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.

Product Spotlight: Sony XAV-AX7000

Sony car audio continues to introduce new multimedia receivers with features that everyone, from the car audio enthusiast to the daily commuter, loves. The latest addition is the double-DIN XAV-AX7000 that features a new 6.95-inch bright touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration and Sony’s High Power 45 watts-per-channel RMS amplifier for amazing sound! Read on to learn more about this impressive source unit.

High Power Amplifier for Better Sound

Most radios and receivers on the market include a four-channel amplifier IC that can produce about 20 watts of power per channel into a four-ohm load. Sony’s High Power equipped receivers include a real power supply as would be used in a stand-alone amplifier. The power supply allows the radio to produce more than 45 watts of power per channel to a four-ohm load, and quite a bit more into a two-ohm load. That doubling of power helps keep your music clear and distortion-free when you crank up the volume.

The radio is compatible with both two- and four-ohm loads. Sony includes a configuration called Subwoofer Direct Mode, which allows your installer to use the front speaker outputs to drive one or more sets of speakers on the front speaker outputs, and use one of the rear speaker outputs to power a subwoofer system with a net impedance of two ohms. This flexibility allows for quite a few system configuration options and lets those people looking to stay on a budget with their audio upgrade aspirations get a complete system with a subwoofer without adding the extra costs of a small four-channel or subwoofer amplifier or the associated wiring and installation.

Bright Anti-Glare 6.95-Inch Display

The touchscreen display on the XAV-AX7000 is the same size as that of the XAV-AX5000, but is brighter and features a new anti-glare coating. These properties make it much easier to see in bright sunlight situations common among convertibles, powersports vehicles and even motorcycles. The new coating is also compatible with polarized sunglasses, so you can still see the screen while protecting your eyes.

In keeping with the sports theme, Sony has made the frame around the AX7000 touchscreen and the five-button control panel beneath the screen are weather-resistant. No, you can’t take it snorkeling in Mexico, but it can handle a little rain, being splashed or being on a motorcycle or in a Jeep overnight without condensation forming behind the screen.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Smartphone Integration

In terms of smartphone connectivity and features, the AX7000 is the same as the AX5000 in that it includes both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto voice control solutions. Once your phone is connected, you can request commonly used functions like sending text messages, making phone calls or choosing music by talking to the radio. Sony includes an external microphone for optimum clarity in outgoing calls and reliable phone command requests.

The AX7000 doesn’t have built-in navigation but can use Google Maps or Waze from either an iPhone or Android device to help you reach your destination efficiently and safely, and Google Maps allows users to download maps offline so cellular coverage or data plan constraints are never an issue. Apple iPhone users can, of course, use Apple Maps should they wish.

Audio Features Deliver Great Sound

The AX7000 will play MP3, WMA and AAC audio files from a USB memory stick in one USB port while you charge your phone with up to 1.5 amps of current from the other USB connection. To be specific, USB1 supports more file formats than USB2 but is also the connection dedicated to CarPlay and Android Auto. USB1 will also play WAV and AAC audio files, along with MPEG-4, WMV, MKV and Xvid video files in resolutions up to 1280 by 720 and 30 frames per second.

Sony has included its 10-band graphic equalizer to help ensure that your music sounds great. The Dynamic Soundstage Organizer (DSO) feature includes preset signal delay and level settings that help to create a realistic soundstage across the dash of your vehicle.

The radio includes front, rear and subwoofer RCA preamp outputs rated to produce 5V of signal. While the extra voltage won’t make your system louder, it allows your installer to turn down the sensitivity control on your amplifiers to reduce background hiss. Equalizer and subwoofer control adjustments are one touch away in the quick access menu from any screen.

High Power Multimedia Receiver for Unique Applications

The introduction of the Sony XAV-AX7000 provides a plethora of new installation options. This would be perfect for a Polaris Slingshot, Can-Am Maverick or Yamaha YXZ. If you want a unique infotainment solution for a motorcycle like any 2014 or newer Harley Davidson, this could be a great choice. In all instances, the extra power from the High Power amplifier is a welcome addition and since it’s from Sony, you know you can trust the radio for years of reliable performance. Visit your local specialist mobile enhancement retailer today and ask for a demonstration.

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.

Monday	9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday	9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday	9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday	9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday	9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday	9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Sunday	Closed

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

Product Spotlight: Sony XAV-AX7000

High Power Amplifier for Better Sound

Bright Anti-Glare 6.95-Inch Display

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Smartphone Integration

Audio Features Deliver Great Sound

High Power Multimedia Receiver for Unique Applications

Testimonials

Very Friendly Staff

I recommend then to everyone!

Will be going back for sure!

Subscribe to Our Website

Location

Address

Connect With Us

Services

Store Hours