Product Spotlight: Sony XM-GS6DSP

Sony introduced its new six-channel XM-GS6DSP amplifier at the 2018 Consumer Electronics Show. This amplifier is targeted at OEM integration and upgrade solutions. It delivers up to 45 watts of power from its four main channels and up to 600 watts from the pair of subwoofer channels. This amp combines easy-to-use analog crossovers and integrated digital signal processing for time correction and equalization to proficient installers to create an impressive listening experience.

Ultra-Efficient, High-Power Amplification

Most factory-installed source units only provide 18 to 20 watts of power. The XM-GS6DSP will serve up 45 watts of power from its four main channels to give your music an extra kick. This power level is the perfect complement to factory-installed speakers or an upgrade like the Sony XS-GS1621C 6.5-inch two-way components we highlighted in 2017 or the new XS-GS1631C 3-way component set. The subwoofer channels of the amplifier provide 90 watts of power per channel into 4 ohms and are bridgeable into a 2-ohm load to provide an impressive 600 watts of power. All power specifications are compliant with the CTA-2006 standard and represent measurements taken at no more than 1 percent distortion using a 14.4V power supply.

Signal Processing Features

The XM-GS6DSP includes dedicated six-channel preamp and speaker level input connections on Molex plugs. The preamp input will accept up to 6V of signal and the speaker-level inputs will take as much as 12 volts. The tweeter/front channels include an optional high-pass filter that is adjustable from 500Hz to 4kHz. The mid/rear channels include a 50 to 500 Hz high-pass filter and a 500 to 4kHz low-pass filter. A three-position switch allows for full range, high-pass or high- plus low-pass operation. Finally, the woofer/subwoofer channels include an optional 50 to 500Hz low-pass filter and an adjustable bass-boost circuit that adds up to 10dB of boost. The woofer/subwoofer channel is rated to play from 20Hz to 10kHz.

The onboard DSP processor is accessible by a Bluetooth connection from your smartphone using the Sony | Music Center application. The application allows your installer to fine-tune the 4.1-channel signal delay and fader/balance controls to adjust the output of each channel to provide accurate staging and imaging in your vehicle. A 10-band equalizer is yet another tool available to improve the performance of the system. The subwoofer level control is also adjustable from your smartphone, so you can fine-tune your system for the specific track you are enjoying.

As with many Sony | Music Center-compatible devices, you can stream high-resolution audio directly from your smartphone to the amplifier. This feature eliminates the necessity to upgrade your head unit to achieve stunning sonic performance.

Elegant and Compact Design

The Sony XM-GS6DSP measures a mere 11.6 by 7.85 inches and is 2 inches thick, which is perfect for installation under a seat or behind a panel in the trunk. All of the connections and controls are along a single side of the amp, making it easy to install and configure. The power terminals will accept 4 AWG spade connections, and the subwoofer channels can handle 12 AWG spades without any problem.

Internally, the amp uses dedicated power supplies for the subwoofer channels and the four main channels. Large, high-quality capacitors provide energy storage for each section of the amp. The Class-D output stage uses surface-mount switching devices clamped between the circuit board and the top of the heat sink. Large, square conductor inductors and premium quality capacitors on each main channel help to ensure that radio reception won’t be affected when the amp is working hard.

Unique Applications

As mentioned, the XM-GS6DSP is an ideal amplifier for most OEM upgrade solutions. You can power a set of front and rear speakers from the main channels, then add a subwoofer to enhance low-frequency output. Alternatively, in a three-way configuration, the flexible crossovers afford you the choice of a two-way front stage using a set of woofers and tweeters, or you can build a three-way stage using passive filters between the midrange drivers and the tweeters. The latter is a nice upgrade that provides excellent musical clarity and stage height in your vehicle. If you don’t want a subwoofer, but still have room for a 3-way front stage, the extended frequency range capabilities of the woofer/subwoofer channels can be used to power six speakers in a fully active configuration. Adding a second amp, rear speakers and a subwoofer would make for a stunning listening experience.

The Sony XM-GS6DSP is an amplification solution that will provide everyone from the most casual of listeners to discerning enthusiasts with an impressive performance. The combination of analog filters and digital processing maximizes the feature-to-cost ratio to provide a hard-to-beat solution that is suitable for a wide variety of applications. If you are in the market for an amplifier for your system, drop by your local authorized Sony dealer and ask for a demonstration of the XM-GS6DSP today. It will be well worth your time.

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.

Product Spotlight: AudioControl ACM Amplifiers

AudioControl has been very busy over the past few years developing new processors and amplifiers. At the 2018 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, AudioControl launched an entirely new series of micro-sized amplifiers designed to give enthusiasts amazing amplification performance from a compact package. While the amplifiers are small, they have the features and performance that you expect from the top audio company in the Pacific Northwest. Let’s check out the new Audio Control ACM amplifier series.

Introducing the new AudioControl ACM Amplifiers

The new ACM series includes three models. The ACM-4.300 is a four-channel amplifier that will produce 50 watts per channel into 4 ohms, 75 watts per channel into 2 ohms and is bridgeable to provide 150 watts into a pair of 4-ohm loads. The two-channel ACM-2.300 provides 75 watts from both channels into 4 ohms, 150 watts into 2 ohms and can drive a single 4-ohm load with up to 300 watts of power. Finally, the cool ACM-1.300 is a full-range monoblock amp that provides 175 watts into a 4-ohm load and an impressive 300 watts into a 2-ohm load.

Big Power in Compact Package

Size matters when it comes to fitting amplification solutions into modern vehicles. The new ACM series amplifiers share a common stamped steel chassis design. All three amps are 9.4 inches long, 3 inches wide and only 1.75 inches tall. Connections are made along the long bottom edge of the amplifier and include quick-release speaker connectors, RCA jacks and a large terminal block for power, ground and remote connections. Forgoing the conventional pigtail wire connection design common to most other micro-sized amplifiers not only makes the ACM amps easier to install, but easier to service and move from one application to another.

Easy-to-Configure Design

The presence of the sensitivity and signal processing controls on the top of each amplifier is not by mistake. Once installed in a vehicle, trying to access controls on the end-panel of an amp is inconvenient and frustrating. The new ACM amps have a removable top panel that conceals each amplifier’s controls.

Each amplifier includes a stereo gain control that is adjustable from 500mV to 6.0 volts to ensure compatibility with almost any source. A set of terminals on the side of the amp allows for direct connectivity to speaker-level signals for easy factory audio system integration. The speaker-level inputs will accept as much as 40 volts of signal. Speaking of integration, all three amplifiers include AudioControl’s GTO (Great Turn-On) circuit. When enabled, GTO will activate the amplifier as soon as it senses the factory source unit or amplifier is on.

To assist in setting up the amplifiers accurately, AudioControl has included a “Maximized” LED for each channel pair on the two- and four-channel amps, and one on the monoblock. The LED illuminates when the output level has reached the point that is starting to clip.

Powerful Signal Processing Features

The ACM-4.300 and ACM-2.300 include selectable 80 and 120Hz high-pass crossovers. The ACM-1.300 includes an 80 or 120Hz low-pass crossover. All of the filters have -12dB/octave slopes and a Linkwitz-Riley response.

The ACM-1.300 also includes AudioControl’s proprietary AccuBASS system. AccuBASS processing increases output beyond an adjustable threshold to help restore lost low-frequency information. Many factory-installed sound systems reduce bass output at high volume levels. AccuBASS can help to restore the fun in your music.

Finally, each amplifier includes AudioControls’s PFM (Programmable Frequency Match) Infrasonic filter. On the 4.300 and 2.300, the filter is set to 32 Hz, and on the 1.300 it is set to 24Hz. These filters help to optimize power delivery and reduce speaker excursion issues at extremely low frequencies. With PFM onboard, your music will sound better and play louder.

Take Your Audio System to a New Level with the AudioControl ACM Amplifiers

If you are listening to your music using deck power – be it a factory-installed radio or an aftermarket source unit – drop by your local Authorized AudioControl dealer and check out the new ACM series of amplifiers. These amps have the power, features and performance required to take your listening experience to a completely new level of musical enjoyment.
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.

Product Spotlight: DroneMobile GPS-Based Features

DroneMobile is not only a great way to control your remote starter, it also includes valuable GPS-based features and alerts. Signing up for the DroneMobile Premium service plan gives you access to GPS Tracking, Points of Interest notifications, Curfew Alerts and Maintenance Reminders, as well as door lock, trunk release and remote start functions. If you are a parent or a business owner, being able to monitor how your vehicle is used can reduce your stress level by several notches. Let’s take a close look at how each of these location-based features work and their benefits.

How Do GPS-based Features Work?

Built into each DroneMobile module is a compact GPS receiver. The system microcontroller can ask the GPS receiver for location information. The GPS receiver not only provides the current longitude and latitude (within a few meters), but also the current time, the vehicle heading, vehicle speed, the elevation and the number of GPS satellites it is receiving signals from. The module communicates this information back to the DroneMobile server, which forwards it to your phone.

GPS Locating Function

If you want to know where your vehicle is, swipe the main screen of the DroneMobile app on your iPhone or Android-based smartphone to the right, then press the Maps button. As soon as you select Maps, the app sends a location request to your vehicle, and in seconds, you will see the vehicle location on Google or Bing maps. If you want an update on the vehicle location, press the reload icon on the top of the screen and the process repeats.

The DroneMobile app will let you simultaneously locate all the vehicles you have linked to your account. Tap the Eye icon at the top of the DroneMobile screen and switch on the vehicles you want to see. You can also switch between map view and satellite mode from the same menu.

Points of Interest Notifications

The Premium service plan provides users with 10 programmable Points of Interest alert locations. Using the web interface, you can choose a location such as home or a school. The system will send you an alert when the vehicle stops at or leaves from any of these locations. If your son or daughter has borrowed your car to go to work, you can set up an alert to you know when they arrive and when they leave. How’s that for peace of mind?

Custom Location and Over-Speed Alerts

Curfew Alerts can be configured in a similar fashion to let you know if the vehicle is used after hours. Say you have a company-owned van that an employee takes home each evening. You can set the system to send you an alert to let you know if the van moves between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. The system will also let you set speed alerts. You can configure the system to send you a message if the vehicle exceeds 70 miles per hour – or whatever speed you want.

Vehicle Maintenance Reminders

That little DroneMobile module is smart. It not only handles all of the communication with the DroneMobile server and the remote starter, but it keeps track of how far the vehicle has traveled. You can set maintenance alerts for your vehicles based on this distance. If you or your company have a small fleet of vehicles, letting DroneMobile help everyone stay on top of maintenance can help prevent break-downs and save your company money.

Business Service Plans

If you are a business owner, the DroneMobile Business service plan adds Trip Reporting with the ability to export information in a CSV file format. You can also monitor Idle Time to help reduce fuel expenses. Depending on the Business plan you choose, the vehicle location update frequency is every two or five minutes. This valuable information lets you optimize delivery routes and cut down on wasted time. It has been proven that employee behavior changes when they know their location is being logged.

DroneMobile Hardware

The latest version of DroneMobile hardware is called the DR-3400. The system is compatible with all Compustar, Arctic Start, FTX and iDataStart convenience systems. If you are only interested in the vehicle tracking features for your company fleet, an optional power cable is available to allow the system to operate independently. Your installer can even set up a hidden alarm button that will send an alert to any phone connected to that vehicle account.

If you are looking for the ultimate remote control and information accessory for your remote starter or security system, contact your local authorized DroneMobile dealer.

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.

Product Spotlight: Sony HI-Power Source Units

The power ratings on car audio source units have been over-rated for years. Claims of 40, 50 and even 55 watts per channel are emblazoned across the front of radios in an effort to one-up competing products for the title of “most powerful” source unit. Sony recognized the need for a true high-power solution to provide music enthusiasts with the listening levels they want. The answer to this need was to debut two source units at the 2015 Consumer Electronics Show that redefined how much power a source unit could produce. Let’s take a close look at the Sony Hi-Power source units.

True Hi-Power Amplification

The MEX-XB100BT and MEX-M100BT radios are rated to produce 40 watts per channel. Independent test labs measured the actual output at a respective 43 and 43.7 watts per channel using the CEA-2006 process. With most conventional source units providing between 18 and 20 watts of real-world power, the Sony solutions represent a significant, clearly audible upgrade.

The second generation of hi-power Sony source units includes the MEX-GS820BT and the WX-GS920BH receivers. Using what Sony calls the Dynamic Reality Amp 2, this latest generation of source unit provides a very impressive 45 watts per channel of clean power to drive your speakers. This yields an impressive 180 watts total RMS power.

Why is Power Important?

It takes power to reproduce sound. For every 3dB increase in output from your speakers, your amplifier needs to provide twice as much power. It’s easy to imagine how quickly you can use up the 18 watts in a typical source unit. Especially when you are trying to overcome road, wind and tire noise in your vehicle or attempting to rock out to your favorite music.

Sony wanted to provide its customers with a cost-effective solution to get the power they want without the (relatively) significant expense of adding an amplifier to their system. Combining their engineering knowledge with the latest Class-D amplifier technology, Sony put together a series of hi-power solutions that fit into a standard radio chassis. Functioning the same way as a stand-alone amplifier, Sony Hi-Power source units feature a dedicated switching power supply to increase the voltage available to feed the onboard amplifier, and subsequently, your speakers.

The Benefits of a True Hi-Power Source Unit

The popularity of Sony’s Hi-Power receivers has been impressive. With both marine and automotive solutions available, adding the performance of a hi-power source unit to motorcycles, UTVs and pickup trucks that have limited space is easy. There’s no need for RCA Interconnects or large-gauge power wire. Moreover, you save on the additional installation time required to install those components and an amp.

Sony didn’t skimp out on the amplifier either. You can drive 2-ohm speaker loads on all channels to increase output even more. Using the Subwoofer Direct mode, you can power a sub with more than 90 watts of real-world usable power. If you are building a system one step at a time, this is the perfect starting point.

Additional Source Unit Features

All Hi-Power receivers are equipped with front, rear and subwoofer preamp outputs rated to produce up to 5.0 Vrms to drive external amplifiers for even more fun. Sony’s Advanced Sound Engine processing includes digital signal processing to let your installer time-align the output to create an amazing soundstage. A 10-band equalizer is also provided to assist with creating smooth and realistic frequency response. Mega Bass (found on the original hi-power source units) and Extra Bass on the current models let you boost low-frequency output at lower volume. As you increase the volume, the boost diminishes to prevent damage to your speakers.

You can enjoy all the detail and realism of high-quality FLAC and WAV audio files from a USB stick. Or pair your phone and stream your favorite tunes over a streaming connection with Sony’s high-end Bluetooth technology. Speaking of connections, the SONY | Music Center system allows you to hide your source unit in the glove box, under a seat or in the trunk and still be able to control the radio using your iPhone or Android-based smartphone. If you are looking for the perfect source unit for a custom car or hot rod, Sony makes it.

Sony also includes a steering wheel interface to ensure your new radio is easy to use. All of these source units feature an external Bluetooth microphone for exceptional outgoing phone call sound quality.

Step Up Your Game with Sony Hi-Power Source Units

If you are in the market for a new radio for your vehicle, drop by your local mobile enhancement retailer and check out the hi-power receiver solutions from Sony. We know you’ll be impressed with their features and blown away by how great and loud they sound!

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.

Product Spotlight: DroneMobile Smartphone Car Control

If you are looking for that ultimate remote control solution for your Compustar remote car starter, then DroneMobile is it. By combining the convenience of your smartphone with an interface module in your vehicle, the DroneMobile system allows you to control door locks, remote starter functions and even accessories like trunk release from almost anywhere. As long as you and your vehicle are in an area with cellular coverage, you are in control.

How does DroneMobile Work?

DroneMobile is a remote control solution for your car starter that combines hardware in your vehicle with software on your smartphone. The hardware is based on a compact cellular radio module. Think of this module as a smartphone, but without the microphone, speaker and display. The module is installed in your vehicle and communicates with your remote car starter digitally to relay commands and information.

The second part of the DroneMobile system is a software app on your smartphone. Apps are available for Apple iPhones and Android-based phones. The app lets you send commands to, and receive information back from, the remote starter in your vehicle using the phone’s Internet connection.

That’s right. As long as you and your vehicle have cellular data service, you can start your car. You can be anywhere in the world and have complete control. DroneMobile gives you virtually unlimited range.

Why would I want to use my Smartphone?

The most common application for DroneMobile is in situations where a handheld remote fob doesn’t have enough range to control your vehicle. You can be on the other side of a warehouse or factory, or on the other side of town, and still be able to remote start your vehicle. Letting the engine of your car or truck warm up for as little as 3 or 4 minutes on a cold winter day can save a lot of wear and tear, and make it much more comfortable when it’s time to drive away.

Here’s another scenario: What if you lock your keys in your vehicle? If you happen to have your phone in your pocket, you can unlock the vehicle from the app in just a few seconds. Let’s say you left your phone in the car? You can borrow a friend’s smartphone, download the app, log in and tap the Unlock button. A third option is to log into the DroneMobile desktop app from any web browser and send the unlock command from there. No computer nearby? Pick up one of those old-fashioned landline telephones and call a family member; they can log into the desktop app for you.

Start the Car with a Smartphone?

Using DroneMobile is easy. Let’s say you want to remote start your car while sitting at your desk in a large office building. Launch the DroneMobile app on your phone and tap the Engine Start/Stop button. The app will send that request to the DroneMobile server using your phone’s Internet connection. The server relays that command to your vehicle over the cellular data network. The vehicle will start, then report back to the app that it’s running. The whole process takes only a few seconds, making DroneMobile the fastest connected car solution on the market.

Stay Informed and Connected

The DroneMobile application offers complete two-way communication with your vehicle. If you want to know if your car is locked or the engine is running, an icon on the screen will show you. Additionally, your vehicle’s battery voltage and internal temperature can be displayed within the application. If you have opted for a security system, you will get instant alerts if the DAS sensor is triggered or if a door is opened.

Control Options

The App includes a sub-menu that is accessible by swiping up on the car icon. This menu includes the Aux 1, Aux 2, Trunk Release and Panic Mode control buttons. Your installer can configure the auxiliary outputs to control vehicle options like a power sliding door or rear hatch glass release.

If you have a DroneMobile system in more than one vehicle, the app will let you choose which one you want to control from a list. The DroneMobile app is compatible with Apple Watch and Android Wear, so you can start your car from your wrist and see notifications from the system. You can also integrate locking, unlocking and vehicle-locating functions into Google Home and Amazon Alexa.

Your Car, Connected

If you are looking for the ultimate solution to control the remote starter or security system in your vehicle, then visit your local authorized Compustar retailer and ask about DroneMobile. They will work with you to design a remote car starter solution for your vehicle and explain the cost of the system, the installation and the service plan options to you in detail. Eliminate range anxiety forever – have a DroneMobile system installed today.

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.

Product Spotlight: Sony XM-GS6DSP

Ultra-Efficient, High-Power Amplification

Signal Processing Features

Elegant and Compact Design

Unique Applications

Product Spotlight: AudioControl ACM Amplifiers

Introducing the new AudioControl ACM Amplifiers

Big Power in Compact Package

Easy-to-Configure Design

Powerful Signal Processing Features

Take Your Audio System to a New Level with the AudioControl ACM Amplifiers

Product Spotlight: DroneMobile GPS-Based Features

How Do GPS-based Features Work?

GPS Locating Function

Points of Interest Notifications

Custom Location and Over-Speed Alerts

Vehicle Maintenance Reminders

Business Service Plans

DroneMobile Hardware

Product Spotlight: Sony HI-Power Source Units

True Hi-Power Amplification

Why is Power Important?

The Benefits of a True Hi-Power Source Unit

Additional Source Unit Features

Step Up Your Game with Sony Hi-Power Source Units

Product Spotlight: DroneMobile Smartphone Car Control

How does DroneMobile Work?

Why would I want to use my Smartphone?

Start the Car with a Smartphone?

Stay Informed and Connected

Control Options

Your Car, Connected

Customer Reviews

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