Drop the renowned ELS System, drop Sirius XM, and add in network-based GPS. Sure, the touchscreen is a great improvement and Google is excellent, but there are still too many places with limited cell service. So what happens when you're in a dead-zone and you can't get your maps up? And for everyone saying that XM can be streamed on a phone... well, again... limited to having service and it's just one more thing to fuss within your phone. Presets saved in your system will always be easier than dealing with the XM App. I just don't get it.
can we get a proper comparison to a pre-facelift mdx-s with the ELS 3D? would be interesting to hear whats changed side by side. do you think it at least is an upgrade over the ELS in other acura products?
The 10 speaker ELS system from the previous gen MDX and TLX had very forward and prominent midrange. It's odd that Acura gave us more speakers but less midrange.
I have the 2024 and the ELS is amazing.i was waiting for this review to see how it compared. Very happy I did not wait for the 2025. The lighting is also cool in the 2024. I think it was done for marketing only. To compete with Audi and the like. Too bad.
This makes me love the Bose system in the Porsche Macan even more than I already do. This 31-speaker system got the same score from Charlie as the 14-speaker Bose system in the Macan. Way to go Porsche!!! 😁
Those are probably usb-c's for charging, the real one is hidden to the right of gear selector - push it and it will show usb-a and usb-c. Great video, nice music, tho I still miss ELS
We may never know unless Acura spill the beans. It could be brand recognition, bad blood, supply constraints, cost, main stream preference through market study etc.
Needs those midrange drivers to be mounted further forward or up on the dash. I have active 3 way front and single 10 in the boot of my rs4 and I can absolutely guarantee in terms of sq it’ll destroy this on every level possible not on overall volume but it’s loud enough. A simple setup with a good install (midbass are in door enclosures) is way better than 31 average speakers with an average tune. We have a new q5 at home with b&o, for a factory fit it’s good but there’s zero comparison to my car system and I haven’t spent huge money on mine!
Mids on the dash are such an easy way to get a great soundstage. I guess Acura doesn't do it for design purposes. The want you to see the metal speaker grilles. Luckily Acuras tend to stage high. The only downside is you have to increase the volume pretty high with their systems to achieve that height.
At 6:13 you mentioned SXM. I don’t believe the 2025 MDX has SXM. Which is a big disappointment. I know you can CarPlay but you lose the ability to “channel surf” (go through the channels like radio).
I paused the video and it looks like there is an XM satellite button for input, but I have read and heard the SXM is not available in the 2025 model. Is it only available on the S Type? This is confusing. I think it would be a huge step back if they upgraded to touch screen and left SXM out.
I’d get so annoyed with how often the Blind Spot Monitor blinks rapidly while driving. Like just illuminate once and only blink rapidly if you have the turn signal in that direction like other car manufacturers - no need to induce a seizure every 20 seconds.
........ehhhhhhh maybe! I was about to say the Audi might be a bit better, but I remember the S8 being disappointing. It's probably on par with the SQ7
Thanks! Yeah, they don't really want to show off their car if it's not equipped with their best packages. Unfortunately I haven't heard either of them.
Things they should have added or removed: all that black piano needs to go, and the second row needs more venting as does the third row. Second-row cool/ventilated seats need properly stitched leatherette on the under door panel it shouldn't cost more its at $76k it needs to have that. Make it a mild hybrid that might give a better mpg. The non-types Advance and Apec Advance are literally $70k just make turbo v6 the standard powertrain and make the type s a high output or make it a PHEV I wouldn't say V8 since only the Germans are the only ones with V8 left. No one need 31 speakers plus the ELS system was the best it seems bang&Olsen buying out all this auto makers you and Genesis dropped lexicon for them.
@flamegaming760 Wallet pain would happen, that's for sure. This also got me thinking about what this system would sound like without all the random extra speakers, but with the same overall tuning.
So, your market is a group of people who like artificial music at high volume. They’d be happy with the base unit with added speakers. Until you show a variety of music, mostly with real people’s voices and real instruments, from solo, small and large groups, and until you play speech, I don’t know what there is to learn about how good you can get a unit’s quality. This is just one kid playing for other kids….. none of whom can afford to buy the car.
@@DailyMotorSound DUDE. you should do a side by side with the binurals. be amazing to hear switching back and fourth. prefer the touch screen though...
Hey Charlie, what file type are you using on that USB stick for the 5.1 tests? I downloaded the Immersive Audio file you use "IAA - Sonic Brand Visualizer 7.1.4.mp4", and it's obviously in MP4 format. The B&O in the Acura ZDX wouldn't read the file and I haven't tested it in an MDX yet. It does work on the ELS systems however. Are you using the MP4 format or did you convert it into something else? Thanks.
Makes me trust ur reviews a lot more. So many people fall for placebo that 31 speakers make it S tier. There’s no point of having over 14-18 speakers if it’s tuned properly
Hell, no serious point in having over 8 or 9 with a sub… seriously a well tuned high end system with 8 good speakers will kill even a s class burmister
7 speakers , 3 way front active and a sub ,will blow anything away , with tuning and time alignment
@@handleymacdonald5760agree we’ll maybe if there is 3 rows it couldn’t hurt to have 12,13 with the subwoofer
Very interested in your opinion and test of the Krell system in the 2018-2020 Acura RLX. Thank you for your work!
It's also interesting. Thanks for the review!
Agree
Will be cool!
I suppose this is unlikely as they are no longer for sale.
quality > quantity.
A bit excessive on the roof speakers in my opinion.
It’s Bang&Olufsen lol it’s the best in the game. I’d love to hear how this stacks up to their flagship Audi system
Because this is an actual Bang&Olufsen system with the proper made in Denmark Bang&Olufsen drivers. Not the “B&o” junk that for uses. That’s just ford drivers with a nice DSP and amp. Only the fully branded systems use their Denmark drivers. Acura, genesis, and Audi are the only 3 I know off the top of my head right now that get the full system. Aston used to have it and bmw has it for a short while
More quantity doesn’t always have to bad, smart person.
Bang and Olufsen has never been class leading ever. @@Skeppyberry
@ just over $76,000 MDX drives & perform better than vehicles costing twice as much few do audio reviews keep em coming
This is just my personal opinion, but it’s absolutely unacceptable that you cannot control the bass, treble, or midrange. Until I bought my 2021 Audi RS7 with the $4,900 optional Bang and Olufsen Advanced sound system, I had never experienced a vehicle stereo that did not have a midrange adjustment feature. I don’t understand why Bang and Olufsen doesn’t let the driver have more control and adjustability with the sounds settings in their stereos. Although my car stereo doesn’t have the Beosonic sound control that this Acura has, it does have bass and treble controls - but no midrange! I finally found that if you use Spotify premium, which has a built-in equalizer, it completely changes the sound quality of the stereo and really makes it shine. I now love the stereo in my RS7, as Spotify and its built-in equalizer transformed it into a completely different sounding system in my opinion.
@@regalgs51 spotify premium is meh quality wise. I tried apple music lossless back to back and got around 15% better quality
I had a similar experience with my '23 Acura. It does have a high, mid, and bass/low adjustment but that's not nearly enough to fine tune the sound the way I like it. I found out spotify, which I use to listen to all my music, has a built in equalizer. Huge difference. I believe manufacturers are doing this to hide imperfections in their sound systems. The way my Acura was configured I needed to turn up the sound very high to get a full sound immersion. On lower volumes it becomes clear the sound system is lacking in many aspects. But spotify did help a lot with the issues although its still not perfect.
The advanced B&O is an absolute waste of money. I’ve put together systems for $2000 that sound significantly better.
@@josephquinto5812 . That's probably what I'll end up doing soon. Going to drop a couple of grand to get a proper sound system in that car. I especially want to add a good subwoofer, maybe replace some of the door speakers and add some dynamat to the doors.
@@regalgs51 does it sound good in the RS7? Wonder if it‘s as good as the E63 high end
Yes, I woke up to this and I have been patiently waiting for this review. Thank You Charlie!
I'd love it if you were able to get a slightly older RLX with the Krell audio!
I’m a little sad that they stoped els
I work at an Acura store, at first I was disappointed but that disappointment went away once I heard the 19 speaker B&O. Clarity is JUST as good, if not better. And it has noticeably more bass which is awesome. I haven’t heard the 31 yet but I can only imagine how much better it is.
@@5.0cs_Brandonyou’re talking about the ZDX? Do you know where the subwoofer(s?) is located on it?
@@blanchbacker I was referring to the 19 speaker B&O on the MDX
Thanks for your review!
Ahhhh, I miss North San Diego County!
Can you give us an Acura RLX Krell system review?
This the rlx's didn't sell well but they are absolutely underrated
I have an rlx with the krell wonderful sound. the bass can be a bit lacking with some songs, however the ones that do really hit tight and clean
Agree
I think I prefer the previous ELS mids to this setup. Still not bad though!
Miss the lights in the speaker grills in the type S model
I was waiting for this.. right on time
Thanks for the review!! Like I’ve mentioned in the past, I’ve never owned a car where the default sound settings sound the best. However this does give me some prospective of what to expect.
I agree! The problem is whatever sounds best to me might not sound best to you. Flat EQ is supposed to be what the trained professionals think sounds best, so that's usually what I try to go off of. However, for some vehicles I will make EQ recommendations if I really think it helps.
Great review, I currently have a 22 Type S. I think the ELS is pretty good except for the bass quality. I had to add a sub and I think it sounds fantastic now. I would love to hear how the 25 Type S sounds in person
how hard is it to just add a sub? seems like a complicated system
@trb1589 it's not hard, but you will get feedback from time to time, and it will go away after like 30sec. It be cause of the noise canceling system in the MDX.
@@stayhumble3104 . Is there a way to disable noise cancelling? Is it worth disabling it if possible?
@MrSupernova111 I think there is but it might take extensive work if the person have known about that type of system. I think the shop didn't want to play around too much with mine. The feedback is a bit annoying, but it certainly goes away, and you'll have great bass to listen to. I'd like to hear the new BO on 25 type S to compare
@@stayhumble3104 . Good to know. Thanks!
Will you test the new 2025 Genesis GV80 Bang and Olufsen system?
Hi, could you test the tesla model 3 highland LR sound system ? Would be awesome! 🤘
Great review. So were you using Bluetooth or Wired CarPlay/AA? I always figured BT would have some decent sound degradation but maybe things are much better than past versions of BT? In modern cars how bad is it to use wireless vs wired?
Thanks! I've actually never received confirmation about what technology wireless phone projection uses for audio streaming, if it's the Wi-Fi connection or the Bluetooth. Typically we use USB so that it's lossless, but you're right, I should switch to cable for Android Auto to ensure there's less loss.
Flagship vehicle for Acura, best-selling 3-row SUV/Crossover of all-time... and what do they do? Drop the renowned ELS System, drop Sirius XM, and add in network-based GPS. Sure, the touchscreen is a great improvement and Google is excellent, but there are still too many places with limited cell service. So what happens when you're in a dead-zone and you can't get your maps up?
And for everyone saying that XM can be streamed on a phone... well, again... limited to having service and it's just one more thing to fuss within your phone. Presets saved in your system will always be easier than dealing with the XM App.
I just don't get it.
in my opinion , the sound of instruments in B&O is very natural , compared to B&W or Burmester
Would you be able to do a sound test for the 23/25 Honda Pilot Elite Bose system?
Love your videos 😊
Thanks! I'm looking into that one, yes. Maybe by end of the year
Can you review the base 19-speaker B&O system on the other MDX trims?
Yup, working on it!
@@DailyMotorSound Is there an ETA on the 19-speaker system? Thank you for the great reviews.
can we get a proper comparison to a pre-facelift mdx-s with the ELS 3D? would be interesting to hear whats changed side by side. do you think it at least is an upgrade over the ELS in other acura products?
@15:41 a Cybertruck!! 😂 Can you tell I'm from the UK! It's cool but also meh at the same time!
The 10 speaker ELS system from the previous gen MDX and TLX had very forward and prominent midrange. It's odd that Acura gave us more speakers but less midrange.
I have the 2024 and the ELS is amazing.i was waiting for this review to see how it compared. Very happy I did not wait for the 2025. The lighting is also cool in the 2024. I think it was done for marketing only. To compete with Audi and the like. Too bad.
This makes me love the Bose system in the Porsche Macan even more than I already do. This 31-speaker system got the same score from Charlie as the 14-speaker Bose system in the Macan. Way to go Porsche!!! 😁
That only means the Burmester system is even better.
so wait, there’s literally no bass/treble/mid/sub adjustment? that’s absurd
Great Review!!! Were you able to try out the 19 speaker setup, and if so how did that compare? Thanks
Did not yet, unfortunately. Will probably get it in the fall, but it's probably pretty comparable.
Those are probably usb-c's for charging, the real one is hidden to the right of gear selector - push it and it will show usb-a and usb-c. Great video, nice music, tho I still miss ELS
I did try those plugs as well, in three different MDXs. Tried the same USB stick in a TLX and it worked fine
Would love to hear the 19 speaker B&O in the 2025 MDX A-spec. Also can you confirm if the 2025 model has SXM radio in all trims?
I'm getting that in a few weeks! I'm not 100% sure, but I would think so
Why did Acura move away from the Panasonic ELS system?
We may never know unless Acura spill the beans.
It could be brand recognition, bad blood, supply constraints, cost, main stream preference through market study etc.
Panasonic is no longer making car audio systems
Needs those midrange drivers to be mounted further forward or up on the dash. I have active 3 way front and single 10 in the boot of my rs4 and I can absolutely guarantee in terms of sq it’ll destroy this on every level possible not on overall volume but it’s loud enough. A simple setup with a good install (midbass are in door enclosures) is way better than 31 average speakers with an average tune. We have a new q5 at home with b&o, for a factory fit it’s good but there’s zero comparison to my car system and I haven’t spent huge money on mine!
Mids on the dash are such an easy way to get a great soundstage. I guess Acura doesn't do it for design purposes. The want you to see the metal speaker grilles. Luckily Acuras tend to stage high. The only downside is you have to increase the volume pretty high with their systems to achieve that height.
At 6:13 you mentioned SXM. I don’t believe the 2025 MDX has SXM. Which is a big disappointment. I know you can CarPlay but you lose the ability to “channel surf” (go through the channels like radio).
I paused the video and it looks like there is an XM satellite button for input, but I have read and heard the SXM is not available in the 2025 model. Is it only available on the S Type? This is confusing. I think it would be a huge step back if they upgraded to touch screen and left SXM out.
could You make a Review of the audio system of the Lincoln nautilus black label 2024 ? or the infiniti qx80 autograph 2025
Yes, def the QX80! Maybe not the Lincoln.
If only the MDX had the camera rear view mirror
Between this one and the RDX Advance, which would you rate higher?
I’d get so annoyed with how often the Blind Spot Monitor blinks rapidly while driving. Like just illuminate once and only blink rapidly if you have the turn signal in that direction like other car manufacturers - no need to induce a seizure every 20 seconds.
Please share the file format and bit rate info. Do you know the system requirements or limitations? I know the previous ELS system was a bit picky.
Thank you for the review... So.... is it possible to play anything audio from USB, and especially 5.1 surround?
You're welcome! Acura says it should be, but I haven't been able to get it to work. It's possible with a USB C flash drive it will work.
У Вас лучшие обзоры! Спасибо!
Bang & Olufsen very nice！！
So what do you think of this system compared to the BMW Bowers and Wilkins? I have a 2020 X5 with the Bowers and Wilkins system.
Is this the best B&O system you have tested?
........ehhhhhhh maybe! I was about to say the Audi might be a bit better, but I remember the S8 being disappointing. It's probably on par with the SQ7
So do you think the ELS 3D was better or equivalent?
31 speakers is crazyyy compared to manufacturers like Toyota
Don't like these stuck on infotainment screens. The screen needs to be integrated into the dash. Lazy designers.
it was further integrated into the dash before but it wasn't a touchscreen. people wanted a touchscreen so here we are
I don't understand the description of this video. it absolutely destroys ELS
Any word on a version of this for the non S-type MDX? I might be buying an A-spec but I am picky about my sound quality lol
Getting it the week of 9/17, should have the review up shortly after
@@DailyMotorSoundyay! Looking forward to it :)
Hello! Another great review!! Never find any TLX or RDX ELS 13 speaker (not the 3D something) review. Any thoughts?
Thanks! Yeah, they don't really want to show off their car if it's not equipped with their best packages. Unfortunately I haven't heard either of them.
Things they should have added or removed: all that black piano needs to go, and the second row needs more venting as does the third row. Second-row cool/ventilated seats need properly stitched leatherette on the under door panel it shouldn't cost more its at $76k it needs to have that. Make it a mild hybrid that might give a better mpg. The non-types Advance and Apec Advance are literally $70k just make turbo v6 the standard powertrain and make the type s a high output or make it a PHEV I wouldn't say V8 since only the Germans are the only ones with V8 left. No one need 31 speakers plus the ELS system was the best it seems bang&Olsen buying out all this auto makers you and Genesis dropped lexicon for them.
30 speakers like for what when a Burmester with 13 does the same job
Imagine the future repair costs down the line if someone gets this used and somehow none of the speakers work lol
Burmester has no bass though :/
@@Mister_5150 well true for the older surround versions. The high ends always had a lot of rumble though
@@aceimperial8298 I wonder what would happen if you were to only repair the important speakers, maybe like 10 out of the 31.
@flamegaming760 Wallet pain would happen, that's for sure. This also got me thinking about what this system would sound like without all the random extra speakers, but with the same overall tuning.
Hey dm aound, ehats the sound system in the 2008-2014 T&C?
So, your market is a group of people who like artificial music at high volume. They’d be happy with the base unit with added speakers. Until you show a variety of music, mostly with real people’s voices and real instruments, from solo, small and large groups, and until you play speech, I don’t know what there is to learn about how good you can get a unit’s quality. This is just one kid playing for other kids….. none of whom can afford to buy the car.
Lexus NX Mark Levinson sounds better than this.
Doesn't that system require a $5k upgrade to add it to the car? Seems ridiculous.
Are you serious? Are you telling me that you prefer the ELS over the bang?
Yes, and I'm editing the review on the 19-speaker B&O now.
@@DailyMotorSound DUDE. you should do a side by side with the binurals. be amazing to hear switching back and fourth. prefer the touch screen though...
Hey Charlie, what file type are you using on that USB stick for the 5.1 tests? I downloaded the Immersive Audio file you use "IAA - Sonic Brand Visualizer 7.1.4.mp4", and it's obviously in MP4 format. The B&O in the Acura ZDX wouldn't read the file and I haven't tested it in an MDX yet. It does work on the ELS systems however. Are you using the MP4 format or did you convert it into something else? Thanks.