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…
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…
Fantastic Lexus RX350 Audio System for Colonial Heights Client
A client from Colonial Heights dropped into Extreme Audio to inquire about upgrading his 2014 Lexus RX350 audio system. The client originally wanted to replace the radio and add a large subwoofer. After learning that the radio couldn’t be replaced, we explained how we could work with the features of the factory stereo system to Read More…
Wireless CarPlay and Android Auto
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration systems are extremely popular features found in aftermarket source units from all the key brands. The technology behind CarPlay and Android Auto continue to evolve, and in the summer of 2017, the aftermarket industry saw the introduction of wireless CarPlay connectivity. Android followed suit in 2018 with a Read More…
Product Spotlight: AudioControl LC-1.1500 Mono Subwoofer Amplifier
It isn’t hard to notice that AudioControl hasn’t eased up on its delivery of amazing new mobile audio product solutions. The latest addition to the AudioControl family is the high-power LC-1.1500 subwoofer amplifier. Rated to produce 1,500 watts of continuous power and equipped with the integration and audio processing features you’ve come to expect from Read More…
Product Spotlight: Alpine PXE-0850S
The new Alpine PXE-0850S wireless digital signal processor is now available at Extreme Audio in Mechanicsville and Midlothian. If you are looking for a way to improve the realism and accuracy of your factory or aftermarket audio system, you will want to drop by one of our stores to check out this new processor from Read More…
Great Sound From A Factory Radio
Did you know that you can get great sound in your car or truck using your factory radio as the source? Gone are the days when upgrading your audio system meant swapping in a new receiver. Today, climate controls, vehicle configuration and more are part of the original radio and display, so changes are nearly Read More…
JL Audio VXi Amplifiers Available at Extreme Audio
Extreme Audio in Mechanicsville and Midlothian are proud to announce that the new JL Audio VXi amplifiers are in stock. This series of amplifiers not only covers every conceivable system design possible, but their state-of-the-art design includes a premium digital signal processor to let us fine-tune your audio system for amazing realism. Let’s look at Read More…
Product Spotlight: Sony XAV-AX5000
Sony has been steadily increasing its share of the head unit market with the introduction of feature-packed solutions that continue to give consumers the connectivity and source options they want. The latest addition to Sony’s source unit offerings is the XAV-AX5000, a 6.95-inch multimedia receiver with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Bluetooth. The XAV-AX5000 is Read More…
Every Vehicle Can Benefit From Sound Deadener
One product that most car audio retailers offer that can benefit anyone with a car, truck or SUV is sound deadener. If your vehicle is noisy inside, gets hot quickly or people have trouble hearing you during hands-free phone calls, applying sound deadening can help dramatically. In this article, we’ll explain how sound deadening works Read More…
Product Spotlight: Alpine SBV-10-WRA
If you live in the Richmond area and are looking for a premium subwoofer upgrade for your 2007 through 2018 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited, drop by either Extreme Audio location and audition the Alpine SBV-10-WRA. This custom subwoofer enclosure is designed specifically for the JK-chassis Jeeps and mounts under the passenger seat to provide great bass Read More…
Richmond Client Gets Incredible Ford F-150 Lightning Audio System
A client from Richmond recently visited Extreme Audio to discuss his 2002 Ford F-150 Lightning audio system upgrade project. We had installed an audio system in a previous Lightning for this client, and he wanted something even better for this truck. Factory audio systems, especially those designed 15 to 20 years ago, simply don’t sound Read More…