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Save Money On Car Audio Gear

Car Audio Blogger — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 09:46:54 +0000

Car audio system may be one the most expensive hobbies one can have. But what are you going to do when an amazing car audio gear is available with great features. Well the first option that comes to mind is to bargain on that particular gadget which is not a bad idea. However make sure you bargain wisely while presenting a price that is between the wholesale and the retail price as the seller will definitely not agree on a wholesale price for the reason that most of these dealers earn their commission through the profit they get in what they sell.

The craze of jazzing up your car from inside and outside with the available stuff these days has taken over the entire globe. The thing that people love to do is to have electronic gadgets installed in their cars to feel at home yet keep it fresh. Drive while watching a movie, have an iPod with FM transmission, watching a movie, have DJ equipment installed in the trunk of your car or analog and digital mixers. You can completely change the look of your carвЂ™s interior with audio and video gears within good range of price if bargained wisely. Dealers get a pretty good deal from the wholesalers but the reason for increasing the retail price is dealerвЂ™s personal commission. Bargaining is also an art that has to be learned to save your money. When it comes to saving money on car audio gears, you need to be smart about it. Some of the tips that might help you in saving some cash on expensive car audio gear are given below.

Starting from the first step before going to a shop for an audio and video gear narrow down the things you want to add in your car. If you are uncertain about your needs the seller might lose interest and assume you are just there to browse. Dealers prefer attending people, who know what they really want without beating about the bush. That gives them the sense of achievement convincing you to buy something from them is not a complete waste of time. When going to a shop aim for a particular brand and its model number that shows that you are interested in purchasing and well aware of the market. For instance you want to purchase a car CD player, what you can ask a dealer is what kind of the deals provided by you on Alpine IDA-X 001 car CD players. By specifying the exact model and brand name the dealer knows what you want and if the price is affordable you might end up buying it as well. The surety of this makes the dealer talk to you, give you his complete attention recommending you for better audio gears and gives you an affordable rate.

A trick that will always work in bargaining is letting the salesman know you are going to be back to buy more of the car accessories and will encourage your friends to come to him as well. Ask for the dealerвЂ™s business card before you make the purchase so that requesting for a little concession does not seem rude. Another important tip on saving money on expensive audio gears is to purchase from a local shop rather than big brands. The reason to that is simple, big brands already has money so they wonвЂ™t compromise anything to give you a concession. Local shops tend to be flexible in prices and are more ambitious to do business as they need to get a good reputation in the market and probably will further take care of their regular customers.

Having Problems With Your Car Audio? TUNE It Up!

Car Audio Blogger — Sun, 02 Mar 2008 18:49:14 +0000

One of the biggest things that you can do to show how much money you have is to have a great car stereo system. Now the only problem with this is the fact that your car audio system may cost a lot of money, but if you do not tune it right then you are just wasting your time. Tuning your car stereo is just as important as the car stereo you choose to buy. To make sure you have the best sound you are going to have to spend some time adjusting it to the right tone that you want. There are a lot of things you have to look out for, but with a little bit of help you are going to have the best car stereo on the block!

When you are trying to tune your car stereo you want to get the max amount volume without making it sound distorted. To do this you are going to have to mess with some of your settings, this is called tuning. Some people thing that you should tune your car audio system with your subs off, however, that is wrong. To make sure you are hitting the right pitch that you want with your subs, and still be able to make out the music can be hard. However, it would be impossible to do with your subs turned off. Now with your subs turned on you need to see how hard you want your subs to hit. By doing this you are going to choose how loud you want your bass to be. Remember the louder your bass is the more distorted your music could sound. Of course, most people do not care nowadays, they just want to make sure you can here them coming down the road.

After you choose how hard you want your bass to hit it’s time to adjust the other aspects of your system accordingly. First of all, you are going to need to know what speakers inside your car are the biggest. By that I mean are your front ones bigger or your back ones. The ones that are bigger are probably going to be able to take more juice so focus a little bit more power there. After that you need to make sure you get the right pitch of the speakers. These are the speakers that you are going to hear people singing out of so you want to make sure they are loud enough so you can hear them, but not to loud so that your speakers make a cracking noise. It may take you a little bit of time to understand how to adjust everything, but after you give it a little time you will figure it out.

Having a very expensive system in your car is very important, but making sure it sounds good is even more important. However, the last thing that you have to make sure of is that you do all the adjusting within the first few days of getting them. This is because if you are going to blow your speakers it is more than likely going to happen while you are adjusting them. If it’s within the first few days, they should still be under warranty. This means if by chance they are to break, you can go get new ones. This is the little tip that the stores do not want to give you. This has happened to me, when adjusting my speakers. I blew one of my subs and had to go get a new one. The good news it that is was still under warranty so it was free.

Pioneer DEH-P9800BT Bluetooth CD Tuner with OEL Display

Car Audio Blogger — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 23:19:24 +0000

High powered connectivity – one of our most versatile CD tuners.

Connect your phone: with Bluetooth, the Pioneer DEH-P9800BT enables both handsfree and audio streaming profiles вЂ“ simultaneously. So you can make and receive calls whilst streaming music.

Integrate and build a high powered system вЂ“ with 3 Hi-Volt RCA pre-outs, a direct Aux-In and IP Bus control, you can expand your setup with amplifiers, additional speakers, subs or even connect your iPod via an optional adapter.

Main features Pioneer DEH-P9800BT

Max. Power Output - MOSFET 50W x 4
Tuner – AM, FM
Plays - CD-R, CD-RW, MP3, WMA, WAV, AAC
Bluetooth - Yes
Front Panel - Auto-flap mechanism (motorised)
Display Illumination - Full Colour OEL
Customisable Display - Yes
Rotary Commander - Yes
Remote Control - Included
Multi-Language Display - Yes
Cellular Telephone Auto Muting - Yes

Connectivity Pioneer DEH-P9800BT

iPod Adapter Ready -Yes
IP Bus -Yes
RCA Preout - 3 (F + R + S/W)
Sub-display Output - Yes
Hard-wired Remote Input - Yes
Direct Sub Drive - Yes
High Voltage Output - Yes
ISO Connector ready - Yes

Boost your sound staging – the Pioneer DEH-P9800BT will not let you down on audio performance. Incorporating EEQ+ for greater low and high frequency control and an advanced DSP with Burr-Brown 1-bit DAC with 24-bit resolution, the system offers a wide dynamic range and excellent signal to noise ratio. The result is audio that is accurate and true to the original sound. The system also features Auto Time Alignment which automatically equalises the audio output appropriate to your car interior вЂ“ giving you the best sound output possible.

Put your signature on it: you can customise the full colour OEL screen вЂ“ even with your own animations and images; itвЂ™s straightforward and easy, but it looks amazing and adds the finishing touch to a high powered, versatile system.

More details: Pioneer.eu

MTX X3000D – X THUNDER Series

Car Audio Blogger — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 22:56:10 +0000

The Biggest, Baddest, Boldest, Most Powerfull Amp in the XTHUNDER series is now available in Europe

This Monster 3000W Class-D Mono Block amp features double 1/0 Awg power connectors to get you all the power you need from your X3000D.

For serious Bassheads and powerjunkies it is very easy to link two X3000D amps together via the Master/Slave circuitry.

The X3000D can tame each sub you connect to it. You can go down to a 1 Ohm load and the amp will still be laughing while ripping out Thunderous bass from the cone of the connected woofer(s).

Go ahead and take the new Rated X X3000D amp for a ride if you are brave enough.

MTX X3000D Specifications:

CEA RMS Power : 1×1500W @ 4Ohm, 14,4 Volts
CEA RMS Power : 1×2000W @ 2Ohm, 14,4 Volts
CEA RMS Power : 1×3000W @ 1Ohm, 14,4 Volts
2 Amps strapped : 1×4000W @ 4Ohm, 14,4 Volts
2 Amps strapped : 1×6000W @ 2Ohm, 14,4 Volts
Low pass X-over : 24dB variable from 40 to 200Hz
Minimum Impedance : 1Ohm
Frequency response : 20Hz – 250Hz В±3dB
THD+N / 1W : <0,5%
S/N ratio : >65dB
Sensitivity : 0,25 to 5Volts
Subsonic filter : 12dB variable from 20 to 50Hz
Phase Switch : 0 or 180
Dimensions : 58,0×21,0×5,0cm

MTX X3000D Key Feautures:

Class D amp dedicated to power subwoofers
Variable Low pass x-over
Variable subsonic filter
Phase switch 0O or 180O
Master/Slave function for strapping 2 amps
EBC remote included
1 Ohm compatible
Low impedance protection
Thermal protection
Regulated PWM MOSFET power supply
Oversized number of Mosfet on the final stage and the power supply
New BTR connectors
Double power connectors
100% garanteed power according to CEA norms
All connectors on one side

More info: MTXaudio.eu

Sony XAV-W1 In-dash DVD/CD/MP3 Receiver

Car Audio Blogger — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 19:50:59 +0000

The Sony XAV-W1 is its first stab at the aftermarket in-car ents game and it’s a beauty, dominated by a 7in 800×480 touchscreen.

The oversized head unit is designed to slot neatly into newer double DIN bays that are twice the height of your standard car stereo вЂ“ hence the large screen.

Plays most popular music and video formats. CD, DVD, SACD, Windows Media Audio, mp3 and JPEG
Supports Dolby Digital surround sound and DTS Digital Surround Processing playback
iPod ready. Just plug it in to enjoy your personal audio collection on the road
Supports satellite radio and connects to Sony’s HD Radio tuner to deliver additional HD radio channels and rich information like artist, song name and more
Command your digital music from behind the wheel or the back seat with the supplied remote card
Customisable display and sound settings. Set your favourite photo as the background wallpaper
Delivers 52 watts across 4 channels ensuring rich, clear sound. Zone by Zone capability allows you to set separate audio zones for the front and rear seats
Camera input connects with a rear-monitor camera and displays the image on the player’s screen – makes parking a breeze!

It’ll play your DVDs, DivX movies, WMAs, MP3s and CDs, as well as your doubtless huge collection of SACDs. 5.1-channel surround sound is supported with Dolby Digital Surround and DTS Digital Surround Processing.

Naturally, you can also plug in a console or portable music spinner and hook up a rear-view camera for spotting bollards before they kiss your bumper. Um, there’s even a karaoke mode вЂ“ just perfect for those long journeys. Oh dear, look, it’s broken

Aside from its ability to play SACD audio, Sony’s XAV-W1 has the same features as many other aftermarket in-car systems, including support for a wide range of digital audio and video sources. The XAV-W1 differentiates itself, however, by its ability to present these features in a visually stunning format; by its intuitive menus and vivid touch-screen icons; and through its range of audio and visual customization options. While we found Sony’s HD Radio module to be clunky and unwieldy, the $800 XAV-W1 is an elegant all-in-one in-car media system with a competitive price tag.

More info: sony.co.uk

Car Stereo System – TUNE it Up!

Car Audio Blogger — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 22:44:01 +0000

One of the best things you can do for your car audio system is to properly tune it. There are several variables to consider when doing this, and I am going to walk to through the most important ones so you will have a good understanding of how to get the most “bang” for the buck from you system.

Assuming you have an amplified system with one or more subwoofers, you can dial in your system to give you the best sound and have the durability you want from it. It starts at the head unit. You want a head unit with a good, strong output signal, between 4 and 5 volts on its pre-outs. Audiophiles tell us that 2-3 volts of good clean signal is good too, but that will require a little more amplifier power to get the decibels we’re looking for.

You also want a head unit with an adjustable subwoofer level. Start by tuning the stereo without the subs on. Add your bass and treble until you get the desired sound with minimal distortion at the loudest volume setting you will listen to it at. This is generally about 2/3 max volume…

Once you are happy with the low/mid/high sound from the multi-range speakers, we can add in the subs. If applicable, tune the sub outputs to about 2/3 maximum, and head to the amp. Start at the amp and adjust the frequency and the level to minimum, and turn the volume up to the the same loudest point we were working with earlier. Pull your frequency to about half way, and slowly adjust the power level upwards. If you hit the zone you want, stay there. Keep in mind, this is only a safe adjusting technique with a speaker system that matches the power output of the amplifier. If you want more from your system, incrementally adjust the frequency down slightly with the increases in power level.

Your goal is to get a loud, clear bass from the subs that DOES NOT CLIP OUT under the loudest conditions you anticipate. If the amp clips out, then adjust the power level lower until it is back in the safe zone. Once the system is set where you want it, don’t mess with it. Leave the levels on the head unit and the amp alone. The mistake I see with blown speakers and amps is trying to show them off with all the levels maxed out. This produces a lot of power at a high distortion level, which is damaging to the speakers and the amplifier. If you want a louder sound than what you have by tuning your system this way, it may be time to upgrade.

Keep these guidelines in mind when configuring your systems, and you should be able to build a car stereo system that will sound great and have great durability.

Good Luck and stay TUNED!!!

Majestic Modifications is the complete car customization concept, specializing in auto accessories, air intakes and performance upgrades, body kits and exterior accessories, glow gauges and interior accessories, wheels and tires, mobile video, car audio and electronics. You can also visit the Car Audio Installations Blog for more info.

Article Source: EzineArticles.com expert – Matt Brooks

Tips On Choosing A Car Audio System

Car Audio Blogger — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 22:36:43 +0000

Car audio has moved a long way from the old standard AM/FM Radio/Tape Deck combo. Today, in-vehicle multimedia systems include DVD video, television and navigation systems with local hotspot news. Common to all systems is the sound quality.

The quality of sound in a car audio system depends upon a number of factors – the type and quality of the media player system, the type of speakers used, the acoustics of the vehicle and interference from other devices.

Type and Quality of Media Player System

Before we look at the different types of in-vehicle media players it pays to have a basic understanding of audio quality. When deciding what type of audio system to install, and also when comparing one make and model to another, there are two key specifications to consider:

Signal-to-noise ratio [SNR] - a measure of signal strength compared to background noise in the signal or equipment. Measured in decibels. The higher the dB, the better. A car CD player has an SNR of 90 or 100 dB.

Frequency response [FR] - a measure of how much of the audio spectrum, from bass to treble, gets reproduced. It’s measured as a range in Hertz, and the wider the range, the better. Look for a CD player with a range of at least 10-20k Hz.

An FM radio, cassette player, and CD player all have different measurements for these specs. To help understand these two specifications, let’s compare a car tape cassette player and a car CD player.

Cassette player has an SNR of 50-70 dB. This is much lower than a CD player, so the sound quality degrades at each end of the spectrum. The FR is around 30-18k Hz for a cassette player, so does not contribute as much to sound quality as the SNR.

That’s why overall, a car CD player gives a much better sound than a cassette tape player.

Media players in vehicles today are either radio tuner, CD player/changer, or Digital Audio player.

Car CD Players & CD Changers

There are a number of options when it comes to playing CD’s in a vehicle:

An in-dash CD Player – often combined with radio tuner, WMA/MP3 player
An in-dash CD Receiver - with a multiple CD cassette / changer located elsewhere in the vehicle
Connect a portable CD player to an existing in-dash audio unit using either a cable and adapter or a bluetooth wireless connection.

When choosing a car CD player the first two things to consider are:

Will it physically fit into the vehicle?
Will it integrate cosmetically with the dash and other electronics?

Most decks have standardized form factors; so fit most cars, but there are exceptions, so make sure that the deck is suited for your car…

You are usually pretty safe is the car stereo is made for the same market as the source of your car:

Cosmetic integration is a little more complex, but in many cases easily resolved through customisation features. For instance, many decks allow you to change the faceplates and color of the display.

Digital Audio Systems

With most home audio systems and portable players giving crisp quality sound using digital audio, we are no longer satisfied with the flat, bland analog sound from older car audio systems.

If you normally store your digital music files on CD, a compatible stereo or changer is a good option. Up to 10 hours of music [250 songs] can be stored on a single disc and allows use of random shuffling and repeat options. This disadvantage is ease of use, having to load and unload from cassettes located in the boot or under seats, and the limited file formats that your stereo can play back.

So now you have the media player selected, what about the speaker system.

Car Speaker Systems

The speaker system can be thought of in two parts: the channel amplifier and the physical speaker units.

Car amplifiers power the speakers in your car stereo system to provide crisp sound quality at high volumes. Each speaker requires one channel of amplification. This means a 4-channel amplifier, will support four speakers.

And choice of speakers is not limited either. With a range of options for your basic stereo speakers [2-channel], you can supplement the high note quality using a tweeter and the low bass notes with a sub-woofer. This gives you a standard 4-channel sound system that will rival your home audio system.

Adding to a basic car stereo option typically involves adding subwoofers, amplifiers and crossovers to tailor the output sound to personal tastes.

This does not mean the result is the boorish, obnoxious bass boom boxing that invades the entire neighbourhood. A subwoofer adds quality and purity to music.

For details of specifications on each part of your system, see Go-Reviews.com – Car Electronics Section

The main factors in selecting car speakers are:

Design or Speaker Type
Technical Specifications
Fitting & Mounting

Speaker design is about the combination of sound drivers for midrange, subwoofer and tweeter. Depending upon the combination, the set is known as a two-way, three-way or four-way speaker system.

Car speaker specifications are similar to home audio speakers; the main difference in technical specification to compensate for the lower power outputs of car stereo receivers.

The speaker technical specifications include sensitivity, frequency response, signal to noise ratio, power handling and impedance. We will look at these specification in more detail in subsequent articles.

The fittings and mountings are selected depending upon where you choose to position the speakers. Car audio speakers are either: top mounted or bottom mounted. Clearance depth is most important when installing new speakers in a non-factory speaker location. So check all of your components carefully before purchase.

With such a range of combinations available the Internet provides a valuable resource in car electronics reviews. Sites like Go-Reviews.com seek out reviews and consolidate the recommendations to give you a quick reference buying guide.

Article Source: EzineArticles.com expert – Nicola Carr