2026 X-Line audio system upgrade
So we traded in our 2023 Seltos and picked up a 2026 X-Line (Canada) and are loving it so far, with ONE exception.
I drive long distances for work. There are days where I will listen to nothing but podcasts, and days where I just feel like rocking out.
After my first long trip listening to music only, I was left feeling sonically exhausted, so much so that by the end of it, I had to put on a podcast and listen to talk only for the last hour or so of the drive.
No matter how hard I tried I just couldn't get the stock audio system to sound good. I tried EQing it in different ways, plugging in my phone rather than using AndroidAuto, nothing worked. Just constant audio fatigue after 1+ hour of listening.
I decided this wasn't acceptable, so I've started upgrading the components. Today I replaced the front door speakers and the a-pilar tweeters with some Alpine components (S2-S65C) and although it wasn't exactly a plug and play swap, so far so good.
The difference in clarity is instantly noticeable, however, the system now sounds a bit light on bass, even when EQ'd. The change in the sound profile tells me that there must be some digital signal processing going on. The X-Line trim has a 6 speaker configuration (2 a-pillar tweeters, 4 door woofers) in the non-Harmon Kardon system, and no stock amplifier under the passenger seat.
I have a small powered sub that is ready to install in the spare tire compartment which should bring this whole thing to life. The problem is that I need to pull audio signal for the sub, and I don't know where to pull from.
Pulling from the amp is impossible because there is none, pulling from the infotainment is a non-starter...I'm not pulling the entire dash or going anywhere near the guts of that thing. Pulling from the rear door speaker is tough as the molex connector going from the door to the body panel is solid.
Has anyone tried to put a sub in one of these yet? Does anyone know if there's a good spot to tie in to the wires at either the b-pillar or where the wires run through the floor? Does anyone even have a wiring diagram for when I actually find the wires so I know which ones to tie into?
I've yet to find a thread, YouTube video, or anything of someone doing this upgrade on a stock 6 speaker system.
I guess my trial and error with just have to be the guinea pig.