Poor audio system 2023 GV70 3.5 Advanced

[glennk]

Could it use some help? Everything is better with more power! Lots of options to choose from. SavageGeese not only reviews the car but also shows the best sound settings. I played around at the dealer and got very good results. They guy who bought it said the stereo sounded even better (salesman later told me).

I am a big fan of Acura's set up. But, the extra charge Harmon Kardon used in the X3 is trash.

 

[deewan]

Could it use some help? Everything is better with more power! Lots of options to choose from. SavageGeese not only reviews the car but also shows the best sound settings. I played around at the dealer and got very good results. They guy who bought it said the stereo sounded even better (salesman later told me).

I am a big fan of Acura's set up. But, the extra charge Harmon Kardon used in the X3 is trash.

One thing to note, SavageGeese uses REW with a Bluetooth connection to measure the stereo systems. This can be a good thing and a drawback. Can be a positive as most people will use Bluetooth to transfer audio from their personal device to the Lexicon sound system so the measurements are what people can expect when using a wireless Bluetooth connection. But using Bluetooth also shows how the system performs with a wireless connection and if there are any limitations or extra processing that happens with Bluetooth, those will appear in SavageGeese measurements.

It’s similar to using a BluRay player and disc to calibrate a display monitor in a home theater. The display device is calibrated to proper contrast, brightness, colors, etc only when using that Blu-ray player. Switch over to another source device and you likely need different video settings as the source will us different video cards which that Blu-ray calibration may have actually negatively impacted. That is why a lot of high end Home processors allow you to have multiple EQ settings that can be assigned at an input/source level.

 

[glennk]

Rather than monkey around with bluetooth settings, I opted to connect to the system via USB. Sound quality for a stock system is very good (in my opinion). Other makes require to shell out extra cash to get a decent systems, making it more difficult to find on a lot. Most BMWs must be ordered to get the HK system. Same with Lexus and so on. I want the ability to walk in saying I need these two packages and everything else is standard. One of the primary reasons I liked Honda's. Simplicity

 

[deewan]

Here are some measurements of the GV70 system. I didn't get everything measured that I wanted as the wife was complaining about wanting to run errands and apparently I needed to go along with. Here is the breakdown.

Dark Red = Bluetooth, 20 to 15k Hz measurement, GV70 EQ set to all zeros
Light Red = Bluetooth, 20 to 15k Hz measurement, GV70 EQ set to all zeros, sunroof cracked open
Dark Green = Bluetooth, 20 to 15k Hz measurement, GV70 EQ high 7, mid 2, bass 7
Light Green = Bluetooth, 20 to 15k Hz measurement, GV70 EQ high 7, mid 2, bass 7, sunroof cracked open
Purple = Bluetooth, 20 to 15k Hz measurement, GV70 EQ high 7, mid 2, bass 7, volume increased. I tested this to see if the Lexicon DSP did anything funky with the EQ based on volume/output.




The other thing I did was take measurements using Bluetooth and a wired connection. This was very interesting. I measured twice and had the same results twice. There is a mic/computer measurable difference between a wired and Bluetooth connection. I was unable to think of a way to measurement using CarPlay connection.

Red = Wired connection from laptop to GV70
Blue = Bluetooth connection from laptop to GV70.

 

[Amtip]

Actually owning a GV70 now I don't get what the issue is. I can't believe people are complaining about this audio system. Yes, you have to turn it up to 60, but it seems to get increasingly louder for each increment the higher you go. Even with speed volume adjustment which I've always absolutely hated this system has the best volume range for a factory system I've seen. I listen to mostly future funk which has a decently wide range and I'm extremely impressed with the response.

 

[deewan]

Actually owning a GV70 now I don't get what the issue is. I can't believe people are complaining about this audio system. Yes, you have to turn it up to 60, but it seems to get increasingly louder for each increment the higher you go. Even with speed volume adjustment which I've always absolutely hated this system has the best volume range for a factory system I've seen. I listen to mostly future funk which has a decently wide range and I'm extremely impressed with the response.

I think a lot of people are used to the over EQ'ed sound from other systems. Some people equate over amplified bass as better sound or better reproduction. It all boils down to personal taste, but the Lexicon system provides a fairly faithful reproduction of the music it is fed, the goal of any hi-fi system.

I agree with you, this system is one of the better factory systems. Certainly not the best I've heard, but it's solid, maybe number 3 or 4 on my list. I also think the volume range and settings are great. In my last premium factory system, at lower volumes the increments were a PITA. If I wanted background music while I chatted with my passenger, at one low volume setting the music was drowned out by road noise and at the next volume increment the music was a bit too loud and took away from the conversation. With the GV70, I like the smaller increments at the lower volumes as it really lets me fine tune the output. Once I get to 50-55, the increments increase nicely because at that point I'm trying to jam and fine tuning it's a thing.

I don't remember which thread it was in, but I did some basic SPL output readings at a volume of 60 and above things really got loud, to the point that sustained listening at the level could lead to hearing loss. At the volume, the Lexicon system was clear and free from distortion.

 

[jayzala]

Just got a subwoofer installed. Sounds EXCELLENT now. The sub fills in the extra low end frequencies very well and blends with the great highs and midranges of the existing speakers. I also don't need to turn the volume louder as well because the sub adds a good amount of volume.

I got this one installed by a local pro shop JL Audio ACP110LG-TW1

 

[MrBrady]

Current set up.

iPhone settings are the same as above

I realize this is an old thread, but it's the first one that came up when looking for low rear music output on the GV70. I'm guessing the shots from @Pearlturbo are from an old version of the software because it's quite different on my '22. When I go to Premium Sound, the only two options I have are Speed Dependent Volume Control and Start-up Max. Vol. Limit, which I thought were odd options for a menu called "Premium Sound".

The only place I see selection for the surround sound is when going to the FM radio tuner.

Any recent news on the low rear volume in the GV70? (I'm not in Quiet mode either)

 

[deewan]

I realize this is an old thread, but it's the first one that came up when looking for low rear music output on the GV70. I'm guessing the shots from @Pearlturbo are from an old version of the software because it's quite different on my '22. When I go to Premium Sound, the only two options I have are Speed Dependent Volume Control and Start-up Max. Vol. Limit, which I thought were odd options for a menu called "Premium Sound".

The only place I see selection for the surround sound is when going to the FM radio tuner.

Any recent news on the low rear volume in the GV70? (I'm not in Quiet mode either)

The Premium sound settings changed the location from the menu where they impacted all sources and are now assignable for each source and changed when listening to that source. When listening to FM radio, you can choose between "reference", "on stage" or something like that and the other options using a button along the top of the screen, I think a bit offset to the left from the middle. Same holds true when listening to Sirius, Bluetooth, etc.

I am unaware of a low volume rear seat issue on the GV70. I'm sure you've taken these steps but check to make sure you have the latest FW installed. Check to make sure the fader is not favoring the front channels and if the problem still persists make sure the low rear volume is impacted across all sources and the "Personal" or "on stage" setting isn't selected.

*Note, I often confuse the sound selecting between the Volvo and the Genesis so don't quote me for the setting names I have written above.

 

[steveinarizona]

, the volume needs to be over 50 for it to be in a normal listening range

Just a possible thought for you. That was true on my 2023 GV60P. Then an update was installed and suddenly the volume problem was fixed. So...my question is...do you have the latest info system software update?

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[deewan]

Just a possible thought for you. That was true on my 2023 GV60P. Then an update was installed and suddenly the volume problem was fixed. So...my question is...do you have the latest info system software update?

Since his original comment was from 2022, I'm guessing he has updated his FW which would include the fix from Genesis.

 

[MrBrady]

The Premium sound settings changed the location from the menu where they impacted all sources and are now assignable for each source and changed when listening to that source. When listening to FM radio, you can choose between "reference", "on stage" or something like that and the other options using a button along the top of the screen, I think a bit offset to the left from the middle. Same holds true when listening to Sirius, Bluetooth, etc.

I am unaware of a low volume rear seat issue on the GV70. I'm sure you've taken these steps but check to make sure you have the latest FW installed. Check to make sure the fader is not favoring the front channels and if the problem still persists make sure the low rear volume is impacted across all sources and the "Personal" or "on stage" setting isn't selected.

*Note, I often confuse the sound selecting between the Volvo and the Genesis so don't quote me for the setting names I have written above.

Yeah, I've done all that. I don't see a way to set the soundstage (reference, on stage, etc.) when using CarPlay or Android Auto.

 

[deewan]

Yeah, I've done all that. I don't see a way to set the soundstage (reference, on stage, etc.) when using CarPlay or Android Auto.

But you do see those options when using Bluetooth, FM or Sirius? Sounds like there is more than a small issue then.

 

[MrBrady]

But you do see those options when using Bluetooth, FM or Sirius? Sounds like there is more than a small issue then.

I see those options on FM and Sirius. I don't use Bluetooth.

 

[deewan]

I see those options on FM and Sirius. I don't use Bluetooth.

I wasn’t thinking clearly. You should only be able to choose the premium audio setting with sources other than CarPlay. When using CarPlay the Lexicon system will use the iPhone EQ preferences.

I played around a bit with the sound and never found any source to have a low rear channel sound when sitting in the second row. I could clearly hear the second row and barely hear the front row. If I sat in the front vice versa, I clearly heard front row and barely the second.

Hope this helps.

 

[GVdriver]

I wasn’t thinking clearly. You should only be able to choose the premium audio setting with sources other than CarPlay. When using CarPlay the Lexicon system will use the iPhone EQ preferences.

I played around a bit with the sound and never found any source to have a low rear channel sound when sitting in the second row. I could clearly hear the second row and barely hear the front row. If I sat in the front vice versa, I clearly heard front row and barely the second.

Hope this helps.

I have to agree with some on here that the sound quality of my 2025 GV70 Lexicon system is subpar at best. I have a 2022 Ram with the stock HK 19 speaker systems that blows the Lexicon away.

 

[deewan]

I have to agree with some on here that the sound quality of my 2025 GV70 Lexicon system is subpar at best. I have a 2022 Ram with the stock HK 19 speaker systems that blows the Lexicon away.

I think the biggest thing to remember is everyone’s perceived audio is different. If I play the same audio tracks through the Lexicon system and a pair of $800 audiophile over earphones I have. The sound is very similar and flat.

If I compare the sound of the Lexicon system and the Bose system in my Denali 3500, the bass in the Bose system is more robust and hits harder.

The perceived audio and which system more accurately reproduces the sound is personal opinion. It’s my opinion the high dollar headphones and Lexicon system play the audio more inline with what the music producers had in mind. I personally feel Sony and their Mega Bass “feature” forever changed what people think is high quality audio. I still recall having the mega bass switch turned on my Sony discman and the cassette adapter run to my Sony indash car radio with mega bass turned on. I thought that was a super powerful and amazing sound. It wasn’t until I got into high quality systems and headphones with dedicated headphone amps that I determined all that mega bass was just for show and not how the sound was intended to be heard.

Everyone has their own opinion. My favorite color is yellow. I like my sound systems to be high quality and measure flat. You have your own favorite color and prefer a system that may add bass heaviness that isn’t in the original recording. Neither one of us is right, brighter is wrong. But to say a system that measured flat and has a reference type quality is subpar is simply saying it’s not what you want, because it can 100% perform. I could even provide some reference tracks that showcase the sound stage, channel separation and response of the system.

 

[glennk]

Guess the thing to remember is that every one's idea of "optimal" sound is different. Thankfully, we have a robust aftermarket that can get you close to what you want.

 

[GVdriver]

I think the biggest thing to remember is everyone’s perceived audio is different. If I play the same audio tracks through the Lexicon system and a pair of $800 audiophile over earphones I have. The sound is very similar and flat.

If I compare the sound of the Lexicon system and the Bose system in my Denali 3500, the bass in the Bose system is more robust and hits harder.

The perceived audio and which system more accurately reproduces the sound is personal opinion. It’s my opinion the high dollar headphones and Lexicon system play the audio more inline with what the music producers had in mind. I personally feel Sony and their Mega Bass “feature” forever changed what people think is high quality audio. I still recall having the mega bass switch turned on my Sony discman and the cassette adapter run to my Sony indash car radio with mega bass turned on. I thought that was a super powerful and amazing sound. It wasn’t until I got into high quality systems and headphones with dedicated headphone amps that I determined all that mega bass was just for show and not how the sound was intended to be heard.

Everyone has their own opinion. My favorite color is yellow. I like my sound systems to be high quality and measure flat. You have your own favorite color and prefer a system that may add bass heaviness that isn’t in the original recording. Neither one of us is right, brighter is wrong. But to say a system that measured flat and has a reference type quality is subpar is simply saying it’s not what you want, because it can 100% perform. I could even provide some reference tracks that showcase the sound stage, channel separation and response of the system.

I would love that!

 

[deewan]

I would love that!

This is pretty much a repost from the other thread with more explanation and then song recommendations. The key to remember when listening is the reference is what a really good set of headphones would sound like, not what a Sony MegaBass boombox sound like. Meaning soundstage, channel separation, clarity and full bandwidth are all in consideration. If you butt shakes isn’t a factor.

The big discussion item and point of difference is owners expectations of what good sound is. In another thread I posted REW measurements of the Lexicon system with my calibrated mic. The system measures very good and quite flat, which is how a sound system built to accurately reproduce an audio signal should sound. The system should not color or alter the sound in any way from the way the audio engineers mastered the track. However many people equate thumping bass to better sound when that is not how the sound engineers envisioned and created the track.

The weakest point in almost every OEM audio system are the speaker drivers, this holds true in the auto industry. Upgrading only the drivers can make a HUGE improvement without the need for swapping out the head unit, attempting to bypass the infotainment system, or adding different amps with capacitors for high power draws when adding a large subwoofer. Speakers made from higher quality materials and properly designed crossovers with quality components will sound better than cheap drivers with a simple crossover (or worse only a filter) made from cheap parts. The best woofers and midrange drivers have particularly stiff cones, often made from aluminum, titanium, carbon fiber, wood-fiber pulp, or a sandwich of multiple materials. The stiffer the cone, the less likely it is to produce distortion—and the clearer the sound is. Tweeters can be made from metal, fabric, or plastic. The lighter and stiff the material, normally the better the sound and less energy needed to control the sound. Sometimes spending as little as $200/pair on auto speakers can make a very drastic improvement. Anyone looking to swap out the drivers and crossovers needs to have some knowledge of what they are doing to ensure the amps are designed for the ohm load of the new speakers. The load can also impact the amount of power the amps are supplying.

I would strongly attempt to feed the Lexicon system in the GV70 a hi-res audio signal and give the system an honest listen. Don't use a highly compressed SiriusXM signal, a listener would be better off using an AM radio station. If using a streaming service Make sure the service is using hi-res files and your network connection is stable. I think most listeners will agree the Lexicon system is quite good and tuned the way it should be. That's not saying some people what an EQ house curve that looks like a "U" with tons added bass and treble that will fatigue most people ears after a while, but for accurate audio reproduction the Lexicon system is very good.

I should also note that I have not looked into the Lexicon system enough to know if the component speakers use an active crossover from the head unit or amp. My comments above are based on traditional systems with a music source, DAC, power supply and passive speakers with crossovers (or full range drivers).

Songs to give a listen too. Again, make sure these songs are of high quality and it’s best when using a wired connection from your player to the Genesis infotainment system.

Dire Straits - Money for Nothing
Joe Bonanassa - Woke Up Dreaming
John Beck O-Zone Percussion - Jazz Variants (listen for several minutes and you’ll hear clean bass drums that hit hard)
Nils Lofgren - Keith Don’t Go
Shelby Lynne - Just a Little Lovin
Amy Winehouse - Help Yourself
Air - Alone in Kyoto
BB King and John Mayer - Hummingbird
Enya - Orinoco Flow
The Fairfield Four -These Bones
Kelly Sweet - Dream On
Erich Kunzel Cincinnati Pops - Batman Theme
Lorde - Royals
Keb Mo - every Morning
Chris Botti - Hallelujah

I gave a long list hoping you can find a few of the titles. If you can’t find them let me know and I can put samples of these songs in a file for download. I have a list of 84 songs I use when auditioning high end home audio systems.