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 […]
Car Audio
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 […]
Product Spotlight: Morel Virtus Nano Integra 602 Carbon
If you live in the San Jose area and are looking for a premium speaker that can be installed almost anywhere, drop by California Car Sounds and Tint to audition the Morel Virtus Nano Integra 602 Carbon Integra. While the name might be lengthy, these speakers are the epitome of thin. These 6.5-inch class coaxial […]
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 […]
Product Spotlight: ARC Audio SW Subwoofers
Producing great bass in a pickup truck requires a subwoofer with shallow mounting requirements and impressive excursion capabilities. The new SW-Series of subwoofers from ARC Audio includes 10- and 12-inch solutions that deliver class-leading performance from their front-magnet, shallow-basket design. ARC Audio SW12 Subwoofer Launched at KnowledgeFest in August 2019, the first SW-Series solution to […]
Understanding Specifications – Car Audio Amplifier Input Sensitivity
The next topic in our look at car audio amplifier specifications is input sensitivity. This specification is easy to understand but is important to choose an amp that will work with the system your local car stereo shop has designed. In the simplest of terms, the sensitivity specification determines how much voltage is required on […]
Understanding Specifications – Car Audio Amplifier Signal-to-Noise Ratio
Welcome to our new series about understanding product specifications. Our goal in these articles is to help you understand what the amplifier power ratings mean when you start to compare solutions. We’ll not only explain which numbers are good, but we’ll include a detailed description of what each specification means, how it’s measured and how […]