Showcasing the Best in the Mobile Enhancement Industry
Nero means black in Italian, and Kia used some black magic to differentiate the Kia Niro EV from the hybrid version. Instead of a shifter in the middle of the dash, a circular twist-dial engages forward or reverse. The Park button is in the middle. And the rest of the package is futuristic. Dig those contrasting-color “aeroblades” by the C-pillar that stretch back to the rear Read more
We recently published an article that explains how differential inputs on car audio amplifiers and signal processors work. Just after that was published, we were talking with Brad Ott, executive vice president of operations at ARC Audio. He has an extensive background in circuit design and was the company’s product development manager for many years. Brad offered to send us Read more
Having worked at a car audio manufacturer for over 15 years, I can tell you without hesitation that warranty coverage contributes to the cost of the products consumers purchase. Unfortunately, while the failure rate of well-engineered car audio products is quite low, many consumers don’t understand how warranties work. So, let’s chat about car audio product warranties, what Read more
If you were into car audio in the ’80s or ’90s, you undoubtedly heard about people spending countless hours hunting down engine noise or alternator whine issues with amplified systems. Thankfully, modern high-quality car audio amplifiers include circuitry on the RCA input jacks that nearly eliminates the chance of ground loops and prevents the audio system from producing Read more
Once again, we approach a discussion of the laws of physics and how they affect the electrical systems in our cars and trucks. The enemy of all power transmission systems, be it the battery and alternator to the amplifier in your vehicle or the nuclear power station or hydroelectric dam across the state to your home, is resistance. I saw a power wire sizing chart earlier this Read more
In the fall of 1982, Billy Joel’s 52nd Street was among the first 50 albums released as consumer-available compact discs. It had been only about four years since digital recording equipment was introduced to studios. This marked a revolutionary change in how consumers would buy their music. It was the dawn of an all-digital era, where performers could have their music captured Read more
The other day I saw an interesting question on social media where someone asked if they should match their car audio amplifier to their speakers. I know they were asking about power ratings, but I think that’s the wrong way to go about the process. I realized again that many enthusiasts don’t fully understand how to quantify audio component quality. So let’s dive into the Read more
The Jeep Grand Cherokee has been a hit since it debuted when I was a senior in high school. I remember the first one I saw in the parking lot with bright red paint and gold-trimmed wheels. That was a lucky student (with well-to-do parents) who obtained one of the first. I remember taking a ride and thinking what a great package it was compared to the OG Cherokee. Grand Cherokee Read more
If you’ve ever considered upgrading a factory-installed audio system with an amplifier, then there will have to be a discussion about a suitable amplifier turn-on solution. Aftermarket radios have a wire in their harness with 12 volts when the unit is on. This wire connects to the remote turn-on input on an aftermarket amplifier. The voltage on this wire tells the aftermarket Read more
