Audioholic Blog » Car Stereo Systems

Is Your Car Stereo XM-Ready? Check Out These Two Well-Priced Beauties!

Speakers Fan — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 03:04:41 +0000

Most avid car audio enthusiasts will happily tell you that they have the best-of-best for their mobile audio system. And there is no question in our mind that they are indeed correct, as in our experiences, this tends to be the norm for those who are avidly pursuing bass and audio perfection in their rides. However, technology doth bring us that which is newer and better all of the time. Similar to the personal computer dilemma that faces all consumers, that dilemma being: you buy a brand new PC with the latest and greatest features only to realize about four weeks later that your formerly state-of-the-art system is now backlogged as obsolete in light of making way for next advent. And the same line of thought is also found to be quite often true with car audio; this time the surge being a new trend of amazing XM-ready and XM-enabled, XM car receivers. So we thought it would be truly worthwhile to bring you two XM car receivers, in two different price brackets, so you can surely see there is something lofty out there for all consumers seeking satellite radio in their car, regardless of their budget limitations.

For those on a tight budget:
Audiovox XpressR XM Radio Receiver and Car Kit
Where to start on the awesome features that this handy XM car tuner offers? First and foremost you can pause and replay up to the last thirty minutes of audio thanks to the onboard and included RAM. You can also view up to six different channels at the same time, while listening to one primary channel. Tune and Game Select features alert you to your favorite songs and sports events in real time, so you never miss out. The universal connector and the plug-and-play features make hooking up this receiver a task that is easily done. The best part about this XM receiver is that it is well priced, and yes it gets both Sirius and XM channels. Well priced online for about $89.99. The only drawback that we found is that the screen, although self adjusting and backlit, is black & white.

Specs:
• Plug & Play satellite radio with 30-minute pause & replay and split-screen
• Split screen display – view up to six channels simultaneously
• Pause, Play, and Replay up to 30 minutes
• Set up to 30 favorite channels
• 5-way navigational control
• TuneSelect finds your favorite songs or artists
• GameSelect finds your favorite sports event
• Universal Connector – between Car, Home, & Audio Systems
• Dimensions without cradle: 4.5 inches W x 2.5 inches H x 0.6 inches D
• Weight without cradle: 0.21 lbs.
• Audio output: variable through 3.5mm jack
• Antenna (Home/Car Cradle): SMB
• External power: 5V DC

For the ‘Big Spender’:
Delphi XpressRC Color Screen Plug and Play with Vehicle Kit
For the larger spender that hides coyly inside of all of our wallets, this Delphi is both state-of-the-art and well priced. A brilliant color display that is rather large will dazzle your eyes as you are able to also view, in split screen, up to four different channels at the same time, while you are listening to music or audio on a fifth, active channel. Automatically frequency scanner will garner you the best signal and clarity possible in your area. Onboard RAM stores up to sixty minutes of audio for playback later, like having a DVR in your car. Game and Tune Select features will alert you to when and where you favorite artists or sports events are being broadcast. Finally, universal connectors and easy hookup guide makes for a swift and trouble-free installation. Well priced online from about: $129.99.

Specs:
• Large full color split screen display – view up to four channels simultaneously
• Pause, Play, and Replay up to 60 minutes of your favorite XM programming
• FrequencyFinder conveniently scans and locates FM frequencies for listening to XM through your FM radio.
• Songsaver – easily save your 10 favorite songs
• Number keys enable listeners to set up to 10 favorite channels
• Easy-to-Use 5-way navigational control – for rapid channel scrolling
• TuneSelect finds your favorite artists or songs and alerts you when they’re playing on an XM channel
• GameSelect finds your favorite sports event or team and alerts you when they’re playing on an XM channel
• Easily view channel, artist, song title & info extras via a large high-contrast full color screen
• Universal Connector – easily move XpressRC between car, home, & Audio Systems, with compatible accessories

Check out what’s going on with the new XM studios!
This nifty and informative video—courtesy of Igotshotgun.com—offers an inside look at the brand new XM studios that are being built in DC. IGS takes you on an inside tour that even asks some top insiders some important questions or two regarding the recent XM merger. The reality is that just when you thought that your car radio could not be any better, wrong! Get everything that you can possibly ever get out of your car radio when you go with an XM-ready or XM-enabled receiver!

Amazing In-dash Pioneer Audio Receiver That is Well-Priced!

Speakers Fan — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 22:00:15 +0000

If you find yourself shopping for a new car audio receiver and you are on a tighter budget than usual, there is really no reason why you should drop a few thousands dollars on that car stereo deck that you want. In fact, there is no reason to drop more than a few hundred bucks to get your hands on a name-brand and high quality car audio receiver. The truth is that once you reach a certain price bracket many things become inconsequential. And of course, most people will fret greatly when trying to decide on the right stereo deck for their dashboard.

We realize the frustration that can go into shopping for a car stereo system and in so doing, we have decided to check out these two hopping, high quality, name-brand decks that are well priced. One last thing to keep in mind when shopping for a car audio receiver: know what you want and what features look for. We found this online car audio receiver article to be very helpful for those who are shopping. And while you are at it, check out this well priced, and nifty, Pioneer receiver that we stumbled across.

Pioneer FH-P8000BT In Dash CD/MP3 Player
When considering what type of car stereo receiver to buy you also want to make sure that you are getting something that looks super sweet in your ride! This slick looking Pioneer FH deck takes up two slots in your dashboard but replaces everything else you ever thought that you would need. A smooth and shiny, black and chrome finish will compliment any ride, be it a junker or a Lexus. It comes with a handy remote so you do not have to fuss with controls while driving. It is satellite ready and ipod ready, so no worries there, and it has built-in Blue Tooth. Seven EQ bands allow you to optimize your ideal sound preferences. With one available rear auxiliary input and three preamp outs, this sweet deck will hook up to nearly any existing audio system that you have wired, and it supports a trunk mounted CD changer. But the best part about this fresh deck is the price: you can find it online for about: $275.00

Specs:
iPod Ready
Remote Control
Sirius Satellite Radio Ready
XM Satellite Radio Ready
Built-in Bluetooth
Standard Mounting: Double DIN
Pre-amp Outs (Pairs): 3
Overall Max Frequency Response: 20 kHz
Overall Min Frequency Response: 20 Hz
Maximum Power Output: 50 W/channel
RMS Power Output: 14 W
AUX Input: Rear
Preamp Voltage: 4 V
Number of Sub Pre-amp Outputs (Pairs): 1
Number of Pre-amp Outputs (Pairs): 3
CD Changer Control
EQ Bands: 7
Audio Codecs Supported: AAC, MP3,WMA

Check out this car stereos shopping expert’s advice
If you are still having trouble finding the car stereo that you seek, try taking a peek at this helpful video that we found. An expert shows you what brands to compare and what features to look for, while staying within a specific price bracket.

One Car Subwoofer Amp That Will Blow Your Trunk off the Hinges

Speakers Fan — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 01:58:06 +0000

Boy have we got some power in store for you today, friendly readers. After sifting through much clutter on the internet, trying to find the best car amplifiers available for the lowest price for your dollar, we are pleased to say that we have found another nifty model that easily makes the cut for our list. We are talking screaming amounts of power here, to the tune of 1600-watts. Yes that’s a lot of freaking power. And keep in mind that the more you know about amplifiers the better you will fare when whipping out your wallet to purchase one. So always remember to try and find product reviews before you buy, so you don’t have to return your purchase, or worse, deal with a shoddy amp and a sub par sound.

Vibe Channel 1600 Watts High Power MOSFET Amplifier
This nifty, affordable and easy to install amplifier by Vibe comes with all of the bells and whistles, no joke. Featuring a four channel system delivering 4×100 watts at 4 ohms, or 2×400, or even 4×175, the possibilities are quite literally endless when you choose to vibe your trunk with this affordable beauty. You don’t have to worry about a costly wire fire either, as the MOSFET monitors the surges from the battery and will automatically switch in between the different power modes to best deliver sound and power that you want, without becoming a smoking gun in your trunk. Gold plated inputs and a tri-mode are other added pluses, not to mention this puppy comes with a bass subwoofer remote control. So no more turning knobs and guessing in the back of your trunk, adjust your bass levels as you cruise in style! Well priced online from about: $200.00

Specs:
• 4×100 Watts + 1×200 Watts RMS at 4 Ohms
• 4×200 Watts+1×400 Watts Max at 4 Ohms
• 2 x 400 Watts + 1×800 Watts Max at 4 Ohms Bridged
• 4 x 175 Watts + 1×375 Watts at 2 Ohms
• MOSFET Automatically Switches to Maintain Rated Power Over a Wide Range of Battery Voltages
• Stiffly Regulated PWM-Type Power Supplies
• Variable Input Level Controls for Each Pair of Cannels
• Variable High & Low Pass Crossover Controls
• High-Efficiency, Heavy Aluminum Heatsink
• Remote Subwoofer Bass Control
• Electronic Crossover Network
• Bass Boost Circuit
• Bridgeable at 4 Ohms
• 2 Ohm Stereo Stable
• Tri-Mode Capable
• Gold RCA Inputs
• Power & Protection LED Indicators
• Advanced Protection Circuitry
• Soft Turn On/Off
• Frequency Response: 15 Hz-35 kHz
• S/N Ratio: 90 dB
• Dimensions: 10.25″W x 2″H x 24″L

But wait…before you run out to the local car audio superstore, or log into your net shopping account, make sure that you are armed with the proper knowledge of what to look for in qualify car amplifiers. The last thing you want to do is buy the wrong power amplifier and blow your bass subwoofer out of the box. Make sure to always try and find car amplifier reviews online so you can make the best educated purchase.

12 Most Amazing Car Audio Systems

Speakers Fan — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 04:15:03 +0000

Sure, we’d love to have our rides pimped. But those who’ve had these crazy car audio systems installed in their vehicles can only be people who: 1) have way too much money to spend; 2) love driving themselves, their passengers and other people within a 10-foot radius deaf; and 3) like a good thumping massage from the humongous woofers every now and then. You know, just like the ones who have speakers than will break your bank installed in their homes.