Mobile Sound

Do you find buying a high-performance auto audio system difficult? Do you know the factors to consider?

If you have no clear-cut guide, read on. Here’s a nice article from eHow. It outlines the steps in choosing a rewarding auto audio system:

Steps:
1. Conduct enough research so that you’re conversant with the basic terminology of audio systems. Audio and car magazines, knowledgeable friends and the Internet are your best sources.
2. Set a budget. Complete systems range from $500 to many thousands of dollars, but you can find choices within any budget.

3. Determine what high performance means to you. If you like rock and rap, maximum power output is important. If you like classical music, you want moderate power and exceptional sound quality.

4. Avoid buying a system one piece at a time. Every component, regardless of quality, has its own sound characteristics. If you buy everything separately, you won’t have a chance to preview the whole system before you own it.

5. Understand speaker options. Most speakers are two-way, with a low-range driver (woofer) and a high-range driver (tweeter). Three-way speakers include a midrange driver, which provides precise sound quality. Small car owners may opt to mount individual drivers, with the tweeters up front, and woofers and midrange drivers in back. Such systems require an external crossover device to synchronize the individual drivers. An audio shop will know the speaker limitations for your vehicle.

6. Research head units, also called receivers, which typically include a radio, an amplifier, and a CD or tape player. Head units list a power output figure in watts. Find a knowledgeable salesperson willing to explain the true power output. Higher-quality units usually have more power. Expect to pay $200 and up.

7. Check the preouts, plugs that allow for additional components on the head unit. If you plan on installing an equalizer (for improved sound tuning) and an additional amplifier (for more volume), be sure enough preouts exist. If you’re connecting the head unit to existing components, be sure the preouts are compatible.

8. Make sure the head unit is compatible with satellite radio, MP3 and home-recorded CDs. Even if you don’t use these now, you might in the future.

9. Select speakers and a head unit that are compatible in terms of power. Don’t use speakers with a lower power rating than the head unit. In fact, it’s a good idea to get speakers with a slightly greater rating, allowing for the addition of an amplifier later. Expect to pay $200 or more for top-quality speakers.

In a nutshell, you have to consider the quality of sound, room for speakers, adequate power, preouts for more components, and head unit compatibility. Those are the crucial things that make auto audio system stand out.

Hate regrets? Sure you do. So be sure you know exactly what to do and how to do it!

For all of us who want the best sound in our cars, we buy the loudest and the most expensive car audio system. But without the ability to properly install them and without the background knowledge about acoustics, then all the money we’ve spent would be terribly wasted and we would be thinking that we should have stuck with the factory unit. But being the fanatics that we are, we have some idea on how to make a car audio sound good.

But there are myths out there when it comes to car audio systems that need to be busted and that’s where the experts comes in. And these experts really know what they are talking about as they work for the Car Audio Magazine. I came across this article and decided to share it with you fellow car audio buffs. It’s quite lengthy so I’m just gonna share with you some of things which I think everyone should know.

One issue I find quite interesting is the thing about subwoofers. I’m sure you’ve also heard somewhere something about the larger the woofer, the slower it is. And here’s what Mark Eldridge of Car Audio gave us something to counter such myths. He said: “One of the most common myths is that the larger the woofer, the “slower” it sounds. What is this? How can a woofer be slow or fast?” Right on, huh?

Garry Springgar, also one of the experts from Car Audio, added: “The reason that whole thing got started was back in home audio there were a bunch of sealed box systems and the boxes were being built too small. That made the sound really boomy and people would blame it on the woofer’s size.” These guys are really good eh?

If you want more information as to where to properly place your tweeters or subwoofers to get the best out of your car audio system, these guys can tell you what to do. I mean, they do this for a living and I wonder how the car audio on these guys’ cars sounds like. I don’t really known but I can guess, and so can you. After all, what would you expect from someone who knows all about car audio? Buying and reading a Car Audio magazine will surely give you an idea just what you can do to your car audio’s performance. As for me, I am left wondering if these guys can turn an awfully cheap car audio system into something that you and I would envy. Hmmm…

I was asked by my younger brother to get him a Subaru oil filter and the best audio component for his ride so I decided to inquire at www.sonicelectronix.com because it was said to be the best online store for great gadgets for vehicles. Luckily, I made the best deal when I purchased Pioneer Premier DEH-P790BT - CD, MP3, WMA Receiver with Remote and BUILT-IN iPod Controls, Adapter AND Bluetooth Hands-free Capability! When I checked out the gadget’s review on the internet, I was amazed when I was fed with information regarding the quality and features provided by this radical hot stuff!

The Pioneer Premier DEH-P790BT CD, MP3, WMA Receiver with Remote and BUILT-IN iPod Controls, Adapter AND Bluetooth Hands-free Capability boasts off the best features that will definitely change the environment inside your car. My brother was delighted upon getting the stuff I purchased from the store.

I have gathered some of the details about the Pioneer Premier DEH-P790BT CD, MP3, WMA Receiver with Remote and BUILT-IN iPod Controls, Adapter AND Bluetooth Hands-free Capability. To see all features, just CLICK HERE. Check some of the best features I’ve found!

Compact Disc Features:

• CD/MP3/WMA/WAV/AAC Playback
• Digital SpeedRead II Mechanism for Faster File Access
• Large Memory for Improved Track Access
• BMX (Bit Media eXpander) Digital Sound Processing
• Disc/Track/Folder Repeat & Scan
• Audible Fast Forward/Reverse
• Playback Compatible with CD-R & CD-RW Discs
• Disc Title Memory (48 Discs)
• CD Text & ID3 Tag Display (versions 1 & 2)
• 3-Beam Laser Pick-Up with AGC (Automatic Gain Control)
• 1-Bit D/A Converter with 8x Oversampling
• Anti-Shock Mechanism

Radio Features:

• Supertuner IIID with Digital Signal Processing
• 24-Station (18FM/6AM) Presets
• BSM (Best Station Memory)
• Up/Down Seek with Selectable Local Seek Tuning
• System Control & Expansion
• IP-Bus System Control
• SDAR Ready, Supports Sirius or XM Radio (available separately)
• iPod Ready: built-in iPod controls and connection (CD-i200 adapter included FREE!)
• CD/DVD Changer Control
• USB Ready (Optional CD-UB100 required and sold separately)
• Rear Aux-input
• Autoslide Flap Faceplate
• Rotary Volume Control
• Blue OEL Display

In-Dash Receiver Specifications:

• Receiver Size Single DIN
• Faceplate Security Detachable
• Remote Control Yes
• Peak Power Output 50 watts x 4 channels
• RMS Power Output 22 watts x 4 channels
• Preamp RCA Outputs 3 Pairs (Front, Rear, and Subwoofer)
• Sub Preamp RCA Output Yes
• Preamp Voltage 4 volts
• Built-In Equalizer EEQ (7-band Graphic Equalizer)
• Display Type OEL Motion Display (Organic Electroluminescent)
• Display Color Blue
• Button Color Blue
• CD Signal-to-Noise 94 dB
• Warranty 2-year Sonic Electronix

Early yesterday, I found a very interesting news from mercurynews.com. It amazes me when I learnt about a 17-year old boy possessing the ability to unlock the iPhone. It has been such an amazement for me because the device was to be restricted from being used solely on AT&T Inc.’s cellular networks. The teenager has been given a new car as a reward. I believe the boy deserves it because cracking the code of an iPhone is definitely a lot more valuable than discovering how a Mercedes Benz oxygen sensor works.

George Hotz of Glen Rock, N.J. was the teenage genius. According to the site, Hotz said that he had accomplished the deal with CertiCell. It is a Louisville, Ky.-based mobile phone repair company. The deal was with Terry Daidone, the co-founder of CertiCell. She is the one who promised the boy a paid consulting job for the company. But, Daidone said, “We do not have any plans on the table right now to commercialize Mr. Hotz’ discovery.” There might be but it would not be this time. “However, we are keenly interested in having Mr. Hotz assist our engineers in developing solutions to other software related challenges ….” she added.

Hotz proudly flaunted his luck on his blog. He said, he traded his modified iPhone with a “sweet Nissan 350Z and (three) iPhones.” As written, he said, “This has been a great end to a great summer.”

In appreciation of three more individuals who would be able to unlock Apple Inc.’s popular product, he will be sending the three iPhones to them. It took them about 500 hours or approximately eight hours each day to have the job done. That was since the iPhone was launched last June 29.

At the end of Hotz’s blog, he wrote, “If I ever do anything more with the iPhone, it’ll definitely be posted here.” For that, I believe he has the confident to bring out more of his skill for the device or even any other.

Looking for the best car audio? I just got mine yesterday when I inquired at www.woofersetc.com along with some inquiries that I made on some other sites about the Mazda alternator. From the previously mentioned site, I found the best gadgets and stuffs with the best deals being offered! Wow, it’s a dream come true for me to have this awesome Soundstream VIR-7100N 6.5″ Wide Touch Screen Double Din In-Dash Monitor with Navigation/DVD/AM/FM!

Here are the best features provided by the Soundstream VIR-7100N 6.5″ Wide Touch Screen Double Din In-Dash Monitor with Navigation/DVD/AM/FM! Now if you’re looking for the best stuff for your car, this is one of the best recommendations in the online market today! Check it out:

Features:

• Fully Motorized 5 position drop screen with last angle memory
• Electronic Touch Screen functions include Navigation and transport functions
• OS 2.6.x Linux based software 400mhz. Processor for fast recalculation times
• The absolute latest in technology Sirf Star III chip set
• Touch Screen Navigation with Navteq maps full North America
• Turn by turn instructions (Male & Female, Southern accent, Urban accent)
• Choice of Quickest Route or Shortest Route
• 2 Gigabyte SD card with 2 million points of interest
• 4-Meg Flash Memory, 64 Meg SDRAM
• 20-parrallel receiving channels
• Integrated Helical Active GPS antenna
• Audio and Video Alert System for Accidents and Traffic Hot Spots
• Safety Cameras, Speed limit, Toll Roads and School alert system
• 2-D & 3-D viewing of the maps on screen
• DVD, CD, MP-3,DVD-RW, CDR, CDRW Player
• All functions are displayed on screen via OSD (eight languages)
• 30-second electronic anti-shock mechanism
• SD Card Slot for MP-3 Music or MP-4 Movies
• Antenna trigger wire
• Brake screen safety trigger
• AM/FM with 18 pre-sets (12/FM -6AM)
• Auto Store pre-set scan
• Dual RCA outputs (Front & Rear)
• 5.1 outputs Dolby Digital Output (Front, Rear & Subwoofer)
• Dual A/V Inputs
• LO/DX and stereo mono selector switch
• Auto Dimmer Control (day/night)
• Electronic (Bass, Mid, Treble, Volume, Balance, Fader)
• Pre-set EQ functions (Rock, Pop, Classic)
• DVD, PAL/NTSC auto select
• USA/Europe frequency stepping
• Resolution: 1440×272
• Panel brightness 350 NIT• Double/DIN
• Full function remote control

Sony is offering a car audio/video system that features the Super Audio CD (SA-CD) as well as an iPod connectivity. The new system is priced at $800 when it ships in September. According to Sony, SA-CD uses a higher sampling frequency and can produce a higher-quality audio than convention Pulse Code Modulation (PCM) technology.

The company also launched a lower-end car stereo that also features an iPod input, for $280. The MEX-DV2000 comes in a single-DIN version but it still supports multi-channel playback. Like the XAV-W1, it features iPod readiness, and also works with SA-CD, VCD, CD, CD-R and DVD+/-.

Another perfect solution offered by the company is the -BT2500 head unit with Bluetooth hands-free speakerphone and stereo streaming capability.

Xplod Sony has provided the following details:

MEX-BT2500 Key Features

• Bluetooth connectivity to both BT-equipped mobile phones and Audio streaming devices via Hands-free and Audio Streaming profile support.1
• Detachable faceplate with Front Aux-Input
• Built-in Microphone for hassle free installation
• White, 13-segment LED Display
• 52W x 4 High Power2
• EQ Lite
• Drive-S Chassis - 120dB S/N
• CD/CD-R/CD-RW Compatible
• MP3/WMA Playback with Multi-session and MP3 ID3Tag Indication
• 24-Bit D/A Converter
• Supplied wireless card remote (RM-X304)

Features and Benefits

1. Ability to use this Bluetooth enabled product with other devices may vary as not all Bluetooth devices are compatible.

2. 23.2 watts per channel minimum continuous average power into 4 Ohms, 4 channels driven from 20Hz to 20kHz with no more than 5% total harmonic distortion.

Top Reasons To Buy

Convenience: Don’t fumble around for your phone when you’re driving – stay focused on the road ahead. Seamless, wireless integration with Bluetooth enabled mobile phones and audio-streaming devices1 can provide a safer in-car environment. Once paired-up, you can easily place calls (last caller only), answer calls, adjust caller volume, and hang-up once finished all via the BT2500’s front panel controls. You can also control your Bluetooth-equipped digital music player in the same manner. Via the Bluetooth Audio/Video Remote Control Profile, you can wirelessly control your Bluetooth-enabled digital music player just as you would a CD Changer.

Simplicity: The MEX-BT2500 affords ease of use, like never before. The universe of basic Bluetooth functionality is just an arm’s reach away. There’s no need for cumbersome hands free kits or phone cradles.

Introducing a new gadget from NextGen Venturi… The Venturi Mini. I have learned about this fascinating stuff from tech.no.uk.

This device is said to be the world’s first wireless car gadget that incorporates both Bluetooth and radio transmitters in one technology. Both technologies allow you to browse superior quality MP3 tunes from a digital music player or even from a maximum of four separate mobile phones while you are in the car. It is integrated with the existing in-car speaker system through the use of a wireless FM radio bandwidth.

I can’t wait until its September. You see, that’s only when this amazing Venturi Mini will be available in the market.

Have you found the best in-car DVD/CD/MP3 receiver with GPS navigation system yet? Well, I’m sure I got mine already! Just last week, I inquired at http://caraudio.pgpartner.com to look for the best car audio/video component… and fortunately they have the perfect answer! I did get the Pioneer AVIC-D3 that they recommended and it’s perfect - just the way I want such a gadget to be!

This cool gadget is a haven of awesome features and that is the main reason why I love this so much! If ever you’re looking for this kind of audio system in your car, maybe you can try this as well! I’m sure you’ll be delighted too!

Here are the specs and features of the Pioneer AVIC-D3 Double DIN 6.1″ TFT-LCD Touchscreen DVD/CD/MP3 Receiver with GPS Navigation System:

• Double DIN 6.91″ TFT-LCD Touchscreen DVD/DVD-R/-RW, CD, MP3 and Navigation Unit
• Fast and powerful DVD navigation platform
• Illumi Color Variable Button Color Illumination allows you to customize illumination to match your dashboard/interior color or to your favorite color choice
• MP3, WMA, iTunes AAC, and DivX file playback on either CD or DVD
• AUX input on front for both Audio and Video
• 3.5mm mini-jack on front for audio and video
• Composite (RCA) audio and video rear input

Power Output:

• Peak: 50 watts x 4 channels
• RMS: 22 watts x 4 channels
• “iBus” iPod Audio/Video Direct Control (CD-I200 cable required and sold separately)
• Bluetooth Ready (CD-BTB100 required and sold separately)

Navigation Features:

• Built-in DVD with Memory Nav
• Map Data: 2 DVD-ROM (CNDV-70M)
• Coverage Area: US, Canada, Alaska, Hawaii
• Data Size: 15GB
• GPS Receiver and Antenna: 8 Channel (Included)
• 3D Highway Exit Zoom View
• XM NavTraffic Ready
• Emergency Mode Display
• Touchscreen Operation
• Recorded Voice Instructions Playback
• CD Text Display
• Supertuner IIID for crisp, clear radio
• 24-Station/6-Button (18FM/6FM) Presets
• BSM (Best Stations Memory)
• XM or SIRIUS Satellite Radio Ready (tuner, antenna and subscription required)
• Bluetooth Wireless Capability (CD-BTB100 required and sold separately)
• iPod Audio and Video Control Capability (CD-i200 required and sold separately)
• IP-Bus System Control
• CD Changer Controls
• External Unit Control: 2 units
• 3 pairs of 2.2V RCA Preamp Outputs: front, rear and non-fading subwoofer
• Composite A/V Output
• Composite A/V Input
• Back-up Camera Input
• Rear-view Camera Mode
• 3 Mode Loudness Feature
• EEQ - 3 Band Parametric Equalizer with 5 Built-in Preset Curves
• SLA - Source Level Adjuster (balance the volumes of various sources such as DVD/CD/Radio)
• Multi-language Display: English, Spanish, French
• Rotary Volume Control
• Wired remote input for optional steering wheel remote control
• Wireless remote control ready (optional and not included)

We’ve been talking about the latest car audios lately. We’ve been looking and asking for some tips on how to get the best car sound system that would suit our taste! We wish to find the perfect stuff that will surely fit into our Mercedes car with the dazzling Mercedes hubcaps for example.

This time, I’m going to direct you to the best spots where you can find the best audio system for your car! Here are the top 10 best car audio shopping sites where you can find just about anything that can make your car a fashionable one with the greatest car audio systems they offer online! I found this great piece of information from CarAudio.com which helped me find the best audio system for my car too! Maybe you can check it out as well!

1. OnlineCarStereo.com: The best and largest varieties in car audio, at the lowest prices! Kenwood, Pioneer, Rockford Fosgate, JVC, Sony, Panasonic, Clarion, Jensen, Infinity, Aiwa, Kicker and more…

2. CarDomain.com Car Audio: Lowest Price Policy on everything; excellent service and support. More than 10,000 products from over 80 leading manufacturers. CD/MP3 players, amps, speakers, and accessories and 100% satisfaction guaranteed.

3. Car Audio Shop: Comparison shop for car audio at PriceGrabber.com! PriceGrabber.com has complete car audio equipment listings, store ratings, equipment reviews, lowest prices and other shopping services.

4. CarDiscountStereos.com: CarDiscountStereos has one of the Internet’s largest and lowest priced selections of car audio products!

5. eBay Car Audio: Check out eBay for the latest car audio equipment auction listings. With thousands of items up for auction, you’re sure to find the sound system, or accessories of your dreams!

6. IkeSound: One-stop shopping for your entire car audio. We offer subs, amps, receivers and speakers and so much more!

7. CBRStereo.com: The easiest most affordable car audio site on the net…features Alpine, Pioneer, Rockford, Kicker, Orion, PPI, MB Quart and more with the fastest shipping around!

8. Sonic Electronix: Low prices guaranteed from the premier source of car audio and video products. We’re Authorized Dealers for Kicker, MA Audio, Soundstream and have the most accurate product information!

9. Premier-Audio: Largest Online Rainbow Audio Authorized Dealer with free shipping on most Items. Carrying all major brands like Alpine, Pioneer, Kicker, Kenwood, Soundstream, and many, many more!

10. WoofersEtc.com: WoofersEtc.com is your Hi-End Car Audio SuperStore with same day shipping; JL Audio, Audiobahn MB Quart, Focal, MTX, Rockford Fosgate, Kicker, Infinity and more. Check us out today!

Not all that glitters is gold. Not all expensive stuffs are worth it. So don’t be lured into buying the auto system that costs more with the hope that it is always better. The finest in-car sound system is whatever delights your eardrums best. Simply, price isn’t the measure.

So how’s the sound of music inside your car? Is it so powerful that it rattles the heartbeat of your passengers? Or perhaps – simply said – the sound stinks? It could annoyingly sound as your ageing Mazda muffler.

How do you choose the system that fits you? An expert’s advice might surprise you…

Don Lindich, an audio/video expert with 18 years of experience, has this to say: “The regular person often feels intimidated about wanting the basic system,” he says. “Don’t think because they charge more, it’s necessarily better. Premium sound systems aren’t always better than basic systems. A lot depends on personal preference.”

“I thought the basic system sounded better than the Bose system and I saved money, too,” added Don, author of the advice column Multimedia Answers. His advice: Pick the system that sounds best to you. Pick the system that sounds best to your ear and suits your needs. If you like CDs, get a CD player. If you have a lot of cassettes or enjoy audio books, choose one with a cassette player. If you think the upgrade sounds better and the price is affordable, get it. Otherwise get the basic. But buy what your ear likes. This isn’t brain surgery.

Don also advises the regular buyer not to get caught up in most of the specifications of a system except for the amplifier “distortion” level. Distortion is the harsh breakup of the sound as the volume is increased. If you hear the sound warping at the normal volume level you listen to, try a different system. The lower the distortion figure, the better. Outstanding sound systems produce as little as .1 percent distortion and anything less than 1% is generally acceptable.

Don recommends American brands such as Boston Acoustics, Polk Audio, JBL and Infinity as replacements. “American companies make the finest speakers in the world,” he says.

Bankrate.com has some simple tips for finding the in-factory sound system that suits you best:

1. Bring several of your favorite CDs from home and try them out in the basic system of the vehicle you intend to buy. Try them in the upgrades, too.
2. Make sure the controls all are at the midpoints.
3. Play the CD at the same volume you normally would. Listen to the basic system and premium system at the same volume.
4. Close the doors and windows and listen. If you can, take the car on the road to see how it sounds with road and wind noise. If it’s a convertible, play the sound with the top down. If possible, listen for at least 20 minutes to see if listener fatigue sets in.