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101 Posts
It's much much better then the BOSE system in my other car
THX sound system
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101 Posts
Why would you not always have the surround sound on?I had some more time to play with the THX II during a 2 hours trip.
Bass is really poor in normal stereo mode. I put the bass all the way up with midrange and high to normal (i.e. 0), it's not what you would expect.
To make the bass shines, you would have to set it to surround and auto adjust level.
I'm a recent (and very happy) owner of a MKC.
I was disappointed by the THX system during the first days where I connected my COWON Z2 to the car via bluetooth: sounds are weak, no bass, no mid.
I'm a classical music lover. My COWON usually delivers exceptional amazing sounds with my Sennheiser headphones. I use lossless audio format (FLAC, APE, etc).
Then I converted a few of those musics to WAV and put them on a USB key.
This time, the THX is really good at all spectrum: clear high, solid mid and deep yet transparent bass.
(It's a pity that MKC supports only WAV as lossless format).
Now I'm preparing a 300GB USB disk to install in my MKC's central floor console.
I'm going to try DTS CD and will let you know my impression.
I was disappointed by the THX system during the first days where I connected my COWON Z2 to the car via bluetooth: sounds are weak, no bass, no mid.
I'm a classical music lover. My COWON usually delivers exceptional amazing sounds with my Sennheiser headphones. I use lossless audio format (FLAC, APE, etc).
Then I converted a few of those musics to WAV and put them on a USB key.
This time, the THX is really good at all spectrum: clear high, solid mid and deep yet transparent bass.
(It's a pity that MKC supports only WAV as lossless format).
Now I'm preparing a 300GB USB disk to install in my MKC's central floor console.
I'm going to try DTS CD and will let you know my impression.
I prefer stereo over surround, which loses a lot of sound clarity.
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25 Posts
One thing to point out. If you don't opt for the THX stereo then you do not get an HD radio. I mean HD radio in the sense of FM digital stations, not lossless audio formats via USB or whatever.
I asked our salesman this a few different ways, and he wasn't exactly clear. He implied that the radios were the same, but unfortunately they are not. At least for 2015 model year. I didn't opt for the THX setup, as the bass just was too disappointing. I did think the audio was a bit better defined, but the stock speakers aren't exactly garbage. I play bass, so I just couldn't deal with the downside of the THX setup. I do wish it was an HD radio though...
I asked our salesman this a few different ways, and he wasn't exactly clear. He implied that the radios were the same, but unfortunately they are not. At least for 2015 model year. I didn't opt for the THX setup, as the bass just was too disappointing. I did think the audio was a bit better defined, but the stock speakers aren't exactly garbage. I play bass, so I just couldn't deal with the downside of the THX setup. I do wish it was an HD radio though...
I'm not exactly sure what specs they needed to achieve in order to get a THX endorsement, but it's not exactly what I'd consider awesome. It's really decent at normal/low volumes, but if you want to do a rock concert inside your car then it's not great. Having drove a couple BMW SUVs for the past 8 years with their "premium" audio (which still isn't mind blowing) the MKC just makes me miss the ability to have hard hitting bass and really clear and loud music when the perfect song comes on. BMW puts woofers under both front seats so you can really get pounded, but even then it could be better with an additional dedicated subwoofer in the rear. The MKC possibly just needs a dedicated sub in the rear, and more power to everything.
Personally, I think it sounds great. No, it won't blow your eardrums out, but I do think the sound is clean. I do think the sound quality depends on the input source quality, but in general, I'm happy with it.........all this said while mine is currently in the shop because the amplifier crapped out and the sound kept cutting in and out!(but that's a quality issue and not design) I've heard from others that is doesn't go loud enough, so I think if you're expecting it to scream, you'll be disappointed.
I drove an MKX with the Revel Ultima system as a loaner for 3 days. That system pounds pretty good. It's a definite step up from the THXII. Bass response was much better in it. I'm still very pleased with THX II. It blows away any Alpine or Beats system from Chrysler.
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881 Posts
My 2016 MKC regretfully did not have a THX system, just the factory stock sound system....when I enquired about the lack of MKC's on their lot without THX sound, the answer I got was that a lot of customers balked at the cost,so unless you ordered your MKC to suit you, you're out of luck.....I had a MKX as a loner with the THX and I found it light years ahead of the stock sound system.....I would have gotten it if I ordered the MKC from factory, but I bought from what they had on the lot...the one I chose was fully loaded other than the tow package and the THX.
I always upgraded my sound in whatever car I bought...just never liked what I heard in 99.9 of them, additional amps ( usually Fosgates ) and speakers along with head were always the norm for me... in the case of my Mustang I upgraded all speakers, added a 12" woofer on it's own dedicated amp and high end speakers all around,I retained the original head because it has certain electronics that I did not want to loose,but overall a vast improvement over the stocker!
I always upgraded my sound in whatever car I bought...just never liked what I heard in 99.9 of them, additional amps ( usually Fosgates ) and speakers along with head were always the norm for me... in the case of my Mustang I upgraded all speakers, added a 12" woofer on it's own dedicated amp and high end speakers all around,I retained the original head because it has certain electronics that I did not want to loose,but overall a vast improvement over the stocker!
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15 Posts
I would guess then that you would not be a fan the 8-track player in my 1970 Lincoln Coupe! :wink
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9 Posts
I have the THX II System in my 2018 MKC and think it is well worth the additional $995. I say that as someone who also thought it was well worth spending $7,000 on an "entry level audiophile" home stereo system.*
THE UPSIDES: As others have said, what you get for your extra money is "accuracy." For example, while you will hear the notes of a string bass or a guitar on the standard "Premium" system, with the THX system you will also hear the "thwack" of the bassists finger when he strikes a string and the "squeak" when a guitarist slides his fingers along the strings when changing from one chord to another. If you are into vocal music, you will hear the singer sing the notes and taking a breath. And I can't count how many times I've listened to a familiar song and heard an instrument in the background for the first time that I never knew was there. The HD radio sounds terrific when the signal is strong. And the DSP Surround Sound mode works particularly well with singer-songwriter performances, jazz, and the like.
THE DOWNSIDES: More accuracy exposes flaws in the source material. For that reason, low quality MP3 and some SiriusXM channels with low bit rate and high compression probably sound better on the standard "Premium" system. And, as others have pointed out, there is no subwoofer -- if you like rap or hip hop and you want a lot of bass "sound pressure" to rattle your windows and make the body panels buzz, the THX system definitely won't do it for you.
THE UPSIDES: As others have said, what you get for your extra money is "accuracy." For example, while you will hear the notes of a string bass or a guitar on the standard "Premium" system, with the THX system you will also hear the "thwack" of the bassists finger when he strikes a string and the "squeak" when a guitarist slides his fingers along the strings when changing from one chord to another. If you are into vocal music, you will hear the singer sing the notes and taking a breath. And I can't count how many times I've listened to a familiar song and heard an instrument in the background for the first time that I never knew was there. The HD radio sounds terrific when the signal is strong. And the DSP Surround Sound mode works particularly well with singer-songwriter performances, jazz, and the like.
THE DOWNSIDES: More accuracy exposes flaws in the source material. For that reason, low quality MP3 and some SiriusXM channels with low bit rate and high compression probably sound better on the standard "Premium" system. And, as others have pointed out, there is no subwoofer -- if you like rap or hip hop and you want a lot of bass "sound pressure" to rattle your windows and make the body panels buzz, the THX system definitely won't do it for you.
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881 Posts
THX is the only feature that is not on my Reserve....The dealer had plenty of MKC's on the lot....none had THX :-(....I mostly play CD's on the standard system and can coax a decent sound outta it...but I had the option to order a factory built with THX and wait the couple of months, I did not want the wait!
A loaner we had was equipped with the THX system and since it is the only option my wife's MKC didn't come with I was interested in hearing it. Nice system but not worth the money IMO. It has a digital specialization option and a drivers side stage setting, etc but overall I was not fully blown away like I thought I might be. My wife barely noticed a difference and since it's her car that's all that matters.
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48 Posts
I searched for an MKC with this option and found the one I ended up with, However, I always buy the upgraded radios... I own a recording studio and will use this system to check out playbacks in vehicles. It's that good. This is not a bassy loud entertainment system. It is very flat out of the box which will turn off a lot of people who expect an ear-jarring experience. This radio does not tick those boxes.
It isn't an in your face 1000Watt sub, bending door panels. It's CLEAN, ACCURATE, and Flat.
I do increase the treble and Bass because a lot of my listening is 70s music with no dynamic range or heavy bottom. But it sounds great nevertheless.
When I played some modern hip-hop, the bass was handled well by the sub,. Not boomy or floppy but tight
If one likes orchestration like Movie soundtracks, this system is great. For heavy booming stop light pounding bass, not so much.
Sounds great with any modern recording in any format. Well worth the option IMO.
It isn't an in your face 1000Watt sub, bending door panels. It's CLEAN, ACCURATE, and Flat.
I do increase the treble and Bass because a lot of my listening is 70s music with no dynamic range or heavy bottom. But it sounds great nevertheless.
When I played some modern hip-hop, the bass was handled well by the sub,. Not boomy or floppy but tight
If one likes orchestration like Movie soundtracks, this system is great. For heavy booming stop light pounding bass, not so much.
Sounds great with any modern recording in any format. Well worth the option IMO.
Joined
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48 Posts
Available as an option in 2019 Lincoln MKC and MKT vehicles equipped with the Reserve package and above, the world-class THX® II Certified Audio System features a range of innovations in sound technology from the acoustic minds at THX. The system puts out 700 watts of power and features 14 strategically placed speakers (including three slot speakers and a subwoofer) to envelop passengers in a truly immersive sound experience.
It does what it says
It does what it says
THX sound problem
In the past week, when I start my (2015) MKC, the sound only comes out of the rear speakers. This happens _most_ of the time, but not always. If you push the steering wheel button to say commands, the usual "Please say a command" is very muffled and barely audible. After about 5-10 minutes, suddenly the front speakers kick in and the sound is normal again. Turn the car off and then restart, and it happens again. Has this happened to anyone else? I want to collect information before I contact the dealer, since with my luck, it won't happen if I leave the car there and I'll waste my time. (I even recorded it happening with my cell phone on video, although I don't know if I captured the audio well.)
I'm thinking it's a problem with the amplifier, but I wanted more input from our community before I go in to ask for repairs.
In the past week, when I start my (2015) MKC, the sound only comes out of the rear speakers. This happens _most_ of the time, but not always. If you push the steering wheel button to say commands, the usual "Please say a command" is very muffled and barely audible. After about 5-10 minutes, suddenly the front speakers kick in and the sound is normal again. Turn the car off and then restart, and it happens again. Has this happened to anyone else? I want to collect information before I contact the dealer, since with my luck, it won't happen if I leave the car there and I'll waste my time. (I even recorded it happening with my cell phone on video, although I don't know if I captured the audio well.)
I'm thinking it's a problem with the amplifier, but I wanted more input from our community before I go in to ask for repairs.
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