Showcasing the Best in the Mobile Enhancement Industry
A while back, we looked at how some car audio speakers and subwoofers change in performance after they’ve been broken in. We analyzed how the Thiele/Small parameters of a sample subwoofer changed after being played for many hours. What we didn’t clarify adequately in that article was whether or not speakers had to be broken in before use. Parts of a Speaker or Subwoofer Let’s Read more
For decades, car audio installers have used capacitors to reduce the bass that small speakers would reproduce. I vividly remember installing 47-microfarad capacitors inline with a set of 3.5-inch speakers in the dashes of Fox-body Mustangs back in the ’80s and ’90s. Passive crossover components like these are still an essential part of the car audio industry, even with the Read more
Few people in the car audio industry seem to grasp that speakers are typically the weakest link in audio systems, in terms of adding distortion to what we hear. Whether it’s a poor design with improper voice coil centering in the magnetic gap or poor magnetic or compliance linearity, speakers add significant amounts of unwanted information to what we hear. This article will Read more
If there’s one thing synonymous with Rockford Fosgate, it’s loud car audio systems. If you’ve outfitted your SUV or van with their 13-, 16- or 19-inch superwoofers, you’ll need some serious midrange speakers to keep with all that bass. Enter the Punch Pro Series of midrange drivers. These super-efficient midrange drivers not only make the most of the power from your amplifier, Read more
We recently published a detailed article explaining what happens when an amplifier starts to clip. The article detailed the inclusion of harmonics in the output signal and explained how this extra high-frequency information increases the power to a speaker. Regarding damaging speakers, the issue isn’t specifically the harmonics, as many electric guitars produce similar Read more
While browsing car audio groups on Facebook or Reddit, I see the comment that “distortion damages speakers” at least once, if not 10 times, a day. There can’t be many statements that equal this one to demonstrate an incomplete understanding of how speakers, amplifiers and distortion work.If you’ve been told this by professionals, don’t fret. Most of them don’t understand Read more
Maybe it isn’t fair to compare a Subaru Outback to the new Ford Bronco. No doubt about it, the new Bronco is red-hot right now, and for hardcore off-roading, it’s the perfect vehicle. Unfortunately, most Broncos will be relegated to hopping curbs at the mall parking lot. But let’s say you’re an off-roader who wants a vehicle to drive every day with reasonable fuel economy and Read more
It’s April 1st once again, and that means it’s time for another look at car audio installations that have gone awry. The images you’ll see are prime examples of why only a genuine professional should be the only person to upgrade your car or truck. Whether it’s an amplifier installation, a remote car starter integration or a simple lighting upgrade, ensuring that the results Read more
Car audio enthusiasts share one thing: All of us have a vehicle of some sort. It’s no surprise to anyone that fuel prices have skyrocketed to record-setting levels in 2022. Since many of us must commute to work, our expenses have increased dramatically. So whether you’re shopping for new equipment for your vehicle or planning sound system upgrades, here are a few tips that can Read more
