A while back, we examined the difference in sound quality between wired and wireless Apple CarPlay. Now that many Android-based smartphones have access to additional audio streaming codecs like LDAC and aptX, it’s time to check out how they perform in terms of signal accuracy and frequency response. We’ll use the Sony XAV-9000ES digital media […]
Product Spotlight: Rockford Fosgate R165X3
Whether you enjoy background music while commuting to work or are serious about your car audio system offering studio-quality or concert-level performance, Rockford Fosgate has speakers, amplifiers, and subwoofer solutions for every application. The Prime series products are the most affordable offerings and include trickle-down tech from their industry-leading Punch and Power series. In this […]
The Nitty Gritty on Professional vs. DIY Car Audio Upgrades
Many professionals in the car audio industry started their careers as novices installing equipment for themselves or friends in their driveways and garages. That hands-on experience typically led to a job at a local shop and allowed them to learn more about electrical theory, acoustics, physics, and fabrication. Those who have invested time in understanding […]
Car Audio Bass: Are Two Good Subs Better Than One Great One?
While participating in some brand-specific online discussion groups, we often encounter the question: “Is it better to use two good subs or one great one?” Are two 12-inch KICKER L7S subs better than a SoloX? Should you opt for two Hertz Cento CS 250 S4s instead of a Mille ML 2500.3 Legend? What about choosing […]
Managing Large Music Collections in Your Car
Having music playing while driving is not only entertaining, but it can be very relaxing. Enjoying your favorite songs while stuck in traffic or on a long drive can help time pass much quicker. We recently received a question from one of our readers about the best way to manage a large music collection. Specifically, […]
Product Spotlight: Rockford Fosgate PP4-NT
Not long ago, we took a look at the impressive PPS4-10 10-inch Punch Pro midrange drivers from Rockford Fosgate. While they are great for keeping up with a trunk full of subwoofers, what works in terms of reproducing those high frequencies? This spotlight focuses on the Rockford Fosgate PP4-NT Punch Pro tweeter. Let’s check it […]
Why Battery Voltage is Key to Your Car Audio Amp’s Performance
A short while ago, while testing an amplifier’s maximum power output, we observed how significantly the power increased with higher supply voltage. This observation made us realize that we’ve never thoroughly examined the relationship between a vehicle’s battery voltage and a car audio amplifier’s maximum power output. It’s time to address that. Why Does Battery […]
Product Spotlight: Rockford Fosgate PPS4-10
What do you do when you need midrange speakers capable of keeping up with a pair of 15-inch Power Series subwoofers in the back of your SUV? The answer is the Rockford Fosgate PPS4-10 Punch Pro 10-inch speaker. These beasts boast a subwoofer-sized voice coil and handle 350 watts of power to ensure every word […]
DSP Features You Might Not Have Known Existed
When 99% of car audio enthusiasts think about a digital signal processor (DSP), they associate it with equalizers, crossovers, and signal delays. In more advanced solutions, a consumer-grade car audio DSP might add the ability to include all-pass filters, an upmixer for a center channel and signal summing. However, at an engineering level, much more […]
How Audio Signals Sum Around Crossover Points
Crossovers are an essential part of designing any audio system. From the passive designs used with a bookshelf or floor-standing speaker to three- and four-way electronic designs employed in car audio systems, ensuring signals combine correctly is crucial for delivering great sound. Crossovers can have different frequencies, slopes, and alignments. Understanding how audio signals from […]
