We see a lot of questions like “My car audio amp can produce 800 watts; how much power does each of my subs get?” If you aren’t versed in the calculation basics of Ohm’s law, the answer might not be intuitive. Let’s dive into the math and logic that will let us calculate how the […]
My Car Stereo System Sounds Worse After a Speaker Upgrade. Why?
Before about 2000, upgrading a factory-installed car audio system was pretty easy. You could start with a new set of speakers and a subwoofer and have something quite enjoyable. In the last few decades, automakers, or more specifically, the companies that supply their audio system components, have learned how to maximize the performance of the […]
Is Your Radio Turned Off or Killing Your Battery?
You’d think that something as simple as operating an on/off button or switch would deliver predictable results. These days, many electronic devices remain on and continue to draw small amounts of current, even when you think they’re off. Let’s look at how car radios work regarding their on/off status and how much current they draw. […]
A Look at Shopping for Wakeboard Tower Speakers for Your Boat
If your family and friends enjoy wakeboarding or waterskiing, you may have considered adding a set of wakeboard tower speakers to your boat. These marine audio speaker systems are designed to project sound to the person at the end of the tow rope rather than fill the boat with sound. Their design is often unique, […]
Benefits and Drawbacks of Using Dashcam Parking Mode
Given the proliferation of fraud, accidents and sheer craziness on the roads today, having a dashcam in your vehicle is, at the very least, a wise investment. These compact camera systems capture video of everything that happens while you drive, in the event you need to share information with the authorities or on social media. […]
Product Spotlight: Sony XAV-AX3700 Multimedia Receiver
Car audio source unit manufacturers are constantly developing new products to fill the gaps between entry-level and flagship models. Sony recently released a new 2-DIN digital multimedia receiver called the XAV-AX3700, which slides into the mix just below the XAV-AX4000. This new radio features a 6.95-inch touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay connectivity and iDatalink Maestro vehicle […]
Want More Power? Get More Power Wire!
Once again, we approach a discussion of the laws of physics and how they affect the electrical systems in our cars and trucks. The enemy of all power transmission systems, be it the battery and alternator to the amplifier in your vehicle or the nuclear power station or hydroelectric dam across the state to your […]
How Digital Audio Works – The Stairstep Analogy
In the fall of 1982, Billy Joel’s 52nd Street was among the first 50 albums released as consumer-available compact discs. It had been only about four years since digital recording equipment was introduced to studios. This marked a revolutionary change in how consumers would buy their music. It was the dawn of an all-digital era, […]
Picking the Best Motorcycle Speaker Upgrades
When it comes to getting great sound on your Gold Wing, Harley-Davidson or BMW, the key is to pick the best motorcycle speakers you can afford. The speakers in any audio system are the only link between what you hear and the electronics that play your music. Even the best radio and amplifier in the […]
Will a Car Audio Speaker Upgrade Make My Stereo Louder?
Speakers are, by a long way, the most influential component in any audio system when defining performance or quality. Low-quality speakers, or those without specific technologies, can’t match the clarity levels of premium solutions. In addition, many music enthusiasts want their car audio systems to play louder than what’s possible with factory-installed equipment. After all, […]