[WhiteOrchid]

I've been trying to find cheap and easy ways to improve the sound system in my '15 EX-L coupe. The system on paper seems like it should be robust enough to provide decent sound but it has always sounded muddy and lacking power. It kind of sounds like it has a sock stuffed in the speaker grills of each speaker.

My first attempt was to set the DCP to flat in the semi-secret diagnostic menu. This made minimal improvements.

I've been wanting to disable the ANC as well. I had read all the threads, looked at all the pictures but it was still unclear to me exactly how to get at the module and disconnect the wiring. While the pictures often showed the ANC module, they didn't give much context of exactly where it was or where the wiring connection was. In the end I found a short Youtube video that showed me exactly what I needed to know. It was easy to remove the console side trim then the cubby (no navi) and access the module from below. Unfortunately my car also has bluetooth and that module was in the way from underneath (unlike the car in the video which did not have the bluetooth module in the way) but at least now knowing the exact location and orientation of the ANC module I came at it from the side by loosening the lower passenger side console panel and reaching in that way to disconnect it. Took just a few seconds once I knew exactly where I was going and what I was looking for.

Weather was crappy last night when I disconnected it so a drive was not prudent, but even sitting in the garage I could tell the sound had greatly improved. The highs were at least present and the bass was much clearer and distinct. This morning on the way to work I did not notice any increased noise in the cabin, but the clarity of sound from the stereo in the cabin was very noticeably improved. I tried FM, XM and USB sources and all sounded better than before.

I know some have stated that disabling the ANC didn't make any difference but I sure notice it. I wonder if the fact that I have an Injen CAI which makes a little more noise was making the ANC work overtime in my situation? Whatever the case, in the end, the stereo performance is noticeably improved and the noise in the cabin has not even noticeably increased. In my case, the only thing the ANC seems to have accomplished is to have muddied up the sound out of the system so I have zero regrets disconnecting it.

Could the stock "premium" stereo system be improved upon? Most likely, but with the ANC disconnected I find it provides reasonable performance. And since I mostly listen to news in the car anyway, I'm pleased with the easy and no-cost improvement. Not only is the sound more clear the system appears to be putting out more volume as I don't need to turn the volume up as high as before to get adequate volume to actually hear the output clearly.

ANC is a interesting system but perhaps a solution for a non-existent problem? I would think it would be much more effective if it was a stand alone system with it's own dedicated speakers instead of being integrated into the stereo system and bringing down the performance of both.

Even with the ANC disabled, my Accord is the quietest car I've ever driven yet I am pleased that I can still clearly hear the engine when I feel the need to push it a little.

 

[08EX-L]

Did you notice the difference by just disabling it in the diagnostic menu first? That can allow someone to test your theory first before hacking into the actual ANC module itself.

 

[acutee]

OP, thank you for sharing your instructions on how to disable ANC. It is very interesting if disabling ANC would enhance the audio sound system.

 

[WhiteOrchid]

Did you notice the difference by just disabling it in the diagnostic menu first? That can allow someone to test your theory first before hacking into the actual ANC module itself.

No I did not. I went straight for the permanent disable. Of course it is easy to reverse by simply plugging the module back in. I spent more time trying to figure out how to access the module than I did actually disconnecting it. Once I knew were I was going it took about 1-2 minutes to actually access it and disconnect it.

 

[nayr14]

Where is the youtube video?

 

[WhiteOrchid]

Where is the youtube video?

Locating the ANC module: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=giOplLDA0U4

Removing the cubby/navi, actually just shows how to remove the side trim which allows access to the two screws which hold in the cubby: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ANIljKx70s

 

[ltxi]

Thanks for this!

 

[WhiteOrchid]

On the drive home I could hear the engine noises a little more than before, but I actually prefer that. That V6 makes good noises, it is actually nice to hear it a bit more. The increase is pretty subtle, not intrusive at all. Don't want to hear it, then just turn up the (new improved) stereo one or two notches. Never a drone or other such annoyances.

Road noise, wind noise, no difference. Those continue to be held at bay quite well by the car's passive sound dampening devices. I'm really beginning to wonder exactly what the ANC actually brings to the party other than muddying up the stereo output.

The difference in quality of the various stereo inputs is becoming quite clear. Some XM stations were crap, all flat and boring while others were quite bright and powerful. I ran across a disco song that seemed to dramatically illustrate what kind of bass the system is at least capable of producing, clear and powerful. The classic rock station on FM I prefer actually sounds pretty good but could vary from song to song probably due to the quality of the source they were using at the time. The NPR station sounds excellent. My thumbdrive of music sounded better, better stereo separation and identification and separation of different instruments became more pronounced but some seem to be lacking bass, could be a symptom of the file quality/resolution. But then, to me, no digital recording source will ever sound quite as good as a high quality analog source. Just gotta figure out a way to install my Linn turntable into the car....

 

[f1snob]

Good info, Orchid. I was never impressed with the sound from the Honda system either. I have always upgraded the components in my cars but so far have left the Accord alone.

I only listen to Pandora or my language lessons on a memory stick plugged to the USB input. For Pandora I downloaded a free equalizer app that helps quite a bit. I don't recall which one but there are many out there (free on Android I don't know about Apple). If you use Pandora or other streaming music via your phone, this is another cheap and easy option.

 

[longhornaccord]

What is "ANC"? Automatic noise cancellation? Why would one want to disable it?

 

[MackDaddy]

What is "ANC"? Automatic noise cancellation? Why would one want to disable it?

Yes, and read what the OP has posted above. It seems to make a dramatic difference in the OE audio system without adding additional NVH to the cabin.

Now, I wonder if this will make any difference in my 16 EX-L.... Hmm..

As it stands right now, I'm fairly happy with it bone stock. But if it does indeed help "un-muddy" the sound-stage, I'm all in.

Thanks for sharing your findings WO!

 

[WhiteOrchid]

What is "ANC"? Automatic noise cancellation? Why would one want to disable it?

Because, at least in my experience, it doesn't actually cancel much noise and it DOES muddy up the audio provided by the sound system. The Honda sound systems are not that impressive out of the box so anything that can be done to improve them for free is worth trying out. If someone were to try it and find the noise increases too much for their liking and/or the stereo output doesn't improve they can always plug it back in. Easy peasy.

 

[djkev21]

sorry to sound rude, but did we not already know all this? i know i did from all the threads that talk about it

 

[14v6]

I'm no Audiophile, I tried that ANC stuff and to my ears, I noticed nothing. I must say though that for XM, and Bluetooth for playlists from my phone, I think the stereo sounds pretty good no complaints. For FM that's a whole different story.

Sorry, I meant the SVC from flat to on stuff. I not inclined enough to start tinkering with with the interior.

 

[WhiteOrchid]

sorry to sound rude, but did we not already know all this? i know i did from all the threads that talk about it

Just reporting my own personal experience. Isn't that what these forums are all about? Just a post above 14v6 reports he tried it and found no difference. Everyone will have a different experience but I just wanted to share mine. This thread has 7 likes so far so apparently a number of folks are finding interesting or useful.

 

[bionicrocky]

Did you notice the difference by just disabling it in the diagnostic menu first? That can allow someone to test your theory first before hacking into the actual ANC module itself.

Where do you go to get to the diagnostic menu and disable it? Sorry, newish owner.

 

[newtohonda]

I disconnected my ANC a year or two ago and quickly reconnected it. There was a noticeable increase in low frequency exhaust booming noises when at idle and low speed driving. Sound at speed was no different. It might be that I have extensive MLV on the doors, floors, trunk, and denim insulation all around the trunk voids that block most all high frequency noises so the low frequency sounds become more perceptible to my ears. ANC in this configuration works only against low frequency sounds which are very difficult to block with car insulation.

Anyway, that led to the car feeling less refined, which I didn't like as I do a lot of city/traffic driving too. All the extra insulation makes my car as quiet as an ES350 if it weren't for the ridiculous amount of wind buffeting noise this car gets during gusty days on the open freeway. For me, I don't need the illusion of going faster with louder mechanical noises - quiet power is what I'm happy with. ANC is really an amazing feature that Honda offers for this car.

 

[socalkid]

BUMP

searched a couple threads and didn't see any mention of added wind noise when cutting ANC? i recently upgraded my 13' Sport audio with new speakers and a powered sub off the OEM head unit and i immediately noticed more wind noise when driving above say 30 mph coming from what sounds like the A pillar by the outside rear view mirror. its loud enough on the freeway to make the driving experience somewhat annoying.

anyone else experiencing this?

 

[sub786]

I've been trying to find cheap and easy ways to improve the sound system in my '15 EX-L coupe. The system on paper seems like it should be robust enough to provide decent sound but it has always sounded muddy and lacking power. It kind of sounds like it has a sock stuffed in the speaker grills of each speaker.

My first attempt was to set the DCP to flat in the semi-secret diagnostic menu. This made minimal improvements.

I've been wanting to disable the ANC as well. I had read all the threads, looked at all the pictures but it was still unclear to me exactly how to get at the module and disconnect the wiring. While the pictures often showed the ANC module, they didn't give much context of exactly where it was or where the wiring connection was. In the end I found a short Youtube video that showed me exactly what I needed to know. It was easy to remove the console side trim then the cubby (no navi) and access the module from below. Unfortunately my car also has bluetooth and that module was in the way from underneath (unlike the car in the video which did not have the bluetooth module in the way) but at least now knowing the exact location and orientation of the ANC module I came at it from the side by loosening the lower passenger side console panel and reaching in that way to disconnect it. Took just a few seconds once I knew exactly where I was going and what I was looking for.

Weather was crappy last night when I disconnected it so a drive was not prudent, but even sitting in the garage I could tell the sound had greatly improved. The highs were at least present and the bass was much clearer and distinct. This morning on the way to work I did not notice any increased noise in the cabin, but the clarity of sound from the stereo in the cabin was very noticeably improved. I tried FM, XM and USB sources and all sounded better than before.

I know some have stated that disabling the ANC didn't make any difference but I sure notice it. I wonder if the fact that I have an Injen CAI which makes a little more noise was making the ANC work overtime in my situation? Whatever the case, in the end, the stereo performance is noticeably improved and the noise in the cabin has not even noticeably increased. In my case, the only thing the ANC seems to have accomplished is to have muddied up the sound out of the system so I have zero regrets disconnecting it.

Could the stock "premium" stereo system be improved upon? Most likely, but with the ANC disconnected I find it provides reasonable performance. And since I mostly listen to news in the car anyway, I'm pleased with the easy and no-cost improvement. Not only is the sound more clear the system appears to be putting out more volume as I don't need to turn the volume up as high as before to get adequate volume to actually hear the output clearly.

ANC is a interesting system but perhaps a solution for a non-existent problem? I would think it would be much more effective if it was a stand alone system with it's own dedicated speakers instead of being integrated into the stereo system and bringing down the performance of both.

Even with the ANC disabled, my Accord is the quietest car I've ever driven yet I am pleased that I can still clearly hear the engine when I feel the need to push it a little.

The most important thing is missed. You can spend whole day by the aforementioned method (I think he used his flexible hand he might be one of the Fantastic 4) still will not be able to take out the connector from back. Because it is at very tight location. Just behind is the air ducts and it is one inch space . Now how you can do that? You can stick the Skinny hand in the world still not enough space. Use long pliers if you can find bent tip one then great. Park your car in good day light other wise you have to hold flash light with one hand and pliers with other hand . It worked for me by holding flash light in one hand. Pliers are skinny so it can squeeze the lock at the same time pull out... Screw driver will not work only Plier . Still surprised how he could do this in 5 min unless he is using tool which he did not mentioned above . So really my jaw dropped when people say it can be done not in min but in few seconds. :jawdrop:

 

[WhiteOrchid]

The most important thing is missed. You can spend whole day by the aforementioned method (I think he used his flexible hand he might be one of the Fantastic 4) still will not be able to take out the connector from back. Because it is at very tight location. Just behind is the air ducts and it is one inch space . Now how you can do that? You can stick the Skinny hand in the world still not enough space. Use long pliers if you can find bent tip one then great. Park your car in good day light other wise you have to hold flash light with one hand and pliers with other hand . It worked for me by holding flash light in one hand. Pliers are skinny so it can squeeze the lock at the same time pull out... Screw driver will not work only Plier . Still surprised how he could do this in 5 min unless he is using tool which he did not mentioned above . So really my jaw dropped when people say it can be done not in min but in few seconds. :jawdrop:

I never noticed this post until today but thought I should post a reply anyway.

Your car has navigation, mine does not. Your car has more components in the way. I can reach right in and pull the plug in just a few seconds. So, yes, many of us can disable ANC in just a few seconds. Sorry it is more difficult for you, but the same components needs to be unplugged and it is in the same location. Glad you found a way to unplug it in your situation.