Showcasing the Best in the Mobile Enhancement Industry
When the Ford Escape was first introduced about 20 years ago, it was a boxy little SUV, but it did perform admirably. It was Ford’s first foray into the now wildly popular CUV (some say the C stands for compact, some say for cute) segment. Some might even remember that it was cut from the same cloth as the Mazda Tribute. It was the vehicle that helped Ford and Mazda sell Read more
Truth be told, I love the Mazda Miata. I never thought I would own one, but too many other automotive journalists talked me into the platform as the perfect reasonably priced, open-air sports car. I am glad I listened to them years back and picked up a first-generation vehicle. It proved both super reliable and super fun. It needed a bit more power, but as anyone involved in Read more
Holly Hill, Fla. – October 28, 2025 – Metra Electronics® announces new additions to its line of premium all-in-one audio kits. These innovative solutions - designed specifically to fit the Toyota Tacoma, Jeep® Gladiator, and Ford F-150 SuperCrew - will be on display at the 2025 SEMA Show, taking place November 4th to 7th at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Attendees can Read more
In 2020, we looked at how laser engravers were changing how car audio systems were being built. The popularity of these solutions has grown at a stunning rate, making them a go-to tool for many shops around Canada and the United States. In this article, we’ll examine a few more examples of how expert fabrication specialists use lasers to cut and engrave plastics and other Read more
In the early 2000s, most premium aftermarket in-dash multimedia radios had built-in navigation solutions based on Global Positioning System data. This was also true for many factory-installed radios in higher-end vehicles. These systems helped travelers get where they wanted to go more efficiently and safely than using printed-out maps from MapQuest or classic foldable Read more
Decades ago, it took about $40 in parts, on top of the cost of a new car radio, to give yourself improved sound quality and more features. A simple wire harness adapter would let a single-DIN radio connect right to the factory radio harness behind your dash. Add an antenna adapter and you were likely on your way. Fast-forward to the 2020s and modern infotainment systems Read more
If you've been into high-end car audio for as long as I have, then you have fond memories of source car audio source units like the famed CDX-C90 from the late ’90s. While the RSX-GS9 media receiver is an amazing option, consumers have been craving a multimedia solution with CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration. Thankfully, the Sony product development team heard Read more
In the ’80s and ’90s, the target demographic at a car stereo shop was men ages 18 to 24. Guys would work to upgrade their cars with subwoofers, pull-out CD players and lots of speakers in hopes of having the loudest audio systems in their group of friends. Not coincidentally, during that time magazines ran advertisements for products with outrageous cosmetics, promoted by Read more
Sometimes you just need interior space. If you have a family with more than three children and a dog, usually the practical answer is a minivan. But most minivans don’t offer four-wheel-drive and ground clearance. The 2021 Chevrolet Suburban is the answer if you aren’t in suburbia but more on the rural side and have a large family. I’m not usually a fan of the mastodon class of Read more
A comment came up the other day that it was unwise to use all channels of a four-channel amplifier to power a pair of subwoofers. Not only is this incorrect, but this practice opens up several unique system designs and installation possibilities, especially where high-power requirements are necessary. Let’s dive in! Four-Channel Amplifiers Are Amazing! In terms of application Read more
Car audio amplifier designs have changed a great deal over the last few decades. Modern amplifiers have more features along with improved efficiency, and they offer consumers better value than their predecessors. This article will examine the key components in the construction of mobile audio amplifiers, their evolution and their benefits. Amplifier Design Balances Power and Read more
It’s the spring of 2021, and for those in the mobile enhancement industry, it’s a weird time. With COVID-19 having ransacked the entirety of the vacation industry, consumers have turned to investing in their homes and cars rather than a trip to the sunny south. Car stereo shops have been busier than ever and due to some unforeseen circumstances, are running out of their A-brand Read more
