High-end Lexicon Sound System - Anemic Bass?

[dataguy]

No doubt, MP3 and DVD-Audio are much better, but it's still disappointing compared to how good the mids and highs are on the system. Aside from a bunch of little gripes about how some of the features are executed, the bass is the weakest link in the Lexicon, IMO.

 

[JPW]

No doubt, MP3 and DVD-Audio are much better, but it's still disappointing compared to how good the mids and highs are on the system. Aside from a bunch of little gripes about how some of the features are executed, the bass is the weakest link in the Lexicon, IMO.

This was my experience as well and why I started this post. I'm not a bass fanatic at all. I search for accuracy. In my Honda Accord the Bass is on -3. In the Genesis with the Tech Package, even at +10 the Bass sounded way too low in my estimation. Ultimately, all these different experiences by people have me a little confused and concerned. Once I'm ready to buy a 2010 I'll add this to my list of things to check on.

 

[proffunk]

Good Point.

From what I've read about Lexicon, the system itself places primary emphasis on sound quality, and giving you a sound experience similar to a cinema, or theatrical experience. If you were to listen to any live music that’s played which uses a lot of BASS instruments, I would argue that the live sounding music would have a more “anemic” sounding BASS, that having that same music pump from the majority of systems that Pump 500+ watts, leading to this point….

I haven't heard the BASS on a Honda, but most systems that crank 500+ watts place too much emphasis on the BASS, giving the "Speaker Shake" kind of sound-distortion, which in my opinion ruins the sound quality, and blocks background instruments and supporting music. So you’ll get your BASS, but it’s at a cost.

I've pumped REGGAETON, and Dirty SOUTH HIP/HOP -music genres that place heavy emphasis on BASS. I'm still able to hear the BASS quite LOUD and rich in sound, in addition to being able to hear/appreciate the subtleties of the background instruments and beats. Try playing music that place emphasis on the BASS instrument itself- anything by the Red Hot Chili Peppers and compare the results (use a CD).

My opinion is that the Lexicon system is probably the most balanced system I've heard. If you're into BASS pounding….It’s probably going to be at the expense of the supporting music and instruments, giving the illusion of better base quality, but boarding on distortion, which the Lexicon system wasn’t designed to do.

Just my two cents, based on the sound system’s I’ve heard…. I’m for overall quality… and that’s why I like the Lexicon system, just the way it is

 

[Yama1yzf]

This was my experience as well and why I started this post. I'm not a bass fanatic at all. I search for accuracy. In my Honda Accord the Bass is on -3. In the Genesis with the Tech Package, even at +10 the Bass sounded way too low in my estimation. Ultimately, all these different experiences by people have me a little confused and concerned. Once I'm ready to buy a 2010 I'll add this to my list of things to check on.

I had a 2003 Accord EX and if the Bass sounds worse on the lexicon then settings were clearly off or there was something else wrong. This Stereo rocks when properly adjusted. My only gripe is the volume control gremlin which is a pain to live with and will be checked when I take it in for service.

I know others are having the same issue so if anyone comes upon a fix when they take their car in please share.

 

[Sal Collaziano]

Does this discussion need to be in the "Hyundai Genesis Issues Requiring Dealer Attention" forum?

 

[DesertGen]

Good Point.

From what I've read about Lexicon, the system itself places primary emphasis on sound quality, and giving you a sound experience similar to a cinema, or theatrical experience. If you were to listen to any live music that’s played which uses a lot of BASS instruments, I would argue that the live sounding music would have a more “anemic” sounding BASS, that having that same music pump from the majority of systems that Pump 500+ watts, leading to this point….

I haven't heard the BASS on a Honda, but most systems that crank 500+ watts place too much emphasis on the BASS, giving the "Speaker Shake" kind of sound-distortion, which in my opinion ruins the sound quality, and blocks background instruments and supporting music. So you’ll get your BASS, but it’s at a cost.

I've pumped REGGAETON, and Dirty SOUTH HIP/HOP -music genres that place heavy emphasis on BASS. I'm still able to hear the BASS quite LOUD and rich in sound, in addition to being able to hear/appreciate the subtleties of the background instruments and beats. Try playing music that place emphasis on the BASS instrument itself- anything by the Red Hot Chili Peppers and compare the results (use a CD).

My opinion is that the Lexicon system is probably the most balanced system I've heard. If you're into BASS pounding….It’s probably going to be at the expense of the supporting music and instruments, giving the illusion of better base quality, but boarding on distortion, which the Lexicon system wasn’t designed to do.

Just my two cents, based on the sound system’s I’ve heard…. I’m for overall quality… and that’s why I like the Lexicon system, just the way it is

I'm in complete agreement with you on this. I love the sound of the system and when I play heavy bass cuts there is no shortage of bass sound. Try "Talking Heads - Burning Down The House" the 5.1 surround version. Perfect sound balance imho...

 

[proffunk]

I'm in complete agreement with you on this. I love the sound of the system and when I play heavy bass cuts there is no shortage of bass sound. Try "Talking Heads - Burning Down The House" the 5.1 surround version. Perfect sound balance imho...

Will Do! I still have to get out and grab a good quality DVD music CD and give that a try as well

 

[mlitefan]

I'm completely lost with this thread. I have the Tech package, don't have a problem with lost EQ settings, but my bass is practically non-existent, even with bass at +10. There's definitely a difference between 0 and +10, but it's barely thumping.

I would have the dealer check your system. I just purchased the V8 tech package and my GOD...the base is incredible. May not be your cup of tea as music goes but throw in Black eyed Peas "Boom Boom Pow". I have never heard (felt) anything like that in my life. The different bass frequencies can be felt in different parts of the chest. It's unbelievable.

 

[Yama1yzf]

Does this discussion need to be in the "Hyundai Genesis Issues Requiring Dealer Attention" forum?

Not sure but it is definitely and issue affecting more than 1 Genesis. Dan's dealer already blew him off and said the system was designed to operate that way (right!). I haven't been in specifically for this yet and will do so at my next oil change. Will share anything I find out.

 

[proffunk]

Hey All

Have a look at this article
http://www.hemagazine.com/Lexicon_Hyundai_Genesis_Audio_System

I was trying to find the right words to describe the "fake base" sound that you normally hear in car audio systems, where it sounds as if the base specifically has been amplified.

"In the Genesis, Lexicon was able to achieve a full, rich sound, without the boominess that is so typical of car audio......"

Read more: http://www.hemagazine.com/Lexicon_Hyundai_Genesis_Audio_System#ixzz0M6uBqMPi


From hearing other high end systems... I'm glad this article speaks to this point!!

I would advise not to put this in a thread requiring dealership attention, unless there is something else specific with the audio system.

Cheers!

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[tjc78]

On an earlier post I said that my 14 Speaker Lexicon did not have the problem of re-settting tone/eq controls. I was wrong. I have been listening to alot of talk radio on XM and didn't notice it. Today on the way home from the office, I had a CD on and it sounded a bit "off" to my ears. Lo and behold, I backed the bass down one notch and then up one and all was better. There is no way that it could be designed this way, so hopefully they will issue a TSB to fix this little annoyance.

 

[dataguy]

Perhaps it's a matter of personal preference, but I think I can distinguish the difference between amplified, blown out bass and rich bass. I also understand that without a huge sub, you're not going to be physically moved, nor is there going to be a breeze from the air pressure.

My issue is that rather than nuanced bass with the Lexicon, there's something missing, almost as if someone had chopped off the low frequencies. My brain says "there should be bass here, but there's not. Even with the volume turned up and the bass to +10, I barely get any depth. Certainly not anywhere close to that of my home theater system at low volume with the same source material.

And let's not even talk about movie soundtracks. There's clearly directionality, and if you'd like, plenty of cinema-like loudness. But not the LFE.

So it could be that my expectations are too high. It could be that there's something wrong with my system. But if the bass is balanced and what it should be, I'll probably just have to say that I don't like the ideal.

 

[wallymn]

based on the bass from my 4.6 with tech I think either the sub or the amp is a problem in your system.

 

[JPW]

I wish I could gain some objective data to help here. I'm taking a few days off work the latter part of next week to specifically spend some time with my Father who will be in town as well as go look at new cars. The Genesis will be one of them. If the dealer will let me I'll bring a Radio Shack SPL Meter and a Stereophile Test CD which has a frequency sweep on it. I'll leave the stereo controls all at default and see what the measurements are.

 

[Yama1yzf]

Hey All

Have a look at this article
http://www.hemagazine.com/Lexicon_Hyundai_Genesis_Audio_System

I was trying to find the right words to describe the "fake base" sound that you normally hear in car audio systems, where it sounds as if the base specifically has been amplified.

"In the Genesis, Lexicon was able to achieve a full, rich sound, without the boominess that is so typical of car audio......"

Read more: http://www.hemagazine.com/Lexicon_Hyundai_Genesis_Audio_System#ixzz0M6uBqMPi


From hearing other high end systems... I'm glad this article speaks to this point!!

I would advise not to put this in a thread requiring dealership attention, unless there is something else specific with the audio system.

Cheers!

You may be missing the point....the bass is GREAT when you set it properly. The problem is the EQ settings get lost (at least on the manual EQ settings) every time you touch the volume control after putting the radio on for the first time after you start the car. It is clearly a design foobar that needs dealer attention unless someone can tell us all that we are not setting the EQ settings correctly. And I tried everything. BTW look at the post after yours as well.

 

[dataguy]

You may be missing the point....the bass is GREAT when you set it properly. The problem is the EQ settings get lost (at least on the manual EQ settings) every time you touch the volume control after putting the radio on for the first time after you start the car. It is clearly a design foobar that needs dealer attention unless someone can tell us all that we are not setting the EQ settings correctly. And I tried everything. BTW look at the post after yours as well.

Well, I think it's a little confusing because there are a couple of issues (lack of bass overall and settings being lost), as well as different systems depending on the option package.

 

[proffunk]

I played with my system, with the preset & manual EQ settings. Mine do not reset. I read some of the other posts, and to be honest, I was confused by what was goin on.

I felt if there was something relevant to the BASS issue, I would comment on that, in regards to my usage of the stereo.

 

[DesertGen]

I also have not experienced any issues with the sound resetting. It stays where I put it.

 

[dataguy]

From what I can glean from the thread, the 'settings not staying the same' are with the 14-speaker system, not the 17-speaker.

 

[Yama1yzf]

Well, I think it's a little confusing because there are a couple of issues (lack of bass overall and settings being lost), as well as different systems depending on the option package.

You are correct....but it seems that the lack of bass issue is less prevelent than lost EQ settings. Now I have not tried setting my EQ settings to a pre-set mode (i.e rock, jazz, classical etc.) so maybe folks that have them set there do not experience lost settings but setting them manually (bass, midrange and treble) I lose them every time I touch the volume control after the car is started as others do. Hopefully there is a fix otherwise I have one more thing to do before I drive off everyday.