OFFICIAL "Cars with Factory Surround Systems" Listing

[cliffbig]

Traded in my 2007 MDX for a 2009 Hyundai Genesis with the technology package. The 17-speaker Lexicon system will play DTS-CDs, DVD-Audio, andDVD-Video (in park only for the video, but the audio plays at all times). The sound is quite impressive--I had always found the separation to be quite good on the MDX but the sound itself was a bit too crisp and seemed to lack full range and body in comparison to the 2006 Acura RL I had driven previously. However, this new Genesis upgraded sound system is amazing--full and rich with an enveloping sound quality. The only thing I miss from the Acura is the ability to adjust center-speaker volume independent of all other speakers.

If Acura wouldn't intentionally disable audio playback from DVD-video discs, I might have gone with an Acura RL or TL instead.

[JonUrban]

Traded in my 2007 MDX for a 2009 Hyundai Genesis with the technology package. The 17-speaker Lexicon system will play DTS-CDs, DVD-Audio, andDVD-Video (in park only for the video, but the audio plays at all times). The sound is quite impressive--I had always found the separation to be quite good on the MDX but the sound itself was a bit too crisp and seemed to lack full range and body in comparison to the 2006 Acura RL I had driven previously. However, this new Genesis upgraded sound system is amazing--full and rich with an enveloping sound quality. The only thing I miss from the Acura is the ability to adjust center-speaker volume independent of all other speakers.

If Acura wouldn't intentionally disable audio playback from DVD-video discs, I might have gone with an Acura RL or TL instead.

Sounds nice! Thanks for the info cliffbig, I added it to the master list.

Anyone else have anything to add????

[cliffbig]

Oops--I forgot to give the specs on the system in the Hyundai.

The deluxe audio system in the tech package is a 17-speaker Lexicon system, which previously was used only in the Rolls-Royce Phantom. Lexicon is a division of Harman-Kardon. The system is fairly sophisticated, offering multiple preset equalizations for different types of music, along with a customization setting for creating your own treble/midrange/bass balance. It also SEEMS to offer neural surround sound processing for XM radio (can't be certain--but it most definitely creates a better illusion of surround sound on the neuralsound XM channels than any other vehicle I've driven), and it does a great job of generating an illusion of surround from CDs and from iPod tracks.

[elshagon]

Traded in my 2007 MDX for a 2009 Hyundai Genesis with the technology package. The 17-speaker Lexicon system will play DTS-CDs, DVD-Audio, andDVD-Video (in park only for the video, but the audio plays at all times). The sound is quite impressive--I had always found the separation to be quite good on the MDX but the sound itself was a bit too crisp and seemed to lack full range and body in comparison to the 2006 Acura RL I had driven previously. However, this new Genesis upgraded sound system is amazing--full and rich with an enveloping sound quality. The only thing I miss from the Acura is the ability to adjust center-speaker volume independent of all other speakers.

If Acura wouldn't intentionally disable audio playback from DVD-video discs, I might have gone with an Acura RL or TL instead.

This is the first I've heard of the Genesis playing dvd-audio discs. I'd searched before and didn't see any mention of it. How is the Genesis besides the Lexicon system?

[cliffbig]

I'm phenomenally impressed so far. Drives like a charm--powerful but subdued--extremely comfortable, superlative fit and finish, spacious without feeling oversized. The only things I wish for are a cooled passenger seat (my wife gives me a hard time about the fact that my seat is cooled, while hers isn't), an automatic trunk opening/closing mechanism rather than just a trunk release, and ID3 tags through the iPod connection. I compared it to the 2009 RL and the Lexus 460, and thought it out-performed both of them. Not sure how Hyundai can offer so much more for $10,000-$20,000 less than the competition!

[cliffbig]

This is the first I've heard of the Genesis playing dvd-audio discs. I'd searched before and didn't see any mention of it. How is the Genesis besides the Lexicon system?

Here's a lot more info on the sound system, including the mention of DVD-Audio:

http://hyundai.lexicon.com/hyundai.aspx

[elshagon]

Thanks for the link, I will be definitely reading up some more on the Genesis. I'm guessing since it's a new car there's not much in the way of any deals to be found. Another concern I have is typically a few kinks need to be worked out on new models, so I've seen it suggested to wait until year 2 of it's production. But I want a car with surround capabilities! The Genesis is on my short list.

[cliffbig]

I suspect prices will be higher on this car in inflation-adjusted dollars in a couple of years than they are now--the features it offers for the cost are phenomenal. That's why I went for one. Also, the car has been on the market in Korea for a while, so they've had some time to work out the kinks overseas before bringing it here.

The sound system is a major factor in determining what car I buy; this is the reason I no longer own an Acura or a Honda after almost 30 years of brand loyalty. They haven't kept up with the times, and their vehicles are under-featured in comparison with the competition.

(As a side note, wouldn't you think that one or more of these auto manufacturers would want to offer a customer label to market 5.1 DVD-Audio to their clientele who have bought a car with that feature? With the right focused marketing, this could be an even more profitable niche than the current vinyl market, I'd bet.)

[elshagon]

So would you rather have Ray Rice starting this week over someone like Willie Parker? And if you haven't had your draft yet, would you draft him ahead of somebody like a Kevin Smith of Detroit?

[JonUrban]

So would you rather have Ray Rice starting this week over someone like Willie Parker? And if you haven't had your draft yet, would you draft him ahead of somebody like a Kevin Smith of Detroit?

Huh?

[cliffbig]

So would you rather have Ray Rice starting this week over someone like Willie Parker? And if you haven't had your draft yet, would you draft him ahead of somebody like a Kevin Smith of Detroit?

Uh oh... I must have tuned the wrong channel, because I don't know this program or the actors!

[johnrd]

I usually take center setting to -3 sometimes even -6 on surround set-ups, so I know what you mean. A simple mono l-pad to adjust level would have been cool. ;-)

[JonUrban]

I checked the website and it looks like a great car. I was surprised to find out that it's rear wheel drive! That would be a problem for me.

Here's the blurb on the Tech Package:

Technology Package (T): Lexicon® 7.1 Discrete 17-speaker
surround sound audio, in-dash navigation system, in-dash
6-disc DVD changer, multimedia controller, Driver
Information System, XM NavTraffic® with 1-year complimentary
subscription, HID auto-leveling headlights, Adaptive Front
Lighting System, front and rear parking assistance sensors,
rear backup warning camera, cooled driver seat

[Lucanu]

That Hyundai looks like they joined together a Mercedes-Benz(front) with a BMW(rear). Still a very beatiful car and a helluva presentation!

[elshagon]

So would you rather have Ray Rice starting this week over someone like Willie Parker? And if you haven't had your draft yet, would you draft him ahead of somebody like a Kevin Smith of Detroit?

Not sure how my fantasy football post ended up on here, must have been late or too many beers

Got a price quote for a Genesis today with the tech package. I may go in for a test drive, just got to figure out which dvd-a I want to bring for the ride

[cliffbig]

Got a price quote for a Genesis today with the tech package. I may go in for a test drive, just got to figure out which dvd-a I want to bring for the ride

I have a test/demo disc that was given to me a couple of years ago by Acura; it's the one I always take for a DVD-A demo because of its final track, a instrument-by-instrument (and speaker-by-speaker) construction of a song that is intended to demonstrate the discrete sound separation of DVD-A. It gives a chance to sample speaker balance, sound integrity, etc.

It also has a variety of music, including a Doobie Brother sample that is offered in standard CD quality, followed by the same song in DVD-A 5.1 quality; the difference is particularly impressive that way.

I've also made a habit of taking the Fleetwood Mac DVD-A with "Go Your Own Way" on it, as well as a standard DVD and an iPod cued to the same track. It gives me a good way to sample the sound differences on the same cut.

[filthyfifthaggie77]

I recently bought a 2006 Infiniti M35 with the Bose 14 speaker 5.1 surround system. It plays DVD Audio and DTS CD's. There is a standard 6 disc CD system in the dash with the DVD Audio player in the center console. It has personal surround speakers in the shoulders of the front seats and the surround effect is incredible. I haven't heard the Lexus or Cadillac surround systems, so I can't compare, but I am blown away every time I get in and crank the system up. It plays DVD video on the Nav screen when the parking brake is engaged. It could use a little more punch from the sub woofer, but it's not a major complaint. When I first test drove the car I was not aware that it had a 5.1 surround system, in fact I didn't even know they put them in cars. The salesman never even mentioned the system, I don't think he was aware of it either. I saw the speakers in the seats, but listening to the radio you don't get any surround out of the seat speakers. The radio in the car is quite unimpressive, average at best. I saw all of the speakers and was disappointed with what I was hearing. I started pushing buttons and the DVD Audio demonstration disk started playing, the seat speakers came alive, and I knew that I had to have it.

[CPR]

Just picked up my '09 Acura TL/Technology; WOW!
DVD Audio, DTS, Dolby Digital on 2 channel CD's, & Ipod
445 Watts/10 speakers; best stock audio you'll ever hear.
I had the '05/TL, with DVD Audio; no comparison.
I've heard nuances, on my DVD Audio's, I never knew existed.
Rock on!

[elroy]

Just picked up my '09 Acura TL/Technology; WOW!
DVD Audio, DTS, Dolby Digital on 2 channel CD's, & Ipod
445 Watts/10 speakers; best stock audio you'll ever hear.
I had the '05/TL, with DVD Audio; no comparison.
I've heard nuances, on my DVD Audio's, I never knew existed.
Rock on!

I've got a 2004 TL - it's what got me into surround music. It's got 119K miles and I'm considering a new car sometime in the next year. Surround is a mandatory feature as far as I'm concerned, and your review of the new TL sound puts it at the top of my list for 2010. Thanks!

[JonUrban]

I was thinking the same thing, Those new TL's look a bit strange on the outside, but the inside is amazing. Maybe in a few years it will be time to bag another. Hopefully, the DVD-A capability will still be in there.

Thanks for the write up CPR. Got any interior pictures?

[Chiburb]

"best stock audio you'll ever hear"

Maybe, but did you listen to MY stock audio with 17 speakers and 7.1 Surround powered by 525 watts?

Not saying yours isn't spectacular, but I am saying mine is. ;-)

http://hyundai.lexicon.com/system.aspx

[Chiburb]

"best stock audio you'll ever hear"

Maybe, but did you listen to MY stock audio with 17 speakers and 7.1 Surround powered by 525 watts?

Not saying yours isn't spectacular, but I am saying mine is. ;-)

http://hyundai.lexicon.com/system.aspx

I just reread that post, and if it comes off as snarky I apologize. That wasn't the intent, only the product of a rush posting.
Though anyone who requires surround in a new car SHOULD at least take a DVD-A to a Hyundai dealer for a "test listen".

[CPR]

I was thinking the same thing, Those new TL's look a bit strange on the outside, but the inside is amazing. Maybe in a few years it will be time to bag another. Hopefully, the DVD-A capability will still be in there.

Thanks for the write up CPR. Got any interior pictures?

No pictures, but there's plenty of them on Edmunds.com, or Yahoo Autos
New car is amazing; blows away my '05TL

[JonUrban]

Can anyone else fill in some blanks? Any new cars out there with DVD-A? SACD? Dolby Surround (for audio, not video)

Any cars formerly with DVD-A that no longer have the capability in the new models?

THANKS FOR YOUR HELP

[Chiburb]

Can anyone else fill in some blanks? Any new cars out there with DVD-A? SACD? Dolby Surround (for audio, not video)

Any cars formerly with DVD-A that no longer have the capability in the new models?

THANKS FOR YOUR HELP

The Hyundai Genesis w/Tech package handles everything except SACD. Once again, I encourage anybody interested to go for a test listen.
From the site:
To further enhance your listening experience, the Lexicon system is compatible with a wide variety of media, including CD, DVD-Audio, DVD-Video, MP3, Video CD and compatible formats, including PCM, Dolby® Digital, and DTS®.
http://hyundai.lexicon.com/hyundai.aspx