Installing a mobile audio system involves much more than just hooking up some wires and driving in a few screws. Almost all vehicle manufacturers have realized that some amount of audio system tuning will dramatically improve their customers’ experience. When you decide it’s time to upgrade your factory audio system, we need to take into […]
Car Audio
Why are Speakers Different Sizes?
When you head to your local mobile electronics specialist in search of new speakers, there are a few criteria to keep in mind. Choosing a speaker size can go one of two ways: You can pick something that fits a specific mounting location or you can choose based on the characteristics of the speaker relative […]
San Jose Classical Music Lover Gets Toyota Prius Audio Upgrade
A client from San Jose was referred to California Car Sounds and Tint for upgrades to his 2017 Toyota Prius. The client enjoys listening to classical music and wasn’t happy with the performance of the factory sound system in his Prius. We met with him to discuss what he liked about the factory sound system […]
Why Buy A Bigger Amplifier?
When an audio enthusiast goes shopping for an amplifier, the question of “how much power do I need?” comes up almost every time. There are a few factors to take into consideration when answering this question. This article looks at those factors and provides some technical background to help support your decision. Why Do We […]
Product Spotlight: AudioControl ACM Amplifiers
AudioControl has been very busy over the past few years developing new processors and amplifiers. At the 2018 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, AudioControl launched an entirely new series of micro-sized amplifiers designed to give enthusiasts amazing amplification performance from a compact package. While the amplifiers are small, they have the features and performance […]
What Is An MP3 File?
You cannot have talked about audio and computers any time in the last 15 years and not have heard of an MP3 file. MP3 audio files and websites, like the original Napster, started a shift in where, how and when people acquired music. If you are on the older end of the spectrum, like many […]
Morgan Hill Client Gets Cadillac XTS-4 Audio Featuring Focal Products
A client from Morgan Hill recently visited California Car Sounds and Tint to inquire about a 2015 Cadillac XTS-4 audio system upgrade. We had a look at the vehicle, then talked to the client about the existing sound system and what aspects he wanted to improve. After developing an understanding of his goals for the […]
Amplifier Classes: Making Sense Out of Class AB and Class D Amps
Amplifiers have a very tough job. They have to take a very low voltage signal and increase it in amplitude so it can drive a speaker. In this transformation, we expect the signal to remain pure – no distortion or no noise should be added. We also want significant amounts of power to drive our […]
Acoustic Suspension Subwoofer Enclosures Explained
Enclosure, box or cabinet: Whatever you want to call them, where you install your speaker or subwoofer is critically important to their resulting performance. In this article, we focus on the simplest and most forgiving of enclosures to design and construct – the acoustic suspension or sealed enclosure. The Laws of Physics There are a […]
The Importance of Proper Cables and Wiring
Installing mobile electronics systems is not as easy as it used to be. In the “good old days,” cars were made from thick metal and didn’t have many electrical components. Modern vehicle construction makes use of the thinnest, lightest materials possible. These body panels are held together with non-conductive adhesives, and it seems that every […]