Amplifiers have a very tough job. They have to take a very low voltage signal and increase it in amplitude so it can drive a speaker. In this transformation, we expect the signal to remain pure – no distortion or no noise should be added. We also want significant amounts of power to drive our […]
Acoustic Suspension Subwoofer Enclosures Explained
Enclosure, box or cabinet: Whatever you want to call them, where you install your speaker or subwoofer is critically important to their resulting performance. In this article, we focus on the simplest and most forgiving of enclosures to design and construct – the acoustic suspension or sealed enclosure. The Laws of Physics There are a […]
The Importance of Proper Cables and Wiring
Installing mobile electronics systems is not as easy as it used to be. In the “good old days,” cars were made from thick metal and didn’t have many electrical components. Modern vehicle construction makes use of the thinnest, lightest materials possible. These body panels are held together with non-conductive adhesives, and it seems that every […]
Car Audio Installation – The Good, Better, Best Approach
Installing mobile electronics in a vehicle is a balance of technical skill and creativity. From the seemingly simple task of connecting wires to the creation of a custom amp rack or subwoofer enclosure, each task requires the car audio installation technician to call upon many different skills. When it comes to installing audio gear in […]
Radar and Laser Speed Detection Systems
Do you like to drive fast? Do you find yourself cruising at speeds above the posted limit? If you are one of these people and the local laws allow it, you may want to consider purchasing a radar detector and laser defuser system. This article looks at the solutions available and the features and benefits […]
What You Get When You Spend More Money On Speakers
Among the most under-appreciated components in any audio system are the speakers. You could be using the best source unit on the planet, an amazing amplifier, and the most esoteric of interconnects and speaker cables – but if you don’t have great speakers, you still won’t have great sound. Your speakers are the only link […]
Rear Seat Entertainment Systems For Most Needs and Budgets
Kids and road trips: an amazing combination of excitement, energy and, if the drive is long, boredom. Playing I Spy or 20 Questions, or looking for license plates from all the states and provinces, is fun for a little while, but those classic road games won’t last forever. What if your kids could watch their […]
Apple CarPlay Explained
According to a AAA survey, the average American drives for about 45 minutes each day. If you compare this time to an eight hour work day, that’s 10% of your work day, on top of the hours you are at your desk. This time is not an insignificant number. If your job involves being on […]
Vehicle Parking Safety Systems
Did you ever wish you had eyes in the back of your head? When you are backing into a parking spot, being able to know where the car behind you is would save a lot of time and nervousness. If your car doesn’t have a backup camera or parking sensors, then it’s time to visit […]
Product Spotlight: Sony HI-Power Source Units
The power ratings on car audio source units have been over-rated for years. Claims of 40, 50 and even 55 watts per channel are emblazoned across the front of radios in an effort to one-up competing products for the title of “most powerful” source unit. Sony recognized the need for a true high-power solution to […]