Showcasing the Best in the Mobile Enhancement Industry
Not too long ago, we took a look at how speaker-level line output converters worked. We discussed the difference between passive and active devices and explained what features to look for. If you have a vehicle with a premium factory-installed sound system, those interfaces might not be adequate to provide your amplifier with a signal that will sound good with new speakers. So Read more
We took a close look at the amazing Audison bit One HD Virtuoso early in 2020. Since then, the team at Audison in Italy has been hard at work adding features and integration solutions, and the fruits of their labor are now available in the Version 3.0 software update. So let’s dive into the new features that will allow your installer to make your car audio system upgrade sound Read more
It seems like everything to do with car audio installations has something to do with managing voltages. For starters, your electrical system needs to produce enough voltage to keep your radio and amplifier going. And amplifiers need to increase the voltage to drive speakers. When adding an amplifier to a factory-installed audio system, your installer will need to measure the Read more
A digital signal processor, or at the very least some type of equalizer, is pretty much a requirement when it comes to creating a car audio system that will have realistic tonal balance. There are dozens of methods to configure and tune these processors, and each has benefits and drawbacks. What seems to be an ongoing issue is the need to have someone with the proper training Read more
A while back we published an article that looked at the issue of intermodulation distortion from coincident coaxial speakers. As the woofer cone moves forward and rearward from its rest position, it acts as moving waveguide for the tweeter. While the phenomenon is measurable, there are other considerations in a coincident speaker design that offer dramatic performance benefits Read more
Whether it’s Black Friday, Christmas, Back to School or just a regular sale, many car stereo shops around the country offer subwoofer system upgrade packages that let you add bass to your stereo at an affordable price. These packages typically include a 200-300 watt amplifier, a single subwoofer, an enclosure and an installation kit. We’ve noticed a trend in the choice of Read more
A while back we published an article that discussed why aiming speakers in a properly designed car audio system was futile. As usual, we received a good deal of feedback about the piece. The comments ranged from the typical “that’s not how it works” to more scientific discussions about how even minor changes in placement had significant effects on imaging and soundstage Read more
When it comes to floating-face or T-style radios, there are more options than ever. The Sony XAV-AX8100 combines all the most sought-after features with an 8.95-inch screen that will look perfect in your dash. Whether it’s staying connected with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone integration or having support for all your favorite digital media files to entertain you on Read more
Whether you have a Jeep that gets muddy, a side-by-side that thinks it’s a part-time submarine, or a boat that’s always getting swamped, Rockford Fosgate’s M5-1500X5 powersports amplifier can be the heart of an impressive audio system upgrade. This five-channel amplifier can deliver the power your speakers need to reproduce audio with amazing clarity while driving a subwoofer Read more
We took our first look at measuring light sources a while back as our first step toward understanding the differences in automotive headlight options. In this article, we’ll provide a practical demonstration of why it’s crucial for the lighting on your car, truck, motorcycle, ATV or side-by-side to emit light that covers the entire color spectrum evenly. Light Sources and the Read more
Have you ever looked at something and thought you were only getting part of the story? Many previous articles have discussed amplifier distortion at length but haven’t delved into how power output levels and frequency affect distortion measurements. If you’re looking for the best amplifier for your car audio system, especially for midrange drivers and tweeters, this information Read more
Holly Hill, Fla. – November 23, 2021 – iBEAM Vehicle Safety Systems® by Metra Electronics® is now shipping new cameras and accessories launched at the 2021 SEMA Show. Two new tailgate handle cameras designed to fit older model Dodge Dakota or Chevrolet C/K pickup trucks provide an OE-style replacement handle with a high-quality backup camera. iBEAM is also now shipping a new Read more
