Product Spotlight: Sony XAV-AX8000

Fans of big screens, rejoice! Sony is now shipping the XAV-AX8000 media receiver, and it comes with a massive 8.95-inch touchscreen. Designed to fit into single-DIN ISO-mount radio locations, this receiver is based on the highly respected XAV-AX5000 platform to deliver all the entertainment you could ever want in your car, truck or SUV.

Flexible Mounting Options Ensure Maximum Vehicle Compatibility

The chassis of the XAV-AX8000 features a standard single-DIN chassis that fits in any vehicle that can accommodate an aftermarket installation kit that has ISO-mount provisions, whether single-DIN or double-DIN. This provides a lot of installation coverage for all types of vehicles, some of which cannot accept a typical double-DIN video unit in the dash directly. The 8.95-inch touchscreen mounts in front of the radio and dash in a similar fashion to what Mercedes and Tesla offer with their infotainment systems. The adjustable screen can tilted forward or back by 10 degrees in either direction, and the screen itself can be moved out from the radio chassis up to 2.36 inches to allow for clearance of dashboard obstructions. The entire screen can be moved vertically up to 2.36 inches to prevent blocking air vents, controls and other important items that might surround the radio cavity. This non-motorized mounting system allows for a lot of installation flexibility when installing it into your vehicle.

In terms of mounting requirements, Sony specifies that this radio is designed for ISO-DIN applications where brackets bolt to the side of the Sony and then into your dash or an aftermarket installation kit. A mounting sleeve is not provided, and this type of mounting is not recommended.

Sony XAV-AX8000 Features

When it comes to smartphone connectivity, the AX8000 has all the bases covered. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto make it easy to place phone calls, send text messages or choose your favorite music. Popular navigation applications like Waze and Google Maps will provide turn-by-turn instructions to almost any destination in North America. You can even use Google Maps’ Offline Maps feature so that you don’t need a real-time internet connection to reach your destination efficiently.

In terms of audio sources, the radio includes an AM/FM tuner with RDS information display. A USB port on the rear of the chassis will charge your phone with up to 1.5 amps of current, or it can be used with a USB memory stick to play digital media files. The system is compatible with MP3, WMA, AAC, FLAC and WAV audio formats. You can upgrade the system with SiriusXM satellite radio by having your retailer install an SXV300 tuner module at the time of installation. Of course, Bluetooth audio streaming from your smartphone is included. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay add dedicated streaming app support for online services like Pandora, iHeartRadio, Google Play Music, Tidal, Spotify and Radio Disney.

Sound Processing and Vehicle Integration Features

Sony has included a 10-band equalizer so your installer can fine-tune the frequency response of your sound system. Integrated high- and low-pass crossovers can be used with the 20 watt-per-channel built-in amplifier or external amplifiers via the five-volt preamp outputs for front, rear and subwoofer signals. Sony’s Dynamic Stage Organizer applies time correction to the outputs to create a more realistic listening experience that evenly spans the width of your vehicle.

The AX8000 features a camera input so your installer can integrate a backup camera into the new radio. The system is compatible with all popular steering wheel-mounted radio control interfaces so they can be retained, which makes it easy to use while driving. Sony has included a fast processor in the AX8000, so the system starts up quickly and inputs from the touchscreen yield lightning-fast responses.

Bring Big Entertainment to Your Vehicle with Sony

If you want to add modern entertainment and connectivity features in a large screen format, the Sony XAV-AX8000 may be the perfect solution. The massive screen is easy to see and use, and the radio has all the source and connectivity options you need. Drop by your local authorized Sony car audio retailer today to take one for a test drive.

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.

Product Spotlight: Compustar 2-Way R3 with LTE

For 2020, Compustar, the world leader in remote car starter solutions, has upped its game by including a DroneMobile X1-LTE module with all of its 2-way remote bundles. For this spotlight, we are going to look at the RFX-P2WR3-SS Pro 2-way R3 with LTE package that features a single-button, long-range remote control and one of the new DroneMobile interfaces as a secondary way to control the starter system.

Compustar 2-Way R3 Remote Control

The radiofrequency (RF) remote included in this kit features a compact, one-button design that provides intuitive control over door locking and unlocking, as well as remote start functionality. A quick tap of the button locks the doors and, when equipped with optional security features, arms the alarm. Tapping the button twice in less than a second unlocks the doors and disarms the alarm. To remote start your car or truck, press and hold the button for three seconds. If you want to stop the engine, press and hold the button again for three seconds.

The Pro 2-way R3 remote uses digital spread-spectrum technology to provide up to 2 miles (3.2 km) of range under ideal conditions. This amazing performance helps ensure that you can start your vehicle while inside a shopping mall, an apartment tower or office building where electrical interference and concrete and metal stud walls reduce the efficacy of radio-frequency communication. The strong signal transmission power means there’s no need to wait until you are outside to start your vehicle, and it will have more time to warm up.

After each button press, an LED on the remote will flash to indicate that the command has been sent to the vehicle. Once the command has been executed by the system, the remote will beep, and an LED will flash. Unlike other products on the market, confirmation of remote starting is provided only once the engine is running. This two-way communication ensures that you always know the status of the vehicle.

Compustar Pro-Series remote controls are backed by an industry-leading three-year warranty against manufacturing defects. All of the remotes have a water-resistant design and feature a durable injection-molded plastic case that shrugs off day-to-day use and abuse.

DroneMobile Smartphone Control

DroneMobile is Compustar’s smartphone remote control interface. The RFX-P2WR3-SS package includes one of the new DroneMobile X1-LTE interfaces as a companion to the RF remote. The X1-LTE module uses a cellular data connection to communicate with the DroneMobile app on your smartphone to provide an effectively unlimited range. DroneMobile allows you to start your vehicle from anywhere that your smartphone has internet access. You can check the status of your vehicle while you’re in another country for business or vacation. As a bonus, if you’ve asked your retailer to add security features like the DAS II shock/motion/tilt sensor to your remote starter, the DroneMobile app will provide nearly instant alerts if the alarm is triggered.

While the R3 remote is ready to control your remote starter out of the box, the DroneMobile service requires a subscription. Compustar includes 30 days of DroneMobile Premium service for free when you activate your account. After 30 days, you can pick from one of three service packages to ensure that you are always in touch with your vehicle. Compustar includes a key tag and hangtag to make it easy to remember the interface serial number when it comes time to register the system at DroneMobile.com.

The service packages include the Basic option that provides car control — locking, unlocking, trunk release (if installed) and remote start — as well as alarm alerts and vehicle status information. The popular Premium package adds GPS-based warnings, geofencing, and point of interest and curfew alert functionality. If you’re a business owner, you may want to opt for the Premium Plus package that adds trip reporting in CSV format and idling alerts.

Never Get into an Uncomfortable Vehicle Again

If you dread cold winter mornings or scorching summer afternoons, visit your local authorized Compustar Pro dealer and ask about the new RFX-P2WR3-SS Pro R3 2-way with LTE remote package to make your car, truck or SUV more comfortable. For more information about Compustar products or to find a retailer near you, visit www.compustar.com. To keep up with the latest from the world’s top remote starter brand, follow Compustar on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

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.

Product Spotlight: ARC Audio X2 Speakers

The X2 Series speakers from ARC Audio are designed as a high-performance drop-in upgrade for the factory-installed speakers that came with your car or truck. This speaker series was designed based on feedback from ARC Audio retailers around the world to deliver impressive quality and value. With a total of nine models, including a pair of component sets, there is an X2 speaker for almost every application.

Basket Design and Installation Features

The X2 Series speakers were developed from scratch. Each speaker is based on a proprietary stamped steel basket. The baskets have spokes that are curved vertically and laterally to add rigidity to the design and prevent resonances. Integrated vents under the spider mounting plateau provide improved voice coil and top plate cooling while improving linearity at high excursion levels.

While conventional wisdom would suggest that a 6.5-inch class speaker would be suitable for all applications, the reality is that this speaker size has a variety of mounting and depth requirements. ARC Audio researched all the common applications and designed the X2 602 2-way coaxial and the woofer in the X2 6.2 component set with a 141.5 mm (5.57 inch) cutout requirement to fit into all applications. Mounting depth on these speakers is less than 2.4 inches.

Premium Design for Amazing Sound

While fit and flexibility are crucial, overall sound quality is the most important factor when choosing a speaker upgrade. ARC Audio’s North American transducer design team worked with its partners in Denmark to optimize the electromechanical design of each speaker.

The woofers on the X2 Series feature glass fiber-reinforced polypropylene cones for excellent rigidity and damping characteristics. The cones are attached to butyl rubber surrounds for reliable performance in all climates. The tweeters in the coaxial speakers feature a 20 mm (0.79 inch) silk dome design and are powered by strong Y-35 neodymium magnets. Integrated phase plugs on the tweeters help to smooth response at high frequencies. The X2 5.2 5¼-inch and X2 6.2 6½-inch component sets use a large, low-resonance 27 mm soft dome tweeter to help raise the soundstage in instances where the tweeter is mounted in the sail panels, dash or A-pillars. These same tweeters are offered as a stand-alone solution in the X2 1.0 set. All X2 Series tweeters include wool sound-absorbing material in the cavity behind the tweeter diaphragm to absorb rearward energy and reduce distortion.

The coaxial X2 speakers use high-quality polypropylene capacitors as a filter for the tweeters to deliver a smooth frequency response. The component sets feature upgraded 12 dB/octave networks to lower the crossover point while maintaining power handling.

Power Handling and Efficiency

Part of the design process for the X2 Series was to ensure that the speakers would work well when powered by an aftermarket radio that produces 15 to 22 watts and still be able to handle more than 150 watts when connected to one of ARC Audio’s large amplifiers like those found in the X2 Amplifier Series. ARC Audio invested significant effort in developing a voice coil that could handle high power levels while optimizing the overall design of each speaker for excellent efficiency in low-power applications. All speakers underwent extensive power handling tests with customized pink noise and dynamic sine sweeps at progressive power levels, and each failure point was addressed and upgraded until specific performance and power handling standards were met as the development process continued.

ARC Audio X2 Speaker Solutions

As mentioned, there are a total of nine solutions in the X2 Series. Offerings include the 4-inch X2 402, the 5¼-inch X2 502 and the popular 6.5-inch X2 602 round coaxial drivers. In terms of oval OEM sizes, the series includes the 4×6-inch X2 462, the 5×7-inch X2 572 and the 6×9-inch X2 692. We already discussed the 5¼-inch X2 5.2 and 6.5-inch X2 6.2 component sets and the X1 1.0 stand-alone tweeter sets. All X2 speaker solutions are sold in pairs and, because they’re designed as OEM speaker upgrades, do not include grilles. However, grille options are available from ARC Audio in a variety of sizes and colors.

If you’re interested in upgrading the sound system in your car or truck, drop by your local authorized ARC Audio retailer and ask for a demonstration of the new X2 Series speakers. We’re sure you’ll be impressed. For more information about ARC Audio and its products, visit its website and follow ARC Audio on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
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.

Product Spotlight: Audison AP2

If you have a Ford, Toyota or General Motors vehicle with a midrange speaker location in the outer corners of the dash, you may want to consider the Audison AP2 Wide-Range Component speakers for your sound system upgrade. These Prima-Series 2-inch transducers were designed to cover the midrange and high-frequency audio spectrum without the need for a tweeter. Let’s look at the features of these compact speakers and why they are a great option for your car or truck.

Design Features of the Audison AP2 Wide-Range Speaker

Each AP2 is built around a stamped steel frame with large vents in the sides and four mounting tabs in the corners. At the base of the cone is a custom aluminum T-yoke that supports a pair of neodymium magnet slugs that are separated by a spacer. The top magnet features a thin copper shorting ring to help control stray magnetic fields and reduce inductance. This ring helps extend high-frequency response to 20 kHz and reduce distortion and higher excursion levels.

The driver uses an aluminum cone and dust cap attached to the frame with a rubber surround. A flat, linear spider is attached to the voice coil former to keep everything centered in the magnetic gap. The voice coil winding has a diameter of 1 inch and features a dual-layer CCAW winding with a nominal impedance of 4 ohms.

The former is made of Kapton and features a series of cooling and pressure relief vents that contribute to the speaker’s ability to handle 25-watt continuous, 50-watt peak power levels. While these numbers may seem low, they are real specifications and represent actual power measurements rather than specifications created using pink noise. Comparable pink-noise ratings would be north of 75 watts.

In terms of dimensions, the AP2 has a mounting depth of 1.46 inches, and it requires a 2.01-inch mounting cut-out. The outer diameter of the mounting tabs is 2.74 inches.

Specifications and Applications

The Audison AP2 has a resonant frequency of 145 Hz, which is nice and low for a driver of this small size. The Vas equivalent air volume specification is 0.36 liter, and the total Q (Qts) is 0.64. Computer simulations show that this driver will work in extremely small enclosures (0.02 cubic foot), making it ideal for A-pillar pod applications. Excursion-based power handling reaches the 2.5 mm (0.098-inch) Xmax value at 175 Hz, so a steep high-pass filter crossover at this frequency (or perhaps 200 Hz) will ensure that the driver sounds excellent at higher volume levels.

There is a lot of misunderstanding in the mobile electronics industry around how wide-range or wideband drivers work at higher frequencies. The output of any speaker (of any size or shape) becomes increasingly directional at higher frequencies. As you can see from the graph below, the output of the AP2 drops by about 10 decibels around 12-14 kHz as the listener movies off-axis to the cone. Called directivity, this phenomenon is based on the diameter of the cone. As such, installations of the AP2 where it’s used without a tweeter should place the speaker directly on-axis with the listener or in the corners of a dash where the high-frequency information can reflect off the nearby windshield and be dispersed into the listening environment. If your installer wants to add a tweeter like the Audison AP1, this driver would be exceptional in a door location, as is found in many BMW vehicles.

Experience the AP2 at Your Local Authorized Audison Dealer

If you’re planning to upgrade the audio system in your car or truck and are looking for a high-quality midrange or wide-range speaker to cover the upper octaves, check out the Audison AP2 speakers. Their modern design and compact size make them a great solution. For more information, visit the Audison website, and be sure to follow Audison on Facebook, on Twitter, on Instagram and YouTube.

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.

The Importance Of Professional Mobile Electronics Installation

Several aspects of the automotive industry have always been embraced by hobbyists and do-it-yourself enthusiasts. Being able to say that you created something with your own bare hands would make anyone feel proud. In the mobile electronics industry, carmakers have been rapidly advancing the technology used in new cars. From computer data networks and advanced vehicle construction materials to elaborate factory audio system tuning, all of these technologies present unique challenges that many people simply aren’t aware of. Failure to compensate for these can wreak havoc with your vehicle’s electrical system, damage the products you are installing or simply result in poor performance from your audio equipment.

Let’s look closely at why it’s best to put the reliability of your vehicle, and the performance of your audio equipment, in the hands of a a shop offering professional installation.

Computers

Automobile manufacturers are always striving to make their vehicles as fuel-efficient as possible while offering the latest technologies and features. One way they save weight is by putting different devices and computers on a computer data network. Rather than running a myriad of control wires from component to component, they run power and ground, and a pair of data wires. Everything from door locks and trunk release modules to ABS brake and traction control systems can talk to each other on the data network.

Where these networks pose a challenge is when you want to add or remove something from the vehicle. Say you have a vehicle that has a secondary radio display in the dash, but you want to upgrade your audio system. The display may get very upset when you take the radio away. Likewise, you typically can’t add new devices to the data network to add new features.

Your car audio specialist retailers have the experience to work with these data networks. They know what interfaces are available for options like a remote starter or backup camera integration, and they have the manufacturer support to program and install them without causing Check Engine or MIL lights.

Reliability

When working on a vehicle, there are many different ways to run wires and make electrical connections. Automotive mechanics know that it’s hard to beat the knowledge and experience that a veteran car audio installer possesses when it comes to working on vehicle electrical systems. They make dozens, if not hundreds, of electrical connections each and every day.

The connections are electrically sound, offering little to no resistance to current flow. Equally, the connections are mechanically sound, ensuring that they will be at least as reliable as the factory connections, if not much better.

Finally, many shops use materials like split loom, nylon sleeves or cloth tape to protect wires as they run through the vehicle. These protective coverings also make the wiring look as if it came from the factory.

Product Warranty

Many mobile electronics manufacturers offer extensions on their product warranties when the products are sold and installed by an authorized dealer. Authorized retailers have been trained on the features of the products they sell. In the case of high-end brands, this training often extends to techniques and methodologies that make the products sound better in your vehicle, and subsequently last longer. The proper installation and configuration of mobile electronic components is the key to their performance and reliability.

Audio Integration

Factory audio systems are becoming more and more complicated. They still don’t rival what is available from the aftermarket, but they have improved. One big step automakers have made in the performance of their audio systems is in their tuning. More and more factory source units and amplifiers include advanced equalization and time correction to maximize the performance of the audio system. When it comes time to upgrade these systems, installers have the techniques and equipment required to test the signals going to the speakers to determine if signal correction is required. If you omit signal correction when installing a new speaker, the tuning that made a cheap factory speaker sound mediocre will work against you, and make a great speaker sound only so-so. Factory audio system signal measurement and correction is now a way of life for a car audio installer.

Modern Vehicle Chassis Design

Did you know that automakers are now using aluminum panels in the construction of their vehicles? In the ongoing battle to reduce weight, the use of aluminum will continue to increase year after year. The downside for the mobile electronics enthusiast is that aluminum is not as good a conductor of electrical current as steel is. In fact, pound for pound, it offers 30% more resistance to the flow of electrical current. This dramatically affects the amount of current we can deliver to high-power audio amplifiers.

Worse than the fact that they are using aluminum is that they have also started using structural adhesives to bond panels together. Spot welds are quick, but they only connect a small area. A good bead of 3M, Loctite or Proform structural adhesive between two aluminum panels connects the entire overlapping surface of the panel together. There is less chance of movement and less chance of corrosion. There’s a downside to this as well: These structural adhesives do not conduct electricity.

If you work with experienced installers, they know how to deal with vehicles that have aluminum chassis and/or adhesive construction. Failure to compensate for these modern construction methods could result in damaged equipment and poor performance.

Choose Professional Installation

For most people, their vehicle is their second-most expensive purchase after their homes. When it comes time to have work done, the knowledge and experience of a trained professional can help ensure that you get all the performance you want from your purchase without any of the headaches of nonprofessional installation. Contact your local car audio specialist retailer today.

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.

Product Spotlight: Sony XAV-AX8000

Flexible Mounting Options Ensure Maximum Vehicle Compatibility

Sony XAV-AX8000 Features

Sound Processing and Vehicle Integration Features

Bring Big Entertainment to Your Vehicle with Sony

Product Spotlight: Compustar 2-Way R3 with LTE

Compustar 2-Way R3 Remote Control

DroneMobile Smartphone Control

Never Get into an Uncomfortable Vehicle Again

Product Spotlight: ARC Audio X2 Speakers

Basket Design and Installation Features

Premium Design for Amazing Sound

Power Handling and Efficiency

ARC Audio X2 Speaker Solutions

Product Spotlight: Audison AP2

Design Features of the Audison AP2 Wide-Range Speaker

Specifications and Applications

Experience the AP2 at Your Local Authorized Audison Dealer

The Importance Of Professional Mobile Electronics Installation

Computers

Reliability

Product Warranty

Audio Integration

Modern Vehicle Chassis Design

Choose Professional Installation

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