Best Navigation System:
Pioneer AVIC Series
Pioneer offers four AVIC series in-dash navigation systems: D, F, N and Z. The F-series units use flash memory, while the D-series and N-series units are DVD-based. The Z-series systems load map data from a built-in hard drive. The AVIC-Z3, which received the most votes from readers, utilizes a 30-GB hard drive to deliver a feature Pioneer calls "smart routing," voice guidance, 3-D landmarks, traffic information, 10 GB of music storage, a 7-inch high resolution touch screen display and Bluetooth capability.
Best Coaxial Speaker:
Hertz HCX165
Readers chose the HCX165 Hi-Energy line--one voter enthused that the speakers have "great output and are very clear." The speakers feature a polypropylene cone with mica injection, DWR exclusive surround, a tweeter with pre-coated TETOLON soft dome, ferrofluid-cooled neodymium magnet with excellent musicality and flat frequency response, according to the company. They are voiced to optimize off-axis response and to obtain efficiency, power handling and sound quality.
Best Subwoofer Amplifier:
Memphis Car Audio MClass 1100
Memphis Car Audio's MClass MC1.1100 subwoofer amplifier was chosen by readers as the top in its category. The first entry in the line, the 1100d was released almost a decade ago, and the company has been refining its masterpiece since then. Memphis uses its highest-quality parts to achieve "crystal clear sound," according to the company. The mono-block amplifier uses a microprocessor to control power, offers remote gain, and delivers operating power (RMS) rated at four ohm 275 watts, two ohm 550 watts, and one ohm 1100 watts.
Best Speaker Separates:
Focal Utopia BE No. 7
The Focal Utopia BE No. 7 is a three-way component system that readers chose
as the top speaker separates. The system's tweeter uses an inverted
dome of Beryllium to extend bandwidth to 40kHz for improved sound reproduction.
And the design of the composite sandwich "W" cones for the mid-range
drivers and subwoofers assures a more neutral and realistic sound, according to the company.
Best Subwoofer:
Memphis Car Audio's MOJO
Readers awarded Memphis Car Audio's MOJO as the top subwoofer.
Originally designed for Sound Pressure League (SPL) competition,
the MOJO "offers earth-shaking power and soul-shaking resonance,"
according to the company. The newest version of the subwoofer is
updated with a new basket design to increase cooling and performance;
and the concave cone has less flex for more accurate sound.
The MOJO also features a detachable motor for easier access
during installation. One voter said, "my Memphis M3 MOJOs are
the sickest. And I mean that in the best way possible."
Best Full-Range Amplifier:
Rockford Fosgate Punch 45
The hand-assembled amplifier had the power to drive multiple speakers in stereo and mono from a single
amp and "generate near perfect sound reproduction", according to company literature at the time.
As a result, the amps became a staple at car audio competitions. And because the amps are conservatively
rated, the level of performance will always exceed the specifications. One voter said the amp "is king
(because it was) over built, a huge seller and lasted forever."
Best CD Receiver:
Alpine 7909
Alpine Electronics of America introduced the 7909 in 1990. For its time, the single-DIN CD head unit was unique,
because its digital to analog converter (DAC) provided two power supplies -- one for analog and one for digital.
At the time, most head units only offered one. Since no additional buffers were needed to boost power,
the result was a cleaner signal from the unit and higher-quality sound. It received the most votes for best
CD receiver in our Best Ever poll. One respondent remembered that its “sound performance and quality even
exceeded home audio CD. It was the benchmark for all other car CD players.” Mobile Electronics professionals
picked the Alpine receiver, over almost a dozen other worthy choices, as the receiver they remember as the best.
Several other Alpine receivers also made the list."