MarinRX

We have the regular sound system (no Nav) in our 2010 RX350 and it's leaving us wanting more in terms of sound. We had a newer (not sure of the year) RX as a dealer loaner a few weeks ago that had the Nav package, including HD radio and it was 10x better sounding listening to the same radio stations. Has anyone had luck with just replacing speakers or will it take more to get HD radio and better output to make a difference? I've done plenty of speaker installs but with the fully integrated radio controls I'm not sure if a new head unit is even an option in these cars...

BertL

Welcome to the forum.

Check out this post of mine from 2012 that describes there are 3 different standard setups of sound systems on our 3rd Gen RX. IMHO, that unto itself can account for a huge difference in the sound you perceive RX-to-RX.

Some folks have swapped out the subwoofer and you'll find other threads where that is discussed, as well as were folks have added additional insulation that has improved bass response for them. Others may chime in with after-market options, but until then, do a few more searches and you'll find a number of other threads that may get you started.

IMHO, a new head-unit is problematic as it's tied with so many other systems in the RX. There is a recent thread where a couple of folks replaced their 2010-12 head unit with a 2013-15 refreshed version (not because of a sound improvement I suspect), but I've read nothing about replacing the whole thing with an aftermarket variety as I used to do 30 years ago in my old Ford and Hondas.

PDF84

I have completely re-done the entire system in my GS350 and it sounds amazing. Although it did cost a pretty penny.

But let me suggest this...

In my wife's 2010 RX I ran into the same issue, the factory stereo in the 2010 was totally lacking compared to my mother's 2013 RX with the nav and premium audio system that adds the factory subwoofer. Something my 2010 was lacking (Woofer wise) so I simply added a small Hertz Class D Mono amp that puts out 700 watts RMS and installed a 10" Hertz Hi-Energy sub and had a custom box made and even added a little Bass Volume level **** that only adjust the subs output. Needless to say it sounds fantastic now. All the stereo needed in my wife's 2010 was a little more low end authority and it gets the job done. Adding a Amp, Sub & box can run anywhere from about $700-$2000 just depending on the equipment used and It's IMO a great upgrade to do for factory audio systems that just need a little more bass.

Now comparing it to the "premium" system in the 2013 it blows it away. Now I'm able to center the bass flat at 0 so that I'm not getting that muddy sound from the front door speakers trying to handle the lows bc that's what the sub is for.