Hyundai Tucson TL Car Audio Upgrade Review

Stock Audio Limitations and the Need for an Upgrade

Many Hyundai Tucson TL owners find the factory-installed audio system adequate for casual listening, but for those who truly appreciate music or are sensitive to sound quality, the limitations of stock speakers quickly become apparent. This is often due to cost-saving measures in mass production, resulting in speakers that lack the depth and clarity needed for an immersive audio experience. Common complaints include weak bass response and a generally muffled or 'boxy' sound. This was the case for the Tucson TL owner in this review, who felt the factory speakers couldn't reproduce the powerful bass in their favorite music, diminishing their overall enjoyment. Seeking a significant improvement without breaking the bank, they opted for a speaker upgrade.

Introducing the PHASS 165BL Speaker Upgrade

The chosen upgrade for this Hyundai Tucson TL was the PHASS 165BL, a 2-way speaker system from the respected Japanese high-end audio brand, PHASS. These speakers are easily recognizable by their distinctive blue speaker cones. While relatively new to the market, the PHASS 165BL has quickly gained attention for its exceptional value, offering a substantial upgrade in sound quality for a reasonable investment. It's an ideal choice for drivers looking to overcome the limitations of their stock system and enjoy a fuller, more dynamic soundstage. The installation process began with the careful removal of the original door panels to access the factory mid-woofer and tweeter. The stock components were then gently detached. To ensure a secure and optimal fit for the new PHASS 165BL mid-woofers, custom-made birch wood adapters, specifically designed for Hyundai/Kia vehicles, were utilized. Using these adapters not only provides a solid mounting platform that helps dampen vibrations but also preserves the original speakers, allowing for a seamless return to stock if the vehicle is ever sold.

Installation Process:

1. Carefully remove the vehicle's door panels to access the factory speaker locations.
2. Remove the stock mid-woofer and tweeter units.
3. Install custom-made mounting adapters (in this case, birch wood) for the new speakers.
4. Mount the new PHASS 165BL mid-woofers securely onto the adapters.
5. Attach sound-deadening foam rings (Fast Ring or similar) around the speaker mounting to improve sound projection and reduce resonance.
6. Install the new 1-inch soft-dome tweeters, typically in the factory tweeter location or a suitable alternative.
7. Reassemble the door panels.

Before mounting the new speakers, a side-by-side comparison highlighted the physical differences. Despite being the same 6.5-inch size, the PHASS 165BL featured a more robust neodymium magnet, promising superior performance and tighter bass reproduction compared to the factory unit. After the mid-woofer installation, a foam ring was meticulously applied to the speaker's mounting surface. This small but crucial step helps focus the sound waves, increasing sound pressure and clarity. While the owner opted out of additional door sound-deadening treatment at this time, the mid-woofer installation was completed. Next, the 1-inch soft-dome tweeters were installed. These are designed to deliver smooth, detailed high frequencies, contributing to a more natural and refined overall sound signature. The PHASS speakers represent a significant step up, leveraging Japanese engineering for enhanced audio fidelity.

Tangible Sound Improvements After Installation

Following the completion of the installation, the difference in sound quality was immediately noticeable. Even without further tuning, such as with a Digital Signal Processor (DSP), the PHASS 165BL speakers provided a dramatically improved low-end response – the bass was significantly tighter and more impactful than the stock system could deliver. Various music genres were played to thoroughly test for any distortion or unwanted noise. The owner expressed great satisfaction with the results, noting that the sound quality exceeded their expectations. The PHASS 165BL speakers elevated the listening experience, making music more engaging and enjoyable. The visually appealing blue cones added an aesthetic bonus. The immersive, high-fidelity sound created by this upgrade promises to make every drive in the Hyundai Tucson TL more pleasurable.