Showcasing the Best in the Mobile Enhancement Industry
Quite a while back, I took a scientific look at the difference between a recording stored in a WAV format and what is thrown away with a lossy format like MP3. During some recent research in preparation for an upcoming Test Drive Review, I got to thinking about a different way to show how other audio formats compare. Let’s look at WAV, FLAC and MP3 file formats, then throw in a Read more
When it comes to bang-for-your-buck car audio receiver upgrades, the Sony XAV-AX5600 offers amazing value and performance. This double-DIN multimedia unit is based around a 6.95-inch capacitive touch display. In addition, it includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration and support for playback of most of your digital media files. Best of all, the radio is easy Read more
For most of us, streaming the genre of music we want from an online service is the way to go. Whether we’re in the office, at home or in the car, access to millions of songs is always just a click away. Let’s take a look at some of the more popular music streaming services available. Pandora Because of how it chooses the music you want to hear, Pandora is a unique streaming Read more
When it comes to recreating music in our cars, the weakest link in the chain will be the downfall of the entire system. Knowing this, if we start with the best recordings possible, the chances of our music sounding more realistic and lifelike increase astronomically. The equipment required to record, master and distribute high-resolution music helps to ensure that our mobile Read more
With the rise in popularity of digital media files over the last decade, car audio enthusiasts find themselves being more likely to carry a USB memory stick than a stack of compact disks. When it comes to organizing all those MP3, WMA, AAC and FLAC files, most manufacturers suggest that you don’t put all the songs in one folder. Read on to find out why. How Car Radios Read more
If you are looking for a multimedia receiver for your car or truck with a bright, clear screen and Apple CarPlay smartphone integration, then you’ll want to check out the Sony XAV-AX1000. Equipped with a 6.2-inch, touch-sensitive display and rotary volume control on the front panel, the XAV-AX1000 looks great while being easy and intuitive to operate. Let’s take a close look at Read more
We recently talked about how the conversion from analog to digital works and explained some of the basic terminology associated with digital audio files. In this article, we are going to look at how different digital audio compression algorithms work to reduce file size so that files can be shared more easily. The Basics of Digital Audio As we explained previously, sampling Read more
You cannot have talked about audio and computers any time in the last 15 years and not have heard of an MP3 file. MP3 audio files and websites, like the original Napster, started a shift in where, how and when people acquired music. If you are on the older end of the spectrum, like many of us in the mobile electronics industry, then you bought your CDs, cassettes and maybe even Read more
When it comes time for buying an upgraded or replacement head unit for your vehicle, there are certainly a lot of options to consider. Size, features, compatibility and accessories are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to modern source units. Let’s take a look at some basic radio-buying knowledge and a few of the latest features and innovations that vie for space in Read more
