Base Audio (Non-KEF) Upgrades

[jjslat]

I don't have the patience to order a car and bought one that checked every box for me except it did not have the KEF system. I have heard the KEF system and it's clearly a step above the base audio that I have.

I've tried searching but have not found any details from upgrades anyone has done on the base audio system.
The most obvious problem I have at the moment is even rock music (much less rap) at decent volume rattles the rear speakers. I'm open to adding an active sub behind the drivers seat, maybe the Audison Prima APBX 10 AS2. I don't believe the base audio has a standalone sub to disable but those rattling rear speakers will still need to be addressed, curious if anyone has found a good option for that.

Also as I understand I have the benefit of having tweeters already fitted in the tweeter pods but I'd imagine the sound would be a little brighter if I upgraded them to the Alpines that are commonly used on here.

I'm not looking for anything extraordinary and do typically just enjoy the V6 sound with the 3rd cat delete but I do hate hearing rattling right behind my ear when I do decide to listen to music.

 

[Medic518]

Just a thought, but I wonder if some sound deadening would help with the rattling, I was debating this as well - others have said it improves the sound in the cabin overall.

As for an active sub, I have been researching this one, and so far its ticking a lot of boxes - small, low power requirements, and would almost look stock sitting on the shelf right behind and between the seats, leaving room on either side for luggage.

TS-WX010A

Compact in size, yet able to produce powerful and impactful bass, the TS-WX010A compact powered subwoofer is a perfect upgrade for many of today’s vehicles, especially EVs (electric vehicles) and gasoline/electric hybrid vehicles where low weight, small size, and low power consumption are...

usa.pioneer

 

[KJWEmira]

I don't have the patience to order a car and bought one that checked every box for me except it did not have the KEF system. I have heard the KEF system and it's clearly a step above the base audio that I have.

I've tried searching but have not found any details from upgrades anyone has done on the base audio system.
The most obvious problem I have at the moment is even rock music (much less rap) at decent volume rattles the rear speakers. I'm open to adding an active sub behind the drivers seat, maybe the Audison Prima APBX 10 AS2. I don't believe the base audio has a standalone sub to disable but those rattling rear speakers will still need to be addressed, curious if anyone has found a good option for that.

Also as I understand I have the benefit of having tweeters already fitted in the tweeter pods but I'd imagine the sound would be a little brighter if I upgraded them to the Alpines that are commonly used on here.

I'm not looking for anything extraordinary and do typically just enjoy the V6 sound with the 3rd cat delete but I do hate hearing rattling right behind my ear when I do decide to listen to music.

Hi jjslat,

Should you be interested in upgrading your KEF Audio then Check out this thread completed on our own Emira - There are multi options depending on your requirements & budget.
Please feel free to ask any questions on here or direct message us:

KEF Audio Upgrade Parts - Now Available!

As promised, here are the final 3D printed versions of the front and rear speaker mounts, & Amp Mount, allowing you to upgrade your KEF audio to a far superior system. The front mounts allow you to transform from a 3" speaker to any 6.5" speaker, and the rear mounts allow you to install any far...

www.emiraforum.com

 

[jjslat]

Hi jjslat,

Should you be interested in upgrading your KEF Audio then Check out this thread completed on our own Emira - There are multi options depending on your requirements & budget.
Please feel free to ask any questions on here or direct message us:

KEF Audio Upgrade Parts - Now Available!

As promised, here are the final 3D printed versions of the front and rear speaker mounts, & Amp Mount, allowing you to upgrade your KEF audio to a far superior system. The front mounts allow you to transform from a 3" speaker to any 6.5" speaker, and the rear mounts allow you to install any far...

www.emiraforum.com

Could you give more feedback on the Audison active sub? Is it overkill? At decent volume how does the car handle that much bass? Rattled all over? I’d imagine it pumps out bass you can feel?

 

[mikeee]

I have the Audison sub. It’s very good.
Just need to sort out the rest of the dire system, mid and high end still dreadful.

Prob going to book it into Cambridge CA for their upgrade incl sound deadening.

 

[KJWEmira]

Could you give more feedback on the Audison active sub? Is it overkill? At decent volume how does the car handle that much bass? Rattled all over? I’d imagine it pumps out bass you can feel?

The Audison Sub is excellent. Not an over kill - It fits perfectly on the shelf and the finish of the box matches the Emiras trim. (see attached pic)
The unit has a built-in amp and multiple gain adjustments on the side allowing you to dial it into your personal taste
Another bonus is the sub comes with an adjustable gain controller which you can mount anywhere next to your driving position, again, allowing you to turn up or down how much bass you prefer during different music types. (see attached pics of where ours is mounted)
For us it was definitely worth the money.

What I can't comment on 100% is the fact ours has been ran through an Audison Amp with DSP.
Although multiple people have installed different subs directly from the cars OEM Amp, we have not personally heard one, but any sub upgrade is better than what is installed from the factory.

Please remember we have also installed sound deadening throughout the whole of the rear compartment, and both doors. Surprisingly no rattles to report after.

 

[mikeee]

Sorry ignore my previous post above KJW, I’ve got mixed up as I’m planning on some Audisons for the front, my sub that I fitted is actually the Kicker Hideaway.

This also fits the rear shelf quite smartly, not sure if it’s as good/powerful as the Audison as I’ve never heard that one to compare.

 

[KJWEmira]

Sorry ignore my previous post above KJW, I’ve got mixed up as I’m planning on some Audisons for the front, my sub that I fitted is actually the Kicker Hideaway.

This also fits the rear shelf quite smartly, not sure if it’s as good/powerful as the Audison as I’ve never heard that one to compare.

Hi Mikee,

Not a problem.

We have designed & manufactured front and rear speaker mounts, along with an amp mount, for those looking to upgrade their Emira Audio themselves.
These items can be purchased individually or as a complete kit, which includes a wiring colour code document, saving hrs of identifying & tracing wires.

Feel free to ask any questions or send us a direct message should this be of interest.
We are UK based.

 

[Nova]

Is the door card the same for the Base vs KEF system?

 

[KJWEmira]

Is the door card the same for the Base vs KEF system?

We are led to believe all the Emiras are fitted with the same KEF Audio systems. We have not seen or heard any difference with the owners we have supplied to.

The only difference we have found so far is a fake engine noise is played thru the speakers in an i4 version - the V6 does not do this.
Thanks to a few owners this is now easily resolved by cutting a single wire fed into one of the OEM Amps

 

[jjslat]

We are led to believe all the Emiras are fitted with the same KEF Audio systems. We have not seen or heard any difference with the owners we have supplied to.

The only difference we have found so far is a fake engine noise is played thru the speakers in an i4 version - the V6 does not do this.
Thanks to a few owners this is now easily resolved by cutting a single wire fed into one of the OEM Amps

Are you sure about this? The KEF has very obviously different metal speaker grills and no tweeter fitted in the tweeter pod area. The base audio does have a tweeter up there, doesn't seem to be very loud though.
I'd def love to find detailed specs on base stereo speakers so I can order replacements and just take the car apart once, specifically dimensions and thickness of speakers.

 

[KJWEmira]

After checking the current Lotus configurator the KEF audio is an optional extra for the New Turbo and Turbo SE models.
The V6 first edition and i4 first edition should all have KEF as you cannot unselect the option.

What build year and model is your Emira?

 

[jjslat]

After checking the current Lotus configurator the KEF audio is an optional extra for the New Turbo and Turbo SE models.
The V6 first edition and i4 first edition should all have KEF as you cannot unselect the option.

What build year and model is your Emira?

2025 V6 6spd. Like I said in the first post I didn't spec this one, it came into my local dealer and I picked it up, still has other add ones like Seneca blue, yellow brake calipers, v-spoke satin grey forged wheels, Alcantara headliner, sport pedals, black and silver nose badge and center caps; so no idea why they didn't order with KEF. MSRP was $110,150.