HD Radio is a broadcast technology that adds digitally encoded information to an analog AM or FM station. Where once you were limited to listening to, say, 101.1 in New York City, the broadcaster has added a news and talk channel as well as a sports channel to the same 101.1 MHz frequency. The best […]
Car Audio
Don’t Get Bogged Down by Car Speaker Specifications
Though it seems contrary to what I’ve preached, sometimes it’s better to avoid purchasing car audio speaker upgrades based on specifications alone. The information most manufacturers provide does very little to describe the actual quality of the product. A prime example of this are speaker Xmax specification numbers. Does this linear measurement tell us how […]
Enclosures Help Car Audio Subwoofers Sound Their Best
Most of us have heard of many types of car audio subwoofer enclosures. Many enthusiasts have debated the benefits and drawbacks of acoustic suspension (sealed), bass-reflex (vented), bandpass and infinite baffle designs in hopes of choosing the best solution for their application and expectations. In all cases, the enclosure has two specific purposes that are […]
Easily Enhance Your Ford Mustang with Upgrades
When it comes to upgrades and accessories for your Ford Mustang, your local mobile enhancement dealer has a nearly endless supply of options. Whether you’re shopping for a new radio with CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, or you want new speakers, subwoofers and an amplifier to bring your music to life, there are thousands of […]
Car Radio Controls and Other Control Interface Options
When it comes to ways to control the volume and tracking or seeking on a car radio, the three most popular options are rotary volume controls, pushbuttons and touchscreen interfaces. While many buyers focus on features like Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and backup cameras when shopping, there’s more to consider. A key and often […]
How to Properly Audition New Car Audio Speakers
There are two reasons why we’d want to upgrade the speakers in our vehicle: the original speakers may be damaged, or we want to improve the clarity of the audio system. In either case, you’re going to need to visit a local mobile enhancement retailer and choose a speaker solution that fits your vehicle, works […]
DSP 101 – How Signal Delay Can Improve Car Stereo Realism
When it comes to upgrading a car audio system with a digital signal processor, you’ll typically hear about a discussion of signal delay. Maybe people refer to this as time alignment or setting the delays. No matter what term is used, understanding the benefits and drawbacks of this technology is crucial to creating a car […]
DSP 101 – Proper Equalization Ensures Great Sound
As we roll forward with our look at the importance of digital signal processors in car audio systems, we’ll talk about the need for proper equalization. Even if you’ve purchased the best speakers available and invested in having them integrated into your vehicle with the utmost precision – compensating for the acoustic characteristics of the […]
DSP 101: The Importance of Crossover Adjustments
As we continue our deep-dive into the functions of car audio digital signal processors, we’ve reached the topic of crossovers. Many people overlook the importance of configuring crossovers properly to achieve a smooth frequency response. Let’s take a look at what a crossover does and why your technician must set them correctly to protect your […]
Product Spotlight: Sony XAV-AX8100 Media Receiver
When it comes to floating-face or T-style radios, there are more options than ever. The Sony XAV-AX8100 combines all the most sought-after features with an 8.95-inch screen that will look perfect in your dash. Whether it’s staying connected with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone integration or having support for all your favorite digital media […]