When it comes to shopping for car audio amplifier upgrades, choosing an expensive amplifier may not mean you get the most power possible for your speakers. Though this statement may seem negative, the reality is that you may have chosen a solution with more features or higher quality over just raw power. Balancing your investment in your sound system is tricky. Let’s look at a few factors that contribute to the cost of the solution you choose.

Does More Power Mean More Money?

Within a series of amplifiers, typically, one that produces more power will cost more money. The cost of an amplifier is determined, in part, by the size and weight of the heatsink and the number of components required to build the amp. This statement is especially true when it comes to subwoofer amplifiers. An amp rated to produce 2,500 watts will need a larger power supply, more heatsink and more output devices to pass current to the speakers than an amp rated for 1,100 watts.

Where things get more complicated is when you start to compare amplifiers from one series to another or from one brand to another. Comparing a low-distortion, low-noise, high-bias Class AB amplifier that produces 65 watts per channel (into four channels) to a compact Class D amp that produces even more power could you see you spending $1,500 on the AB amp and around $500 for the more powerful Class D solution. Does that make the less expensive amp better?

Amplifier Specifications Matter

Comparing amplifiers is like comparing tires for your car. You can go to your local tire shop and tell them you need new tires for your sedan. The most popular tire size in North America is 205/55-16. Now, imagine you are driving a Honda Civic and need a tire to enable you to commute back and forth to work with the occasional errand on the weekend. If you live in the southern U.S., you don’t need to think about winter performance, so as long as the tire is of high-quality, it will serve you well. A Goodyear, BFGoodrich or Continental Touring tire will run you about $105 to $120 each.

Now, let’s say you drive a Subaru Impreza WRX or an Audi A4 that uses the same tire size and you want to take the car to a few track days. You can spend more than $200 on an extreme performance summer tire that will allow the car to corner faster and brake at a much higher rate. It’s not the size of the tire that determines its price, it’s the performance.

When it comes to high-end amplifiers, the more expensive ones typically add less noise and distortion to the audio signal. This performance makes your music sound clearer and more detailed. The difference is as dramatic as switching from mediocre to premium speakers, but it’s an important part of the product selection process.

Additional Features Add Cost

Another reason a less powerful amplifier may cost more than a high-power alternative comes down to features. If the expensive amplifier has a built-in digital signal processor, you’ll not only be paying for the components in the amp but the time it took to program the configuration software that your installer uses to calibrate your system.

Likewise, an amplifier that includes a large number of analog adjustments like infrasonic filters, adjustable bass boost controls, variable crossovers and phase adjustments will likely cost more than an equivalent amp without those features. A remote level control for a subwoofer, built-in fusing for protection, output or clipping indicators and cast heat sinks all add cost.

Which to Choose: Features or Performance?

Truly high-end amplifiers exist to bring out the best in your music. They deliver amazing clarity and extremely low amounts of noise and distortion. If your source unit, speaker and signal processor are already of great quality, then choosing high-end amplifiers is wise. If you’re building a new system from scratch, ensuring that it’s optimized with a digital signal processor is crucial. As such, choosing an amp with a DSP built-in, even if you have to sacrifice some power, is likely a wise choice. Your local specialty mobile enhancement retailer can help you navigate the options available, then install and configure your system so that it sounds amazing.

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.

Though Mercedes-Benz vehicles are typically well-equipped right off the showroom floor, your local specialty mobile enhancement retailer offers a variety of audio and convenience upgrades for them. Whether you want to add a subwoofer to warm up the sound of your stereo or install a remote car starter to take the chill off a cold winter morning, the options available for these European vehicles are extensive.

Mercedes-Benz Subwoofer Upgrades

Even if your Mercedes came equipped with a Burmester audio system, your local car audio specialist can dramatically improve the impact and emotion generated by the stereo in your vehicle by adding a subwoofer. Automakers are limited by strict weight restrictions and packaging solutions that have to appeal to buyers of all genres. If you take your music seriously, the changes you’ll hear by adding a subwoofer will be like night and day.

We aren’t talking about a booming system that you can hear from a block away, though that’s always an option. A high-quality aftermarket subwoofer can be tuned to add warmth and extension to your music. Drums will sound more realistic. A stand-up bass will invoke more emotion. Guitar riffs will flow through the car with power and authority.

Subwoofers don’t need to take up valuable space in the trunk or cargo area to do their job. An expert installation technician can often work with the space available under or behind factory panels to create a solution that sounds amazing. It can be almost impossible to visually detect that the vehicle has been upgraded.

Custom Audio System Upgrades

If you aren’t happy with the balance or output capabilities of the audio system in your Benz, you can look into upgrading the system with new speakers, high-power amplifiers and a digital signal processor. New speakers deliver dramatically improved clarity and, when driven with enough power, let you turn up the volume without the system distorting. A digital signal processor is a fancy name for a computerized equalizer. Reflections off the glass, leather, metal and wood inside your car wreak havoc with the sound produced by the speakers. A properly trained technician can use the signal processing tools in a DSP to create a realistic soundstage across the front of your vehicle that delivers music with amazing accuracy. Your commute to work can replicate the experience of sitting at the console of a world-class recording studio.

Rear-Seat Entertainment Solutions

If you have children who would benefit from being able to watch movies while on a long road trip, consider having a rear-seat entertainment solution installed in your Benz. Depending on the year and model of your Mercedes, you can choose from replacement headrests, a ceiling-mount flip-down monitor or a tablet-based system that attaches to the back of the front seats. Your kids can watch DVDs or movies from a USB memory stick to make a long drive feel like it’s flying by.

Remote Car Starters

If you live somewhere with cold winters or in a climate that’s hot and humid, you may want to invest in a remote car starter. With the simple push of a button on a remote, your vehicle will start automatically and the climate controls will begin making the interior more comfortable. Interfaces that communicate directly with the computers in your car deliver reliable remote start functionality and are available for everything from an A-class right up to an S-class sedan or G-wagon.

Many of these car starter systems can be upgraded with a smartphone control solution like the DroneMobile from Compustar. If you’ve just walked into an airport terminal from a cross-country flight, a quick tap of an icon on your smartphone will bring your vehicle to life and make it cozy and warm or nice and cool once you are ready to leave.

Lighting Upgrades Add Safety

When the sun starts to set earlier, upgrading the lighting system in your Mercedes offers dramatically improved vision. Many new cars come with high-output LED lighting solutions. If you have an older model, you can upgrade incandescent bulbs with HID or LED systems that will more than double the light output. Being able to see properly at night is crucial.

Paint Protection Film

Mercedes vehicles are known for their high-quality paint finishes. If you are concerned about stone chips, parking lot scuffs and stains from road tar or bird droppings, adding paint protection film is a wise investment. Paint protection film, also known as clear bra or helicopter tape, is a thin (8-11 mil) layer of urethane that is designed to absorb impacts from objects and prevent paint damage. The higher-quality films include self-healing characteristics that will maintain the deep gloss and rich shine for up to 10 years.

Window Tinting

Car owners typically choose to have their windows tinted for two reasons: styling and comfort. There’s no denying that a nice dark tint on a black S-class looks sinister. If you are interested in comfort, modern tint films block between 97 and 99% of the UV rays from the sun to prevent sunburns. Premium nanotechnology and ceramic tint films can block more than 66% of the infrared heat energy from the sun. With heat-rejecting film installed on all the windows, the air conditioning system doesn’t have to work as hard to cool the car off and keep it cool on a hot summer day.

Backup Camera and Safety Systems

Many Mercedes vehicles didn’t come with a backup camera system or parking sensors. Several companies make camera interfaces that will allow your local mobile enhancement retailer to add a camera and display the image right on the screen of the factory infotainment system. These upgrades are not only easy to use, they work exactly like a factory-installed solution to protect you and the objects around your car or SUV from incidents while parking or maneuvering.

Parking sensor systems are a fully active safety solution that alerts you to the presence of an object behind your vehicle while maneuvering or backing into a parking space. The sensors can be painted to match the vehicle so they look as though they came from the factory.

Once you are within a few feet of an object, the parking sensor system will start to beep. The frequency of the beeps increases as you get closer and closer. Once you are within 12 inches of the object, the beeps change to a solid tone so you know to stop.

Personalize Your Mercedes-Benz for more Comfort and Enjoyment

Your local specialty mobile enhancement retailer has the products and services to upgrade your Mercedes-Benz to make it more comfortable, safer and more enjoyable. If there’s a feature you want or you are interested in better sound from the audio system, drop by and talk to them. We know you’ll be amazed at the solutions that are available.

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.

When it comes to enhancing or personalizing your BMW, your local specialty mobile enhancement retailer offers a variety of upgrades. When it comes to audio systems, BMW sound systems often don’t play loudly enough or have enough bass. They can fix that. If you want a remote car starter, they can add that. Let’s look into these upgrades in detail.

BMW Audio System Upgrades

If you have a BMW car or SUV with the Base or Hi-Fi-level factory-installed audio system, getting great sound is pretty easy. Companies such as Audison and Audiotec Fischer offer BMW-specific upgrade packages that include new speakers, subwoofers and amplifiers designed especially for these applications. Likewise, Musicar Northwest, a high-end retailer located in Portland, Oregon, offers amazing upgrade packages and BMW-specific subwoofer enclosures that look and sound amazing.

If your BMW came with the top Hi-Fi system, interfaces from Audison and mObridge allow your retailer to replace the factory amplifier with a high-power aftermarket solution. Combining new speakers, a subwoofer and a digital signal processor will allow the sound system will spring to life with amazing detail and accuracy that will rival most high-end home systems.

Radar Detector and Laser Defense Upgrades

There’s no doubt that many BMW vehicles are extremely fun to drive at speeds well above the posted limits. While we always recommend obeying all traffic laws, sometimes you may run afoul of the local law enforcement agency. If you have a heavy right foot, investing in a high-quality radar detector and laser defense system is a wise investment. Radar detectors from such companies as Escort, K40, Stinger and Radenso offer early warnings about police speed measurement, so you have time to check your speed.

If your local law enforcement agency uses lidar (also known as laser) guns to measure speed, you’ll want to upgrade your vehicle with a custom-installed laser defense solution. These systems detect the light signal from the laser gun and transmit a scrambled signal to prevent the law enforcement officer from measuring your speed. You can slow down then cancel the transmission. The officer will make a second attempt to measure your velocity, then let you carry on your way. Be sure to choose a retailer that is well-versed in how to design and install laser defense systems. Improper installation and alignment can leave you susceptible to speed traps, making the investment a waste of time and money.

 

Remote Starters

Having a remote starter in your BMW is a great way to make it more comfortable on a cold winter morning or a hot summer afternoon. By pressing a button on your factory key fob, an aftermarket long-range remote or an app on your smartphone, the engine in your car will start and begin making the interior more comfortable.

Backup Camera Integration

If your BMW didn’t come with a backup camera from the factory, don’t fret. Upgrading your vehicle is a relatively simple process. Companies such as NAV-TV offer several video input interfaces that work with the factory color display in the dash of your BMW. Your retailer can add a high-quality camera to the back (or front) of your car or SUV to make parking and maneuvering safer. If your car doesn’t have a screen in the dash, an upgraded rearview mirror with a built-in display is a great option to make backing up safer.

Window Tint and Paint Protection Film

Many specialty mobile enhancement retailers offer window tinting and paint protection film installations. Window tint can dramatically improve the look of your BMW while making it safer and more comfortable. High-quality automotive tint film blocks between 97% and 99% of the UV rays from the sun to help prevent sunburn. Premium ceramic and nanotechnology tint films block infrared energy to help keep the interior of your vehicle cool and comfortable.

BMW Accessories and Upgrades

A set of molded rubber floor mats from companies like WeatherTech or Husky is a great way to keep the interior looking like new. These mats fit the contour of floor and extend up the sides to keep dirt, mud, sand, snow or slush out of the carpet. A few extra USB ports, a set of upgraded HID or LED headlights or custom accent lighting are also popular upgrades. If there’s a feature you wish your BMW had come with, drop into a local specialty mobile enhancement retailer and ask them. We think you’ll be surprised at the options available to make your Ultimate Driving Machine even better.

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.

Widely recognized as the top-selling pickup truck in North America, Ford F-Series pickup trucks see an array of upgrades and accessories that is nothing short of impressive. From subwoofer and speaker upgrades to lighting, running boards, backup cameras and more, if there’s a feature you want in your Ford, your local specialty mobile enhancement retailer can provide it. Read on to find out more about the enhancements available for your pickup and how they can improve your efficiency, comfort and convenience while on your way to work, school or home.

Ford Pickup Truck Audio System Upgrades

Upgrading the factory-installed stereo system in these vehicles can make listening to your favorite music infinitely more enjoyable. The biggest bang-for-the-buck upgrade is to add a subwoofer to the stereo. When it comes to making bass, sound systems need to move a lot of air. Companies like MTI Acoustics, JL Audio, Audio Enhancers and MTX make subwoofer enclosures that are designed to fit under the rear seat of most F-150 and Super Duty Ford trucks. These enclosures are available with a color-matching carpet finish, and some include options for vinyl upholstery that matches the interior of your vehicle. Your local retailer may also be capable of designing and fabricating a custom solution that meets your performance and styling needs.

Once you have great bass in your truck, the next step is to replace the speakers and add an amplifier. Whether you’re after more output capability or want to improve the accuracy, clarity and detail in your music, great speakers are crucially important. A set of component speakers connected to a nice amplifier will reveal details in your music that the factory-installed speakers simply can’t produce.

Upgrading the Technology in Your Ford Truck

If your truck is older, you may want to consider upgrading the infotainment system to something that includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration. These interfaces allow you to use the voice recognition features of your smartphone to perform tasks like sending text messages, making phone calls, choosing an entertainment source or requesting navigation directions. You don’t have to look at the screen of the radio, which means you can keep your eyes on the road.

Parking Sensor and Camera Systems

If your truck didn’t come with a backup camera or parking sensors, having those added is a great way to prevent accidents. Parking sensors are installed in the rear bumper and provide an audible alert when you’re within about 3 feet of an object. The warning beeps become a solid tone when you are 1 foot away. The beauty of a parking sensor system is that it’s automatic. You don’t have to remember to use it like you would a backup camera. If an alert is warranted, it just happens.

Backup cameras not only let you see what’s behind your vehicle when parking, but they are also a great accessory for people who tow a trailer. Being able to ensure that the tongue is lined up with the hitch can save a lot of time. Many options are available for integrating the camera image into an existing infotainment display, or you can upgrade the rearview mirror to one with a built-in screen.

Remote Starter and GPS Location Options

Whether you live in the cold Northern states or in Canada, or in the South where it’s hotter than Hades, adding a remote starter to your truck is an easy way to make it much more comfortable. Your retailer can suggest a control solution that will provide adequate range so that you can start the truck from inside your home or while at work.

If you need more range than a conventional radio-frequency remote control can offer, then ask about a telematics solution that works with your smartphone. The DroneMobile, SmartStart, MyCar and AutoConnect solutions send commands from an app on your phone to a module in the vehicle. As long as your phone has an internet connection, you can control the door locks and remote start the vehicle.

Truck Accessories Add Safety and Convenience

Your local specialty mobile enhancement retailer may offer such truck accessories as running boards, bed covers, mud flaps, seat covers and floor mats to add convenience and functionality to your Ranger, F-150 or Super Duty. If you have lifted your truck or chosen something fun like a Raptor, a set of Powerstep motorized running boards from Amp Research is a great idea. These boards sit up tight to the rocker panels while you’re driving, then fold down to make it easy to get in and out of the vehicle once a door is open.

Soft tonneau covers are a great way to keep leaves, dust, water and debris out of the bed of your truck. They can be rolled up quickly to access the entire bed to carry large items. A folding or roll-up hard cover adds security and protection for your tools or work equipment.

One of the easiest ways to keep the interior of your truck looking like new is to add a set of vehicle-specific floor mats. Companies like WeatherTech offer durable, long-wearing mats that contour to the sides of the footwells to protect the carpet from sand, mud, snow and slush.

Window Tint and Paint Protection Film

Another popular accessory available for Ford vehicles is window tint. Many consumers want their windows tinted to enhance the look of their vehicle. At the same time, adding window tint protects the occupants from the harmful effects of UV rays from the sun. A premium nanotechnology or ceramic film can help block infrared energy to help keep your vehicle cool. Ask your retailer what they have available, and be sure to check your local laws about how dark the tint can be.

Personalize and Upgrade your Ford Pickup

A nearly unlimited number of upgrades can enhance the cosmetics, performance and convenience of your Ford truck, even if it’s leased. If you own a Ranger, F-150 or Ford Super Duty, drop by your local specialty mobile enhancement retailer today to find out what’s available to customize your vehicle.

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.

When it comes to purchasing a new radio for your car or truck, one of the most important steps is trying out the new radio. This process involves three key elements: the interface, support for your digital media and how your smartphone connects to the radio. Let’s take a close look at each of these crucial criteria.

Why Do I Need to Test Drive a New Radio?

Twenty years ago, all we had to worry about was making sure the radio we wanted to buy fit in the dash, could play our compact discs and had a good quality AM/FM tuner. While these criteria still matter (though the CD part is quickly going away), there are many other features that we need to test before agreeing to purchase the unit.

Testing a Radio Interface

Once the product specialist at your local mobile enhancement retailer has suggested a radio that offers the features you’ve requested, it’s up to you to ensure you like the way it works. Are you going to be happy with a push-button volume control on a multimedia receiver with a 7-inch screen, or would you prefer a 6.2-inch unit with a rotary volume control? Make sure the volume can be increased or decreased quickly by pressing and holding the buttons or spinning the knob quickly.

Pick two or three audio sources that you’ll be using and make sure you can change tracks intuitively. Hard buttons are often a preferred control method because the physical shape helps you know whether you’re pressing in the right spot. Touchscreen controls require you to look at the radio, which can be distracting and dangerous while driving.

Next, find out how the steering wheel audio buttons control the radio. Can you change radio stations, activate voice recognition for Android Auto or CarPlay, and pause or mute the audio?

Finally, look at the source selection menu. Is it intuitive? Is it adjustable? Can you access the sources you want quickly and easily? Remember, at 65 mph, you’re covering 95 feet per second. Even a quick glance at the radio can be dangerous.

Testing Digital Media Support

If you have a large digital media collection, you’ll need to do a few tests to make sure you can enjoy the songs or videos the way you want. Start by connecting your USB memory stick, portable hard drive or smartphone and make sure all the songs are accessible. If you have mixed formats like MP3, WAV and FLAC on a single device, make sure those all work. Some source units have limits as to the number of tracks that can be accessed because of memory limitations. If you have music that may include copyright restrictions, give those a try before you buy.

If you like to listen in random mode, make sure the device will randomize the way you want. Some systems only scramble the playback order in a single folder, and some will select from multiple folders. Explore how easy it is to change folders or scroll through a long list of albums or artists. If you have to press a down-arrow 150 times to find the track you want, well, you won’t enjoy using the radio.

If you plan to play video files, test compatibility before you buy. Video files are complicated. The file contains separate video and audio information, each of which can be compressed in many different formats. H,264, H.265, MPEG-2, MPEG-4 and WMV are common for video and MP3, AAC, WMA and FLAC are common for the audio portion. Many sources have limitations on video file resolution. Unless you’re choosing a truly premium source unit, the system is likely limited to 720×480 pixels of resolution. The top players can now handle 1920×1080. Finally, check to make sure that the audio from the files you are playing is in sync with the video. Using a test file that has a close-up of a gun firing is a good way to confirm this. The bang should coincide with the flash as the bullet leaves the barrel. Catching up on the John Wick trilogy would be a good starting point.

Smartphone Support for Car Radios

Back in 2005, we saw the first multimedia receiver with integrated support for the Apple iPod. A decade later, playback of Android-powered devices was added as a feature. If you have an older device, make sure you test it before you buy a new radio. If you have an iPod Classic or Nano with a 30-pin dock connector, it might not work on a new radio. In fact, most new radios only support the iPhone, iPad and the sixth-generation iPod Touch. You’ll get an error if you connect anything else. Want to be sure? Try it at the store before you buy it!

Next in our test criteria is Bluetooth. When it comes to iPhones, things are usually pretty reliable. Nevertheless, pair your phone, make a call, make sure Siri Hands Free works the way you want and finally, make sure the phone reconnects after you cycle power on the radio. Try this a few times to be sure all is well.

If you are an Android phone user, the above tests are crucial. Because the Android operating system is open source and available to any phone manufacturer to be implemented in the way they see fit, there is absolutely no standard for connectivity. You can’t simply ask whether your Android phone will work since the Bluetooth software on the phone can be updated without your knowledge. Connect the phone and test it. Don’t buy a new car radio without completing this step.

A final word of warning: Because Android can be set to update automatically, your phone may suddenly stop working the way you want for no apparent reason. In these cases, test the radio with an iPhone to make sure it’s functioning properly, then contact the phone manufacturer to seek assistance in rectifying the issue. Car radio manufacturers cannot issue updates every time an Android phone’s Bluetooth software changes.

Try Out Your New Radio Before Buying

If you follow any of the technology websites or Facebook groups, then you have undoubtedly seen the hundreds or thousands of posts about smartphones not working with automotive technology. You must make sure things are as compatible and easy-to-use as possible before buying a new source unit for your vehicle. Drop by your local specialty mobile enhancement retailer and ask to test-drive the radio you’re interested in before they install it in your vehicle. This process can save you a lot of hassle.

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.