Lexicon Sound System Review 2012 V8 Genesis

[scottdk]

Has anyone heard a slight rattle emanating from the rear deck. I put on some Lil Wayne and it got really bad with certain frequencies. With my less extremely bass heavy music, the rattle was no where as bad but it could still be heard. Putting in some dampener would certainly do the trick but does anyone know exactly what the vibration is coming from?

It's the rear sunshade.......not sure how to fix, but it doesn't rattle all the time for me unless I'm really jamin' out. I'm running a 12 Kicker fyi...

 

[RSPEC429]

Yeah, at more moderate levels, the rattle is barely audible if non-existent. I generally do not listen to music such as lil wayne' 6 foot 7 foot song so I guess it's not a problem.

 

[mtrot]

I bought my 2012 Genesis just over one month ago and feel it's time to do a review of the Lexicon sound system. Let me start off by saying I play mostly dvd-audio discs as I have little interest in XM radio, FM radio, mp3's or cd's. Dvd-Audio will get you the best sound out of this system due to it's higher bitrate and surround capabilities. I currently have more than 300 surround discs in my collection along with software which allows me to make mixed dvd-audio discs with multiple artists. Playing anything but dvd-audio is like going to a gourmet steakhouse and ordering a grilled cheese sandwich.

The Bad (most are just minor annoyances):

1. The infamous "surround" setting problem: This has been documented here before so I won't go into it too much. It's a pain to have to enable the surround setting each morning. I find with dvd-audio discs, which are already in surround, the setting doesn't do anything whether enabled or disabled. With other sources this setting definitely is an improvement so it's an annoyance to have to reset it. And by improvement I don't mean to imply it's perfect. The faux surround for stereo sources which I have on my pc with a Creative soundcard make this stereo-surround attempt seem mediocre.
2. Random Play feature: When I select this on my dvd-audio discs it takes you to a random track and begins playback from there. Not truly a random play as it will play track#8, 9, 10 etc. To me random would be to play track #8 followed by 3, 10, 7 etc...you know, random.
3. Track names: Within the dvd-audio specs is the ability to display track names. With the Genesis this isn't enabled so the tracks only show as Track #1, Track #2 etc. Not good if you want to look for a certain song title.
4. Sound: With XM it can sound a bit tinny at times due to the low bitrate. The bass on the sound system is a little lacking to begin with. I also wish the center channel was a little better than it is, as some of my surround mixes which have the vocals tied to the center channel often have the vocals get lost in the mix. I find that I pump up the bass settings and move the surround to the back 3 notches. I wish there were more controls such as bumping up the center a bit.
5. Storage: This isn't a criticism of the Lexicon system but rather the lack of storage space in the center console for my dvd-audio discs. They simply won't fit because of the larger cases they come in. This means inserting the discs into paper sleeves to place in the center console or putting them in the glove box.
6. Playback: With my dvd-audio discs sometimes they get a "disc error" message. This doesn't happen often and usually ejecting the disc and re-inserting solves the problem. Also with dual layer discs I've made the player has trouble at the layer break on the disc. This happens with all my dual layer discs. It will either skip 1-2 songs entirely at the layer break, or with one it ends up playing two songs at once and then skips the next two songs! Hmmm, very annoying!

The Good

1. DVD-Audio: It's always been a dream of mine to have a car which played my surround sound discs. DVD-Audio is lossless and really shines on the Lexicon system. If you're not enjoying DVD-Audio then you're missing out on the best this system can sound. I've made several demo dvd-audio discs with a mix of artists, a "best-of" surround if you will. It's not only important that you play the best sounding format for the Genesis but also choose titles which were mixed well by the engineers in the studio. For a start you can look at this list of surround titles: Hi-Rez Poll
2. Sound: I know I also listed this in the "bad" section, but my complaints with the sound only were several minor annoyances. Overall the Lexicon is an great surround system for a car. The 17 speakers do an excellent job of reproducing the surround mix found on my dvd-audio discs. I've sat in all the seating positions, and no matter where I sit I'm impressed. I look forward to every time I enter the car, and long for a road trip.
3. Controls: The large control knob is easy to use and find. The controls on the steering wheel work well.

Overall I'm really enjoying my new 2012 Genesis. I've been converting over all my DVD-Audio discs to individual tracks so I can mix and match songs making my own new discs. Bluray and SACD can also be converted over to DVD-Audio which brings even more surround music to the Genesis. I think the Lexicon system has a few minor flaws such as the surround setting not staying enabled, but with the right source (dvd-audio) it blows me away at times. Also I think Hyundai needs to have a better dvd player as the disc error and layer break problems shouldn't be happening and are definitely flaws.

Custom DVD-Audio I made:

My New Genesis:

OK, first, thanks for this great thread and all the info. I have no doubt the 17 speaker Lexicon system is a great one, but as I am about to pull the trigger on a 2012 4.6 tomorrow and I have a number of DVD-Audio titles(both 96/24 and 192/24), can anybody tell me for sure that the 17 speaker system does indeed play DVD-Audio at FULL resolution? The reason I ask is that the logo I see printed on the radio fascia is "DVD-Video", not "DVD-Video/Audio". I have seen vehicles such as the Chrysler Pacifica and Buick Lacrosse which clearly have the DVD-Audio/Video logo printed on the radio face.

How are we sure that the Lexicon system is not down-rezzing the DVD-Audios to 48kHz/16 bit resolution(CD quality)? Thanks much in advance for any info!

 

[thebells]

Hey OP,

Are you interested in selling me a copy of your DVD? I'd love to hear what the Lexicon system can really do before I decide to spend the time and money to learn how to make my own discs.

Can you help a brother (Genny owners) out?

 

[Ruissimo]

Hey OP,

Are you interested in selling me a copy of your DVD? I'd love to hear what the Lexicon system can really do before I decide to spend the time and money to learn how to make my own discs.

Can you help a brother (Genny owners) out?

+1

 

[Gunkk]

How are we sure that the Lexicon system is not down-rezzing the DVD-Audios to 48kHz/16 bit resolution(CD quality)?

Sure? No. I don't think anyone's done a tear down of the head unit to see what D/A chip is inside. But mine sounds better with DVD-Audio vs. CD (call it audiophile's-ear ... akin to butt-dyno). Can't really tell if that's just the quality of the mix or actual bit-depth of the D/A. Mix matters, since any particular DVDA disc may be encoded in CD-quality bit rate/depth. See: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DVD-Audio. MP3 vs. CD I can discern easily. The Amp and speaker quality of the Lexicon is the best I've ever heard in a car, and maybe some of the best sound I've ever heard period. The difference 5.1 vs. 2.0 is obvious. But I'm not really sure if I could be able to discern CD vs. the higher bit-rate/depth DVD-Audio in a blind A/B test in a 2.0 vs 2.0 config while driving down the highway with all the environmental noise.

Bells and Rui:
I bought one of these off Ebay for <$30: http://www.ebay.com/itm/2009-2013-A...Parts_Accessories&vxp=mtr&hash=item35c594baaf

If you haven't played a high-quality 5.1 DVD-Audio in your Lexicon 17, you're missing one of the really special features of the Genesis.

With good source material the Lexicon really shines. Certainly worth the price of DVD-Audio discs. See also this thread for discussions on DVD-Audio music on the Lexicon: http://www.genesisowners.com/hyundai-genesis-forum/showthread.php?t=1300

 

[Ruissimo]

Thanks Gunkk... I've had that item in my Ebay cart on more than one occasion, but I never "check out". LOL

I have actual DVD-Audio discs (not DVD) in my Lex, and they play perfectly. It is BY FAR a better sound quality than anything I have on CD on the same system. It's even better than the Genesis (the band) DVD (not DVD-A) I bought last year. So... without knowing all the nerd specs, I'd say yes, it is a true DVD-A player.

Was listening to Porcupine Tree in the car on my way to work this morning. GLORIOUS.

Found this on one of their brochures:

Lexicon: In the Beginning

With its introduction of the world’s fi rst digital processor in 1971, the Lexicon® brand became the reference

standard for digital audio and, ever since, has been at the forefront of digital audio technology. Today, Lexicon processing is heard on more than 80 percent of all recordings – broadcast, fi lm soundtracks, and music alike.

In the professional-studio or custom-home-theater market, Lexicon sound is the acknowledged measure of excellence. And the brand’s success is demonstrated by the company it keeps.

Many experienced audio professionals use Lexicon equipment, and the same world-class technology found in that equipment is incorporated into award-winning Lexicon home theater products. No other brand provides the technology that enables the consumer to experience audio as the artist originally intended.

Even if they don’t realize it, people experience Lexicon technology every day: when they’re watching the latest blockbuster at the cinema or the hottest new DVD release on their home theater, or when they’re enjoying music through a Logic7® car audio system.

Lexicon audio products are the standard by which all others are measured; the brand’s home theater processors and amplifiers are regarded as the best in the industry. Lexicon involvement in both audio production and playback is unique in the industry and, because Lexicon processing is used at the point at which the audio is created, playback on a Lexicon system is more true-to-life than on any other. Award-winning Lexicon products are used every day in professional production environments around the world. Whether fi lm, music, live sound, broadcast or multimedia, audio professionals rely on Lexicon products to provide the sound quality their customers demand.

In the home theater market, Lexicon systems are the reference against which other high-end systems are measured. Support for all popular surround formats, including proprietary Lexicon Logic7® processing, ensures an experience for the home listener that is true not only to theater-quality sound, but to the vision originally intended by the artist and producer.

THE PIONEER OF DIGITAL AUDIO

Lexicon: The Definition of Digital Audio

As universally embraced as Lexicon processors are in the professional music industry, Lexicon engineers haven’t stopped exploring ways (despite the complexity involved) of re-creating and simulating true-tolife acoustics. The acoustic experts from our professional and automotive groups have united to create Lexicon-certified systems for automotive applications. Their goal: to create a new standard in acoustic realism, with unprecedented tonal accuracy within an automotive environment – regardless of the audio format being played.

Lexicon professional audio systems offer an unprecedented level of realism, with a patented processing technology that extracts and re-creates from a recording all the subtle details and the full musical balance included by the recording engineer in the original master. One can clearly place – within the recorded or broadcast music – the musical instruments, vocal harmonies and sound effects that reside at different depths, as well their movement across the listening space.

Lexicon products are known worldwide for their unsurpassed audio clarity and manufacturing quality; a network of international distributors brings Lexicon audio products into more than 70 countries around the world. In both the professional and consumer markets, customers respect and admire the quality of Lexicon products.

Lexicon customers are discerning professionals who demand the highest quality in the products they use, and are capable of perceiving and appreciating superlative-quality products driven by technology.

Like its customers, industry publications have showered Lexicon products with praise. No other company can boast such a high-level collection of audio-industry awards.

It’s All in the Performance

When Hyundai® set out to create its new fl agship Genesis® sport sedan, it knew it needed to collaborate with partners having the vision and expertise to produce outstanding products of the highest quality. Putting this premise into practice, Hyundai looked to the Lexicon brand, the world leader in digital audio processing, to craft a state-of-the-art discrete 7.1 surround sound system that would deliver the ultimate listening experience for Genesis drivers and passengers, further enhancing the car’s luxury and performance.

The Lexicon culture of encouraging thinking beyond traditional boundaries and of overcoming complex challenges has resulted in the production – and reproduction – of incredibly true-to-life sound for nearly 40 years. Driven by technical expertise, passionate craftsmanship and unwavering attention to detail, Lexicon engineers have developed products that are capable of preserving recorded performances – from any media source – with the highest fidelity and integrity, providing amazingly accurate reproduction on demand.

The Lexicon brand is proud to be partnered with Hyundai in offering the Lexicon Discrete-Surround Audio System, and is confident that Genesis owners will enjoy the most enveloping, precise and satisfying audio experience available in the automotive market.

Sonically Superior

The Lexicon Discrete-Surround Audio System is designed to delight the senses.

Designed specifi cally for the unique characteristics of the Hyundai Genesis interior, the Lexicon Discrete-Surround Audio System produces an extraordinary acoustic experience that envelops listeners with outstanding harmonic richness and stirring bass. Thousands of hours of meticulous “voicing” have resulted in a system that is fi nely tuned to the Genesis cabin, with a fully balanced and timbre-matched sound fi eld that is projected with
superior dynamic range and uncompromising auditory integrity, delivering the subtle details that preserve an unbroken chain between artist and listener.

Proprietary Lexicon Digital Signal Processing (DSP) provides unique system equalization and full bandwidth over all audio channels for an involving listening experience. Logic7® processing algorithms optimize the harmonic “sweet spot” for each seating position. And since Lexicon DSP is used to create most audio recordings, playback on a Lexicon system is incredibly true-to-life, down to the smallest detail. Hyundai Genesis joins an elite group
of models offering a Lexicon-branded audio system featuring Logic7® technology, and promises to exceed the expectations of discerning audiophiles everywhere.

The Science of Sound, The Passion of Art

Lexicon Discrete-Surround Audio System for the 2009 Hyundai Genesis

11-Channel DSP amplifi er with 528 watts of total system power

· Logic7® technology creates an extremely satisfying soundstage in all seating positions​

17 transducers (speakers) in a 7.1 surround sound architecture

· Two three-way transducer systems provide the best possible timbre-balanced sound fi eld, with superior clarity for all listeners
· Five two-way transducer systems yield the same sonic signatures across all channels
· All mid- and high-frequency transducers use metal-cone technology to provide lower distortion levels with higher resolution and greater sound pressure for more natural dynamics
· Extended frequency response results in outstanding harmonic richness and sublime musicality
· Dedicated eight-inch dual-voice-coil low-impedance subwoofer provides
resounding, high-quality bass and low-frequency effects​

Get inside the all-new 2009 Hyundai Genesis. Hear and feel every nuance of a performance in the most trueto-life and natural way possible – exactly as the artist intended. The Lexicon Discrete-Surround Audio System is truly a new beginning in automotive sound, and must be experienced fi rsthand to be fully appreciated. For more information on the 2009 Hyundai Genesis/Lexicon audio system, visit www.HyundaiLexicon.com.

Again, not really any nerd spec there either.

 

[mtrot]

OK, just picked up my new 2012 Genesis 4.6 yesterday and here are my observations so far on the audio system. First, I have not yet played any of my DVD-Audio discs or any CDs, so these observations are strictly about AM/FM radio.

I am very underwhelmed with the sound quality on both AM and FM. On AM, even strong, local stations are producing this distorted, "garbled" effect. If you happen to remember the DBX noise reduction technology used in VHS Hi-Fi tapes, you may be aware of "pumping" distortion. What I am hearing on the AM radio is not exactly the same, but it is a very short time interval distortion.

On FM, the sound quality is just not that good. My wife has a 2004 Buick Rainier CXL with the navigation Bose system, and it is amazing on FM and XM radio. Heck, even the 2000 Buick Century with "Concert Sound III" that I traded in on the Genesis sounds better.

With the Genesis, on FM there seems to be very little stereo separation to the music. Most of the sound I hear seems to emanate from the big speaker in the middle of the front dash area. Also the high frequencies seem a bit edgy(I have the treble and mid frequency control sliders set the the middle, default setting, and I turned the bass down a few notches because of boominess). I do not hear a lot of definition of the various instruments in the recording, and the sound overall is just not very dynamic.

As to my audio analysis credentials, I am an experienced audiophile of several decades, and own high power amps and good speakers, and I have collections of SACDs and DVD-Audio discs. All I'm saying is that I know what I am listening for when evaluating a system.

My main concern at this point is what is wrong with the AM reception. Not that I listen to anything other than speaking voices on AM; I just want it to work right.

Most of my listening will be XM, CDs, and DVD-Audio, so as soon as I get my XM service switched over and play with some DVD-Audio discs, I'll get a handle on how happy I am with the system.

 

[JasTheAce]

OK, just picked up my new 2012 Genesis 4.6 yesterday and here are my observations so far on the audio system. First, I have not yet played any of my DVD-Audio discs or any CDs, so these observations are strictly about AM/FM radio.

I am very underwhelmed with the sound quality on both AM and FM. On AM, even strong, local stations are producing this distorted, "garbled" effect. If you happen to remember the DBX noise reduction technology used in VHS Hi-Fi tapes, you may be aware of "pumping" distortion. What I am hearing on the AM radio is not exactly the same, but it is a very short time interval distortion.

On FM, the sound quality is just not that good. My wife has a 2004 Buick Rainier CXL with the navigation Bose system, and it is amazing on FM and XM radio. Heck, even the 2000 Buick Century with "Concert Sound III" that I traded in on the Genesis sounds better.

With the Genesis, on FM there seems to be very little stereo separation to the music. Most of the sound I hear seems to emanate from the big speaker in the middle of the front dash area. Also the high frequencies seem a bit edgy(I have the treble and mid frequency control sliders set the the middle, default setting, and I turned the bass down a few notches because of boominess). I do not hear a lot of definition of the various instruments in the recording, and the sound overall is just not very dynamic.

As to my audio analysis credentials, I am an experienced audiophile of several decades, and own high power amps and good speakers, and I have collections of SACDs and DVD-Audio discs. All I'm saying is that I know what I am listening for when evaluating a system.

My main concern at this point is what is wrong with the AM reception. Not that I listen to anything other than speaking voices on AM; I just want it to work right.

Most of my listening will be XM, CDs, and DVD-Audio, so as soon as I get my XM service switched over and play with some DVD-Audio discs, I'll get a handle on how happy I am with the system.

try turning on HD radio. it makes a large difference

 

[mtrot]

try turning on HD radio. it makes a large difference

Thanks, but I meant to add that I did try HD Radio, and it did sound different, but I'm not so sure it's better. Based on limited experience so far, it seems mainly to ramp up the high frequencies, maybe too much. But I'll do some more listening before forming any firm opinion.

My guess is part of the problem is that, with the advent of satellite radio and portable digital players like iPod, car manufacturers are no longer as concerned about the quality of the FM tuners in cars these days.

______________________________

Help support this site so it can continue supporting you!

 

[Crusty Old Shellback]

Did you check your settings to ensure that surround sound was selected? There are problems with it unselecting surround sound everytime you turn the car off. Just something extra to check.

There is a TSB out with a new software load that fixes the problem. There's athread or two on teh site about it. Makes a big difference in the sound quality you are speaking of.

EDIT: Here's the thread and the page with the TSB info.

http://www.genesisowners.com/hyundai-genesis-forum/showthread.php?t=9024&page=5

 

[BacktoHyundaibychoice]

Thanks, but I meant to add that I did try HD Radio, and it did sound different, but I'm not so sure it's better. Based on limited experience so far, it seems mainly to ramp up the high frequencies, maybe too much. But I'll do some more listening before forming any firm opinion.

My guess is part of the problem is that, with the advent of satellite radio and portable digital players like iPod, car manufacturers are no longer as concerned about the quality of the FM tuners in cars these days.

What I don't get is you introduced yourself as an audiophile concerned about whether the Lex played "true" DVD-A, yet you didn't bring one with you for the ride home? And instead of critiquing those capabilities you report back on AM/FM?

 

[mtrot]

What I don't get is you introduced yourself as an audiophile concerned about whether the Lex played "true" DVD-A, yet you didn't bring one with you for the ride home? And instead of critiquing those capabilities you report back on AM/FM?

Actually, I did bring a DVD-Audio with me, but I was familiarizing myself with other aspects of the car on the ride home. Is that not allowed? I'll get around to the DVD-Audio in due time. Also, a car with a $45,000 sticker should work superbly on AM, FM, and XM.

 

[BacktoHyundaibychoice]

Actually, I did bring a DVD-Audio with me, but I was familiarizing myself with other aspects of the car on the ride home. Is that not allowed? I'll get around to the DVD-Audio in due time. Also, a car with a $45,000 sticker should work superbly on AM, FM, and XM.

Ah. Makes sense that you familiarized yourself with AM/FM/XM instead of your original "concern". All of which could have been made known on a test drive or two. You did that, right? Test the things that were important to you on a $45K car?
Whatever.

 

[mtrot]

Ah. Makes sense that you familiarized yourself with AM/FM/XM instead of your original "concern". All of which could have been made known on a test drive or two. You did that, right? Test the things that were important to you on a $45K car?
Whatever.

It wasn't like I wasn't going to buy the car even if it did down-rez DVD-Audio. I was just curious if anyone knew what resolution the system played back DVD-Audio tracks. And the AM still shouldn't be garbled on a strong station. Chill, man.

 

[WowCool]

In every vehicle I have owned/driven the overwhelming "NEW" feeling covers our sense of what we expect & want.. With all the electronics & multi choice audio systems a second familiarization is called for.. I spent an hour with the salesman after the original test drive just to understand, test, tryout some if not all of the electronics..These vehicles are works of art, they are not your 1950's F150.. After spending a little time setting up the audio I can say I'm more than happy.....Nothing manufactured is perfect to every person or ear..
At $40-50K you are buying into a segment where compromise should have been
engineered out.. If you have to make too many compromises It's Not The Vehicle For You.......Even my bro's top of the line Maserati ask him for compromise..

 

[mikec]

mtrot: the Tech package is composed of several separate modules communicating over a digital data bus. The AM/FM and XM receivers are contained in the digital amplifier located on the right side of the trunk. The Am/FM antennas are in edges of the rear window grid; eyeball that closely for damage. Using a strong cleaning chemical or scrubbing will damage the grid. The early model amp assembly was a known problem too; there has since been a software TSB for it and evidently a change to the amp design as well. The problems though were generally failure to produce any audio at all instead of garbled AM/FM reception. Some folks noted AM/FM reception deteriorated when the rear window defroster was used as well. And more than one person has found speaker wiring/connectors not plugged in by the factory.

My 2009 Tech AM/FM works remarkably well. It picks up far more stations than my other car radios and my home stereo - and the sound quality is very good. HD mode ("Hybrid Digital") makes AM sound almost like FM, and makes FM approach CD quality though HD mode drops in/out on weaker signals.

mike c.

 

[Gunkk]

Just my $0.02

re: AM reception
Shouldn't be garbled. Mine's clear as a bell with a farily weak signal ~50 miles away - and even then I only have issues when driving under high voltage power lines.

Try AM on another car in the lot at the dealer... you might have a bad radio or antenna issue as the above poster states. Another possibility is aftermarket electronics: my $13 OBDII bluetooth dongle screws up AM pretty bad due to lack of shielding (understandable for that price).

re: HD FM
As we know standard FM is limited in frequency response range, and HD dramatically expands that both on the highs and lows. So yes you will hear the HD as the absent frequencies kick in. On some stations this comes across a bit harsh, but on others it's marvelous. I really think this depends on the mix levels that the FM stations are sending out (our local pop stations are horrible, but the NPR jazz station is brilliant).

 

[mtrot]

mtrot: the Tech package is composed of several separate modules communicating over a digital data bus. The AM/FM and XM receivers are contained in the digital amplifier located on the right side of the trunk. The Am/FM antennas are in edges of the rear window grid; eyeball that closely for damage. Using a strong cleaning chemical or scrubbing will damage the grid. The early model amp assembly was a known problem too; there has since been a software TSB for it and evidently a change to the amp design as well. The problems though were generally failure to produce any audio at all instead of garbled AM/FM reception. Some folks noted AM/FM reception deteriorated when the rear window defroster was used as well. And more than one person has found speaker wiring/connectors not plugged in by the factory.

My 2009 Tech AM/FM works remarkably well. It picks up far more stations than my other car radios and my home stereo - and the sound quality is very good. HD mode ("Hybrid Digital") makes AM sound almost like FM, and makes FM approach CD quality though HD mode drops in/out on weaker signals.

mike c.

Hey thanks for the great info! Yesterday I noticed while listening to AM radio that I could hear the ignition noise of the engine coming over the radio as the rpms picked up when I was accelerating. Kind of a high pitched whine that varied with the rpms. I will inspect those antenna grids as you suggested.

Interestingly, the AM station that is garbled/distorted is a local station at 600 on the band, but if I tune to a Dallas station at 820(WBAP), even though it is 100 miles away, it is not distorted, although there is plenty of "static" due to the distance.

Regarding HD Radio, it picked up lots of FM HD stations, but I have yet to see a AM HD station. Actually, there may not be any such stations here in East Texas!

 

[veed]

http://hdamradio.com/?page_id=16