When it’s time to upgrade the stereo system in your car or truck, drop by your local ARC Audio authorized retailer and check out the X2 6.2 component speakers. This 6.5-inch two-way speaker set offers class-leading sound quality and detail at a price point that won’t hurt your wallet. With ARC Audio’s focused design goal of delivering a product that’s as compatible with as many vehicles as possible, these speakers are a great choice for someone who wants better sound without having to invest in an elaborate installation.

ARC Audio X2 6.2 Component Speaker Set

The X2 6.2 speaker set includes a pair of 6.5-inch woofers, a pair of 20 mm tweeters and a set of passive crossover networks. The woofers are based around stamped steel baskets with compound-curved spokes. This shape helps to prevent resonance in the basket and provides excellent support for the motor assembly.

Power handling is always a top consideration when designing a speaker. Aside from the relatively large Kapton former and copper voice coil winding, ARC has included cooling vents in the basket that allow hot air to escape from under the spider. These vents also help to improve linearity at higher excursion levels, so bass and midbass frequencies are reproduced with improved clarity.

In terms of moving parts, the woofer cones are made from injection-molded polypropylene that has been reinforced with glass fiber strands. This reinforcement reduces cone resonance at high frequencies and excursion levels to deliver an impressively accurate listening experience. The glass fibers also add thermal stability to the cone, so it remains rigid at extreme temperatures.

A butyl rubber surround adds additional damping to the cone and extends the service life of the drivers as compared to similarly priced options that use foam surrounds. The spider at the base of the cone is a linear design made of a Nomex cloth blend that furthers the low-distortion performance of these speakers.

The tweeters in the set feature 20 mm dome-shaped, wool-damped silk diaphragms. A waveguide built into each tweeter helps to improve the off-axis response. Each tweeter uses a high-quality Y-35 grade neodymium magnet for excellent efficiency in a compact package. ARC Audio includes surface- and flush-mounting hardware in the kit, so your installer has a variety of integration options.

The two-way passive crossover networks feature -12 dB/octave attenuation networks to ensure that the transition between the woofer and tweeter is smooth. The networks include audiophile-grade polypropylene capacitors for excellent power handling and clarity. The compact design of the crossovers allows them to be mounted near the amplifier, under a seat or in the dash with ease.

Designed to Work with Existing Mounting Locations

The last thing you want to hear when choosing a new speaker for your vehicle is that it won’t fit, or that you need to spend extra money on fancy mounting adapters. The transducer design team at ARC Audio invested countless hours in measuring and confirming standard sizes for the 6.5-inch class of speakers. Armed with this information, they designed the basket of the X2 6.2 woofers to fit into as many vehicles as possible. The baskets include mounting holes for all the common fastener patterns to make the installation as hassle-free as possible for your technician.

Upgrade Your Car Stereo with ARC Audio

If you want your audio system to sound better and play louder, drop by your nearest ARC Audio retailer and ask to audition the X2 6.2 speaker set. We know you’ll be impressed! For more information about these speakers or any of the amazing ARC Audio products, visit their website. You can also learn more about the brand – and some of the amazing installations that feature ARC Audio products – on their Facebook page, Twitter feed, Instagram page and YouTube channel.

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 balancing fantastic sound quality with impressive power production, the X2 600.4 four-channel amplifier from ARC Audio checks all the boxes. This compact amplifier is rated to produce 150 watts per channel, and it includes all the signal routing and integration features your installer would need to complete your installation.

ARC Audio X2 600.4 Specifications vr

Up first, let’s talk about how much power this amp can produce. ARC rates the amp as being capable of delivering 150 watts per channel or 300 watts per channel pair when bridged into a 4-ohm load. The stereo specifications apply to both 4-and 2-ohm loads as a switch located beside each of the speaker output connectors adjusts the power supply rail voltage. Whereas most amplifiers make power into lower impedances, the X2 600.4 ensures that you have all the power you’ll need into 2- or 4-ohm loads.

Signal Processing Features

Each pair of channels is equipped with a stereo sensitivity control that is adjustable from 200 mV to 3.5V. Channels 1 and 2 have an adjustable crossover than can be configured in high- or low-pass mode and is adjustable from 50 to 500 Hz. This pair of channels also has an adjustable bass boost function that allows your installer to dial in up to 12 dB of boost at 45 Hz. When the crossover for this pair of channels is set to low-pass mode, the included remote level control can be used for subwoofer level adjustment.

Channels 3 and 4 have the option of being configured in a bandpass configuration for a midrange or mid-bass speaker. The high-pass filter is adjustable from 50 to 500 Hz, and the low-pass filter has two ranges – 50 to 500 Hz, or 500 to 5,000 Hz when the x10 multiplier switch is activated. The signal input for channels 3 and 4 can be sourced directly from the RCA jacks on the front edge of the amp or can be “copied” from inputs 1 and 2 to eliminate the need for Y-cables.

ARC Audio also includes a bridging switch that sets the signal routing up to use the amp in a two-channel configuration. The signal from RCA input 1 goes to channels 1 and 2, and the input from RCA 2 goes to channels 3 and 4. The controls for channels 1 and 2 are used in this configuration.

On-Board Diagnostic System

All of the controls are on the top of the amp and are concealed by a removable aluminum shroud. The acrylic badge in the center illuminates in blue when the amp is powered up. If the microprocessor in the amp detects a fault, the logo will flash in a pattern that describes the issue. Specific error codes are provided for under-voltage, over-voltage, short circuit, thermal and DC conditions. This information can dramatically reduce the time required to diagnose any vehicle or installation issues if the amp shuts down.

Electrical and Signal Connections

The front edge of the amp has a power block that will accept four-AWG power cables. The block uses plated Phillips-head set screws with knurled tips to hold the wire securely. To the left of the power block is a pair of 30-amp ATC fuses. It’s nice to see an amplifier include fusing on the chassis – this saves the consumer money at the time of installation.

There are four chrome-plated RCA jacks and an RJ-11 for the remote level control. A pair of removable terminal blocks handles the speaker output connections. The blocks will accept 12-AWG cable. To the right of each block is the aforementioned load select switch that adjusts the power supply voltage.

Factory Stereo System Integration Features

Each of the RCA connections uses balanced differential circuitry to eliminate noise imposed on the interconnect cables. ARC Audio includes two sets of RCA pigtails with the amp for use as speaker-level inputs. These pigtails include a voltage divider network that allows for up to 20 volts of signal from a factory radio or amplifier.

The amp also includes a three-position switch that controls the auto-sensing turn-on circuit. In the Off position, the amp monitors the remote turn-on terminal for 12V. In the Signal Detect mode, it looks for audio to be present on RCA input 1. In the DC detect mode, the amp looks for a DC offset voltage on RCA input. This DC offset voltage is typically found in the output of most radios and small amplifiers.

The power supply is designed to work with electrical systems that function between 9 and 17 volts. It also includes provisions to function with vehicles equipped with Start-Stop technology. As long as your radio keeps playing, so will the X2 600.4.

Experience the ARC Audio X2 600.4 Today!

While the features and design of the X2 600.4 are unmatched, so too is its sound quality. You have to experience this amp to understand its impressive clarity and detail. Visit your local authorized ARC Audio retailer today for a demonstration. To learn more about the X2-Series amplifiers, or any of ARC Audio’s fine products, visit their website and be sure to follow them 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.

ARC Audio is known across the aftermarket motorcycle industry for having introduced some of the first audio upgrade packages specifically for Harley-Davidsons. The MOTO720 is the company’s second generation of extreme-power, motorcycle-specific amplifiers. With four channels of amplification and all the system configuration tools your installer will ever need, this amp should be at the top of your list for upgrades to the audio system in your Harley (or any other brand of motorcycle).

ARC Audio MOTO720 Features

The MOTO720 is based on an aluminum extrusion and measures in at a compact 8.125 inches wide, 5.43 inches deep and 1.8 inch high. The leading edge of the top of the amp is angled so that it will fit inside the fairing of 2014 and newer Harley-Davidson touring motorcycles like the Road Glide and Road King. Wisely, ARC put the connections for the amp on this narrow leading edge so that they won’t interfere with the instrument cluster in the dash. All of the crossover and sensitivity controls are located on the top of the amp under an easily removable machined aluminum cover that bears the ARC Audio logo and the amp model number.

ARC Audio rates the amp as being capable of producing 150 watts per channel into 4-ohm loads, 180 watts per channel into a 2-ohm load, and an impressive 360 watts per channel pair when bridged to a single 4-ohm driver. Unlike many other products and brands out there, ARC’s power rating showcases its output abilities at a continuous power rating at .05% THD, giving you a real-life power rating and not just a number that looks good on paper with marketing attached. More impressive than the robust power ratings is its efficiency. The engineering team at ARC was able to wring out a mind-blowing 94% total efficiency at full power. That’s 10 to 15% better than most competing products. Making the most of the limited electrical systems on a motorcycle is crucial to being able to listen at high-volume levels. With this level of efficiency, the MOTO720 will play louder and longer than its competitors.

Amplifier Connections and Controls

The front edge of the amp includes a custom-tooled terminal block that will accept 8-AWG power and ground connections. Two blocks that will accept 12-AWG speaker cables are at the other end of the amp. The set screws for all 10 terminals plus the remote turn-on connection are accessible through openings in the top cover and are sealed to the inside of the amplifier. Should water get into the screw openings, it will pass through the terminal with no chance of collection and damage. Signal inputs are handled by two five-pin quick-connect jacks. ARC Audio has used these locking jacks as the speaker-level inputs on amps for decades. The amp includes a set of RCA jacks on pigtails for use with aftermarket source units, or it can be connected to the wiring from one of ARC’s Harley-specific wiring kits like the HD-FH2014. A third option is to connect the output of the ARC Audio PSM digital signal processor directly to the amp. As with all new ARC Audio products, the inputs feature a balanced differential design to help eliminate the potential for unwanted noise in the system.

In terms of integrating this amp with the factory source unit on a motorcycle or in any kind of vehicle, ARC has included both DC-Offset and signal-detect remote turn-on features. The sensitivity controls are adjustable from 200 mV to 3.5 V. Each pair of channels has a selectable high- or low-pass crossover that can be set anywhere between 50 and 500 Hz. Additionally, all four channels can be fed using a single pair of inputs based on the position of the Input Select switch. ARC also included a two-channel mode switch that feeds the signal from channel 1 to outputs 1 and 2, and input 2 to channel 3 and 4 for high-power applications. Be careful: 320 watts to a single driver, other than a subwoofer, is a potentially dangerous amount of power.

A look inside the amp reveals a tidy and thoughtful design. All the power supply components are kept to the left side of the amp, the input and signal processing components are in the center and on two vertical boards in the back right. You can see the enclosed output chokes on the bottom right. This style of inductor emits less RF noise than typical open designs.

Worth noting is the tribute ARC included inside this amplifier, with a personalized logo in the center of the amp circuit board. It’s a caricature of Bob Morrow. Bob was the ARC Audio representative in the Arizona region and one of the first fields reps to work for the company. He passed away in May 2017. Bob was a true audio enthusiast and loved riding his Gold Wing.

Premium Audio Quality for Motorcycle and Powersports Applications

If you’ve ever had the chance to audition an ARC Audio amplifier, then you’ll understand why they are considered among the best in the industry in terms of sound quality. Drop by your local authorized ARC Audio dealer to check out MOTO720 and the rest of the motorcycle and powersports solutions that are available. You can learn more about ARC Audio products by visiting their website, their Facebook page, their Instagram and their YouTube channel.

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.

Based in Modesto, California, ARC Audio is one of the few mobile electronics companies that still designs its amplifiers from scratch in the United States. The ARC Series trio of amplifiers represents a high-performance mobile audio amplification solution that incorporates features that aren’t available from competing products. Let’s take a look at what makes the ARC 1000.2, ARC 1000.4 and ARC 1000.6 truly special.

Premium Car Audio Amplifier Solutions

Combining the latest high-frequency Class-D driver technology with the engineering experience and acumen of the ARC Audio team, the three ARC Series amplifiers not only produce impressive amounts of power, but they also sound amazing. Each amplifier is housed in an identical custom-tooled cast-aluminum heatsink. Four large hex-head cap screws (that conceal the mounting locations) and seven machined fins across the top of the amp provide classy contrast against the textured matte black powder coat finish. All the connections and controls for the amp are placed along the bottom edge to simplify installation, configuration and calibration. Power connections are made using a chassis-mounted terminal block that accepts 4-AWG cable, and speaker and remote connections are on quick-release plugs. All amplifiers include on-board fusing, so there aren’t any surprises at installation time.

The ARC amplifier family includes the ARC 1000.2 two-channel amp that produces up to 500 watts per channel into a 4-ohm load, 600 watts into a 2-ohm load, and 1,200 watts when both channels are bridged to a single four-ohm subwoofer. The ARC 1000.4 is a four-channel amp rated at 250 watts per channel into 2 or 4 ohms, and each pair of channels can be bridged to provide 500 watts to a single 4-ohm load. The ARC 1000.6 produces a beefy 175 watts from each of its six channels at 2- or 4-ohm impedances. Each of the three channel pairs can be bridged to produce up to 350 watts into 4-ohm loads. Switches underneath each speaker connector change the internal supply voltage to optimize power delivery so that 2- and 4-ohm power production is similar.

Amplifier Common Features

All ARC Series amplifiers use balanced differential inputs capable of up to 4 volts of input with the default analog signal input card or up to 32 volts input with the optional IPS8.8 DSP card in place This higher level of signal input range is optimum for connections with factory amplified OEM systems and from some higher output OEM radios. At a quick glance, you’ll notice that there don’t appear to be many signal processing options on the ARC Series amplifiers. The ARC 1000.2 has a variable high- or low-pass crossover while the four- and six-channel amplifiers don’t have any crossovers at all. ARC Audio designed the analog signal processing portion of these amplifiers to be easily removable so that they can be used with any of the Pro-Series DSP processors from ARC Audio. If space is a limitation in your vehicle, each model of ARC Series amplifiers can he upgraded with the IPS8.8 Pro Series digital signal processor by simply removing the front end signal input module and replacing it with the IPS8.8. We took a close look at the eight-channel Pro-Series DSP platform here.

Each amplifier has an Auto Sense switch that allows your installer to choose from the remote turn-on connection, DC voltage sensing and a signal sensing option in order to activate the amplifiers when connected to an aftermarket source unit or a factory-installed sound system.

Microprocessor-Controlled Features

You will note that each amplifier has a micro-USB port on the front panel. This port exists even if you haven’t opted for the IPS8.8 processor upgrade and provides access to adjust the color of the logo on top of the amp and to change the Class-D switching frequency. Knowing that high-frequency switching inherent in all Class-D designs can occasionally interfere with radio reception, the engineers at ARC allow access to adjust the switching frequency from 323.4 kHz to 450 kHz. In the unlikely event your ARC Series amp does affect radio reception in your application, your installer can resolve the issue with a few taps on his computer keyboard. No other amplifier manufacturer in the car audio industry includes this feature.

Build Your Car Audio System with ARC Audio Amplifiers

Whether you need the ARC 1000.2 to power a subwoofer or are designing a four-way fully active entertainment system with an ARC 1000.6 and an ARC 1000.2, these amplifiers will ensure amazing sound and unparalleled flexibility when upgraded with an IPS8.8 processor. Drop by your local authorized ARC Audio dealer and ask for a demonstration today. For more information about ARC Audio and their products, visit their website and follow them 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.

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.