Car Audio & Video Reviews

Improving Your Car Sound System

Doc — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 18:58:16 +0000

Its probably safe to say that most new car sound systems are capable of playing CD’s and some even include the provision to play your iPod through the vehicle’s sound system. While today’s automobiles usually come with a decent car radio, it always amazes me the difference an upgrade to new aftermarket car audio equipment makes. For music lovers, many new car buyers view the vehicle’s factory sound system as something to be replaced as soon as possible.

One of the most popular upgrades remains switching out the stock receiver for an Alpine CD player. The new Alpine head units have come a long way from the days of push button station changers and AM radio. The new car receivers are more appropriately called source units since they are capable of playing your favorite tunes from any of several sources from CD’s to iPods or various media storage devices.

While the receiver might be the source of music from any modern car sound system, the amplifier is the power behind the scenes. With a good MTX amp you should be able to power anything from a simple pair of coaxial speakers to high end component systems including a separate subwoofer. It all depends upon your budget and music tastes and how much space you want to sacrifice to your vehicle’s sound system. When shopping for an amplifier it is good to remember that a four channel amplifier will allow you to have more control over your entire vehicle’s speaker system. Many multi-channel amplifiers will also allow you to power a subwoofer as well as stereo speakers.

One area you should not skimp on is your car speakers. Many times those new to car audio will blow their budget on a source unit and amplifier and not have anything left for their speakers. You can have the best electronics on the market but never appreciate their performance capability if you don’t have decent speakers. Even if on a budget, you should be able to find a good set of Kicker car speakers which will compliment any sound system. If your installation allows, it is always a good idea to look at component speakers. Component speakers provide separate mid range speakers and tweeters which will provide a fuller and richer sound.

Of course there can be a lot more to upgrading any car sound system but these are the three items which usually provide the most improvement in sound quality for the dollar spent.

Improving Car Sound Systems

One of the most popular upgrades remains switching out the stock receiver for a . The new Kenwood head units have come a long way from the days of push button station changers and AM radio. The new car receivers are more appropriately called source units since they are capable of playing your favorite tunes from any of several sources from CD’s to iPods or various media storage devices.

While the receiver might be the source of music from any modern car sound system, the amplifier is the power behind the scenes. With a good you should be able to power anything from a simple pair of coaxial speakers to high end component systems including a separate subwoofer. It all depends upon your budget and music tastes and how much space you want to sacrifice to your vehicle’s sound system. When shopping for an amplifier it is good to remember that a four channel amplifier will allow you to have more control over your entire vehicle’s speaker system. Many multi-channel amplifiers will also allow you to power a subwoofer as well as stereo speakers.

One area you should not skimp on is your car speakers. Many times those new to car audio will blow their budget on a source unit and amplifier and not have anything left for their speakers. You can have the best electronics on the market but never appreciate their performance capability if you don’t have decent speakers. Even if on a budget, you should be able to find a good set of which will compliment any sound system. If your installation allows, it is always a good idea to look at component speakers. Component speakers provide separate mid range speakers and tweeters which will provide a fuller and richer sound.

Of course there can be a lot more to upgrading any car sound system but these are the three items which usually provide the most improvement in sound quality for the dollar spent.

Kicker 07DS400 4-Inch 100mm Coax Speakers (Pair)

Doc — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 02:04:18 +0000

Amazon.com Product Description Great sounding, easy-to-install midrange and highs make all the difference in your audio system. DS-Series Coaxial Speakers and 3-Way System provide the cost-effective ammo to keep up with your bass upgrade. DS-Series Coaxial Speakers provide the cost-effective ammo to keep up with your bass upgrade. A breeze to install. Click to enlarge. Polypropylene cone with UV-treated ribbed surround. DS Speakers are the best value for serious, drop-in upgrades in your doors. The woofers bear a polypropylene cone, UV-treated ribbed surround, enduring voice coil, and an interior-pleasing fresh look. The half-inch tweeters take the performance cues of higher-end coaxials, using a super-strong neodymium magnet and PEI (polyether imide) dome for louder, better-sounding highs. The DS Series comes in eight different sizes, including the new DS650 with 6.5-inch midrange drivers. DS Coaxials fit any speaker cutout, starting from the 3.5-inch DS350 up to a handy 6 x 8 DS680 if your ride requires them. The 6 x 9 offering is actually the thrashin' DS6930 3-way system which mixes in an additional 2-inch mid. DS400 Features CIMP (Curvilinear Injection-Molded Polypropylene Woofer Cones) A high performance composite, which remains rigid, minimizes cone flex and lowers harmonic distortion. The CIMP consists of a one-piece, injection-molded polypropylene material that moves as a piston, exhibiting power and control. Enhanced BAM (Basket and Motor) Assembly Utilizes a high strength steel basket, features a low-profile open design, and provides a solid foundation for the precision-aligned motor assembly. Optimized Polyfoam Ribbed Surround Radius This allows extended cone excursion for additional bass output and higher SPL, and couples the suspension into a conjoined linear-motion body. High-Temp Polyimide Film Voice Coil Former improves sonic and conductive properties, and prevents thermal-electrical meltdown. PEN Dome Tweeter with Neodymium Magnet Provides a smooth high frequency response with quick, detailed and spatially-correct imaging. PEN is an acronym for the space age material "biaxially oriented polypropylene naphthalate film"--your parents' tax dollars probably paid for its development, you might as well enjoy it. High-Power Tinsel Lead Wires These eliminate broken leads and power loss, due to the common use of "insufficient-gauge" lead wires. Ferro-Fluid Cooled tweeter voice-coil extends the high frequency transducer's life span. What's in the Box DS400 speaker (pair), Cable, Grille, Installation hardware, User's manual

Kicker 08ZX8504 4X215-Watt 4-Channel Amplifier

Doc — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 02:24:57 +0000

Amazon.com Product Description ZX dominance means severe stereo or mono amplifier power surging into corresponding KICKER subwoofers and speakers. ZX dominance also means the utmost reliability from the biggest name in trouble-free amplification and loud, clear sound. Trouble-free amplification and loud, clear sound. Click to enlarge. All ZX Amps are now outfitted with differential RCA inputs. Includes remote bass control. ZX-Series Amplifiers return for 2008 as reliable as ever--21 no-fault options to run a complete car audio system. Two-channel, four-channel, three- and five-channel hybrids, and absurd single-channel subwoofer amps round out a hard-working, noise-free lineup known for supplying the force until the listener shuts the music down. And now all ZX Amps are outfitted with differential RCA inputs, completely eliminating unwanted whines and audio trash and making for the most enjoyable listening experience possible. Differential inputs and new automatic turn-on modes make ZX Amps some of the most complete power producers on the market. ZX Multi-Channel and Hybrid Amplifiers Six ZX-Series Multi-Channel Amplifiers put the choice of system installation in your hands. Power ranges from 50 watts x 4 channels up to 215 watts x 4, giving the user plenty of system decisions to make. These amps carry the same crossover and KICKEQ Bass Boost as the stereo amps, but they also include a useful fader dial. Two popular hybrid models among the multi-channel amps feature a sub-rattling, 420-watt Class D channel to go along with 85 watts/channel in the ZX.3 amp and the 85 watts x 4 in the ZX.5 amp. Boost remains available, but through the sub sections only. ZX850.4 Features 3 automatic turn-on modes Balanced differential inputs for noise elimination RCA inputs have direct speaker level input capability Easily removable top allows for custom painting Optional end caps 2 ohm stability on all amps Angled power connections What's in the Box ZX850.4 amplifier, Remote bass control, Mounting hardware, User's manual

Pet Supplies

Kicker ZK500 Zune Speaker Dock (Black)

Doc — Sun, 22 Aug 2010 03:55:20 +0000

From the indisputable leader in car audio comes its loudest and most innovative stereo system available for your Zune media player: the Kicker ZK500--designed to be the loudest digital portable system available. For nearly 30 years, Kicker has set the standard in its industry as the dominant car audio brand by producing high-performance equipment that guarantees unbeatable sound quality and hard-hitting bass. Now, Kicker busts out of the car and into the home with the bumping Kicker ZK500 Stereo System for Zune. Maximum volume for your Zune. View larger. Stereo RCA output and 1/8-inch auxiliary input in back. View larger. Infrared remote for navigating your music and controlling the ZK500. More Power One of Kicker's most powerful MP3 docking stations on the market, the zK500 lets you get more out of your Zune than ever before. Bass and treble adjustment allow users to enjoy their music the way they want. The big, bumping speakers, 5-inch woofers, and 40-watt stereo amplifiers deliver the kind of crisp, powerful sound you expect from a Kicker product. Kicker's patent-pending 6-inch square reflex subwoofer delivers a dynamic bass response unmatched by other MP3 docking stations. Full-Featured Remote Equipped for any setting, the ZK500 includes a credit-card-size infrared remote, allowing you to navigate with ease through the stereo system menu. The innovative remote lets you adjust the stereo system's bass, treble, and auxiliary-in options, as well as the Zune menu directories. Select standby mode to continue charging your MP3 player even when it's powered down. Auxiliary Input: A mini-jack input also lets you connect additional media to the stereo system, including other MP3 and compact-disc players, as well as desktop and laptop computers, or satellite radio. With adapters fit for all Zune models, the ZK500 delivers a complete entertainment experience. What's in the Box Kicker ZK500 iPod Speaker Dock (Black), remote control, Zune adapters, manual.

Kicker 08ZX3504 4X90-Watt 4-Channel Amplifier

Doc — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 16:40:10 +0000

ZX dominance means severe stereo or mono amplifier power surging into corresponding KICKER subwoofers and speakers. ZX dominance also means the utmost reliability from the biggest name in trouble-free amplification and loud, clear sound. Trouble-free amplification and loud, clear sound. Click to enlarge. All ZX Amps are now outfitted with differential RCA inputs. Add a remote bass control to easily tweak your sound on the fly. ZX-Series Amplifiers return for 2008 as reliable as ever--21 no-fault options to run a complete car audio system. Two-channel, four-channel, three- and five-channel hybrids, and absurd single-channel subwoofer amps round out a hard-working, noise-free lineup known for supplying the force until the listener shuts the music down. And now all ZX Amps are outfitted with differential RCA inputs, completely eliminating unwanted whines and audio trash and making for the most enjoyable listening experience possible. Differential inputs and new automatic turn-on modes make ZX Amps some of the most complete power producers on the market. ZX Multi-Channel and Hybrid Amplifiers Six ZX-Series Multi-Channel Amplifiers put the choice of system installation in your hands. Power ranges from 50 watts x 4 channels up to 215 watts x 4, giving the user plenty of system decisions to make. These amps carry the same crossover and KICKEQ Bass Boost as the stereo amps, but they also include a useful fader dial. Two popular hybrid models among the multi-channel amps feature a sub-rattling, 420-watt Class D channel to go along with 85 watts/channel in the ZX.3 amp and the 85 watts x 4 in the ZX.5 amp. Boost remains available, but through the sub sections only. ZX350.4 Features 3 automatic turn-on modes Balanced differential inputs for noise elimination RCA inputs have direct speaker level input capability Easily removable top allows for custom painting Optional end caps 2 ohm stability on all amps Angled power connections What's in the Box ZX350.4 amplifier, Mounting hardware, User's manual

car ipod adapters

Kicker Dual 12 Vented Enclosure with Kicker Comp Subwoofers

Doc — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 23:03:04 +0000


3/4" MDF Construction Heavy duty black carpet covering Embroidered Kicker logo Dimensions: 32-3/8" W x 16" H x 17-3/8" D (Bottom) x 13-15/16" D (Top)

Kicker 08ZX8502 2X425-Watt Stereo Amplifier

Doc — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 11:07:18 +0000

ZX dominance means severe stereo or mono amplifier power surging into corresponding KICKER subwoofers and speakers. ZX dominance also means the utmost reliability from the biggest name in trouble-free amplification and loud, clear sound. Trouble-free amplification and loud, clear sound. Click to enlarge. All ZX Amps are now outfitted with differential RCA inputs. Click to enlarge. Includes remote bass control. ZX-Series Amplifiers return for 2008 as reliable as ever--21 no-fault options to run a complete car audio system. Two-channel, four-channel, three- and five-channel hybrids, and absurd single-channel subwoofer amps round out a hard-working, noise-free lineup known for supplying the force until the listener shuts the music down. And now all ZX Amps are outfitted with differential RCA inputs, completely eliminating unwanted whines and audio trash and making for the most enjoyable listening experience possible. Differential inputs and new automatic turn-on modes make ZX Amps some of the most complete power producers on the market. ZX Stereo Amplifiers Eight ZX.2 Stereo Amplifiers, from a space-saving, 50-watt model up to a 425-watt thumpin' one, offer a bundle of features that designate them unbeatable. Each amp includes a built-in 12dB/octave high-, low-, or all-pass electronic crossover variable from 50 to 200 hertz, and a KICKEQ Boost that offers up to 18 decibels of bass centered at 40 hertz. For added convenience, balanced differential inputs make KICKER ZX Amplifiers compatible with any factory radios, and they eliminate unwanted noise in a system. Boost, gain, and crossover frequencies are top-mounted for easy access, and a handy protection indicator featuring a new flashing yellow low-voltage light enhances the end panel. "Soft-start" circuitry lessens initial shock load when powering up, and a muting circuit cancels audio noise that surges down the line. One of three different automatic turn-on modes (remote, DC offset, signal sense) can be selected on the end panel to best suit the system setup. A mountable remote bass control directing sub output comes standard with the larger four stereo amps. ZX850.2 Features 3 automatic turn-on modes Balanced differential inputs for noise elimination RCA inputs have direct speaker level input capability Easily removable top allows for custom painting Optional end caps 2 ohm stability on all amps Angled power connections What's in the Box ZX850.2 amplifier, Remote bass control, Mounting hardware, User's manual

Kicker CompVR 07DCVR124 4-Ohm 2 Subwoofers In Vent Box

Doc — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 14:48:37 +0000

CompVR-Loaded Sub Boxes provide more crushing but easy-to-install bass in 2007, adding two new sizes of anarchy to go along with its duo of wicked dual-sub boxes--the VCVR12 with a pummeling 12-inch CompVR Subwoofer, and the VCVR15 with a scorching 15-inch CompVR Subwoofer. The VCVR15 will be available this spring. Truckloads of affordable bass. Click to enlarge. CompVR subwoofers offer features beyond most woofers in their class. Click to enlarge. Heavy duty gray carpet with embroidered Kicker logo. CompVR Sub Boxes take the reputation and reliability of dual-voice-coiled CompVR Subwoofers and combine them with sturdy KICKER wood enclosures blanketed with rich gray and black carpeting. New-for-2007 CompVR Subs have been tweaked to near perfection, though it's difficult for KICKER acoustic engineers to get much closer. And all CVR Sub Boxes feature a custom-designed, combination vent/terminal cup, where the impedance designator (2 or 4 Ohm) and oversized port share space. The dual-sub boxes supply the madness with two of KICKER's most proven round woofers to date. Enraged DCVR12 (12-inch CVRs) and DCVR10 (10-inch CVRs) Dual-Sub Boxes furnish fury like nothing else, delivering the blazing bass of a CompVR subwoofer pair. DCVR12 Features CompVR performance in a factory designed enclosure Large diameter, high flow ports with custom flange and terminal cup Heavy duty gray carpet What's in the Box DCVR12 enclosure (4 ohm impedance), Mounting brackets, Installation hardware, User's manual

Kicker CompVR 07CVR124 12-Inch 4-Ohm DVC Subwoofer

Doc — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 11:55:53 +0000

Amazon.com Product Description If you seek a round sub that delivers a high-performance upgrade in your ride, then look to the CompVR Subwoofer, with superior bass technology exceeding anything else in its class. A round sub that delivers a high-performance upgrade in your ride. Click to enlarge. Injection-molded cone totally eliminates flex with 360-degree back bracing and an aluminized coating. Click to enlarge. The textured steel basket is surrounded by a dressed-to-kill logo trim piece. Click to enlarge. The pedigreed CompVR is bred for success, getting its roots from the legendary KICKER Competition Subwoofer. The 2007 CompVR builds on this heritage with the highest levels of KICKER engineering prowess, from the motor's efficient top-plate design to the strong dual voice coils and overall motor structure. That allows the sub to handle more power and withstand more abuse. It also borrows premium KICKER Solo-Baric technology in its high-temperature wire, assuring absolute heat transfer without breakdown. A new ribbed Santoprene surround gives the CVR added strength at high excursion. An injection-molded cone totally eliminates flex with 360-degree back bracing and an aluminized coating. It's the clearest, loudest bass yet from KICKER's signature round subwoofer. Spring-loaded push terminals and perimeter venting are engineering standards found on every KICKER woofer. To top it off, the CompVR has a fresh look for 2007, one that is sure to please the crowd. The textured steel basket is surrounded by a dressed-to-kill logo trim piece that serves a dual purpose--it makes an edgy design statement and further strengthens the surround and woofer overall. The KICKER CompVR Subwoofer arrives in four sizes, ranging from eight capable inches up to 15 big ones, with a sealed or vented box option. CVR12 Features Legendary CompVR sound SoloKon for strength and accuracy T cut top plate for magnetic field strength Polyimide (Kapton) coil former with Nomex reinforcement for high thermal capability Spiralead tinsel leads enable high excursion Ribbed Santoprene surround What's in the Box CVR12 subwoofer (4-ohm impedance), Installation hardware, User's manual

Kicker 08KS650 6.5-Inch 165mm Coax Speaker

Doc — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 12:45:14 +0000

Amazon.com Product Description Does a serious factory upgrade, with more muscle at an affordable price, sound too good to be true? What it sounds like are some of the loudest, clearest coaxials ever hidden behind a door on under a back deck. And KICKER takes full responsibility. Some of the loudest, clearest coaxials ever hidden behind a door on under a back deck. Click to enlarge. Kaladex-domed tweeters with a stout neodymium magnet. Curvilinear gray woofer cones with Santoprene surround. Give factory sound a serious power injection with a KS-Series Coaxial Speaker upgrade. With added improvements on the woofers and tweaked tweeters, dropping them in where factory speakers were seems like a no-brainer. The curvilinear, gray woofer cones, Santoprene surround, and newly designed basket give KS Coaxials the extra brawn to deliver a smooth, rich sound at any volume. The half- and three-quarter-inch, Kaladex-domed tweeters contain a stout neodymium magnet dipped in ferrofluid for maximum coolness, recreating highs that rival live performance. KS Coaxes are available in 10 sizes, from the capable 3.5-inch up to the marine-ready 6 x 9. The line includes a 6 x 8 for special applications. If you're looking for more from your doors, there's also a KS6930 3-way system in the lineup with an additional one-inch midrange. What's in the Box Two KS650 speakers, Mounting hardware, Speaker wire, User's manual