We’ve written several articles about speaker power ratings over the years, but the topic seems to be one that very few people understand fully. This article will serve as the reference guide for how premium and reputable manufacturers rate the power handling capabilities of their speakers. We’ll start by looking at the physics of speaker Read More…
Ultra-Compact Amplifiers, Big Power from a Small Package
It’s hard not to notice that almost every reputable car audio manufacturer now offers several ultra-compact amplifier solutions. These amplifiers are small enough to fit in the pocket of your jeans and help make installations easier when space is tight. While diminutive, they can deliver an impressive amount of power to upgrade the signal to Read More…
Why You Shouldn’t Use Home Audio Speakers in Your Car
If you look at some amateur car audio forums and Facebook groups, you’ll see a disturbing trend of people using speakers that are intended for home applications in their cars. While these speakers initially seem to offer impressive performance for their price, they simply aren’t designed to withstand the challenges associated with a mobile audio Read More…
Touchscreen Radio Buyers Guide
Years ago, upgrading your car stereo meant buying a new radio that would play MP3 files or that included Bluetooth hands-free calling and audio streaming. As automobile manufacturers have increased their interest in providing advanced infotainment features, the aftermarket head unit industry has evolved away from conventional single- and double-DIN radios with segmented displays to Read More…
Charlottesville VW Client Gets Extreme GTI Audio System Upgrade
A repeat client from Charlottesville recently contacted Extreme Audio in Mechanicsville to inquire about upgrading the audio system in his new 2018 VW Golf GTI. He liked the sound system we had installed in his Nissan Frontier and wanted something equally cool in his new car. After looking at the Golf, we sketched out a Read More…
All About Apple Product Certification
Nobody will deny that the Apple iPod is single-handedly responsible for a massive shift in the portability of music. Sure, the Walkman and Discman were important components in the history of portable media players, but those technologies supported existing music formats in the form of cassettes and compact discs. The iPod embraced digital media file Read More…
Ten Steps To Better Car Audio
Let’s face it, most of us aren’t really happy with the stereo system that comes in our car. Sure, if you bought a Lexus with a top-of-the-line Mark Levinson system, you’re more than likely content. For the rest of us, the good news is that for a very reasonable investment, you can upgrade the performance Read More…
Jaw-dropping Audio Upgrade for Colonial Heights Dodge Durango Client
A client from Colonial Heights recently returned to Extreme Audio in Midlothian to discuss moving the audio system we had installed in his Lexus RX350 into a brand-new Dodge Durango. The client wanted similar performance in terms of system output capabilities and bass. We scheduled an appointment to remove the audio equipment from the Lexus, and Read More…
Upgrading Your Car Stereo System
In the ’80s, ’90s and early part of the 2000s, upgrading the car stereo system in your vehicle was a relatively simple process. You’d start by picking out a new radio that offered the features you wanted and add a set of speakers to improve the sound of the system. Pretty much anyone with a Read More…
Safely Using Your Smartphone in Your Car
In 1982, Michael Knight was able to talk to his 1982 Pontiac Firebird and ask it for navigation directions. Of course, watching “Knight Rider” meant that we understood that KITT was make-believe. Fast-forward 35 years, and talking to our vehicles is now a reality, thanks to our smartphone. The modern smartphone, be it an iPhone Read More…
Be Wary of Top 10 Lists
Not too long ago, we saw a discussion about an article called “The 12 Best Tweeters (Reviews & Ultimate Buying Guide 2018).” Being curious, we decided to check the article out to see what criteria they used to choose the products and how they tested them. Much to our dismay, there were no criteria, nor Read More…
Car Audio Electrical Theory – Capacitance and Inductance
As we move toward the end of our discussion of car audio electrical theory, we need to talk about capacitance and inductance and how the characteristics of those phenomena interact with AC and DC signals. There’s no doubt that these are advanced concepts, but even a basic understanding of how capacitors and inductors work is Read More…
A Glen Allen Client Chooses Extreme Audio for Jeep Wrangler Upgrades
The owner of this Jeep Wrangler lives in Glen Allen and recently visited Extreme Audio to discuss an audio system upgrade. We listened to his performance goals and had a look at the vehicle to determine the best approach to meeting his expectations. After letting him listen to a few speaker options in our store, Read More…
Car Audio Electrical Theory – Magnetic Fields
Furthering our discussion about car audio electrical theory brings us to a discussion of how the flow of electricity through a conductor creates magnetic fields around the conductor. Understanding the relationship between current flow and magnetism is crucial to understanding how a speaker works. History of Electromagnetism The first documented correlation between electricity and magnetism Read More…
New Apple CarPlay Navigation Options
On Sept. 17, 2018, Apple launched iOS12 – its latest update to the operating system behind its venerable iPhone and iPad devices. Aside from security updates, performance enhancements and battery life improvements, Apple has added support for third-party applications to CarPlay. Users of factory-installed and aftermarket multimedia receivers that support CarPlay will now be able Read More…
Audio System Upgrade for Richmond Client’s De Tomaso Pantera
A client from Richmond stopped by our Mechanicsville location with a vehicle you don’t see every day: a 1972 De Tomaso Pantera! He wanted a new audio system, as well as a bit of restoration to his factory dash. Someone had previously cut a radio into the dashboard on the passenger side that he was Read More…
Car Audio Electrical Theory – Amplitude and Frequency in AC Signals
In our ongoing discussion of car audio electrical theory, we need to discuss some of the characteristics of alternating current signals. These points of discussion include the concept of amplitude and frequency. Understanding the concept of frequency is crucial to developing an understanding of how the components in our audio systems work. The Concept of Read More…
Car Audio Electrical Theory – An Introduction to Alternating Current
In our ongoing series of articles about car audio electrical theory, we are going to introduce the concept of alternating current power sources and signals. Understanding the basics of AC is crucial to understanding how a mobile audio system works. This article uses a lot of references to the electricity delivery systems used in our Read More…
Colonial Heights Client Upgrades Chrysler 300 Audio System
A client from Colonial Heights dropped into Extreme Audio to talk about a 2013 Chrysler 300 audio system upgrade. We recently upgraded his Lexus, and he loved the way the JL Audio W7 subwoofers and Audiofrog speakers we installed sounded in that car, so he brought us this 300. It already had a system in Read More…
Car Audio Electrical Theory — Wiring Loads in Series and Parallel
We’ll continue our introduction to the basics of car audio electrical theory by talking about wiring loads in series and parallel. Understanding the characteristics of each wiring option and how it relates to power delivery and current consumption is crucial in choosing the right speakers for your sound system. All reputable mobile enhancement retailers know Read More…
Toyota Tacoma Stealthbox and Source Unit Upgrade for Chesterfield Client
A client from Chesterfield recently contacted Extreme Audio to inquire about a 2018 Toyota Tacoma Stealthbox and source unit upgrade. We talked to the client about the way the system sounds and what he wanted to improve. The idea of adding a subwoofer and upgrading the radio made perfect sense. With the upgrade plan in Read More…
Car Audio Electrical Theory — Calculating Work and Power in DC Circuits
In our ongoing series of articles about car audio electrical theory, we are going to introduce the concept of alternating current power sources and signals. Understanding the basics of AC is crucial to understanding how a mobile audio system works. This article uses a lot of references to the electricity delivery systems used in our Read More…
Product Spotlight: Alpine PSS-23WRA
If you own a 2018 or new Jeep Wrangler, the new Alpine PSS-23WRA amplified audio system upgrade from Extreme Audio in Mechanicsville or Midlothian is just for you. Designed as the perfect addition to a factory or aftermarket radio, this system includes a subwoofer, four-channel amplifier and new tweeters to bring out the detail, impact Read More…
Car Audio Electrical Theory — The Basics and Ohm’s Law
For several years, the Best Car Audio team has provided articles on the features, functions and benefits of all manner of car audio products and services. Well into our third year, it’s time to go back to the basics and talk about the fundamental theories of electricity and how they relate to our car audio Read More…
Mercedes-Benz SLK350 Technology Upgrade for North Chesterfield Client
A client from North Chesterfield recently stopped by our Midlothian store, looking to update the stereo in his 2005 Mercedes SLK350. He’d seen a bunch of our recent Mercedes work, so he knew it was a task we were well-prepared to handle. Mercedes vehicles that come equipped with the Harmon Kardon system require a few Read More…
Understanding Sound and the Decibel
In any discussion about understanding sound, the unit of decibels will undoubtedly become part of the conversation. Unlike almost all other units of measurement, the decibel is not a linear scale. That is to say, 1 decibel (also written as dB) is not one-tenth the amplitude or strength of 10dB. In this article, we’ll explain Read More…
Jeep Wrangler Subwoofer Upgrade for Moseley Client
A client from Moseley recently stopped in with his 2009 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited. Like the mass majority of Jeep owners, he was looking to get more sound out of his vehicle. He simply couldn’t crank up the system and hear it when the top was off. The factory stereo in the Jeep Wrangler is notorious Read More…
The Five Fastest Ways To Blow Your Car Speakers
There is nothing worse than turning up your music only to hear your car speakers or subwoofers rattle and buzz because they are damaged. Well, there is something worse: You could turn up the volume and hear nothing at all. We hear stories about people damaging their car speakers all the time. In almost every Read More…
Is Your New Car Missing a CD Player? We Can Help!
If you wish that your new car or truck included a CD player, drop by Extreme Audio in Mechanicsville or Midlothian and speak with a member of our sales team. While it took decades for the CD to replace the cassette, automakers continued to provide tape deck support for years. The same isn’t true of Read More…
How to Shop for Car Audio Upgrades
Shopping for car audio upgrades is as personal as shopping for a new car or new shoes. Each of us likes something different, has a different budget and different performance and style preferences. In the case of a new car, your options range from a solid and reliable daily driver in the $14,000 range to Read More…
