There’s a strange car audio myth that claims you can’t mix different brands of source units, speakers, amplifiers, subwoofers and signal processors in the same audio system. While it might be fun for a distributor, sales representative or employee at a car audio retailer to do a one-brand build, chances are you’ll want to pick […]
Do Car Audio Subwoofers Require Equalization for Smooth Response?
Not long ago, we saw a post where someone asked whether they needed to dedicate a channel of their digital signal processor to equalize the subwoofer in their car audio system. As usual, several amateurs chimed in with their opinions, but nobody presented any facts supporting a yes or no answer. As professionals, when we’re […]
Let’s Talk About Car Audio Speaker Wire Size Requirements
Not too long ago, we stumbled across a discussion about the need for large-gauge car audio speaker wire to be connected to a high-power amplifier. The comments on the post were prime examples of how little some audio enthusiasts understand about the signals going to the speakers in their car audio system. So, to help […]
The BestCarAudio.com Sound Deadening Buyers Guide
Car audio sound deadening has been a popular upgrade to improve the comfort of your vehicle and enhance audio system performance since the early ’90s. The original concept of sound deadening was to make cars and trucks quieter and more comfortable by limiting the ability for noise outside the vehicle to get into the cabin. […]
Let’s Look at Car Audio Subwoofer Passive Radiator Designs
When it comes to producing deep bass from a small enclosure, adding a passive radiator offers some significant performance benefits. If you aren’t familiar with this type of subwoofer enclosure, then you’ve come to the right place. We’ll look at how this design works, the benefits it offers and analyze potential drawbacks. Ready? Let’s dive […]
Setting Car Amplifier Gains Correctly Is Harder Than You’d Think
When it comes to car audio systems, more is better, right? Enthusiasts want more bass, more output and more impact. When your favorite song comes on, turning the volume knob all the way up seems like the right thing to do. For car audio professionals, we need to balance keeping our clients happy with great-sounding […]
Does the Power Your Car Audio Amplifier Produces Really Matter?
Did you know that a difference of 20 watts of power between one car audio amplifier and another might be completely inaudible? That same 20-watt difference might mean having to keep your windows rolled up on the highway to hear your music. Let’s look at the physics of reproducing sound with moving-coil loudspeakers and why […]
Your Installer Can’t Tune Out Distortion with a DSP
No matter how hard he or she tries, the installer who’s calibrating your car audio system can’t use a digital signal processor to tune distortion out of your system. We aren’t talking about the harmonic distortion that happens when a signal overloads the processor or an amplifier’s input stage. Preventing clipping is a simple process […]
Product Spotlight: Sony XAV-AX4000 Digital Multimedia Receiver
Over the last few years, Sony’s multimedia receivers have become increasingly popular. As more units have sold, retailers have asked for iDatalink Maestro integration, USB-C support and powerful sound customization. With Sony’s new XAV-AX4000, those requests and more have been fulfilled. Let’s look at what this sleek and impressive car audio source unit offers. Clean […]
Car Audio Amplifier Remote Level and Bass Boost Controls
Look at any of the top car audio subwoofer amplifier models available from specialty retailers. You’ll find that most include an option for a remote level control or bass boost function. Being able to fine-tune the output of your subwoofer system is great for those times when you want to rock out to an amazing […]