As we slowly approach the end of our latest Understanding Specifications series, we want to take a look at car audio amplifier distortion ratings and explain what they mean. We should make it clear: No matter how or good or bad a piece of audio equipment is, every audio component adds some amount of distortion […]
ARTICLES
Why Car Audio System Setup and Tuning Are Important
Unlike buying and setting up a basic home audio system, having a new amplifier and speakers installed in your car or truck requires proper setup and tuning. At home, you can adjust the placement of the speakers and how much they are toed in to affect the focus of the soundstage and the bass response. […]
Product Spotlight: Sony XAV-AX7000
Sony car audio continues to introduce new multimedia receivers with features that everyone, from the car audio enthusiast to the daily commuter, loves. The latest addition is the double-DIN XAV-AX7000 that features a new 6.95-inch bright touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration and Sony’s High Power 45 watts-per-channel RMS amplifier for amazing sound! […]
Understanding Specifications: Car Audio Amplifier Stereo Separation
We’re back in the lab and working on a few more articles about amplifier specifications in order to wrap up this series. This time, we’re going to talk about the amplifier stereo separation specification. In a nutshell, the stereo separation, or crosstalk, number tells us how much of an audio signal leaks from one channel […]
Understanding the Basics of Digital Audio Files
If you are in your late 40s or older, then you likely grew up with a turntable or tape player in your home as a way of listening to store-bought music. Between 1982 and 1983, the compact disc entered the market and forever changed the way music was stored and transported. In this article, we […]
The Basics of Digital Audio Compression
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 […]
Upgrade Your Vehicle Technology Without any Clutter
These days, it seems like there are more vehicle technology options than ever that can plug into the power outlet in your car or stick to the windshield. The problem with using the cigarette lighter outlet in your vehicle is that you end up with a lot of wire clutter and components attached to […]
Understanding Specifications – Car Audio Amplifier Efficiency
Next, on our look through the common specifications included with modern car audio amplifiers, we want to take a look at amplifier efficiency. With the electrical systems in modern cars shrinking in capacity with every passing year, getting power from your amplifier without taxing the wiring, battery, and alternator in your car is a genuine […]
Understanding Specifications – Car Audio Amplifier Frequency Response
As the next topic in our series explaining amplifier specifications, we will look at the frequency response information that manufacturers provide and explain how to interpret this information. In the simplest of statements, the frequency response spec will tell you about the low- and high-frequency limits of the amplifier based on its design. As with […]
Rockford Fosgate Audio Upgrades for ’98-’13 Harley Motorcycles
If you have a 1998 through 2013 Harley-Davidson touring bike and want to upgrade the sound system, drop by California Car Sounds and Tint in Campbell and ask about the new Rockford Fosgate audio kits. Designed by the music fanatics at Rockford, these kits include a new radio, upgraded speakers, a high-power amplifier and all […]