Showcasing the Best in the Mobile Enhancement Industry
Our Car Audio Masterclass series offers a comprehensive introduction to the essential concepts of car audio systems, covering everything from basic terminology to advanced measurement techniques. To learn more, check out the other articles in the series: Car Audio Masterclass 101.1 – Audio Basics: Learn key audio terms and concepts. Car Audio Masterclass 101.2 – Read more
This month's car audio question asks what sub amp you should buy for a specific set of subwoofers. It seems like a pretty simple question, right? However, considering all the variables, the selection process gets impressively complicated. Let’s consider seven criteria when picking the best subwoofer amplifier for a specific set of subwoofers. 1. Subwoofer Power Ratings We’ll Read more
If you’ve been following us recently, you’ll know we’ve upgraded our lab with new power supplies. As such, many of the products that have been on the BestCarAudio.com test bench have been re-tested for revised power measurements. In this spotlight, we will bring the Rockford Fosgate M5-800X4 and M5-1000X1 test numbers up to date with the ANSI/CTA-2006-D standard. Let’s see what Read more
Our Car Audio Masterclass series offers a comprehensive introduction to the essential concepts of car audio systems, covering everything from basic terminology to advanced measurement techniques. To learn more, check out the other articles in the series: Car Audio Masterclass 101.1 – Audio Basics: Learn key audio terms and concepts. Car Audio Masterclass 101.2 – Read more
Crossovers are an essential part of designing any audio system. From the passive designs used with a bookshelf or floor-standing speaker to three- and four-way electronic designs employed in car audio systems, ensuring signals combine correctly is crucial for delivering great sound. Crossovers can have different frequencies, slopes, and alignments. Understanding how audio Read more
As time goes on, everything seems to get bigger and better, doesn't it? Back in the '80s, I remember thinking that having a car with 15-inch wheels was pretty cool. Now, trucks and SUVs roll off the lot every day with 21- and 22-inch wheels. Having a 25-inch console TV in your living room used to be cool. Now, we’ve got screens over 100 inches available from discount stores. Read more
For September's BestCarAudio.com Question of the Month, we will look at car radios with a single subwoofer preamp output jack. There seems to be some confusion regarding the perception of quality associated with this design. Further, there are questions about whether or not your installer will need a Y-cable to connect to your subwoofer amplifier. Let’s dive in! What is a Read more
Our Car Audio Masterclass series offers a comprehensive introduction to the essential concepts of car audio systems, covering everything from basic terminology to advanced measurement techniques. To learn more, check out the other articles in the series: Car Audio Masterclass 101.1 – Audio Basics: Learn key audio terms and concepts. Car Audio Masterclass 101.2 – Read more
Have you ever wondered how car audio demo vehicles come together? Sony Car Audio just started their latest demo vehicle project—a 2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse. The car will be displayed at the 2024 SEMA show in Las Vegas and at retailer and distributor events in the Northeast. Sony has partnered with Broken Silence Custom Car Audio in Greenwich, CT, to build the audio system. Read more
Recently, we were sent a link to a YouTube video in which someone was trying to make power measurements of a factory-installed amplifier on a motorcycle. We see videos like this all the time. Unfortunately, the numbers presented in these videos are not just inaccurate but often completely illogical. Let’s talk about how we make power measurements and what information some of Read more
The third article in our series on understanding high-end car audio systems delves into the fascinating world of imaging. In essence, imaging is the ability of an audio system to recreate the precise location of a performer or instrument on a soundstage. While not all recordings excel in this aspect, some are genuinely awe-inspiring. Let’s explore this captivating facet of Read more
The landscape of car audio head units has undergone a significant transformation over the past decade. The era of double-DIN source units has given way to the dominance of large floating-face radios. Sony, a leader in audio technology, introduced the groundbreaking 10.1-inch floating face XAV-9500ES a few years ago, which left us in awe of its features and performance. To Read more
