How good (or bad) is 1st Gen base stereo?

[Future Owner]

Opinions, please. Are there any upgrades (such as new speakers) which provide a substantial improvement w/o cutting/drilling, etc.?

 

[Mark_888]

The base stereo is OK, but if you like boom boxes you may not like it. It is pretty reliable compared to the Lexicon systems, which had a lot of problems that required new head units and/or new amps (fortunately most replaced under warranty).

It is pretty difficult to upgrade OEM stereos these days, because they don't use standard size or shape components any more.

 

[Ambush]

I would recommend going to a stereo shop and not a big box store like Best Buy or something and allow a tech to consult you.
I have the Lexicon and as a mixer/dj/producer, I am a TAD impressed. I need more clarity and volume with the same NON-Distortion that it does give. That is just me. But yeah, just choose something that makes your ears feel warm.
At my friends shop where I work sometimes, he is the ONLY shop in the area to carry AD Design car audio. IT IS ABSOLUTELY amazing if you EQ everything right and install everything to spec. I am saving to replace all my Lexicon with them.

 

[PMCErnie]

Plenty of members here are driving base models of all model years. Most of them likely find the base audio system "good enough" for their basic needs. If you are buying a used first generation Genesis, why not just buy a Premium or Tech package model if you want more "punch?" In the end, you will have purchased a lot more overall satisfaction.

 

[OUsig]

I am very impressed with the 17 speaker Lexicon system - for stock it is great. My previous vehicle (Acura TL) had Focal components in each door and 2 JL audio 12in subs with over 1000 watts total. That was loud and clear!
Still you can ALWAYS upgrade a stock system. It is easy. Go to crutchfield.com and put in your vehicle and you will get any adapter, mounting bracket, instructions you need for free. I have used them for nearly 20 years and have had 100% satisfaction.
To Mark_888s point above, replacing the stock head unit can be difficult. In most cases it is unnecessary because most now will output the full range in audio so you simply need to tap into the leads.
It does help to start with a high quality stock unit (the Lexicon)

 

[Mark_888]

I am very impressed with the 17 speaker Lexicon system - for stock it is great. My previous vehicle (Acura TL) had Focal components in each door and 2 JL audio 12in subs with over 1000 watts total. That was loud and clear!
Still you can ALWAYS upgrade a stock system. It is easy. Go to crutchfield.com and put in your vehicle and you will get any adapter, mounting bracket, instructions you need for free. I have used them for nearly 20 years and have had 100% satisfaction.
To Mark_888s point above, replacing the stock head unit can be difficult. In most cases it is unnecessary because most now will output the full range in audio so you simply need to tap into the leads.
It does help to start with a high quality stock unit (the Lexicon)

Having been on this forum since 2009 and seen several people try and do an upgrade to the Lexicon system, it is very difficult. Unlike the old days, the Lexicon OEM system is not made up of a bunch of standard components, but is a highly integrated system where each part (head unit, amp, speakers) is custom designed to work specifically with each other, and an after-market system is very, very difficult to implement without replacing everything (unless one doesn't mind distorted sound).

The exception is the subwoofer, which can be replaced and augmented with a subwoofer amp and speaker without too much difficulty.

I understand what you have done for the past 20 years, but it's now 2017, we are not in Kansas anymore, and things are different than they used to be.

 

[Ambush]

yup . lexicon/jbl is sensitive to its amps and speaker. If you want to add something, like another amplifier it can only go in after the factory amp because the head unit depends on it. pretty simple if you map it out

 

[OUsig]

thanks Mark... Your last sentence is about as useless as they come. I suppose you feel intimidated as I have enjoyed car and home audio/video for quite a while and are trying to dismiss my initial reply? Since I have not had a V6 Sedan for 8 years.
As I have never lived in Kansas and I am 35 years old. Quite capable of keeping up with "modern" times.

I simply tried to add some substance to your initial comment that implied to the OP that they "cant do anything". The sub is easy to tap into the signal and add aftermarket sub/amp. Regarding the door speakers...it is a bit more effort but the system is not that complicated. Especially the base system. We have the head unit and the amplifier is in the trunk mounted on the side. Simply find that and you can tap into the signal and pull new speaker wires to new speakers in the doors if needed.

 

[Mark_888]

thanks Mark... Your last sentence is about as useless as they come. I suppose you feel intimidated as I have enjoyed car and home audio/video for quite a while and are trying to dismiss my initial reply? Since I have not had a V6 Sedan for 8 years.
As I have never lived in Kansas and I am 35 years old. Quite capable of keeping up with "modern" times.

I simply tried to add some substance to your initial comment that implied to the OP that they "cant do anything". The sub is easy to tap into the signal and add aftermarket sub/amp. Regarding the door speakers...it is a bit more effort but the system is not that complicated. Especially the base system. We have the head unit and the amplifier is in the trunk mounted on the side. Simply find that and you can tap into the signal and pull new speaker wires to new speakers in the doors if needed.

Frist, I clearly said that subwoofer can be replaced with a amp/sub combination (probably won't help much to just replace the subwoofer, but it can be done).

As far as you experience of with car and home audio/video, I am sure it is very impressive, but so is mine. I have also read all the posts on this forum since 2009 that discussed the subject, and read threads from those who tried to upgrade their Lexicon stock audio systems keeping their existing head units.

One thing you many not realize is that the speakers in all the Genesis audio systems are not standard sizes or standard impedances. The head units are frequency tuned to adjust for the specific impedances and frequency anomalies of the OEM speakers (based on the speakers themselves or the position of the speakers inside the car), so replacing the current speakers only will have a negative effect on a flat frequency response of the total system.

Other members of the forum who initially tried to replace the amp and speakers, but keep the head unit, ended up having a new head system to control the music (while leaving the existing one in place because it controls other things besides the audio). The new head system had to be controlled separately from a new remote control, etc, but not using the existing controls, including being able to control it from the steering wheel.

So one can replace the whole system (but keep the current head unit to control non-audio functions) but that usually results in less than satisfactory results for most people and ends up being quite expensive. I don't think the stock Lexicon systems are bad enough to try and replace them. But for those with a budget of over $10K, go ahead and make my day and replace the whole thing.

As far as you having never lived in Kansas, I wasn't actually suggesting you lived there, but guess you are not familiar with the Wizard of Oz, and the literary meaning that phrase now has.
http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=we're not in Kansas anymore

 

[brinathig]

I have a 2013 sedan with the base 7 speaker system. The sound was ok but nothing exciting. I spend alot of time listenig and decided i wanted better. My main goal was to maintain the factory look but improve the overall sound. Ive done all the work myself and its been a long labor of love. Ive learned a tremendous amout in the process and am still not complete. You can make your factory unit audiophile quality with a little work.

What I did

Phoenix Gold Ti seires Speakers and amp
6.5 midbase and 1" tweets in each front door
6.5 2-ways in the back door
12" 4 omn sub in sealed box in trunk

5 chanel Phoenix gold amp running all but tweets
2 chanel Kicker amp running the tweets

JL Audio fix 82 oem processor
JL Audio twk d8 dsp

All new Speaker wires


If i had to do it all over again I would have not replaced the speaker wires. A ton of work to fish thru door's

Im all doe except using the eq to tune, Ive been watching youtube and reading trying to learn to properly set the eq ad will be there soon.

If you have time, i highly sugest you do it your self, the results are amazing. You will learn a ton and have a bunch of fun. Im here to help if you have questions.

______________________________

Help support this site so it can continue supporting you!

 

[iSOBigD]

While we're on the topic, has anyone replaced a tweeter from the Lexicon system? My driver's door one bad buzzing and crackling so I've disconnected it for now but I've had a hard time finding a replacement online (dealer wants $370 for this 25mm tweeter) outside of those from cars that were totaled, so I don't trust it'll work well.

While paying close attention, I think I noticed the midwoofer in the same door also crackles a bit at times. To rule out the wiring, I'll connect my tweeter to another door and make sure it buzzes there too, but in the mean time, does anyone have any experience with replacements? Can I just buy another type/brand that fits there with similar specs?

 

[Mark_888]

While we're on the topic, has anyone replaced a tweeter from the Lexicon system? My driver's door one bad buzzing and crackling so I've disconnected it for now but I've had a hard time finding a replacement online (dealer wants $370 for this 25mm tweeter) outside of those from cars that were totaled, so I don't trust it'll work well.

While paying close attention, I think I noticed the midwoofer in the same door also crackles a bit at times. To rule out the wiring, I'll connect my tweeter to another door and make sure it buzzes there too, but in the mean time, does anyone have any experience with replacements? Can I just buy another type/brand that fits there with similar specs?

The entire Lexicon system is tuned in terms of power output and frequency response to adjust for the particular speakers they install in the car, and to adjust them for any deficiencies in the listening environment (a car is not an ideal listening room). Any after-market speakers you buy will almost certainly have a different impedance and efficiency, which will affect the sound output (hard to say how much).

So I would recommend you try and find one from a junked car. Some of the speakers on the 17-Speaker Lexicon (Tech Package) are the same as the 14-Speaker Lexicon, and some are different, so it would be best to use a car with a matching Lexicon system. But with some research at the sites below you can figure out which speakers are the same and which are different.

I assume you know that you can buy brand new Hyundai parts online, at 25-30% off MSRP.
https://www.hyundaioemparts.com/
https://hyundaipartsdepartment.com/
http://www.jimellishyundaiparts.com/

These sites are operated by Hyundai dealers.

 

[iSOBigD]

Thanks Mark. I guess I'll have to go with an OEM one since I can't really find an exact fit from other brands. I also wonder how these go bad. I've had cheaper speakers at home for much longer and I've never had one give me trouble, but in cars they tend to have problems.

 

[wchettel]

I have the 17-speaker Lexicon system in my 2013 R-Spec and I LOVE it! It has only a single disc DVD player but that's OK with me. I listen to most of my music from a 64 GB USB drive that has 7,136 MP3s on it. If I'm on a long ride, I'll set it to randomly play all the MP3s.

The sound quality from the Lexicon system is superb for me. There is nothing about the sound quality that I would want to upgrade - I don't need to vibrate my neighbor's windows with my Genesis.

 

[dn1234]

I just upgraded my 2011 system with a Kenwood 9904S receiver. I posted pictures in another thread. Kept the existing amp and speakers, I'm happy with the upgrade.

 

[Jet]

I love the lexicon sound but the only way to listen to my iPhone is via the 3.5mm headphone jack. How do I get the usb to react so I can control from the steering wheel?

 

[jkoleon1]

I just upgraded my 2011 system with a Kenwood 9904S receiver. I posted pictures in another thread. Kept the existing amp and speakers, I'm happy with the upgrade.

I know it's been many years how did that work out with your stereo the control module probably didn't work that's in the center console.