By Albert Cowan – SonicElectronix Install Technician
Vehicle owners with manual locks always ask me how much it would cost for them to add a remote entry system to their vehicle. For many used car owners, the most practical way to add automatic locks is to install a pair of universal actuators along with an entry level car alarm. This past Friday my customer had a 2000 Ford Ranger with a nice aftermarket system, so he was looking for a high end alarm to protect his car audio equipment. Besides vehicle security, he also wanted a remote entry system so that he could lock and unlock his doors with the press of a button. As an added bonus, once you lock the doors, the car alarm is armed and it will sound once your sensors are triggered by a disturbance. I recommended the Viper 5901 (p/n 5702V) alarm because it was one of the best alarms considering the Viper reputation. It also has remote start, which my customer wasn’t planning on getting until I explained to him that remote start car alarms allow you to set the temperature in your vehicle from your keychain. Besides, it is good to for your vehicle’s engine to warm up while you are still getting ready to leave. Plus, the Viper 5901 comes with two remotes, and in my experience, you never appreciate how valuable a spare remote is until you lose or break the first one.
In order to access the steering column, I removed four torque screws so that I could pull out the dash cover. Then I removed four more screws to pull out the steering column’s metallic frame. I had to access the brain of the old car alarm that had been installed previously. I found a bird’s nest of wire, which made me realize the install was going to be a bit more complicated than I anticipated. Anytime you have to clean up someone’s mess, you are in for a bit of an adventure. While I was inside the brain, I wanted to test the old actuators that had been installed in the door panels. As the vehicle in question was a 2000 Ford Ranger, I was able to scrape the door trigger wires against the metal chassis to test the door locks. The actuators were not functioning so I had to remove and replace the door lock actuators in order to add automatic locks to this vehicle.
I used my window crank removal tool to remove the window crank handles, and then I removed all of the screws holding in the door panels. I carefully snapped off the plastic door handle piece from each door. Then I peeled away the door skins to access the actuators. One screw held the wiring at the top of the door, so I removed this screw and then unplugged the two wire terminals that had connected the actuator to the vehicle’s electrical system. I mounted the new actuators in the same place and connected the wiring. Keeping the door panels off, I tested the door trigger wiring against the metal chassis to see if the actuators responded properly. Bingo. The locks were all ready to go. Now it was time to install the Viper 5901 alarm to enable the remote lock/unlock feature.
When it comes to installs, my motto is that you always have to treat each car like it’s your own. That’s what I strive to do and is probably why I have been fortunate enough to develop many repeat customers as a professional installer. So even when I saw an absolute bird’s nest of wires inside this Ford Ranger, I took the time to clean up someone else’s mess. After I removed the tape and untangled the wires, I disconnected the old alarm and pulled it out of the kick panel. Now I was trying to decide where I should mount the brain of the Viper 5901 alarm. I tried various areas before deciding to mount it in the cubby hole behind the AC vents on the right side of the kick panel. I used a drill and some screws to ensure a secure mounting position, although taping the alarm to the chassis would be an acceptable alternative.
Now that I had the Viper 5901 mounted, I used some of my catalogs to help me figure out which wire responded to each command in the 2000 Ford Ranger. When installing alarms, it is also helpful to know what each wire color corresponds to on car alarms. Types of car alarm wires include the ignition wire (yellow), siren wire (brown wire), parking lights wire (usually white), door sensor wires, the “negative when armed” wire (usually an orange wire, this wire sends a negative impedance to trigger additional sensors such as window modules), and the door trigger wiring. After matching the wires from the car alarm to the vehicle, I used a solder gun to seal the connections. Finally, to install the remote start, I disconnected the vehicle battery and connected the remote start wires to the vehicle electrical system. I re-connected the vehicle battery and prepared to test the alarm’s functionality.
With everything in place, I left all of the panels off while testing the remote functions. With the doors closed, the locks responded to the button on the keychain remote. Perfect. Now it was time to test the sensitivity sensors. With the doors locked and the alarm armed, I gave the door a wack near the door handle, and sure enough the alarm sounded. I disarmed the alarm using the unlock button, moved on to the remote start button, and the engine started humming! With everything functioning properly, I replaced the panels, and let the customer know his vehicle was good to go!
If you have ever shopped for car subwoofers, you might have noticed that most are round while some are designed with a square shape. What is the difference between round car subwoofers and square car subwoofers? To start with, square subwoofers have more cone surface area than comparably sized round subwoofers. A 12” square subwoofer will sound louder than a 12” round subwoofer because the square provides four corners of extra cone area. The extra surface area allows the subwoofer to generate a higher frequency response. In fact, the average square subwoofer has about 25% more cone area than a similarly sized round subwoofer. With that said, then why buy a round subwoofer? For one thing, most subwoofers are designed with round cone diameters. By limiting your subwoofer choice to a square design, you limit the number of brands you can choose from. Furthermore, square subwoofers are more prone to distortion and are less efficient considering both the shape of sound waves and the way in which they travel (outward from the center of the sub). This is why many believe that round subwoofers provide better sound quality while square subwoofers provide louder sound.
When it comes to square subwoofers, Kicker car audio is the leading manufacturer of square subs, and their Kicker Solo-Baric L7 is one of the best selling subwoofers in the industry. MTX Audio is another major manufacturer of square subwoofers. However, many brands don’t design square subs. If you’re not a fan of brands like Kicker and MTX Audio, then you will likely decide to purchase a circular subwoofer. Regardless of brand, some folks simply prefer the round look. The important thing to remember is that you also have to pick an enclosure with a cutout hole that matches the shape that you choose (round or square).
In the video below, I talk about square subwoofers. More info/video after the jump:
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If you are intrigued with the Kicker Solo-Baric L7, I actually did an in-depth video about this model in our latest episode of SonicElectronixTV. You can watch this video below or by looking us up on YouTube by searching SonicElectronixTV. Some of the highlights include this subwoofer’s aluminum basket, which provides superior heat dissipation, and the uniquely designed “Spiralead” tinsel leads. This unique Kicker technology protects the subwoofer’s tinsel leads from cracking during long periods of use. I also mention the rubber santoprene corners, which prevent the subwoofer’s cone from ripping away from the basket during prolonged usage.
Check out the Kicker Solo-Baric L7 video below to learn more about square subwoofers:
In this post we will continue to delve into what makes Boston Acoustics audio equipment unique. In part 1 of the Boston Acoustics home audio series we mentioned that the Boston Acoustics brand has been around since 1979. Not only have they stuck around for 30 years and counting, but during that time they have produced top notch home audio/video sound systems. In part 2 of our two-part series on Boston Acoustics home audio products, we will discuss home theater systems, home subwoofers, loudspeakers, and computer speakers.
To truly have a top performing home theater system, you need realistic sound quality. The Boston Acoustics TVee Model Two soundbar speaker and wireless subwoofer is the perfect setup. This soundbar and subwoofer combo will provide an all around balanced sound to enhance your entertainment experience. The TVee improves sound quality to the extent that it will make watching your favorite television program or movie that much more enjoyable. This setup works perfectly with monitors 32” and larger. Altogether it packs 100 watts of room-filling sound.
If you really want to complement your home theater sound system, check out the Boston Acoustics Horizon MCS 100 3” satellite speaker. This speaker is ideal for 5.1 channel home theater or music stereo systems. As a high quality satellite speaker, the sound emitted is smooth and clear. Using the built-in wall mount brackets, these speakers can be mounted as in wall speakers. If you are looking for a slightly bigger pair of satellite speakers, you might consider purchasing the Boston Acoustics MCS 130 3.5” surround speakers. Besides having a bigger midbass speaker, it also has a bigger tweeter than the MCS 100. As a result it produces even louder musical playback and provides a surround sound experience.
One of the best ways to recreate the movie theater experience in your home is to add a home audio subwoofer. The deep bass brings a realism to the entertainment experience, especially during fight scenes and on-screen explosions. The Boston Acoustics Horizon HPS 10HO is a 10” powered subwoofer that can handle 250 watts of continuous power. This home audio subwoofer has speaker level outputs and volume control built onto the unit for easy usability. Distortion is not an issue, even in the most intense movie scenes and musical breakdowns. The Boston Acoustics Horizon HPS 10SE 10” home audio subwoofer is another option for those looking for a sub with about 150 watts of continuous power. It is a great way to add more bass to your home theater sound system.
Home theater sound systems can also be integrated with loudspeakers such as the Boston Acoustics Horizon HS460. This 2-way floor standing loudspeaker does not need any mounting or installation work, just set it where you want it, make the connections, and enjoy the high quality audio. It provides 200 watts of continuous power and has a full complement of tweeters and midbass drivers to provide a balanced acoustic sound.
A discussion of home audio products would not be complete without mentioning computer speakers. If you would like to enjoy high quality sound while at your desk, the Boston Acoustics MM220 powered stereo system is a great addition. This pair of speakers will reproduce detailed sound while connected to any compatible media source such as an iPod or laptop computer. The BassTrac technology provides the low notes and the built-in ½” tweeters dish out the clean highs. They also include a front aux input for connecting a pair of headphones. The MM220 is an all around great speaker setup for your desktop computer or external media player.
That wraps up part 2 of our two-part series on Boston Acoustics home audio equipment. If you would like to get your hands on some of this equipment, order today and take the first step towards creating the home audio system of your dreams.
The MTX Audio JHP212D combo provides so much bass that it will make your vehicle sound like a jackhammer on wheels. This incredibly loud combo will have your ear drums begging for mercy as the two 12” MTX JH4512-04 subwoofers pound with the beat. These subwoofers are built-in and pre-loaded into the MTX Audio Bass Slammer BS212S subwoofer enclosure. This preloaded design makes it easier for you to install and provides the subwoofer with optimal air space to ensure peak performance. At the heart of this system is the 600 watt MTX JH300 amplifier, a Jack Hammer series Class D monoblock amplifier that keeps the subwoofers “juiced” and ready to go.
A jackhammer does not go about its business quietly. The JackHammer JH4512-04 12” subwoofer is no exception. And with this special combo you get not just one, but TWO of these JackHammer subwoofers. In total this pair can handle up to 1,000 watts of power! To keep up with such vivacious thumping, this subwoofer has been fashioned with innovative features to prevent it from breaking down. The stitched cone and rubber surround enhances this subwoofer’s flexibility, especially during peak excursion. The special Spider Plateau Venting cooling system keeps the sub voice coils cool even during the most intense beat breakdowns. Altogether, the end result is a long-lasting subwoofer that will sound great.
The MTX Bass Slammer BS212S subwoofer enclosures houses two 12” subwoofers. You can purchase it separately and unloaded, but as I mentioned, this particular combo includes one BS212S dual 12” subwoofer enclosure loaded with two JH4512-04 subwoofers. Its sealed hatchback style is perfect for the JH4512-04 subwoofers and it provides an optimal amount of box volume. The result is tight, accurate bass that an ordinary sub box would fall short of matching. To top it off, it is fully carpeted with durable gray carpet covering for added protection.
This total bass package allows you to bring the power of a jackhammer to your car audio system. The MTX Audio JHP212D is far from a starter-system. This system will blow you away with its sheer power and sound quality. This bass combo will satisfy car audio beginners and enthusiasts alike.
Since 1979, the Boston Acoustics brand has been known for producing top of the line audio equipment. The Boston Acoustics line includes some of the best home audio/video speaker systems on the market. Boston Acoustics has made a commitment to use only the finest materials in their products. We carry a variety of their fantastic home audio/video products including home theater surround sound systems, home audio speakers, and more. In part 1 of our series on Boston Acoustics home audio products, we will discuss bookshelf speakers, in-ceiling speakers, and in-wall speakers.
If you are looking to build a great home audio system, the Boston Acoustics E series speakers are a great place to look first. E series speakers are specifically designed for bookshelves, cabinets, and counter tops. These speakers sit inside of a walnut enclosure and they are designed to fit alongside the smooth edges and corners commonly found on bookshelves and cabinets. These speakers are available in both 4-1/2” and 5-1/4” sizes. Despite their diminutive dimensions, these speakers fill the room with extremely clear sound.
You can choose between the black and cherry versions to match these speakers with your living room décor. To really create an ultimate setup, check out the custom speaker stand designed for the E series speakers, the Boston Acoustics EFL stand. These aluminum stands are compatible with E40, E50, E60 and E70 speakers. These floor stands also neatly hide the speaker wiring so that you can keep your bookshelf and countertop free from clutter. It creates a tidy look that blends in with the rest of your furniture. To further integrate these speakers with your home’s interior design, you can paint the GroovLock side panels with the color of your choice.
In terms of performance, these speakers pack plenty of punch for their size. The 4-1/2” Boston Acoustics E40 (Cherry) can handle 200 watts of continuous power. In comparison, the 5-1/4” Boston Acoustics E60 can handle up to 250 watts of RMS power. If you want even more power, the E70 is a dual 5-1/4” bookshelf speaker that carries 300 watts of continuous power. Besides handling lows and bass, these models will also provide accurate highs through their built-in 1” tweeters.
Besides the E series, we also carry a few other types of Boston Acoustics bookshelf speakers. The HS60 is a 6-1/2” bookshelf speaker rated at 60 watts of RMS power. This 2-way 6.5” speaker includes a silver grille and, like the speakers in the E series, they also feature MagnaGuard technology to prevent the speaker from distorting the television screen. Another option is the Boston Acoustics MCS130 LCR 2-way bookshelf speakers, which features dual 3-1/2” mid-bass drivers. Rated at 150 watts of power, this speaker also has a 1” soft dome tweeter for handling all of the high notes.
Boston Acoustics in-wall / in-ceiling speakers are a great option for those who want great home speakers but do want to use shelf space. Once mounted these ceiling / in-wall speakers are practically invisible but they provide enough sound to fill up the entire room. The Boston Acoustics DSi280 8” in-wall / ceiling speakers add dynamic sound to the room without wasting space. These rectangular speakers can be installed in any of your walls or ceilings. If you plan to install speakers into the ceiling, another great option is the Boston Acoustics DSi285 8” ceiling speakers. These in-ceiling speakers add great sound to the room without clashing with the room’s décor. These round in-ceiling speakers work great with home theater systems and help create a movie theater atmosphere when watching movies.
That wraps up part 1 of the Boston Acoustics home audio series. In our next post we will discuss some of the hottest Boston Acoustics home theater systems, home subwoofers, loudspeakers, and computer speakers.
The aptly named SMART-CAR-SUB-BOX is the perfect subwoofer enclosure for any fortwo Smart Car owners looking to maximize their sound system’s bass without using too much cab space. Adding a vehicle specific subwoofer enclosure to your car ensures that your aftermarket car audio system will match your vehicle’s cab dimensions. This fortwo SMART car subwoofer box is custom built for SMART cars. This sub box allows you to fit a 8” sub without sacrificing any trunk space. In fact, these boxes are designed to fit perfectly under the SMART car’s dash. The fact that this box does not take up any cargo space or leg room makes it a must-have considering the diminutive dimensions of a SMART car.
Given that this subwoofer box is exclusively designed for SMART cars, the manufacturer designed it to match the SMART car’s interior colors. At first sight friends may even ask you if the box came factory standard given the fact that this box does not compromise the vehicle’s factory appearance. With this box, you can maintain the car’s factory look as this box seamlessly integrates with the standard interior design of a SMART car. The carpet is finished with a black paint gloss that gives it an aesthetically appealing finish that also enhances its durability.
This custom SMART car box is designed for 8” subwoofers. Two of the best subwoofers for this box are the Kicker Solo-Classic 8” subs (09S8C4 dual 4 ohms or 09S8C2 dual 2 ohms) and the JL Audio 8” W3v3 series subs (8W3v3, 8W3v3, or 8W3v3 8 ohms). After you choose your subwoofer, you are ready to mount the loaded box into your SMART car. The box is packaged with the necessary mounting hardware to make it very simple to install.
Once you install your box and sub, you will have great sound in your SMART car without clashing with the vehicle’s interior design and dimensions. Besides, using this sub box setup will help set apart your SMART car’s sound system from the rest of the crowd.
Samsung LED TVs are high-end, 1.2”, ultra-thin screens. These LED screens feature an extra sharp image display with a full range of effervescent colors. Flat panel TVs are now more affordable than ever before, which is one of the reasons why they are the en vogue addition to home entertainment systems. Furthermore, a flat screen LED television allows you to optimize your floor space. You can use a Samsung television mount to install your TV in the wall or on the ceiling, among many other options. You will be able to tilt your TV screen to find the perfect angle. Adding a Samsung LED TV monitor will enhance the space in your room and augment the aesthetic value of your home.
Featuring brighter screens with richer picture details, Samsung series 8 LED TVs will allow you to enjoy your favorite television programming like never before. The top of the line Samsung UN55B8000 55” widescreen LED flat panel 1080p HDTV television uses 240 Hz anti-blur technology to ensure a clear and accurate picture. It also uses digital noise reduction technology to reduce static and unwanted ghost imagery from appearing on the screen. This LED TV even has two built-in USB inputs for connecting a digital camera, thumb drive, MP3 player, or any other USB compatible digital media player. You can also use the home network center to connect the television to compatible cell phones via a wireless internet connection. You can view call info, text messages, and other phone info right on your 55” LED monitor!
Unlike many flat panel screens, these ultra-slim models are also eco-friendly as these TVs use a special technology to reduce power consumption. The ultra-thin 46” Samsung UN46B8000 widescreen LED flat panel HD television features many of the same features as the UN55B8000. It obviously has a slight smaller screen (by 9” in total), but other than that you get all of the same great features at a lower price. Like all Samsung LED TVs, the UN46B8000 uses LED backlight technology to provide the sharpest colors and imagery.
Finally, you won’t find a better deal on the market than the ultra-thin Samsung UN40B7000 40” widescreen LED flat screen TV. This TV monitor uses 120 Hz anti-blur technology for a sharpened image display. You will enjoy the smooth picture emitted from this 1.2” thick flatscreen. Like the aforementioned screens, it has a pair of USB inputs for connecting additional media players. It is compatible with the internet so you can use the monitor to display certain phones as well. You will enjoy a dazzling display for watching all of your favorite TV shows, movies and digital programming.
Samsung LED TVs will maximize your TV and home entertainment viewing pleasure. These LED TVs can be placed up on the walls and out of the way to save space (WMN1000B). Samsung flatpanel LED TVs will look great in living rooms, bedrooms and just about any room with a floor, ceiling and four walls.
Here at SonicElectronix.com, we strive to offer the best customer service possible. Part of customer service is having the knowledge to answer questions that customers have about products. In order to accomplish this, training sessions are held on a regular basis to augment the knowledge of the SonicElectronix.com staff. Recently, representatives from Kicker Car Audio came to our building to provide training on all of the Kicker products out there!
They began their training with a brief history of Kicker, explaining that it was started in 1980 when the founder Steve Irby developed the first full-range speaker box made specifically for the car. In 1986, Kicker released both the Competition woofer, known as the original small box woofer, and the Freeair woofer, which was designed specifically for free air applications. By 1992, Kicker introduced the first Kicker Solo Baric subwoofer. One year later they released their first fully regulated power supplies and amplifiers. Kicker continued devising innovative products and in 2000 the world’s first Kicker Solo-Baric L7 square subwoofer was released. As they developed more and more products, the Kicker technology advanced more and more. Such technology includes the unpiloted, stitched surrounds, extended pole pieces, T and L cut top plates, Inverted Structural Dome (I.S.D.), perimeter venting, and the S.P.A.I.R re-cone kit.
Before talking about their full line of subwoofers, they explained the principle of having a square subwoofer. Like many ingenious innovations, the principle behind the design is pretty simple. Square subwoofers provide the most cone area for the size of the speaker box baffle. On average, a square subwoofer has about 25% more cone area than a round subwoofer of the same size. More cone area means that the subwoofer is able to move more air and thus it will produce more bass.
After talking about some of the incredible technology that goes into making a Kicker sub, the Kicker representative began to talk in detail about each of their products. It was an unbelievably informative training session. They were able to answer every single question despite the fact that our representatives asked some pretty detailed questions! We learned about the three major square subwoofers: the Solo X, the L7, and the L5. These square woofers are created with unique specifications to maximize their performance. The Solo X is Kicker’s competition and extreme woofer. The Solo X includes a S.P.A.I.R. re-cone kit, which allows you to maintain and repair the cone throughout the lifetime of the sub. The L7 is the original square subwoofer and Kicker’s best selling square subwoofer. The L5 is Kicker’s most affordable square subwoofer and provides 70% the performance of the L7, but for a fraction of the price. Both the L5 and L7 subs are available in preloaded boxes that Kicker manufacturers specifically for these subs. They are finely tuned to the specs of the enclosed woofer and provide the best sound for that woofer.
Along with the square subs, we also learned about the round woofers. The Kicker CVX is the best performing round subwoofer and is essentially a round L7. New to the 2009 Kicker line-up is the Solo Classic, which produces the same amount of bass in only half of the space. Next we discussed the CVT subwoofers. The CVT line features subs in a variety of sizes, which makes it easy to find the proper fit for your install application. Then we learned about the Comp VR (CVR). The CVR is Kicker’s best performing “value” subwoofer. When enclosed in a ported box, the Kicker CVR is able to produce some big bass! Lastly we learned that the Kicker Comp is the industry leading subwoofer and bestseller. They are highly efficient subs with moderate power and big Kicker bass. The Kicker woofers use a SoloKon cone that is ultra strong and injection molded to enhance the sound of the woofers. With a Kicker subwoofer, loud bass is practically guaranteed!
After completing subwoofer training, we began to discuss the full line of Kicker speakers. At first we discussed the newest QS and RS speakers. The QS components are Kickers premium speaker system and use Kickers most advanced technology and engineering to create the ultimate sounding speaker. The crossover on the QS speakers use an asymmetrical design and a Zobel Impedance correction network to spread the response across the entire speakers; bandwidth. The crossover also integrates an Illuminated protection circuit, as well as Mylar caps and air core inductors. Judging from the demonstration, the QS speakers sound absolutely phenomenal. We were just getting started though. After learning about the QS speakers, we began to discuss the high-end RS series speakers. Apparently the RS speakers have been redesigned for 2009 and use a lot of the same technology and engineering as the QS. The main differences between the two are the materials and the crossover. The RS features a slightly simplified version of the QS crossover, but it still has all of the necessary features of a high-end speaker. Finally, we briefly talked about the KS and DS series speakers. We learned about the polyswitch tweeter protection on the KS speakers and the perfect OEM upgrade for the DS series speakers.
After discussing subs and speakers, we were ready to learn about amplifiers. This was one of the highlights of the training. We got to see the amplifiers inside and out. We learned what makes a Kicker amp a Kicker amp. The quality and precision that goes into each and every amplifier is second to none. We were most impressed with the thorough quality control involved in the production of ZX amplifiers. Each and every ZX amp is tested before it leaves the factory. The spec sheet that is included in each amp tells the tested RMS wattage of the amplifier and each one is underrated. This way, when a customer purchases a ZX amplifier, they are getting more than what they paid for!
After finishing the major categories, we moved to more specialized fields like marine technology. In fact, the Kicker power sports line includes but is not limited to marine series speakers, subs and amps. We learned that Kicker now refers to the marine series as the power sports series because these items are completely designed to withstand harsh conditions in general and not just in the boat. Power sport models are made to work perfectly on boats, jeeps, ATV’s, patios, in the backyard, and even zambonis! The Kicker Power Sports amplifiers, speakers, and subwoofers are perfect for any application that might require a more durable and protected item.
Next we learned about Kicker’s mobile audio products. The Kicker experts taught us all about the SoundGate iPod and Zune accessories. The Kicker CORE system is designed to provide playback of your iPod in your car. All of the cables are included, making it easy to get started. The CORE also provides 5V USB charging. These systems will allow playback from the iPod itself and can even connect and play video from the iPod! Next we discussed the SoundGate iO series, a new way to integrate your iPod and other audio source to your car via Bluetooth! The plug and play system allows for Bluetooth audio, handsfree communication, and music streaming. It is still in the development stages and has yet to be released, but it will be the ideal solution for adding Bluetooth and navigation voice guidance to vehicles that are not suitable for aftermarket in-dash head units. It would make an excellent addition to classic cars!
The last thing we were trained on was the home and portable line. This includes Kicker headphones and their iPod shelf systems. The headphones include high performance ear-buds and an active style “on-the-ear” headphone. The ear buds produce incredible acoustic sound quality given their slight dimensions. These headphones are perfect for the on-the-go listener. The active style headphones are made for those that live an active lifestyle and need a headphone that will stay on the head. Beyond that, we learned about iPod docking shelf systems such as the iK500. Based on the demonstration, this system provides iPod playback through loud and clear speakers that fill the entire room with music. For those that enjoy a Zune as opposed to the iPod, Kicker makes the ZK500, which is similar in features but designed to dock and play the Zune.
We here at SonicElectronix.com were impressed with the training seminar and we are blown away at the quality of Kicker products. The Kicker representatives were extremely knowledgeable and knew everything about their products. Kicker is definitely a high quality company that takes as much care of its products as they do their customers.
Grace Digital Audio systems provide you with an endless supply of music! As long as your Grace Digital Audio player is within a Wi-Fi zone, you can play songs from internet radio stations, podcasts, Pandora and the Music Genome Project. On top of that, you can also listen to SIRIUS satellite radio with the purchase of a subscription. Grace Digital Audio provide unparalleled accessibility to the top internet streaming music stations. Now you can enjoy a new music wherever there’s a wireless internet connection: poolside at the hotel, at the coffee house, or any other WiFi zone.
If you are looking for a desktop stereo, the Grace Digital Audio GDI-IR1000 offers all of your favorite online music options as well as both SIRIUS Satellite radio and HD radio. This stereo has one speaker rated at 5 watts, which is plenty of power to provide enough sound for your living room, kitchen, or backyard patio. The 6 built-in presets allow you to find set it to fit any style of music, and you can also create a personal user setting to match your musical tastes. This stereo also comes standard with a built-in alarm clock, which you can program with 5 different settings and sleep timers.
If you want to plug in your iPod or other music devices, the Grace Digital Audio GDI-IR2000 is a great choice. This stereo has a built-in auxiliary input on the front, making it easy to connect an external audio player such as an iPod or iPhone. You can access internet stations by using the radio’s faceplate buttons or the handy remote control. Unlike the GDI0IR100, this remote control is included with the stereo. Both models can store “favorite” radio stations for future playback, and with the power of the internet, you can access radio stations from all over the world.
Both of the aforementioned models have only one speaker. The Grace Digital Audio GDI-IR3000 has TWO 3” speakers to project all of your favorite wireless internet radio stations. This stereo comes with a remote control for easy sound adjusting. The dual speaker model gives this stereo a more balanced sound output. Like the other two versions, you can use this stereo to listen to online broadcasting of news talk, sports talk, music stations, or any other streaming online audio that you are interested in listening to. With so many stations to choose from, the programming is always fresh. All in all, this stereo is like a Bose system wired to the internet!
Looking for more bass for your buck? Check out the Boss CW line of car amplifiers. These Chaos Series Boss amps are reliable sources of power for car audio systems. Featuring built-in MOSFET power supplies, these CW amps will not let you down. From top to the bottom, these amps are built to last. CW amps feature a heavy duty heatsink for optimal heat dissipation. They also use a special 2-way circuitry that provides thermal and speaker protection. This special feature helps guard against blown amps and speakers.
The Boss CW150 2-channel car amplifier measures at 200 watts when wired at 2 ohms. This compact amp packs a lot of power for its size, and the bass boost function allows you to select just the right amount of bass. In terms of wiring options, the CW150 is configured with high level inputs, which makes it easy to connect it to stereos without RCA outputs. For stereos with RCA outputs, this amp also features nickel-plated RCA level inputs. which make for an easy and secure connection.
If you are looking for a four-channel car amplifier, the Boss CW350 is a 400 watt amp that features all of the great Chaos series features mentioned above. Its slight size does not affect its ability to produce power, as this amp can sufficiently power up to four speakers simultaneously. It is fully operational at both 4 and 2 channels. That means that you can wire the CW350 to only two speakers if you so choose.
Now let’s discuss the top models in the Chaos line. The Boss CW750 2-channel car amplifier is one of the best amps that Boss has to offer. This amplifier is rated at 440 watts of continuous power, and when bridged at 4 ohms, its max power rating is a whopping 1600 watts! How can it provide so much power? It uses a MOSFET Pulse Width Modulated (PWM) power supply. How does it do it? While an average motor powers on only half of the time, the Pulse Width Modulated power supply rapidly switches the motor on and off so that the amp is virtually always on, which makes for a much larger current. This maximizes the total power generated by this amplifier
The Boss CW950 2-channel amplifier also features a MOSFET Pulse Width Modulated power supply, which is one of the reasons why it can provide 2000 watts when bridged at 4 ohms. Like the CW750, the CW950 also includes a wired remote bass level control, which makes it easy for users to adjust the sound. Of course given all of the power that these amps provide, if you are fond of your ear drums, you won’t even want to push the bass boost all the way to maximum.
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