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ARTICLES

Is Darker Window Tint Better?

Darker Window TintIn 1966, 3M developed the first window tinting solution to reflect the heat energy of the sun away and help keep the interior of your vehicle cool. Dozens of companies now manufacture window tint films and each has several different series of films with varied performance offerings. In the last few years, many companies have begun to offer window films that provide exceptional UV and IR energy reflection while allowing visible light to pass into the vehicle. Read on for a closer look at why darker window tint isn’t necessary to improve the comfort of your car, truck or motorhome.

Where Does the Heat Come from?

Most people think of the sun as a light source, but it is also responsible for a broad spectrum of electromagnetic energy. The majority of the energy that reaches the earth is visible light. There is also ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR) energy.

Darker Window TintUV energy causes sunburns and the coloring and dyes in materials to fade. IR energy is at the opposite end of the solar energy spectrum from UV energy. Infrared energy extends from the top of the visible light spectrum at 430 terahertz to beyond 300 gigahertz. Slightly more than half of the energy that reaches the Earth’s surface is infrared and is responsible for heating our planet and, subsequently, the interiors of our vehicles.

The heat energy produced by the sun is about 1,000 watts per square meter (equal to 10.76 sq. ft.) on the Earth’s surface in clear conditions. Luckily, our atmosphere blocks more than 70% of the total solar ultraviolet energy from reaching the surface. If it did not our lives would be much less comfortable.

Let’s Talk about Film Darkness

Darker Window TintVisible light transmission, glare reduction, shade or darkness – whatever term you see quoted, they refer to how much visible light will pass through a film. A higher number represents the transmission of more light – 100% would be an entirely transparent film and 0% would represent a coating of black paint.

While it seems logical to want a dark film to keep the light and heat energy out of our vehicles, window films block light transfer in both directions. A dark film can make it harder to see around you at night. Choosing the best film for your application requires balancing how dark you want, local laws and, of course, your safety.

How Clear Window Films Work

Constructed of many layers, each with different properties, modern clear films are designed to reduce the transmission of infrared energy into your vehicle. It is hard to directly quantify the amount of heat energy that is blocked, because visible light is also responsible for heating. What we do know is that clear solar control films block significantly more heat energy for a given shade than conventional dyed, carbon or metallic films.

Is Darker Window Tint Necessary?

Darker Window TintWithin a particular series of window films from a manufacturer, a darker film offers more Total Solar Energy Rejection (TSER). Let’s look at the Black film series from Autobahn. Their Black 50 49% visible light transmission (VLT) film provides 30% TSER. Stepping up to the Black 30 film, rated for 31% VLT, solar energy rejection is rated at 36%. Their darkest film, called Black 05, offers 5% VLT and 43% total solar energy rejection. As you can see, darker films block more solar energy within the series.

To contrast this example, let’s look at the Ceramic Series from Huper Optik. Their Klar 85 film allows 85% of visible light to pass into your vehicle, but provides an incredible 32% TSER. You are right in thinking that it offers the same net performance as the Black 50. If we look at Ceramic 50, which is rated for 50% VLT, the TSER is an impressive 50%. Yep, that outperforms the Black 05. At the top of the Ceramic range is the Ceramic 05. This film has a 6% VLT rating and provides 75% TSER. That is more than 1.7 more energy rejection than Black 05.

To directly answer the question, darker films within a series block more energy. When comparing different brands of films or different series, the materials and construction used to manufacture a film determine its performance.

Comparing Specifications

Darker Window TintTrying to determine the best film for your vehicle can be tricky. Film manufacturers, just like any other industry, like to manipulate specifications and terminology to produce figures that look impressive. When it comes to blocking thermal energy, the reflected or block infrared energy specifications are often generic or specified in a narrow band of IR frequencies. These inconsistencies make apples-to-apples comparison difficult. However, you can be confident that within a manufacturer’s range of products, unless explicitly specified, performance differences between shades and series will all be provided using consistent measurement techniques.

Install Comfort with an IR Blocking Window Film

As a general approach, if keeping the interior of your vehicle comfortable is your primary concern, then look for a ceramic or clear film solution. These products are designed to help make your vehicle more comfortable and ease the load on its air conditioning system. As a by-product of their premium status, ceramic and clear films often carry a lifetime warranty against fading, discoloration (turning purple), bubbling, peeling or cracking. You may invest a little more money upfront, but you can be confident that the film will offer protection and comfort for many years.

For more information about premium window films and having some installed on your vehicle, contact your local mobile enhancement retailer.

This article is written and produced by the team at www.BestCarAudio.com. Reproduction or use of any kind is prohibited without the express written permission of 1sixty8 media.

Filed Under: ARTICLES, RESOURCE LIBRARY, Window Tint

Product Spotlight: DroneMobile XC Connected Dashcam Security System

DroneMobile XC

Thieves frequently target vehicles from Hyundai, Kia, Toyota, Lexus, RAM, Chevrolet, and Honda. These vehicles are often stolen for their parts or exported overseas. Well-integrated anti-theft systems like those from Compustar greatly reduce the chances that a thief will drive off in your vehicle. However, vehicle owners have long sought the ability to monitor their vehicle and its surroundings using their smartphone. The DroneMobile XC connected dash cam is the perfect solution. Let’s check it out!

What is DroneMobile?

DroneMobile is a smartphone interface created by Firstech, the parent company of Compustar and Arctic Start. DroneMobile allows you to use an app on your smartphone to communicate with, monitor and control your vehicle from almost anywhere on the planet. If the shock sensor on your Compustar alarm is triggered, the DroneMobile app will notify you within seconds. If someone opens a door, you’ll get an alert. If a thief is trying to cut off a catalytic converter, you’ll know about it.

DroneMobile hardware works with a remote car starter or security system to add smartphone control. Door lock, trunk release, and, when applicable, remote starter activation are as simple as tapping the screen of your Android-based smartphone or iPhone. The communication is bidirectional, so you’ll be advised when the command is executed. This feedback lets you know the car is locked and safe in your driveway for the evening.

DroneMobile XC is the only dash cam we’ve reviewed that offers this level of functionality and integration with aftermarket remote start or alarm systems.

DroneMobile XC
With a DroneMobile and a Compustar remote car starter, you can lock, unlock, or remote start your car or truck from anywhere your phone has cellular or Internet service.

GPS Locating Services

The DroneMobile system offers services at various feature levels. The basic package provides door lock and remote start control. You also get security alerts from an optional (but highly recommended) DAS-II security sensor. This means that impact, motion, or tilting will result in a nearly instant phone notification. You can also monitor the temperature inside the vehicle and keep an eye on battery voltage.

Upgrading to one of the Premium plans adds location-based alerts and monitoring. If the system reports that your vehicle has moved from where you parked it without authorization, you can tap the map screen to view its current location. You can set Geofences around specific areas to monitor usage. Several of the top programs include full breadcrumb trail tracking with turn-by-turn updates.

DroneMobile XC
GPS-based locating services allow you to monitor the location of your vehicle at any time.

High-Speed Communication

One of DroneMobile’s best features is its speed. Factory-installed smartphone control systems, such as MyMazda, can take more than 30 seconds to relay a command to the vehicle. It’s incredibly frustrating to have to wait that long. DroneMobile uses the fastest LTE services and Amazon cloud servers to execute a command in a second or two. Often, they can be faster than a key fob remote control. That’s truly impressive.

Live Video Feed

What makes the DroneMobile XC so special is its integrated camera system. It includes a Sony Starvis 2K QHD camera that monitors everything in front of the vehicle while you are driving. Videos are stored on an included 64GB microSD memory card.

What sets the XC apart from other dashcams is that it can use the onboard LTE modem to transmit video to the DroneMobile app on your smartphone. Using artificial intelligence, your phone can warn you when someone walks in front of your vehicle. You can turn on the video feed to see who is lurking around your vehicle. You can even speak with them. If it’s the neighbor kids, you can ask them to be careful around your pride and joy. If it’s someone more nefarious, you can alert them that the police have been notified and that the vehicle is being tracked.

The DroneMobile XC features many of the same capabilities as the DAS-II security sensor. So, impact, tilt, motion or glass breakage will immediately trigger an alert.

DroneMobile XC
The DroneMobile XC allows you to see what the camera sees in real time.

DroneMobile XC Installation

The DroneMobile XC mounts to the front windshield and can be mostly hidden behind the rearview mirror. It starts recording video as soon as the vehicle is started. Your DroneMobile retailer can add the optional RC1 rear camera to capture what’s happening behind your car or truck as you drive. Another option is the IR1 interior camera. A second camera capturing what’s happening inside the vehicle is a wise investment if you drive a taxi, limousine, Uber, Lyft, or other rideshare service. The IR1 includes infrared LEDs, so it can see in the dark without lighting up the interior. Only one additional camera can be added to the DroneMobile XC.

For the DroneMobile XC to control your vehicle, you need a remote car starter or security system from Compustar or one of its sister products. This system must be integrated into your car or truck to monitor door locks, the hood, trunk and ignition. If you want remote starter features, then a controller with remote start functionality and a vehicle data interface will be required.

A local authorized DroneMobile and Compustar retailer can tell you the total cost of the system, including professional installation and configuration. Likewise, they can review the prices for the DroneMobile XC service plans to help you choose an option that provides the features you desire.

This article is written and produced by the team at www.BestCarAudio.com. Reproduction or use of any kind is prohibited without the express written permission of 1sixty8 media.

Filed Under: ARTICLES, Backup Safety, Driver Safety, Products, RESOURCE LIBRARY Tagged With: DroneMobile

Product Spotlight: Compustar 2WG17 Remote Kit

Compustar 2WG17 Remote KitCompustar was one of the first brands to allow consumers to choose a remote control package to accompany their remote start controller. Previously, we looked at flagship-level solutions like the PRO T13 and PRO R5. In this spotlight, we’re taking a closer look at the new and more affordable 2WG17 remote package. Let’s check it out!

What’s Included with the 2WG17:

  • The Compustar 2WG17 remote bundle includes:
  • A pair of three-button remote controls
  • A Drone X2/LTE module
  • An antenna with cable
  • A temperature sensor

Your authorized retailer can recommend the most suitable system controller for your vehicle. If you’re looking for full-featured performance, something like the CM-X is a popular and capable choice.

2-Way Remote Control

Taking a closer look, we see that the remotes included in this kit differ from each other. The primary remote, model 2WG17R-FM, is a two-way unit. It features three buttons, and three LED indicators located just above the top button. These LEDs confirm when a command like locking or remote starting is successfully received and executed by the vehicle control module.

The LEDs also indicate the remaining engine runtime when the vehicle is running via remote start:

  • All three LEDs flash when 100% of runtime remains
  • Center and right LEDs flash at 50%
  • Only the right LED (start icon) flashes at 25%

Don’t be fooled by the remote’s simple three-button design. Lock, unlock, and remote start are directly accessible, while advanced functions are handled through intuitive button combinations:

  • Trunk release: Press and hold the unlock button for 2.5 seconds
  • Auxiliary output 1: Press start, then double-press the lock button
  • Auxiliary output 2: Press start, then double-press the unlock button

These outputs can be programmed to control functions like sliding doors, tailgate glass releases, or additional lighting.

Using other button combinations, you can also control features such as siren chirps, shock sensor settings, valet mode, ignition-controlled door locks, passive locking, and turbo timer activation. This makes the remote highly customizable to fit your specific needs.

Compustar 2WG17 Remote Kit
The main remote includes LEDs to confirm when commands are executed using 2-way communication with the vehicle controller.

1-Way Remote Control

The secondary remote, model 1WG17-FM, offers similar core control functions but does not include 2-way confirmation LEDs. It’s a great backup remote or a simpler option for another household driver.

Both remotes feature up to 3,000 feet of range thanks to Frequency Modulation (FM) signal transmission. That’s enough to start your vehicle from inside a small apartment, office building, or even across a massive parking lot.

Another standout feature is that both remotes are water-resistant. It should keep functioning without issue if you accidentally drop your key fob in a puddle or snowbank. This durability adds a layer of everyday peace of mind and extends the lifespan of your investment.

Compustar 2WG17 Remote Kit
The companion remote in the 2WG17 kit offers the same 3000 feet of range.

Drone Smartphone Control

The 2WG17 package includes a Drone X2/LTE module for smartphone control. When paired with the DroneMobile app, you gain full access to your remote start system from virtually anywhere your phone has internet access.

You can:

  • Lock or unlock the doors
  • Start or stop the engine
  • Release the trunk
  • Activate auxiliary features

Whether at the office or vacationing in another country, you can easily check the vehicle’s status or control it. On the beach in Mexico and want make sure the doors are locked – it’s as simple a tapping an icon in the DroneMobile app.

GPS tracking is also enabled with a compatible service plan. If your vehicle is moved—say, loaded onto a flatbed—you’ll receive a notification. You can then alert authorities and provide your vehicle’s location in real time.

Retailers can walk you through the available service plans and help you select one that matches your needs.

Compustar 2WG17 Remote Kit
The 2WG17 kit includes a Drone smartphone interface for your remote car starter.

Ready to Roll in Comfort

The included temperature sensor allows for automatic climate-related activation features. For instance, you can:

  • Automatically turn on the rear window defroster when starting the vehicle in cold temperatures
  • Trigger heated seats or a heated steering wheel

The product specialist helping to configure your system can tell you which factory features in your vehicle are compatible with these automatic activations. These small touches add significant comfort and convenience during extreme weather.

Add Comfort with a Compustar 2WG17 Remote Car Starter

Whether you live in Montana or New York and dread frigid winter mornings, or you’re in Florida or Texas and want to avoid stepping into a sweltering vehicle, a remote car starter from Compustar ensures your ride is comfortable every time you get in.

The 2WG17 remote kit offers high-quality, affordable functionality. It combines convenience, rugged durability, and peace of mind thanks to two-way command confirmation. It’s a smart upgrade for any vehicle.

For more information on the Compustar 2WG17 remote kit or any of Compustar’s remote car starter and vehicle security solutions, drop by a local authorized retailer. You can find a shop near you using the dealer locator tool on the Compustar website. Be sure to follow Compustar on Facebook, Instagram, and, of course, on YouTube to learn about the new technologies they bring to the market.

This article is written and produced by the team at www.BestCarAudio.com. Reproduction or use of any kind is prohibited without the express written permission of 1sixty8 media.

Filed Under: ARTICLES, Products, Remote Car Starters, RESOURCE LIBRARY Tagged With: Compustar

Product Spotlight: Rockford Fosgate TMS69

Rockford Fosgate TMS69

Where once the domain of only a few specialty brands, motorcycle audio speakers are now available from dozens of brands. Unfortunately, that doesn’t mean all the offerings sound good and play loudly. This Product Spotlight will examine the Rockford Fosgate TMS69 6×9-inch bag lid speaker set to explain what differentiates them from the other offerings in this category.

Rockford Fosgate TMS69 Specifications

The TMS69 set includes a pair of motorcycle-specific 6×9-inch speakers and hex-head mounting screws. Rockford Fosgate rates the speakers as capable of handling 100 watts continuously with peaks up of 200 watts. The speakers have a nominal impedance of four ohms and an impressive 1W/1M efficiency of 89 dB SPL.

For those into analyzing and understanding Thiele-Small parameters, the TMS69 woofers have a resonant frequency (Fs) of 75 Hz, an equivalent compliance (Vas) of 16.8 liters, and a total Q (Qts) of 1.63. The Xmax specification, which is measured at 10% THD using Klippel transducer evaluation equipment, is 3mm. Unless you know another manufacturer used 10% THD, you can’t compare this number with their maximum linear excursion specification.

Designing a speaker for an outdoor application, as you’d find on a motorcycle, is no easy feat. The Rockford Fosgate team spent countless hours cruising Arizona highways to audition dozens of samples of the TMS69 during the development process. The goal was to tailor the frequency response to what enthusiasts would enjoy while compensating for exhaust, wind, and tire noise. While most speakers in this market are marinized car audio speakers, the effort put into making the TMS69 truly unique is impressive. If you are looking for a speaker that sounds good at 75mph, you’re in the right place.

Rockford Fosgate TMS69
he TMS69 speakers are designed to sound amazing on your Harley-Davidson, even at freeway speeds.

TMS69 Bag Lid Speaker Features

Motorcycle speakers differ from typical car audio speakers in several ways. First, they are designed with efficiency in mind. Getting more output for a given amount of power dramatically reduces how much current the amplifier driving the speakers consumes. This is crucial on a motorcycle where power is limited. Rockford Fosgate uses a low-mass polypropylene woofer cone with a high-Q suspension design. This will maximize output through the midbass region to ensure the drivers pack a punch; no pun intended.

Thermal power handling is also crucial, as the speakers are typically installed in airtight Harley-Davidson saddlebags. This means they can get quite warm. TMS69 speakers feature a huge 1.4-inch diameter voice coil to help dissipate heat efficiently.

These speakers have a shallow design, so they don’t take up valuable room in the saddlebag. Mounting depth is specified as being only 2.8 inches deep. The compact size is achieved thanks to a high-efficiency neodymium magnet structure. A second benefit to speakers that use Neodymium magnets is weight reduction. Each TMS69 weighs about a pound. Ceramic-magnet speakers, albeit cheaper, can be five times as heavy. Rockford Fosgate chose the Neodymium route because it’s much lighter than a traditional speaker with a large ceramic magnet, while still producing the same output. Added weight, especially at the top of the saddlebag, can affect the handling and stability of the motorcycle.

Rockford Fosgate TMS69
A compact, high-efficiency Neodymium magnet ensures the TMS69 sound great without adding a lot of weight.

Materials and Design

When you look at the top of the TMS69, you’ll first notice the low-profile 25mm dome tweeter with a phase disc integrated into the grille. The disc helps ensure even sound dispersion at extreme frequencies. The small vertical waveguide around the sides of the tweeter help direct the output towards the driver.

To ensure the speakers are 100% water resistant, Rockford Fosgate has implemented a synthetic rubber surround between the tweeter post and the polypropylene woofer cone. This ensures water can’t get into the motor assembly should you get caught in the rain.

The last feature worth noticing is the massive amount of cone area afforded by the Vertical Attach Surround Technique surround. The way the surround attaches to the vertical sides of the basket allows the radiating surface to be much larger than competing products. In short, you get way more effective cone area and output for your money compared to other offerings.

Rockford Fosgate TMS69
The VAST surround design maximized cone area to ensure impressive efficiency and good midbass output.

Element Ready Design

While other products may claim water resistance, Rockford Fosgate takes building speakers for outdoor applications seriously. They use the term “Element Ready,” which means the speakers are water resistant and UV resistant. This means they won’t dry out and crack after prolonged sun exposure. The speakers are also subjected to vibration and impact testing to ensure all components remain secure. A solid design is crucial for a motorcycle, which experiences intense vibrations from the lumpy camshafts. The ultra-rigid glass-fiber reinforced polymer plastic frame is an example of putting durability at the forefront of the design.

Harley-Davidson Installations

The TMS69 speakers are available as stand-alone options. However, they are the heart of the popular and often imitated bag lid speaker kits; the TMS69BL14 for 2014-2023 Harley-Davidson® touring motorcycles, and TMS69BL9813 for 1998-2013 H-D® touring models. The kits feature a cutting template that allows your installer to modify the existing bag lids to accept the 6×9 speakers using the provided mounting brackets and grilles. This eliminates the need to try to paint-match aftermarket lids. If you want to bring the sound system on your Harley-Davidson Street Glide, Road Glide, Electra Glide, or Road King to life, these kits are a perfect upgrade.

Rockford Fosgate TMS69
The TMS69 speakers are the heart of the TMS68BL14 and TMSBL9813 bag lid speaker kits.

Enhance Your Motorcycle Audio System with Rockford Fosgate Speakers

If the stereo system on your Harley-Davidson motorcycle doesn’t put a smile on your face when you crank the volume, drop by a local authorized Rockford Fosgate retailer and ask about an upgrade that includes the TMS65 fairing speakers, TMS69 bag lid speakers and their impressive amplifiers. You can find a local authorized retailer using the dealer locator at on the Rockford Fosgate website. Be sure to follow the gang from Tempe, AZ, on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube to learn about the products they offer and the incredible events they attend.

This article is written and produced by the team at www.BestCarAudio.com. Reproduction or use of any kind is prohibited without the express written permission of 1sixty8 media.

Filed Under: ARTICLES, Motorcycle Audio, Products, RESOURCE LIBRARY Tagged With: Rockford Fosgate

Custom Installations – Past and Present

Custom InstallationsCustom car audio installations have changed a great deal over the years. More often than not, custom installations from years ago often looked like ‘bolted-on’ additions to a vehicle. Modern systems blend seamlessly with your interior. Advances in construction techniques allow your installer to create complex multi-dimensional shapes that look like they came from the vehicle assembly line. Read on as we contrast the materials and designs of the past with what is currently available.

Source Units

If you look at a custom installation more than about five years old, the trademark was an aftermarket source unit in the dash. Working backward chronologically, we saw Double-DIN navigation systems, flip-up multimedia receivers, detachable face CD receivers and pull-out cassette decks with CD changers. The quality and features of factory radios just could not match what the aftermarket had to offer.

Custom InstallationsAs companies like Ford spearheaded the move towards integrated infotainment solutions like Ford Sync, vehicle manufacturers increased their emphasis on providing clients with more features and better performance. Navigation, USB support for MP3 and WMA files, iPhone control and backup camera systems are now common in even the most basic of vehicles.

Modern source units have become a central control system for vehicle functions such as heating and cooling adjustments. They also have become vehicle information displays for things like tire pressure monitoring. In the past, the radio was a single component that performed a single task. Now, they are an integral part of the car, and no longer an option that can be replaced easily. Many modern vehicles use distributed multimedia systems that cannot be replaced at all.

How do we upgrade the sound system? Your mobile electronics specialist retailer is armed with several integration solutions that work with your factory source unit. These products allow for the installation of high-power amplifiers, signal processors and speaker upgrades to dramatically improve the performance of the system. Vehicle manufacturers rarely invest in high-quality speakers, so there is ample opportunity to improve even premium-branded OEM sound systems.

Cosmetic Integration

Another telltale sign of an old-school, high-end sound system were custom door panels. A set of aftermarket components mounted to an adapter plate or panel on top of the factory door skin was common. A premium installation may have a custom cloth-covered grill over the speaker instead of the mesh grill provided by the manufacturer.

Custom Installations
This speaker installation by Adrenaline Autosound is representative of best-practice work.

Modern sound system upgrades are often nearly invisible. With the increase in available speaker mounting depth afforded by complex contoured door panel designs, high-end component speakers can be installed behind factory grills on custom adapter plates. Once the door is back together, there is no sign of the upgrade. Add in some sound deadening and speaker coupling rings, and the performance of your new sound system will increase by another order of magnitude.

Depending on the design of the vehicle, the tweeters from the new component set may fit into the factory location with little to no modification. In cases where the factory tweeter is in a location that doesn’t provide optimum placement, your installer can fabricate a compact tweeter pod for the sail panel or mount them in the A-pillar. Either way, the result is cosmetically inconspicuous while offering excellent performance.

Subwoofer Enclosures

It used to be that having a subwoofer in your vehicle meant sacrificing a significant amount of storage area in the hatch or trunk of your vehicle. A pair of ten- or twelve-inch subwoofers in a large vented enclosure took up take up a large amount of space. While the underlying philosophy of how speakers work has not changed in decades, modern subwoofer designs produce excellent low-frequency output from extremely compact enclosures. Enclosures concealed in spare tire wells or into the corner of a hatch take up little to no cargo space while providing excellent low-frequency performance.

Custom Installations
This JL Audio Stealthbox takes advantage of the slim design of the TW1 woofers.

Pickup trucks are a popular platform for upgrades. There are now dozens of subwoofers on the market that feature basket and motor designs that allow for under-seat enclosures. A pair of ten-inch subwoofers under the rear seat of a Sierra, Silverado, F-150 or Ram is a daily occurrence.

Materials and Cosmetics

If you look back through car audio magazines from the 90’s, you would be assaulted with amplifier and processor racks finished in tweed and trunk liner carpet. For a custom show-car installation, high-gloss painted fiberglass was popular. Looking back, these installations rarely matched the styling cues and materials that came from the factory. Instead, they seemed to contrast them deliberately. There are always exceptions, but from a stereotypical perspective, divergence appeared to be the name of the game.

Custom Installations
This controller mount was upholstered in matching Alcantara for a seamless look.

Modern installations use vinyl that matches the factory materials for color and often for grain. Acrylic plastic inserts replicate factory styling accents. Where new grills need to be created, installers are now including multi-dimensional contours to give the panel more depth and elegance. Many installations feature painted dash or center console inserts for DSPs and radar detector control panels that match other styling cues correctly. Trunk installations are trimmed nicely so the subwoofer enclosure looks integrated rather than something dropped in back of a vehicle. Chrome inserts, accent lines and the use of several complementary materials can turn what was an all-black carpeted trunk into a creative and highlighted part of the system. But it will still look like it is a cosmetically-integrated part of the vehicle.

The highest praise for most installers is to hear that the audio system they installed sounds exceptional, and that it looks like it was a factory-installed option!

System Design and Equipment

The proliferation of reasonably priced digital signal processors has changed the way car audio systems are designed. In days gone by, a mid-level sound system upgrade may have included a four-channel amplifier, a subwoofer amplifier, a set of component speakers for the front doors, a set of coaxial speakers for the rear doors and a subwoofer. Now, rear speaker upgrades are often forsaken in favor of a DSP processor and active filtering on the front stage speakers.

Custom Installations
This Audison amplifier features lots of power and plenty of processing.

The benefits of a fully active system are dramatic. Your installer has full control over the crossover frequencies and output levels for each speaker. He can equalize and adjust the signal delay to the left and right speakers to create a focused and stable soundstage across the dash of the vehicle. Your music will sound more natural and realistic. Many new system amplifiers include built-in digital signal processors to allow for a fully active three-way system installation using a single chassis. Some of these amplifiers are small enough to fit under a seat to save space.

Upgrade your Sound System for Better Performance

A lot has changed regarding car audio system design, equipment choices and vehicle integration. You can enjoy recording studio or concert-like performance from a system upgrade that is nearly invisible. If you were a fan of car audio systems years ago, then it is worth visiting your local mobile electronics specialist retailer today. You will be able to experience the latest products and installation techniques in person.

This article is written and produced by the team at www.BestCarAudio.com. Reproduction or use of any kind is prohibited without the express written permission of 1sixty8 media.

Filed Under: ARTICLES, Car Audio, RESOURCE LIBRARY

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