A long time ago, a friend of mine told me always to ask a salesperson what I would get if I spent 10 percent to 15 percent more on an item I wanted to purchase. At the time, the discussion was related to a large tube-style television. Let’s say the TV I was looking at sold for $800. If stepping up to a $900 model resulted in a better picture, or the addition of a feature that I would enjoy, then it would be worth the investment. In the mobile electronics industry, or perhaps consumer electronics in general, few customers ask, “What do I get for a little bit more?” This article will be the first of many that discuss the true performance features of mobile electronics products. For this article, we’ll look at better source units. What do you get when you spend more and how you benefit from those feature or performance upgrades?

Source Units – Displays

It should be no surprise that the majority of source unit discussions center on multimedia receivers. These marvels of modern technology include full-blown computers with a CPU, operating system, storage and peripherals. Car audio manufacturers bundle all the good stuff into a nice, compact package that is relatively easy to install.

When it comes to multimedia displays, the biggest difference you will see is screen size. Smaller screens are usually about 6.2 inches in size (measured diagonally). A benefit of this moderate screen size is the ability to include large buttons or a rotary volume control to the left of the screen. The second option for screen sizes is around 7 inches. While this is an increase of only about 12 percent of the screen area, larger screens are easier to read quickly.

Another consideration when it comes to multimedia displays is the type of touchscreen interface. Entry- to mid-level units use a resistive touch screen. Resistive screens use a thin, flexible membrane that bends ever so slightly when you press on them. Data about the point where the front membrane comes into contact with the rear membrane is relayed to the computer, and an appropriate response is generated.

Capacitive touchscreens detect minute changes in voltage caused by the presence of a conductive object near the screen. Your finger has enough conductivity to effect a change in voltage where you touch the screen. Capacitive screens are clearer than resistive because there are fewer material layers and no need for a flexible membrane. The drawback of capacitive screens is that you can’t use them while wearing gloves. All modern smartphones use capacitive screens.

Another option is display and button customization. As you move up through the model range, you can often choose different background and button colors.

Smartphone Integration Solutions

When you are shopping for a new receiver, you may want to consider asking about Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. These smartphone solutions use voice recognition technologies to make performing common tasks easier and safer. You can send a text message, choose the music you want to listen to or get navigation directions, all by simply talking to your radio. These technologies have associated hardware requirements put forth by Apple and Google, and include technology licensing costs. As such, they cost extra to purchase, but they are well worth the investment.

Audio and Tuning Features

If you are passionate about your music, look for a source unit that includes crossovers. The ability to filter the signals created by the source unit will let you add a subwoofer to improve the performance of your audio system dramatically. Having simple bass, midrange and treble controls may be adequate to let you adjust your sound system. More elaborate signal processing solutions include multi-band equalization that is source dependent. In many cases, advanced signal processing features include some level of configurable or adjustable signal delay to improve the soundstage in the vehicle. Before you buy a source unit, listen to the difference that a little tuning can make. You may find that advanced processing is something you want.

Source Unit Connectivity

Hooking things up to your radio is part of the fun of upgrading your vehicle. The most basic of source units may include Bluetooth, a USB port, an auxiliary input, a backup camera connection and preamp outputs for external amplifiers. As you move up through a brand’s models, you’ll discover functions like SiriusXM compatibility, multiple USB connections, support for more than one phone, multiple camera inputs, multiple video inputs, HDMI input, multi-zone outputs and more. Do your homework before you go shopping. Decide what functions you want before you leave the house. Your retailer can start with that to help you choose a solution.

Internal Features

There are a lot of features that don’t get discussed too often but can dramatically change the user experience with a new source unit. On the radio side of things, HD Radio offers excellent sound quality and added information display. Even a feature as simple as RDS display, which lets you know what song you are listening to, is nice to have. A high-power amplifier will make your music sound better. Some radios offer only 14 or 15 watts of power while others can produce as much as 55 watts. The difference is clearly audible.

Another important consideration is digital media compatibility. Most systems will play MP3 and WMA audio files. As you step up in features, you gain support for AAC, WAV and FLAC files. Upgrading even further gets you support for high-resolution audio formats that offer audio content beyond 20kHz. The second consideration for digital media compatibility is video. Determining whether a source unit will play video files is the first step. Second is the type of files. MPEG and WMV file playback is found on mid-level systems. Premium solutions add H.264 formats and often support MKV containers.

Vehicle Integration

Almost every multimedia receiver includes a steering wheel control interface connection. This connection allows your installer to configure an external interface that will allow the audio adjustment buttons on your steering wheel to work with your new radio. If you are looking for advanced integration, the iDatalink Maestro RR interface allows bidirectional communication with the CAN bus in your vehicle and many applications, as well as compatibility with factory backup cameras, UBS ports and infotainment solutions like Uconnect and Ford Sync. Depending on the vehicle and trim level, climate settings can also be controlled through the Maestro RR.

How to Choose Better Source Units

As we mentioned, do your homework before you walk out of the house to visit your local mobile enhancement retailer. If you have kids and would like them to be able to watch movies while you drive, then you’ll want a source unit with dual-zone capabilities. Likewise, a backup camera, satellite radio, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are all very popular and common options for a new radio purchase. Don’t be afraid to ask the salesperson who is working with you about buying a better source unit; you may find out you can’t live without one of those features.

This article is written and produced by the team at www.BestCarAudio.com. Reproduction or use of any kind is prohibited without the express written permission of 1sixty8 media.

If you ask someone in the mobile electronics industry what “source unit integration” means, they’ll probably tell you about making an aftermarket radio fit into the dash of a vehicle and allowing it to send audio to the speakers. For decades, this has been the extent of the task.

Physical Source Unit Integration

Mounting a new radio in the dash of most vehicles involves the purchase of a mounting kit. These kits are designed to accept a new radio and mount to the vehicle using factory fastener locations. Depending on the application, these kits can be as simple as a trim ring or set of panels for either side of the radio. In complex applications, the kit may include an entirely new trim panel and provisions to work with the factory climate controls, hazard switches, passenger airbag status displays and, of course, air vents.

Electrical Interface

Even the simplest of radio installations requires a wire harness adapter. These adapters include a plug that is a direct connection to the factory radio wire harness. Your installer will connect the plug to your new radio to provide power, ground, accessory and speaker connections.

In some more-complex applications, an interface is required to change the signal coming out of the radio into something that will work with a factory amplifier. Vehicles with factory-installed Bose sound systems are a common example of vehicles that need more-elaborate interfaces.

A second challenge is vehicles that use data communication with the radio to perform simple functions. Many Chrysler radios require a CAN bus interface to provide an accessory output to turn on an aftermarket radio.

Function Integration

As far back as the early 1980s (and maybe further), automakers started including buttons on the steering wheel that would mimic the volume, source selection and tracking functions of those on the radio. These buttons allow the driver to keep his or her hands on the steering wheel while adjusting the audio system. Of course, any feature that promotes ease of use and safety is adopted quickly across the industry.

In the mid 1990s, aftermarket radio manufacturers added a data input connection on the back of their radios that would allow an external interface to translate commands from the factory steering wheel controls into messages that the radio could understand.

Advanced Vehicle Integration Solutions

As automakers evolve the functionality of their infotainment systems, the aftermarket has forged forward with ways to work with those features and technologies. Once climate controls, vehicle configuration settings and integrated entertainment solutions like Ford Sync, Chrysler Uconnect and OnStar became part of the “radio,” upgrading factory source units became exceedingly difficult.

iDatalink in Montreal, Quebec, recognized this challenge and set to work on creating an interface solution that would allow compatible aftermarket source units to work with these new technologies. In 2015, iDatalink launched Maestro in partnership with Kenwood. Shortly after, Alpine, Pioneer and JVC soon adopted support for this vehicle integration technology.

What is iDatalink Maestro?

The iDatalink guys are best known for their remote car starter systems and data interface solutions. Their expertise in working with vehicle data networks translates directly to integration with infotainment systems. Maestro launched with two product solutions: a steering wheel control interface called the SW and a data interface called the RR. SW stands for steering wheel and RR for radio replacement. The SW product is pretty straightforward, while the RR is quite complex. Let’s look at what RR offers.

Maestro RR – Radio Replacement Interface

The Maestro RR is like a steering wheel interface on steroids. The system provides bidirectional communication with various vehicle functions. When an RR is used with a compatible aftermarket radio, factory entertainment systems like Sync and uConnect become part of the aftermarket radio. The driver can adjust vehicle settings, including keyless entry options, lighting controls, factory remote control functions, door lock functionality and more. The specific features and functions depend on the vehicle and the make and model of radio you choose.

The second part of the RR solution is integration with factory safety systems like parking sensors, collision avoidance systems, blind spot monitoring and cross-traffic alerts. The Maestro unit routes alerts from these systems through the factory-installed chime speaker. In some applications, the system directs alerts to an appropriate sound system speaker. Additional features include compatibility with factory backup camera systems and satellite radio receivers.

Additional Vehicle Information Features

Because the Maestro RR communicates with the vehicle on the CAN data network, it has access to a massive amount of information. The RR includes a vehicle information screen that shows battery voltage, tire pressure sensor information, door status and even diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs for short). In most applications, the system can clear DTC codes as well.

Maestro RR includes a Performance Gauges screen that will show information like vehicle speed, engine RPM, air intake temperature, turbo or supercharger boost pressure, fuel levels, and more. You can configure up to five gauges for display at any time. A new Track Pack feature will record 0–60 times, ¼-mile times and braking distance. The Track Pack stores the last five runs, so you can compare your driving style or changes to the vehicle.

Applications and Compatibility

Keep in mind that, not every function we have mentioned is available for every vehicle. For example, if you don’t have a factory-installed tire pressure monitoring system, your new radio certainly won’t be able to display tire pressure information. Your local mobile enhancement retailer can help you choose a radio with the features and functions you want and let you know what compatibility is available from the Maestro RR.

Make Technology Work for You

If you have a vehicle that doesn’t have Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, visit your local mobile enhancement retailer and ask about upgrading to the latest infotainment technologies. They can provide you with details on everything required to integrate that new source unit into your vehicle and, of course, let you know what bonus features and functions a Maestro RR offers.

This article is written and produced by the team at www.BestCarAudio.com. Reproduction or use of any kind is prohibited without the express written permission of 1sixty8 media.

When you go shopping for a computer, it’s important that all the pieces work together to provide maximum performance and reliability. When you head out to upgrade your car audio system, your salesperson should ask you a series of questions that will help them identify the perfect solution for your needs and application. When it comes to car audio system design, there are many variables. In this article, we will look at a few upgrade considerations talk about some options to enhance the performance of your system.

Heads Up!?

For decades, car audio system upgrades have followed the recipe of a new radio, front and rear speakers, an amplifier and a subwoofer. Lately, it’s becoming difficult or impossible to remove the factory radio from many vehicles. In these situations, your mobile enhancement retailer should be able to provide you with options to make use of the signal from the factory source unit or amplifier, then upgrade the performance of the system with new speakers, a subwoofer and an amplifier.

Adding a subwoofer to your system is always a great idea. A subwoofer should be the first thing you upgrade in any vehicle. Once you have a speaker dedicated to reproducing low-frequency information, the smaller speakers in the car or truck can focus on mid-bass, midrange and high-frequency duties.

Regarding the overall listening experience, having a new amplifier and new front and rear speakers should let your system play a lot louder with less distortion. Having rear speakers playing as loudly as the front speakers will wrap the sound around you as though you are listening to a set of headphones. A system like this is unlikely to offer any improvement in staging or imaging unless you invest in a digital signal processor of some sort. Listening to a system with great staging is like sitting in the audience at a concert or in front of a set of home stereo speakers.

The Front Stage Upgrade

If you are interested in recreating your music with a sense of realism regarding placement, your system design will need to change. Instead of upgrading the rear speakers, a better option might be to invest your speaker budget in a set of good component speakers for the front of your vehicle. You can choose an amplifier with a built-in DSP that allows your installer to tune the system. If you pick a five- or six-channel amplifier, your installer can wire the tweeters and midrange drivers to dedicated channels, then connect the subwoofer to the rear or subwoofer channels.

Once configured properly, a system like this reproduces your music from an imaginary stage that spans the width of your dashboard. If the tune is really on-point, you should be able to pick out individual instruments and identify their locations on this soundstage. With careful tuning, the sound from the subwoofer will seem to come from the dash, rather than the rear of your vehicle. Finally, high-quality speakers can handle more power and produce less distortion than moderately priced OEM-replacement options.

The Front Stage Mistake

To maximize the features and capabilities of a DSP, each speaker should have its own amplifier channel. If you use a two-channel amp and a set of components with passive crossovers, your installer won’t have full control over the tweeter level relative to the midrange. He can’t change the crossover slopes between the mid and tweeter or adjust the signal delay to each driver.

The Balance of Power

Picking the right size amplifier for your system is important. If you listen at high volumes, then power is very important. That said, you’ll need to choose speakers that can handle those high power levels in order for the system to be reliable. Even though a manufacturer prints a huge number like 250 or 350 watts on the box, it’s unlikely the speakers can handle that amount of power for any significant amount of time. Always look for the continuous power handling numbers, no peak or maximum ratings.

If you like a lot of bass, then you have some choices to make about subwoofers. Do you pick a single sub that can handle, say 1,000 watts of power? What about two subwoofers that can handle 500 watts? The proper choice depends on your budget, but also on the capabilities of the subwoofers themselves. Can the 1,000-watt subwoofer move as much air as the pair of 500-watt subwoofers? The answer will depend on some computer modeling and requires some consideration as to how much space you can afford to provide for the subwoofers. Two subs are going to require a much larger enclosure.

The Recipe Book for System Design

Shopping for an audio system upgrade is like cooking: You need to determine what you want long before you head to the grocery store. Do you want loud? Do you want incredible accuracy? Do you want something that does not affect the cargo capacity of your vehicle? What is your budget for the project? Do you want to do everything at once? Only once you have a plan in place can you get an accurate quote to upgrade your vehicle. You may learn or experience something new as you do your research. It’s certainly OK to change your plan.

Drop by your local mobile enhancement retailer today and ask some questions. Let them know what you like about your existing car audio system, and what you would like to improve. If they have a demo vehicle, ask for a demonstration. Hearing someone else’s vehicle can be an eye-opening experience. Listen to their advice about system design and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Take your time with the system design plan and you’ll end up with great results.

This article is written and produced by the team at www.BestCarAudio.com. Reproduction or use of any kind is prohibited without the express written permission of 1sixty8 media.

If you talk to someone who is truly passionate about the accuracy of their sound system, then terms like tonal balance, soundstage and stereo imaging are bound to be part of the discussion. Each of these terms describes a different aspect of how your audio system reproduces music. For the listening experience to be truly magical, each element needs to be realistic. Let’s look at stereo imaging in detail.

What You Hear at a Live Performance

Listening to a band in a small club is very different from a performance in a stadium or outdoor setting. When the performance requires a great deal of amplification, it’s up to the person behind the mixing console to determine where the sounds from each performer come from. In most cases, there are two large banks of speakers, one on each side of the stage. If the sound technician decides that the sound from the guitarist on the left side of the stage should come primarily from the left speakers, and the sound from the bassist on the opposite side of the stage should come from the right speakers, there will be some sense of realism to the performance. If everything is mixed in mono so that the music is as loud as possible, well, it might sound great, but you won’t be able to discern where each performer is on the stage from the sound alone.

At a small live performance, especially one with minimal amplification, the instruments themselves are responsible for what you hear. A choir or an orchestra are great examples of unamplified performances. Don’t let the stereotype of “fancy music” fool you; every genre of music, save for maybe dance and EDM, has opportunities for live, acoustic performances. How does the listening experience differ?

In an acoustic performance, the sound you hear from each instrument originates at the instrument. The sound could be that of a guitar, an upright bass or a set of drums. Drums are a great example. In most configurations, the high-hat and snare drum are to the left of the drummer, the ride cymbal and the floor tom are on the right. The small and medium toms and the bass drum are usually centralized. If you are listening to a drummer, you can see and hear each cymbal and drum as he or she plays it.

The introduction to Dire Straits’ “Money for Nothing” is a great example of a drum kit recorded in stereo. Maybe the size of the kit is a little large relative to the rest of the performance, but you can certainly get a sense of where each drum or cymbal is on the soundstage relative to one another. Being able to pick out the placement of each instrument in the listening environment is known as stereo imaging.

Locations for Excellent Stereo Imaging

Put on a set of headphones and listen to your favorite recordings. Whether it’s a live performance or computer-created effects in the latest pop music, using different amounts of information in the left and right channels has the effect of placing sounds in different locations from left to right. Many audiophiles strive to perfect the accuracy with which their sound systems reproduce and focus sounds on the soundstage. A sound system with great imaging will be able to isolate instruments and performers very accurately. When a system has excellent imaging, each sound is often described to have a sense of space around it. This space separates one sound from another.

Stereo Imaging in Your Vehicle

When it comes to creating excellent stereo imaging in a car, several significant challenges need addressing. First and foremost, without some amount of signal processing, the driver is going to hear the speakers on the left side of the vehicle before the speakers on the right, simply due to his or her proximity to them. For the same reason, those speakers will seem to be louder. These issues wreak havoc with our ability to create a realistic soundstage and accurate imaging. So, what solutions are available?

Using a Digital Signal Processor (DSP), your installer can apply a delay to the speakers closest to the listener so that the sound of each speaker in the vehicle arrives at the listening position simultaneously. Likewise, the installer or tuner can reduce the output level of these speakers so that all the speakers have the same relative volume level at the listening position. Now, sounds that are equal in both channels will come from a location between the speakers, and everything will be distributed nicely across the soundstage.

How Can Imaging Be Improved?

If you are looking for incredible realism and accuracy, the next step is to apply equalization to each channel of the system so that we hear the same amount of information from the left and right speakers. Once executed properly, sounds will become more focused on the soundstage and seem to be more stable. The result is impressive and awe-inspiring.

Are There Any Drawbacks to DSP Tuning?

The process described above is called a “one seat tune.” This configuration means that each speaker in the system is optimized for a single seat in the car or truck. If you sit in the passenger seat, the tonal balance will be mediocre and all the sound will seem to come from the far right speaker. Is there a solution? Well, at the time of writing, not really. But, there will be very soon. Several companies have signal processors coming to market very shortly that include an upmixer. These processors analyze the content in the stereo recording and then output a left, center and right signal that can place sounds accurately for both the driver and the passenger in the vehicle. Using an upmixer does require that the vehicle has a center channel, and the tuning process is much different to make these systems work. The result is that everyone in the car can enjoy a realistic listening experience from any seat, even in the back.

Experience Your Music with Amazing Detail

If you haven’t heard a car audio system with excellent imaging and staging, visit your local mobile enhancement retailer today and ask for a demo. Most shops have a demo vehicle or two that are set up to show you what they offer. Once you hear a car with amazing imaging, you’ll want your sound system to be the same. Ask the sales team what options are available for your vehicle.

This article is written and produced by the team at www.BestCarAudio.com. Reproduction or use of any kind is prohibited without the express written permission of 1sixty8 media.