[Donm]

I love my new-to-me 23 hybrid sport but disappointed in the audio system. The bass response is just terrible. I can't be the only owner with this complaint, am I?

What have others done? I'm a fairly handy dyi guy but I'd rather not tear into the wiring mounting big subwoofers and such. Or is it the problem the stock speakers? Would that make a difference?

I'm not looking to rattle windows but would like to have sound as good as the other cars I've owned.

 

[slimm1469]

I'm on my 3rd Accord. The OEM audio = terrible on all three. Try replacing the speakers first. Depending on your impression then, the HU may need to go. It's the one bad part of owning an Accord.

 

[WMGwizard]

Upgrading the speakers will offer the most "bang for your bucks" and will make a significant improvement.

 

[E922]

I love my new-to-me 23 hybrid sport but disappointed in the audio system. The bass response is just terrible. I can't be the only owner with this complaint, am I?

What have others done? I'm a fairly handy dyi guy but I'd rather not tear into the wiring mounting big subwoofers and such. Or is it the problem the stock speakers? Would that make a difference?

I'm not looking to rattle windows but would like to have sound as good as the other cars I've owned.

I'm an audiophile at home, but in my car I mostly listen to streaming music at low/background levels, which is why I can't complain too much about the OEM stereo.

In my younger years I was more into car audio, and yes as others have said, upgrading the speakers usually provides the biggest audible improvement (exactly the same as in home audio systems), followed by adding a subwoofer---you don't need some huge boxes in the trunk just to get some nice fill-in bass, something like this will do the trick:

https://www.crutchfield.com/p_108BASSLS2/Infinity-BassLink-SM-2.html?tp=114

Ideally, you'd want the head unit to have bass management, a.k.a. a High Pass Filter, which the Honda OEM head unit does not afaik, but tearing that out to put in an aftermarket HU would likely be a giant PITA unless you have high level tech skills, or are willing to pay for an installer that does.

 

[RCarlL]

Honda has always put cheap audio systems in Accords unless you opt for the higher trim levels- and sometimes even the Touring trims come with 'meh' systems. The Bose system that Honda started putting in 2023+ Tourings is better, but the rest of the trims carry on with lackluster audio systems. They are fine for most people, but if you're someone who likes to listen to music at anything other than a low volume, you probably aren't going to be happy.

Sadly, while the Hybrid Sport model has an MSRP of $34,000, it still uses a lackluster 180w audio system with eight speakers. It's not as rough as the 160w four speaker system in the base LX, but it's not much better either.

Your best bet is to go to a car audio shop in your area that has a good reputation. Explain to them your budget and goals- and they could probably give you a few options. If you are someone that is comfortable changing out the components yourself, you could visit Crutchfield's website and see what is compatible. They offer a quite a lot of options.

 

[WMGwizard]

Honda has always put cheap audio systems in Accords unless you opt for the higher trim levels- and sometimes even the Touring trims come with 'meh' systems. The Bose system that Honda started putting in 2023+ Tourings is better, but the rest of the trims carry on with lackluster audio systems. They are fine for most people, but if you're someone who likes to listen to music at anything other than a low volume, you probably aren't going to be happy.

Sadly, while the Hybrid Sport model has an MSRP of $34,000, it still uses a lackluster 180w audio system with eight speakers. It's not as rough as the 160w four speaker system in the base LX, but it's not much better either.

Your best bet is to go to a car audio shop in your area that has a good reputation. Explain to them your budget and goals- and they could probably give you a few options. If you are someone that is comfortable changing out the components yourself, you could visit Crutchfield's website and see what is compatible. They offer a quite a lot of options.

I second the Critchfield suggestion, no association / affiliation beyond being a repeat customer for over 25 years.

I have a '24 Touring and the Bose system is better than the base system, its still rather unimpressive.

From what I have read researching upgrading my system, the front and rear door speakers are fairly easy to access, YouTube has lots of videos.....

 

[joebxr]

I have a '24 Touring and the Bose system is better than the base system, its still rather unimpressive.

Agree. I find it very disappointing. I added powered sub for fill, but still inadequate.

 

[Slagmi]

I'd recommend efficient speakers plus inexpensive sound dampening materials in the door. Only cheap way to equalize is via Bluetooth audio. Equalization will be necessary IME. Other options will be quite a bit more $$. Not sure of the newest head unit has any aux out ports but I am sure there's not much space back there.