Showcasing the Best in the Mobile Enhancement Industry
If you have taken part in any online discussions about radar detectors, then you know that manufacturers, retailers and so-called experts are extremely passionate about the brands they support. Countless tests, both scientific and anecdotal, extol the features, sensitivity and false-alarm rejection performance of a half-dozen key brands. Each test brings with it another heated Read more
If you’re on social media, then you’ve likely seen numerous discussions or links to videos about amplifier power ratings. If your goal is an audio system that only plays loudly, then the wattage measurements matter. It seems that many consumers are confused about the correlation between power ratings and quality. Let’s look at why car audio amplifier power ratings and their Read more
The car audio industry, just like any other technical field, is full of words and phrases that are specific to the equipment we use and the work we do. Because we are often communicating with our peers, suppliers and occasionally technical support staff, we get very used to using these terms. For a consumer walking in the front door, it’s unreasonable to expect them to know or Read more
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 the input of the amplifier for it to produce Read more
We’ve touched on the topic of signal-to-noise ratio in car audio amplifiers before. This specification is one of the most important in quantifying the quality of the amplifier you are going to choose for your audio system. While the power ratings are the only way we’ll know how loudly an amp can play, the noise specs give us a look at the design philosophy of the amp. Quite Read more
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 it affects what you hear or Read more
When it comes to buying subwoofers, a lot of people have questions or make assumptions about the benefits and drawbacks of single voice coil and dual voice coil versions. Understanding the differences between them requires a slightly enhanced understanding of how an amplifier works. We cover both topics in this article. How an Amplifier Works An amplifier is a simple device Read more
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, they wanted to know what features different radios offer that Read more
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 a pair of Rockford Fosgate P3 twelves over a single T1? There are Read more
Our Car Audio Masterclass series offers a comprehensive introduction to the essential concepts of car audio systems, covering everything from basic terminology to advanced measurement techniques. To learn more, check out the other articles in the series: Car Audio Masterclass 101.1 – Audio Basics: Learn key audio terms and concepts. Car Audio Masterclass 101.2 – Read more
If you’ve been following us recently, you’ll know we’ve upgraded our lab with new power supplies. As such, many of the products that have been on the BestCarAudio.com test bench have been re-tested for revised power measurements. In this spotlight, we will bring the Rockford Fosgate M5-800X4 and M5-1000X1 test numbers up to date with the ANSI/CTA-2006-D standard. Let’s see what Read more
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 Read more
