Honda Ridgeline Owners Club Forums banner

Any 2024 Black Edition Audio reviews or system details yet?

1 reading
11K views 37 replies 13 participants last post by  GreginJaxFL  
#1 ·
I've heard about the new unit being faster, the UI being different, wireless carplay included and the truck bed audio deleted in 2024. I haven't heard anyone discuss how the new stereo sounds and if the sound quality issues with the previous models persist.

Is the 2024 and all the parts number and diagrams documented on the Honda SIS / techinfo subscription site? I'm curious if the ANC module is the same, the XM receiver the same, the amplifier is the same or not and if the new "upgraded" speakers have new part numbers? Has anyone looked into upgrading a 2024 BE sound system and taken it apart yet?
 
#3 ·
I can’t say compared to previous years, but compared to my Type-R (same awful head unit and “premium audio”) that I came from it’s light years better. Sound isn’t tinny like in the civic and I’m not in a rush to upgrade the system. It’s not ELS by any means, but it’s decent. I assume the new head unit has a different amp and crossovers. Also helps that it’s no longer using a 2011 version of android.
 
#5 ·
The head unit/XM receiver is new and now used HERE maps instead of Garmin, the amplifier is supposed to use a digital input from Head unit, so not the same as before. The 2024 BE front tweeters mounted in the A pillars look almost identical to the ones on my previous 2020 BE but are now rated at 2 ohms instead of 4 ohms. The 6.5 inch door speakers are also now 2 ohms instead of 4 ohms. I can't be sure but they seem to be not as heavy(magnet) as the 2020 version, cheap plastic basket with magnet encased in plastic housing. I did not remove the center speaker or the subwoofer to check the impedance, maybe later on I will get a chance. New system seems louder but can't do a side by side comparison. I also upgraded to Focal 4 ohm speakers on my 2020 and the sound quality IMO is significantly lower on the 2024 BE, its just louder. Also, seems distorted at high volume.
 
#8 ·
It seems louder, which makes sense with the 2 ohm speakers. When I cranked it, I can hear the distortion, which on the 2020 BE with Focal speakers did not. I put one of my Focal 4 ohm door speakers in and while it sounded much better sound quality, the volume/power was less as expected, if I change all 6 speakers to 4 ohm, I probably won't notice the lower power. Crutchfield lists mainly Focal 2 ohm speakers as replacements for the 2024 but they are $1000 per set.
 
#19 ·
Today I had a chance to go back to back with the 2024 BE and the 2023 E. sound systems Same music. There's not doubt in my mind the new BE system is better than the 2023 E (and by logic better than the new and old 7 speaker base systems). Very balanced and good detail, nice vocals. To me its a big deal to have control over the bass, mid, treble and center channel levels. Much better than the typical bass and treble options.

I've been looking to get a RL for nearly 3 years. Initially didn't like the minivan front end. When the refresh happened I looked really hard but there were some things I just couldn't live with...one was the crappy sound and infotainment system. When I found out there was no clear path to improving the system with aftermarket gear I lost interest. There were other things, like the arm rests and the lack of colors that interested me.

After today's listening session I think Honda has made the decision easier. I'm disappointed the TS doesn't come with the better stereo....I love the DSBP paint and prefer the interior in the TS vs. the BE although both are nice. I also am a frequent ventilated seat user. We have a Subaru and Pilot with ventilated seats and having them in a RL is a big deal to me.

Wife has the 24 Pilot Elite in SGP so my choice is probably going to be the RRM. They are in short supply in our area but should be able to get one done in the next few months.
 
#26 ·
I installed the four-door speakers, the two tweeters the center speaker and a Rockford Fosgate subwoofer on the stock locations. The sound is better but I think I have lost some bass. So I’m going to add an amp and a dsp. They will be installing that next week. $1400 I really did not want to spend but I think it will dramatically help the sound. One of the big problems is no subwoofer adjustment on the 2024
 
#32 ·
So they installed the amp and the DSP today. What an amazing difference compared to just the speakers alone. Not cheap about $2900 for the speakers and amp sub and DSP but definitely worth it. I would give just the speakers only about a 30% Sound upgrade and with the amp hundred hundred percent plus. Really does sound fantastic