Man, it was so damned simple back in the day- remember that Saturday afternoon when you tackled the car radio upgrade in just an hour or so?

Times have changed, cars have changed and the industry has changed when it comes to “simple car radio installation”, which makes it even more valuable to have your local car audio professional handle the installation of your new car radio or components.

We’ve come a long way…from the days of hard-wiring everything to vehicle-specific wiring harnesses to complicated system integration, which if not done properly can actually damage your vehicle’s electrical system!

OEM System Integration

The first situation you can run into with many factory car audio systems is integrating or bypassing the existing factory amplifier(s). OEM Manufacturers have listened (somewhat) to consumers’ requests for better factory audio systems, but they still can’t come close to a good aftermarket upgrade- whether just a radio or amplifiers and speakers.

Having an experienced installer handle this integration will insure you get the best sounding system that “plays nice” with your vehicle’s existing audio components.

Data Bus/ CAN Bus/ LAN and so forth…

Over the past several years, OEM manufacturers have introduced more computers into their vehicles which enable more efficient control of various vehicle systems. This also means that the vehicle’s audio system is affected.

A good example would be late model GM vehicles, where a specific interface is required if you wish to retain On-Star, Warning Chimes and other functionality.

Vehicles with these “networks” pose a new set of challenges for the installer and the aftermarket industry, as new interfaces have to be designed to enable seamless aftermarket integration of items including Radios, Bluetooth, iPod , HD Radio and Auxiliary interfaces.

With so many options available, always have your system integration handled by a qualified installer. This way, you’re guaranteed that your purchase works properly (as well as your car).

Some helpful sites to visit include www.pac-audio.com and www.metraonline.com

Ask Chuck about Radio Installation

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When looking to upgrade your car’s existing speakers, you have many choices. It’s our job at Ask the Advisors to make your selection easier, thanks to over 28 years in the business and some pretty reliable brands that we offer.

When searching for replacement car speaker systems, always remember that this IS the most important link in your car audio systems chain, so invest wisely. Many of the brands you and I used to know and love- such as Fosgate, Boston, Polk and Infinity are not the same as they once were- now being cheaply manufactured overseas. You always want to shop for brands that provide great performance, reliability and value!

One such brand we are proud to offer is JL Audio.
(www.jlaudio.com)

JL Audio has been in the industry for over two decades and has consistently brought products to market that are reliable, great sounding and a solid value. One strong point to make in favor of JL Audio is that they are primarily a speaker and amplifier company- which means they can concentrate on these areas while other companies that offer products in all areas of car audio tend to offer less quality.

The Speakers:

JL Audio offers a full line of replacement car audio speaker systems to meet most budget and performance needs. Whether you’re simply replacing the OEM speakers or upgrading for improved performance, you’ll find a great solution within JL Audio’s line of car audio speakers.

Check out models including the “TR”, “C2”, “C3” and “C5” Series, which are available in sizes to fit any vehicle application. All of JL Audio’s speaker lines are available in Component and Coaxial designs and provide consistent performance.

JL Audio’s 5x 7 inch, 3.5 inch and 5 Inch OEM Replacement Speakers

JL Audio’s ”TR” series offers a great entry-level OEM replacement, while the “C2”, “C3” and “C5” systems provide significant upgrades in performance and sound quality. Best results are achieved with the higher end models when adding a power amplifier.

JL Audio brings more of its expertise to the table in the “C2”, “C3” and “C5” models, which incorporate design improvements including silk-dome tweeters, high performance basket/ motor designs and better crossover components.

JL Audio’s C-5 Component Speaker System

JL Audio continues to improve its product lineup and has some exciting items this year. With the newly introduced “C3” series, JL Audio has designed these speakers to be “convertible” so that the user can take advantage of the speaker’s quality regardless of whether it is mounted as a coaxial or component set-up in the vehicle.

JL Audio’s C-3 Convertible Speaker System

Whether you’re replacing speakers that have been in your car since day one or you’re looking for some serious performance capabilities, you’ll find the right product with JL Audio’s line of quality speakers.

Ask Chuck about JL Audio

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Ask The Advisors how we guarantee the lowest prices on any Sony or Samsung 3d HDTV we sell. Call and speak with me anytime during normal business hours Monday thru Saturday 9:00am to 6:00pm.

Ask Ron About 3D HDTV’s

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I had absolutely forgotten the joy that a great car audio system brings.

“You know how sometimes you do something, and it reminds you of something that you already knew…but had pretty much forgotten you knew?

Ok, so a couple of weeks ago I put a new sound system in my car. This should not be much of a shock being the business I am in and all. So here is the point. This is the first car I have owned in the last 30 years that I did not put a sound system into right away. In the past I got a new car and went home and took it apart; but on this one I waited a while to do a system…7 years before I got around to doing it.”

For many people their commute may well be the only real alone time they get; especially alone time to listen to music.

I have a pretty long commute 45-50 minutes is the norm this time of year. A couple of days ago it hit me when I was at my exit…that the drive had flown right by. All the drudgery that is getting to and from work has gone away. I put in a CD and before I even realize what has happened the drive is over, the CD is at or near its end and that is that.

The other thing I had totally forgotten is how easy it is to really listen to music in the car, by yourself. The system I installed is quite good and very resolving. It is a great place to listen to new music…and as I have found an even better place to re-discover old music. I have been pouring through my CD collection and playing and re-discovering great music every day for a few weeks now. And with the size of my collection it should keep me busy for a while yet.

So here is my point…think about improving your car audio system. Even if you have a fairly short commute this will improve your life. Yes, I said it will improve your life, and I have no facts to back that up; just my personal experience.

It amazes me that I had forgotten how much I enjoy listening to music in the car…and I cannot tell you how happy I am that I have spent the time and money to get that enjoyment back.

Ask Ron About Car Audio Systems

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Regardless of whether you are adding very efficient Class “D” car amplifiers, always look at your options when it comes to taking this extra stress off your alternator and battery.

The options:

There are a few ways you can beef up the power grid in your vehicle and they all depend on the amount of voltage/ current your system requires. One such method was to add a CAP (Capacitor) which enabled your system to recover somewhat from dynamic peaks in music. CAPS are available from Stinger, HiFonics, Orion, Tsunami and others. In larger systems, the option exists whereby a second vehicle battery is installed along with an upgraded (higher output) alternator and battery isolator. Popular sources for these batteries include Stinger and Interstate. The option that has become increasingly popular is adding a “Power Cell” which is essentially a gel-cell or sealed battery to the audio system.

The Comparison:

In upgrading your vehicle’s power bank, the option of a second battery, isolator and upgraded alternator is the best option, but presents a set of challenges, not to mention it’s by far the most expensive.

Examples of Upgraded Alternators and the Yellow Top Battery from Stinger

Hurdles to overcome here

(unless you’ve got a 70′s muscle car with acres of space under the hood) involve:
1. Finding a location for the secondary battery- which can be the same size as your existing battery- and sometimes larger!
2. Having a custom alternator manufactured that will fit properly.
3. Finding a location for the Isolator.

* Plan on budgeting between $950-$1200 for this type of power upgrade.

The final two options for upgrading your power involve either a CAP or Power Cell. It is here that many folks tend to make the wrong choice when upgrading, despite the fact that both of these options are very close in cost.

When you are deciding between a CAP and Power Cell, look at the PROS and CONS! You’ll find that the Power Cell is actually THE BEST OPTION.

Here’s why:

Both the CAP and Power Cell are placed in the system to assist the vehicle’s power source in providing stable power. (Current/ Voltage) When a dynamic signal is played and peaks are reached, your car system needs to “cover” in order to feed the car amplifier’s power supplies, which are drawing increased amounts of current to keep up with your finger on the volume knob. When the power source cannot keep up with its system demands, amplifiers can shut down (go into protection) or even clip, which can result in damage to your speaker system, regardless of power handling capacity.

Both the CAP and Power Cell remain in a “charged state” during system operation and both provide a means of recovery during peak demand, but the amount of recovery and stability is what sets the Power Cell apart from the CAP. Adding a Power Cell actually enables your system to perform BETTER because it is a larger, more stable source of reserve power AND never becomes a source of resistance in-line. For example, a 600 Watt Power Cell is actually TEN TIMES more powerful than a 100 FARAD Capacitor!
Now we’re talking reserve power AND performance! Some Power Cell manufacturers include Kinetik, Boss Audio and Shuriken.

A CAP will charge in an instant- but will also DISCHARGE in that same instant, which now becomes resistance in your system’s power grid. This actually can (and does) reduce audio system performance.

Ask Chuck about Sound Deadening

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For those of you who have visited our exceptional showroom here in West Palm Beach Florida, you’ve noticed that we support and display JL Audio car products quite heavily.

Our philosophy has always been- whether home or car components- to try, test, compare and provide products that support what Ask the Advisors is all about.
-Quality, Value, Performance and Reputation.

I always get asked either why we don’t carry this or that- or why we only offer the products we offer, and my answer is always the same.

“We only carry what we’ve found to be the best products available in the market that provide the best performance, reliability and features.”

Remember, we have over 27 years doing this kind of stuff!

I’ve been in the A/V industry for over 20 years – with nearly 17 of those years spent either under a dashboard installing, selling, or designing some high performance car audio systems. I’ve had the opportunity during this time to be able to sell some real great car audio gear- and run into some real crappy gear as well. There’s nothing like the old car audio sale at the Fairgrounds or Flea Market to knock you back into reality and make you realize that for every good brand out there, you’ll easily find 20 worthy of the trash can.

One of the big misconceptions I run across on a daily basis is that consumers think the “old school“ gear is pretty much the same is it was back in the day. I’m sorry to say this is no longer the case. Those once proud names including Rockford, Orion, PPI, Soundstream, MB Quart, Boston and MTX are now shadows of their former selves- bought out by a larger entity which has “cheapified” the line or given the deadly Chinese influence.

After you sift through the rubble of crap, you’ll find that some brands- such as Alpine, Eclipse, JL Audio, Tru Technologies, Kenwood, and Morel are still true to their individual design and manufacturing philosophies- THEY STILL MAKE GOOD STUFF.

What makes a good company?

I’m going to take time here to do some comparisons and maybe even a little “bus-rolling”, in the hopes that you’ll see why it’s important to select one brand over another when buying car audio components. The good company usually has a long standing history, handles most if not all of it’s manufacturing, selects its own raw materials for construction and retains control over QC even if it must acquire some of its components from outside suppliers. The good company usually has patents for its unique technologies used and a host of awards and solid reviews from the pros and consumers alike.

Click here to see JL Audio’s factory pictures.

The half-ass company usually tries to flood the market with cheaply manufactured, non-reliable products that are almost always manufactured overseas in places like China and Taiwan and pounds the trade magazines with print advertising making them seem like the real deal. I usually compare this to (and if I offend some of you beer drinkers, forgive me) comparing a good beer like Becks or Sam Adams to Coors Light or Bud.

-You notice less effort trying to get you to buy a better product that speaks for itself rather than the surly one pounding the airwaves every Sunday on TV.

So, let’s look at a comparison of two companies here; JL Audio and MTX.

JL Audio vs. MTX

JL Audio is a company founded over 20 years ago in Florida and has consistently provided a solid line of car audio amplifiers, speakers and subwoofers.
The company has received numerous patents (32) for its amplifier and subwoofer design along with numerous awards from agencies including IASCA, AVI and others.

JL Audio Competition vehicles have taken home more awards in
performance categories than I can count, too!

MTX, once a solid American company, has resorted to offshore manufacturing of many of its products, which results in lower QC and reliability. JL Audio prides itself on being a local company at the forefront of car audio technology and is always looking for ways to improve already stellar gear. Another big plus is that this company actually designs AND builds over sixty (60) percent of its products in its Miramar, Florida facility- where MTX and many other companies simply go overseas to the Chinese and then slap their nameplate on the product. Not much for local support here, huh?

In addition, JL has recently taken its top-notch car audio subwoofer/ amplifier prowess into the home subwoofer arena- with very impressive home subwoofers that use the familiar W7 Woofer technology.

In amplifier technology, JL prides itself on patented amp designs that provide stable, reliable performance year after year. The company has continued to improve its award winning Slash Series car amps with patented designs including its R.I.P.S. (Regulated Intelligent Power Supply) technology, which provides consistent power regardless of impedance or voltage level. The company has implemented this technology into its latest award-winning line of HD Series amps that provide remarkable performance in a smaller, more efficient design.

MTX (and many other companies) have continued to provide- for the most part- technology used for years. Unregulated power supplies matched with lower end components. These enable product at a lower price point, but with diminished performance.

Check out JL Audio’s Slash v2: Technologies

Woofer versus woofer:

Take time when you shop for a subwoofer- whether home or car. Things to look for include the basket design, voice coil configuration, thermal handling, cone construction and of course, reputation and reliability.

Most of the car woofers out there are generally manufactured by only a few sources and then stamped with the brand that purchased these raw drivers. (I’m not going to mention any names, but when you look closely at cheaper woofers, they all mysteriously look the same!) JL Audio builds the W3, W6, TW5, W7 and Marine subwoofer lines in its Miramar Facility including all of its heralded Stealthboxes and enclosures- compared to many other companies which either receive the woofers from overseas or simply perform assembly in their headquarters with parts they get from overseas- with little if any QC. (Quality Control)

JL Audio’s Award Winning Patented W7 Woofers

Lastly, I can’t stress patents and awards. These speak for themselves!

Click here to read JL Audio’s W7: Technology Overview

Ask Chuck about Satellite Radio

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The audio system that usually comes with your vehicle tends to lack a certain, well…I suppose you can fill in the blank with what comes to mind!

Today’s factory car audio systems are improved, incorporating multi-media radios, multi-channel amplifiers and even powered subwoofers. Despite all these available upgrades, most factory systems still lack the fidelity and definition that most of us are used to from our home audio counterparts. The weakest link in just about every factory system tends to be what should be the MOST IMPORTANT, the speakers!

When it comes time to replace your car speakers, you’ll find literally hundreds of brands and designs on the market- all touting themselves as the be-all end-all in speaker design and performance. The key here is to navigate through the jargon jungle and find the product that best suits your particular listening needs.

The players: Coaxial or Component?

Car audio speakers are available in two types of systems- Coaxial and Component systems.

Coaxial speakers are two or three-way designs with tweeter and mid/woofer sharing the same frame or platform. These are generally less costly and more flexible- as they are available in different sizes to fit any vehicle.

Coaxial speakers are simple in design and offer a good upgrade over the factory equivalent and utilize the latest in materials for better durability and performance.

JL Audio's C2 Series 5" x 7" Coaxial Speakers

Components (sometimes referred to as separates or splits) consist of a separate tweeter, mid-bass driver and passive crossover network.

(These speaker systems are also available in 3 Way configurations.)
Components offer increased performance and enable you to “raise” the soundstage in your vehicle, thus enhancing your listening experience.

This upgrade is also fairly easy to do in today’s vehicles, as many factory systems already have component speakers or locations ready for them.

The advantages of components include better separation of high and mid frequencies, more refined mid-bass response, smoother highs and the ability to “tune” your speakers by adjusting the individual level or sensitivity of the tweeter and midrange driver at the crossover.

Morel’s Dotech Ovation Component Speaker System

Differences and your ear:

When selecting your new speakers, always take into account the type of music you listen to!
Manufacturers utilize different materials in tweeter and woofer design which can mean enjoyment or ear fatigue, so choose wisely.

Tweeters composed of metallic alloys can be edgy or harsh compared to silk or poly materials- which result in different performance.

If you’re into Heavy Metal or Rap, go metallic!

And if Jazz, R&B or Classical is your taste, consider a soft-dome tweeter.

Regarding mid-bass drivers and woofers, technology has come a long way, with stiffer cone designs and larger voice-coils to handle more power as well as performance.

The final option- amplification:

If you’re replacing your tired factory speakers with coaxial or components, there is still room for improvement.

These upgraded speaker systems, while better sounding right out of the box, can perform even better with the addition of an aftermarket power amplifier.

The amplifier will bring out even more of what these great upgraded speakers are capable of and provide you with that sound that you’ve been missing!

Ask Chuck in Mobile Audio/Video

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