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: Audison Full DA HD System

Audison has embraced the digital domain with its Full DA HD series of products. By way of a backstory, we’ve been able to enjoy our favorite music on compact disc since August 1982. Fast forward to 1995 and we saw the birth of SACD, DVD-Audio and DAD formats with higher sampling rates and greater resolution. These formats marked the beginning of the high-resolution audio industry, and the Audison Full DA HD systems can now take advantage of these formats.

The Full DA HD Philosophy

In a conventional audio system, digital music is converted to analog before it leaves the source unit. Our DSP converts it back into digital, processes the signal, and then converts it back to analog to send to our amplifiers. Audison was wise enough to ask whether our music could remain in the digital domain from the source, right up to our amplifiers.

Full Digital Signal Source

The Full DA HD philosophy starts with the amazing bit Play HD. This digital media player is designed specifically for automotive applications. It will play FLAC and WAV files encoded at 96 kHz and 24-bit resolution from an internal 240GB SSD drive or a USB stick. The system is also compatible with AAC, MP3 and OGG audio formats and a variety of 1080p video formats including AVI, DivX, MKV and Xvid formats.

The bit Play HD includes an easy-to-use graphical interface that can integrate with an existing color infotainment screen. If you don’t have a display available, you can control the system from your iPhone or Android phone using a dedicated application. Audison kindly includes a Wi-Fi dongle to make connecting to your phone easy.

The bit Play HD includes a Toslink output that supports the full 96kHz/24-bit file information. This digital output can connect to any Audison DSP with a Toslink input for crystal-clear sound.

Full Digital Signal Processing

With the introduction of the bit One HD, installers can now configure equalization, crossovers, signal delay and level control for up to 13 channels in the digital domain without the need for any analog conversion. Equipped with state-of-the-art signal processing and the ability to handle high-resolution files, the bit One HD can transform almost any speaker configuration into a studio reference experience.

The output of the bit One HD includes two sets of RJ45 connectors. The first pair covers channels one through eight and the second pair handles channels nine through 13. The Toslink signal on these connections remains in the digital domain and connects directly to any of the Audison Full DA HD compatible amplifiers.

Full Digital Amplification

Audison has two amazing amplifier families directly compatible with the Full DA HD output of the bit Play HD. The Thesis TH uno, TH due and TH Quattro will accept the AD Link and AC Link inputs right out of the box. The Voce Series AV5.1k HD includes a pair of AD and AC Link inputs and the AV uno, AV due, AV Quattro and AV 5.1k are upgradable with the AV bit IN HD digital interface.

In all applications, the conversion from digital to analog takes place inside the amplifier to produce an audio signal with exceptional bandwidth and freedom from background noise. Each amplifier includes a digital address control, allowing for up to 10 amplifiers to be on the AC Link network and recognized by the bit One HD. The control panel handles routing of signals to the appropriate output channel.

System Options and Accessories

The bit Play HD includes the DRC MP controller that can act as master volume control and provides access to different presets within the system. If you drive a European vehicle that uses the MOST audio protocol, the bit DMI interface will provide a full-bandwidth optical Toslink signal to one of the two inputs on the bit One HD.

What Are the Benefits of a Full DA HD System?

Conventional analog pre-amp level signals are often in the millivolt range and can pick up unwanted interference as the interconnect cables run past computers, sensors or high current wiring in the vehicle. Digital signals are functionally impervious to radiated noise. The difference is akin to TV manufacturers describing their screens as having blacker blacks. Fire up your bit Play HD, pick a song and enjoy!

Experience Audio Like Never Before

If you are searching for an exceptional audio experience for your vehicle, visit your local authorized Audison dealer and ask about the Full DA HD system. They would be happy to design a sound system that offers exceptional detail, accuracy and realism. Even if you already have a system, ask for a demonstration. We know that you will be impressed.

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.

Radar and Laser Speed Detection Systems

Do you like to drive fast? Do you find yourself cruising at speeds above the posted limit? If you are one of these people and the local laws allow it, you may want to consider purchasing a radar detector and laser defuser system. This article looks at the solutions available and the features and benefits of each.

What is Radar Speed Detection?

Law enforcement agencies all over the world use radar to measure the speed of vehicles. Radar stands for Radio Detection And Ranging. Radar detectors work by sending a beam of radio waves at the vehicle or object that is to be measured. These radio waves are sent a specific frequency. When the radio waves hit a moving object, they reflect back at a different frequency. This change in frequency is called a Doppler shift. How much the frequency shifts from the original transmitted one is determined by the speed of the vehicle. A detector in the radar gun picks up the signal reflections from the vehicle and analyzes their frequency content to perform a speed calculation. The radar gun then displays the object’s speed on an attached screen.

Four common radar frequency bands are in use: X, K, Ka and Ku bands. The X-band ranges from 8 to 12 GHz, with 10.5 GHz being the most popular in North America. K-band ranges from 18 to 26.5 GHz, with 24.12 to 24.17 GHz being popular. Ka-band extends from the top of the K band up to 40G Hz. Frequencies from 33.8 to 25.7 GHz are popular. Finally, Ku-band fills in the frequencies between the X and K bands but is primarily used in Europe.

What is Laser Speed Detection?

When the availability of radar detectors became so prevalent, law enforcement agencies were forced to find alternate ways of catching speeders. Developed in 1989 by Laser Technology Inc., laser-based speed detection guns transmit a beam of pulsed light to the vehicle, then calculate how long it takes for the beam to reflect back. Based on the time it takes, the unit can measure the distance to a vehicle almost instantly and with excellent accuracy.

As the distance changes, the laser gun calculates this rate of distance change as the speed of the vehicle. Unlike radar system, the laser beam is very narrow, often spreading over less than 3 feet at a range of 1,000 feet. This range makes laser very accurate. In fact, some of the newest laser speed guns can work at ranges of up to 4,000 feet. The technical name for laser speed detection is Lidar, but most people refer to it is a laser speed measuring device, or more simply, a laser gun – George Lucas would be proud!

Radar Detection Systems

While not allowed in all states and provinces, a radar detection system is designed with a receiver that is tuned to the X, K and Ka bands. When it detects radio frequency energy in these bands, it produces a warning to alert the driver to the possible presence of a radar speed detection system. It is up to the driver to slow down to a legal speed before the officer can get a reading.

There are two popular types of radar detectors: portable windshield mount systems and systems that are installed in a vehicle. The portable units are great for people who travel and may want to use them in their rental cars. These are also a good solution for people with more than one vehicle. Because the system is portable, the radar detection sensor is smaller, and it isn’t as sensitive and doesn’t provide as much warning as an installed system.

Custom-installed radar detection systems typically include dedicated front and rear sensors. These sensors can be mounted behind plastic bumper covers to conceal them without hindering their operation. Many systems are almost invisible in the interior of the vehicle, although clients may opt for a small control panel to speed up changes in settings.

The inclusion of a GPS receiver in some systems allows owners to mark locations where false alarms are prevalent. Radar-controlled door openers and traffic flow detection systems can be a source of interference. Many new cars feature blind-spot monitoring systems and lane departure warning systems that can also cause false alarms.

Combating Laser Speed Detection

Many different systems are available to combat an officer’s attempt to use laser ranging to capture your speed. These systems work by using multiple sensors placed on the front, and often rear, of the vehicle. These sensors detect the pulsed signal from the laser gun, then broadcast a modified and “confused” signal back to the unit. The result is that the laser gun is unable to calculate your vehicle’s speed.

Most retailers and manufacturers will suggest that once your detection system alerts you to the presence of a laser gun, you slow down to a legal speed and let the officer get a speed reading, if for no other reason than to appease their efforts to try to catch you.

When shopping for a laser defuser system, make sure you purchase one that can be upgraded easily. New and improved laser speed detection guns are also being introduced with different technologies to give law enforcement agencies an advantage over speeding drivers. As the companies that manufacture the defusers come up with solutions for each of these new products, Internet-based downloads are made available to update your system.

Installations

A custom-installed radar detection and laser defuser system take some time to complete. Basic systems require several modules to be mounted securely, then all of the wiring must be run neatly and securely through the vehicle back to the main control unit. Complex systems that include GPS, front and rear radar detection, and as many as five laser defusers can take much longer to install. The laser defusers have to be mounted so their transceivers are clearly visible, and they must be horizontal to the ground during operation. Many specialists will create custom brackets to mount these sensors properly while maintaining a clean and tidy overall appearance for the vehicle.

If you are in the market for a radar detector or laser defuser system, contact your local specialist mobile electronics retailer. They would be happy to provide you with all the information you need to make the right purchasing decision, including how much it will cost. As always, we want you to drive your vehicle in a safe and legal manner.

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: Sony XM-GS6DSP

Ultra-Efficient, High-Power Amplification

Signal Processing Features

Elegant and Compact Design

Unique Applications

Product Spotlight: Audison Full DA HD System

The Full DA HD Philosophy

Full Digital Signal Source

Full Digital Signal Processing

Full Digital Amplification

System Options and Accessories

What Are the Benefits of a Full DA HD System?

Experience Audio Like Never Before

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

Radar and Laser Speed Detection Systems

What is Radar Speed Detection?

What is Laser Speed Detection?

Radar Detection Systems

Combating Laser Speed Detection

Installations

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

Customer Reviews

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