Compustar was one of the first brands to allow consumers to choose a remote control package to accompany their remote start controller. Previously, we looked at flagship-level solutions like the PRO T13 and PRO R5. In this spotlight, we’re taking a closer look at the new and more affordable 2WG17 remote package. Let’s check it Read More…
How to Improve Bluetooth Audio Quality in Your Car: Tips and Tricks
Bluetooth audio streaming is a convenient way to enjoy music in your vehicle, but many drivers notice that it doesn’t sound as crisp or detailed as a wired connection. While Bluetooth compression plays a role, several strategies can help optimize sound quality and make the most of your wireless audio system. Let’s explore key ways Read More…
Top 5 Mistakes That Ruin Your Car Audio System and How to Fix Them
A high-quality car audio system can make every drive more enjoyable, immersing you in rich, clear sound. However, many car owners unknowingly make mistakes that degrade sound quality, leading to weak bass, distorted highs, or an overall lackluster experience. Avoiding these common pitfalls ensures you get the most out of your investment in aftermarket audio Read More…
Is Your Subwoofer Underpowered? How to Match an Amp to Your System
A properly powered subwoofer is the foundation of a great car audio system, delivering deep, controlled bass that enhances your listening experience. But if your subwoofer is underpowered, the bass can sound weak, distorted, or even disappear at higher volumes. The issue often comes down to an amplifier that doesn’t provide enough power. Understanding how Read More…
Product Spotlight: Compustar EZGO-II
Hands-free proximity unlocking is a feature found on many new cars and trucks fresh off the showroom floor. The Compustar EZGO-II adds this convenience to your remote car starter or security system. Let’s take a close look at this unique keyless entry solution. What are Keyless Entry and Proximity Unlocking? A typical keyless entry system Read More…
Debunking Myths About Remote Car Starters
Remote car starters have become a popular feature for vehicle owners seeking convenience and comfort. However, several misconceptions persist, causing some to hesitate when considering this upgrade. Let’s examine and debunk seven common myths about remote car starters. Myth 1: Remote Starters Are Bad for Your Engine One of the most widespread misconceptions is that Read More…
Factory vs. Aftermarket Car Audio: What You Need to Know
When you’re behind the wheel, your car’s audio system is a key part of the experience. Whether you’re listening to your favorite playlist, catching up on a podcast, or enjoying an audiobook, the quality of your sound system can make all the difference. While factory audio systems have improved over the years, they still leave Read More…
Maximizing Car Audio Quality: Understanding Vehicle Acoustics
Car audio enthusiasts often invest in high-quality speakers, amplifiers, and subwoofers to achieve the best sound. However, the vehicle’s interior acoustics play a crucial role in how the system performs. Factors such as interior materials, seating positions, and speaker placement can dramatically impact sound quality. Understanding these elements and employing professional tuning can help optimize Read More…
Maximizing Car Audio Quality: Understanding Vehicle Acoustics
Car audio enthusiasts often invest in high-quality speakers, amplifiers, and subwoofers to achieve the best sound. However, the vehicle’s interior acoustics play a crucial role in how the system performs. Factors such as interior materials, seating positions, and speaker placement can dramatically impact sound quality. Understanding these elements and employing professional tuning can help optimize Read More…
Busting the Biggest Myths About Car Audio Amplifiers
Car audio amplifiers are one of the most misunderstood components of an upgraded sound system. Misconceptions about power ratings, gain settings, and efficiency can lead to poor system performance, unnecessary equipment damage, or wasted money. This article will clarify some of the most common myths surrounding car audio amplifiers so you can make informed decisions Read More…
Why Modern Vehicles Make Aftermarket Audio Installations Tricky
The landscape of car audio upgrades has changed dramatically over the years. As automakers integrate more advanced technology into their vehicles, upgrading the sound system has become increasingly complex. Features like active noise cancellation (ANC), complex DSP-equipped factory amplifiers, and controller area network (CAN) bus systems present unique challenges for aftermarket audio installers. Understanding these Read More…
Product Spotlight: Momento M8 Max
There are now hundreds of dash cameras on the market. If you are serious about protecting yourself from fraud and false accusations or simply want to capture those incredible once-in-a-lifetime moments, then you want a high-quality camera with excellent image quality. Momento’s latest flagship dash camera is called the M8 Max, and it’s the perfect Read More…
Are There Drawbacks to Digital Volume Adjustment?
A few weeks ago, one of the major head unit manufacturers announced they would include a TOSLINK digital output on their new flagship source unit. Most of us know that digital signals are effectively impervious to noise and aren’t affected by cable losses. Pure digital signals sound better than analog counterparts when used with a Read More…
How Car Audio Calibration Affects Sound Quality
Upgrading your car’s audio system is an exciting way to enhance your driving experience. However, achieving the best possible sound quality requires more than just installing high-quality speakers, amplifiers and subwoofers. The magic happens when your system is calibrated correctly using a digital signal processor to adjust signal delays and equalization. These elements work together Read More…
Why High-Res Audio Matters for Car Audio Enthusiasts
Why High-Res Audio Matters for Car Audio Enthusiasts Car audio enthusiasts constantly seek ways to enhance their listening experience, and one of the most impactful upgrades involves improving the quality of the audio source itself. Thanks to advancements in lossless music streaming and high-quality digital formats, high-res audio is becoming more accessible. But does it Read More…
Professional Installation: The Key to Reliable Remote Starters and Security Systems
Installing a remote starter or vehicle security system might seem straightforward, especially with the DIY kits available online. However, modern vehicles come with complex, computerized electrical systems, and one small mistake during installation can lead to significant issues. While enthusiasts may be tempted to handle the job themselves, improper installation can cause malfunctions, void warranties, Read More…
The Benefits and Drawbacks of Upgrading EV Audio Systems
There’s no denying that electric vehicles are here to stay. Whether we like the way they drive, the sounds they don’t make, or their cost, their popularity is undeniable. Car audio companies like Focal and Alpine have stepped up to the plate with audio upgrade kits for the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y in Read More…
Discover the Benefits of a Digital Signal Processor for Car Audio
Whether you’re an audiophile or a casual listener, the quality of your car audio system plays a significant role in your driving experience. From crystal-clear vocals to defined and accurate bass, high-quality audio can make your daily commute or road trip far more enjoyable. But achieving that perfect sound in a car isn’t always straightforward. Read More…
Why Dash Cameras Are Essential for Every Vehicle Owner
Modern dash cameras have become an indispensable tool for vehicle owners. These compact devices have transformed how drivers protect themselves, providing undeniable value and peace of mind. Let’s explore why adding a dash camera to your vehicle is a must-have investment. Dash Cameras Enhance Driver Safety Dash cameras are instrumental in promoting safer driving habits. Read More…
How to Choose the Perfect Car Audio Upgrades for Your Vehicle
Car audio upgrades are an exciting way to enhance your driving experience. Whether you’re looking for improved sound quality, more powerful bass, or advanced features, choosing the right audio system components and a reputable installer is key. Let’s explore the best practices for shopping for a car audio system that fits your vehicle, budget, and Read More…
Remote Car Starter Options for Enhanced Comfort and Security
Remote car starters have become a popular upgrade for vehicle owners looking to improve comfort, convenience, and security. These systems allow you to start your car from a distance, ensuring it’s ready to go when you are. Today’s remote car starters offer much more than just a way to warm up your engine. Let’s explore Read More…
The Importance of Choosing a Quality Retailer for Mobile Enhancements
When it comes to upgrading your vehicle’s audio, electronics, or other enhancements, the choice of retailer is as critical as the products you select. A trusted retailer ensures that you get high-quality products and ensures the installation and configuration process is done professionally to deliver optimal performance and reliability. Let’s explore why selecting a quality Read More…
What Is a Gain Control on a Car Audio Amplifier?
The gain control is one of the most misunderstood features of a car audio amplifier. It is often mistaken for a volume knob, leading to improper usage and potential damage to the audio system. Understanding what gain control does—and doesn’t do—can help you set up your car audio system for optimal performance without risking distortion Read More…
Product Spotlight: Compustar Pro T13 Remote Starter
Only a handful of reputable companies manufacture remote car starters, but one stands out for its innovative solutions—Compustar. Their flagship Pro T13 is the industry’s longest-range radio-frequency car starter remote. Combine that with features like proximity unlocking, an LCD screen, and intuitive controls, and this is the ultimate remote control solution. Let’s explore why range Read More…
Modern Multimedia Receivers Have Multiple Volume Controls
From the 1960s through the 1980s, car radios used mechanical potentiometers to adjust volume. As time progressed, volume controls moved to the digital domain, and radios employed rotary encoders that sent commands to a dedicated volume IC to adjust the output level. As we advanced further, radios required volume controls for different functions. This complexity Read More…
You May Need Two Keys to Make Your Remote Car Starter Work
Many of the car stereo shops in the Northern US and Canada shift focus to installing remote car starters in the late fall. If you are shopping for a remote starter, you may be asked by the Product Specialist if you have two keys to the vehicle. Further, in a few applications, you may need Read More…
A Look at What’s Misleading About Hi-Res Audio Licensing
Talking about the performance of audio equipment without objective measurements is like describing the taste of food without eating it. Maybe that’s a bit over the top, but the concept is accurate. You’ll hear many folks into high-end audio describe listening experiences that are sweet or emotional. However, those adjectives do very little to describe Read More…
Android Auto Sound Quality: Is Wired Better Than Wireless?
A while back, we examined the difference in sound quality between wired and wireless Apple CarPlay. Now that many Android-based smartphones have access to additional audio streaming codecs like LDAC and aptX, it’s time to check out how they perform in terms of signal accuracy and frequency response. We’ll use the Sony XAV-9000ES digital media Read More…
What To Look for in a Professional Dash Cam Installation
It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that we’ve seen dozens of posts asking about dash cameras that are easy to install and don’t cost much. We’ve all but beaten the topic of dash camera quality to death and have reviewed and analyzed several solutions from Momento and Thinkware. Based on the results of our Read More…
The Nitty Gritty on Professional vs. DIY Car Audio Upgrades
Many professionals in the car audio industry started their careers as novices installing equipment for themselves or friends in their driveways and garages. That hands-on experience typically led to a job at a local shop and allowed them to learn more about electrical theory, acoustics, physics, and fabrication. Those who have invested time in understanding Read More…