We had the opportunity to check out Sony’s Mobile ES monoblock XM-1ES, four-channel XM-4ES and five-channel XM-5ES amplifiers in 2022. All three amps performed well on the test bench and in our listening room. For 2023, Sony has introduced two new amplifiers: the eight-channel XM-8ES and the six-channel XM-6ES. Let’s dive into the XM-8ES … [Read More...]
Test Drive Reviews
Test Drive Review: Rockford Fosgate T500-1bdCP
In the minds of most car audio enthusiasts, the only thing that matters when it comes to subwoofer amplifiers is how much power they make. Subwoofer amplifier quality is essential for those who want the bass frequencies in their audio systems to sound accurate and musical. Our friends at Rockford Fosgate in Tempe, Arizona, sent up one of … [Read More...]
Recent Articles
How Many Subwoofers Does My Car Stereo Need?
We recently saw someone ask how many subwoofers they should use in their car audio system. They qualified the question by adding that cost and space weren’t … [Read More]
Add Power Liftgate Convenience to Your SUV or CUV
If you’ve looked at the feature list of modern mid-size or larger SUVs, you know that many premium trim packages include a power liftgate option. In almost … [Read More]
They Keep Lying About Car Audio Amp Power Ratings
Car audio Amp power ratings are often the least important aspect in differentiating amplifier options. Sure, it matters whether you buy a 500- or 1,500-watt … [Read More]
Amplifier Differences, Part 6: Car Audio Amplifier Crosstalk
So far, we’ve demonstrated five easily measurable criteria that separate the performance of one amplifier from another. Some of these, like frequency response, … [Read More]
Listen Up! What Can We Learn from Home Audiophiles?
Sometimes, it’s fun to poke at certain stereotypes in the audio community. Those who consider themselves audiophiles are often the easiest to harass as they … [Read More]
Question of The Month: Is This a Good Ground Location for a Car Audio Amplifier?
Some of the most common car audio questions on social media are about finding a good ground location for an amplifier. Thinking about the topic, using the term … [Read More]
Product Spotlights
Product Spotlight: Sony XS-W124GS and XS-W104GS Car Audio Subwoofers
Although talking about a trunk full of high-performance subwoofers powered by big amplifiers is fun, Sony knows that many people want a more … [Read More...]
Product Spotlight: Rockford Fosgate RFPEQU EQ and Line Driver
When it comes to the most stereotypical car audio upgrades, most enthusiasts think of subwoofer systems. Whether you have a small sub in the trunk or … [Read More...]
Product Spotlight: Rockford Fosgate T3S1-19 and T3S2-19 Superwoofers
When most people think of Rockford Fosgate, they remember that this brand has been delivering car audio products that enthusiasts have craved for over … [Read More...]
Product Spotlight: Rockford Fosgate P3D2-10 and P3D4-10 Subwoofers
I can’t think of many name-brand car audio manufacturers offering more subwoofers than Rockford Fosgate. They have everything from affordable … [Read More...]
Product Spotlight: Sony XS-162GS and XS-160GS 6.5-inch Speakers
You’d think that the Sony product development team would deserve a break after releasing no less than nine new Mobile ES speakers and subwoofers over … [Read More...]
Product Spotlight: Rockford Fosgate T1D212 and T1D412
Without investing in an understanding of the technologies that improve speaker performance by reducing distortion, choosing one driver over another … [Read More...]