Showcasing the Best in the Mobile Enhancement Industry
We’ve talked about how speaker power handling is tested and the importance of delivering accurate test data. In the context of car audio speakers, we’ve explained that the physical size of the voice coil is a crucial element in determining how much power a speaker can handle. In this article, we’ve put together a simple, practical demonstration to show the thermal limits of a Read more
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 issues and that their goal was to get the best sound quality from the system. This is a great question, as it ties together many considerations. Let’s look at a few benefits and drawbacks of using a single versus multiple Read more
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 amplifier. Neither number tells you anything about either amplifier’s quality, performance or reliability. Surprisingly, many companies are still slapping inaccurate and often impossible power ratings on their products. We Read more
So far, we’ve demonstrated five easily measurable criteria that separate the performance of one amplifier from another. Some of these, like frequency response, can be compensated for using an equalizer. Others, like harmonic and intermodulation distortion, are permanently baked into the amplifier’s sonic signature. Does the amp sound clean and transparent, or does it color the Read more
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 frequently fall prey to crazy marketing stories sprinkled with just enough technical words to make them sound plausible. Do your speaker cables need acrylic spacers to keep them off the floor? Should you paint the edge of Read more
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 ground to describe the negative power connection to the amplifier might imply it’s not as important as the positive battery connection. Both connections must be equally capable of passing all the current the amplifier Read more
Social media conversations are often a great source of content ideas here at BestCarAudio.com. We were recently talking to someone about why loading down an amplifier isn’t an ideal solution. As we’ve demonstrated in our Test Drive Reviews, lower impedances result in more distortion in most cases. In all cases, lower impedance loads reduce amplifier efficiency. Let’s discuss Read more
As we continue our series on what makes one amplifier sound different from another, we will look at intermodulation distortion. As you should know by now, harmonic distortion creates higher frequency components that can make an audio device sound harsh or bright. Intermodulation distortion is typically responsible for unwanted warmth or sloppiness in lower frequencies. When Read more
Jeep doesn’t always have to represent the Wrangler. Back in the day, we had the Grand Wagoneer, with optional wood paneling. Jeep has reincarnated the Grand Wagoneer name with its most luxurious offering to date: the Grand Wagoneer L Obsidian. This is the biggest and baddest Jeep you can get, meant to go up against the large-and-in-charge Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Read more
