September 2000

Magnadyne Plus 4500 and Plus 5500 Security Systems

www.magnadyne.com

Customers can now arm their cars with the latest addition to Magnadyne’s Carbine security system artillery: the Plus 4500 and Plus 5500. Each system features built-in technology for passive remote transmitter reception to automatically unlock and disarm the system as the driver approaches the vehicle. Drivers don’t need to depress the transmitter button again when entering or leaving the vehicle. The 4500 is a two-channel system, while the 5500 is a three-channel system. Call (310) 884-7777 for more information.

September 2000

CORSA C5 Corvette Exhaust Tips

www.corsaperf.com

Driving a Corvette is driving in style … but there’s always room for stylish touches here and there. CORSA’s Power-Pulse RSC C5 exhaust system is now available with three tip styles. Each set of tips is handcrafted from 316L stainless steel and welded in place for the right alignment and fit. “Classic” tips feature a 3.5-inch oval design suited for the C5’s exhaust cove. Each tip is bevel cut with slightly rolled edges and polished to a mirror-like finish. The Pro Series 3.5-inch tips feature a twin tube, angle-cut design with an internal flared edge. GTR tips, which are crescent-shaped, offer a racing look. Call (800) 486-0999 for more information.

September 2000

Kove Audio Armageddon U-Series Subwoofer

www.koveaudio.com

It may not mean the end of the world as we know it. But Kove’s Armageddon U-Series Subwoofer does pack a powerful punch. It’s designed for power handling of 1500 watts RMS (not peak) power and a peak-to-peak excursion of more than four inches. The subwoofers are hand-built with dual flat spiders, Kevlar composite cones, 38-pound magnet structures, three-inch aluminum wound voice coils and much more. Call (818) 225-8790 for more information.

September 2000

Cerwin-Vega 3204 Four-Channel Mobile Power Amplifier

www.cerwin-vega.com

The 3204 amplifier is designed as an economical solution for sophisticated mobile audio installations. In addition to using the four discrete channels to power the front stage and rear fill of the vehicle, the Vega-3204 can be used in a tri-mode configuration. The four discrete channels may be bridged to three, powering the stereo front stage of the vehicle while simultaneously driving a mono sub system. Call (805) 584-9332 for more information.

September 2000

Audiobahn Four-Gauge Amplifier Installation Kit

www.audiobahninc.com

Audiobahn has developed a four-gauge amplifier installation kit designed for professional installers and do-it-yourselfers alike. The kit includes 22 feet of four-gauge power wire, a waterproof AGU fuse holder, 15 feet of RCA cables, speaker connectors, ring terminals and even wire ties. Call (800) 488-8595 for more information.

September 2000

Kenwood Z919 Excelon CD/Receiver

www.kenwoodusa.com

With MP3 compression technology, consumers can record up to 10 hours of music on a single CD. The format’s exploding popularity may be giving music execs ulcers, but it could be good news for mobile electronics dealers. Kenwood’s response to this growing demand is the Excelon CD/Receiver, which plays CD, CD-R and MP3-encoded discs. Features include Kenwood’s System E’s + crossover system; a 4 x 45-watt power amplifier; front, rear and non-fading preouts; and a motorized faceplate that hides the CD port. Call (310) 639-9000 for more information.

July 2000

Mono Amp Puts 2,000 Watts Into Low-Impedance Loads

xtant.com

TRUESDELL: “It seems that Xtant has raised the stakes in the amplifier game with the introduction of the monoblock 2001x we saw at CES. What did you think was most noteworthy about it?”

BURTON: “Lots of power.” TRUESDELL: “What about how it makes its power? Anything special in that area?

BURTON: “Nope. Just another Class-D amp. But Xtant is smart enough not to call it ‘digital.’"

TRUESDELL: “There you go again, splitting hairs on the Class-D digital thing. I know better than to argue with you on that subject. I think it exhibits typical solid Xtant design. Something must have caught your eye?”

BURTON: “Well, it is rated to put 1,000 watts into four-ohm loads and 2,000 watts into two-ohm or one-ohm loads or even 0.25-ohm loads. At a target retail price of $1,799, and with an impedance of two ohms or lower... that's more than one watt per dollar.”

TRUESDELL: “I don't think that products in this category can be justified using the old watts-per-dollar ratios.”

BURTON: “I disagree. Most people want to get the power they need (or want) at the best possible price. Few people really need 1,000 or 2,000 watts into one channel, of course. That much power would blow up any of my speakers faster than I could say ‘Look out below!’"

TRUESDELL: “In this price range, I believe people are buying a degree of exclusivity. Such products are targeted at a very specific high-end niche. I agree with you 100% about few people actually needing two kilowatts of power, but somebody wants to buy these products or the manufacturers would not take the time to build them.”

BURTON: “Yes, there is a market. And the amp is not totally about brute force; it has some nice processing options such as separately adjustable high- and low-pass filters. It’s more flexible than a European coffee maker.”

July 2000

Four Square Subwoofers Designed to Make Loud Bass

kicker.com

BURTON: “Rich, I think these square subs make a lot of sense. What do you think of this concept?”

TRUESDELL: “I think that this is a brilliant concept: more piston area in essentially the same space as a round driver.”

BURTON: “Yep. Not a new concept... Sony called it HPM, and others have tried it... but I hope Stillwater can make it work. Designed for small sealed enclosures. Comes in the popular sizes: eight, 10, 12 and 15 inches.

TRUESDELL: “What else do you like about this line?”

BURTON: “It’s easier to figure surface area: just square the number. The eight-inch model has 64 square inches. The 10 has 100. You don't need to do the pi-r-squared computation that you have to do with round speakers. Not only is the surface area greater, but the excursion is greater. Xmax ranges from 0.413 inches up to 0.550 inches. The 8-inch L7 speaker has greater excursion than Kicker's C18d 18-inch round speaker.”

TRUESDELL: “If I have a reservation, it goes back to my feeling that a square cone is not linear... that the cone can be stressed when driven hard. We used to call the problem ‘cone squawk’ when using oval speakers like 6 x 9s and driving them hard.”

TRUESDELL: “You, Howard Doctor of Hisco, and I discussed it once over dinner. Howard said I was nuts.”

BURTON: “No, you're not nuts this time... a circle, like a triangle, is a strong shape; squares are less symmetrical… but Kicker could make a square diaphragm stiff like they can make a round cone stiff.”

TRUESDELL: “I defer to Howard on this issue. Overall, I think that the concept for the line makes tremendous sense, especially when prepackaged with enclosures.”

BURTON: “Prices on the four-speaker line range from $270 each up to $450 each. Not including enclosures, but, being intended for small sealed enclosures, the enclosure is no big deal.”

July 2000

Two-Way Security System Stops Thieves in Their Tracks

stovact.com

TRUESDELL: “Bill, I know you don't follow developments in the security area as much as you do in audio, but what did you think of the basic concept of the Stovact system?”

BURTON: “I'm impressed. I like the idea of two-way communication between vehicle and owner. What do you think?”

TRUESDELL: “I think it is an exceptional concept, combining the features of a comprehensive conventional mobile security system with the ability to remotely disable the vehicle in the event of a theft, especially a carjacking. It certainly has the potential to cut down on the number of high-speed chases that have become the staple of the evening news here in Southern California.”

BURTON: “Yep, it can stop them dad-blummed varmints dead in their tracks. The monitoring fee is $6.25 per month, right?”

TRUESDELL: “Yes, that is correct. But what I think is so cool, in talking with principals Joe Escareno, Manny Argomaniz, and Eric Abbiss, is that a lot of the back- office functions are handled via the Web, a big plus for dealers who get involved selling the system and activating service.”

BURTON: “Yes. And I like the one-quarter mile RF range with paging confirmation... so you can park for free and save the valet tip.”

TRUESDELL: “There’s even a GPS option.”

BURTON: “A stolen vehicle can be stopped by remote control, the GPS feature can locate the vehicle, and police can be directed to its location.”

TRUESDELL: “Overall, I think this concept--since it works virtually anywhere using a variation of AMPS cellular--is something any dealer selling security should look into. To me, it's this month's no-brainer.”

BURTON: “It's such a good idea that even a stereohead can understand it. I hate wondering whether I remembered to arm my system... with a Stovact system, I can be 100% sure that I forgot... and then I can arm it and protect the vehicle and its contents.”

June 2000

Another New Look for Blaupunkt Heads

blaupunkt.com

BURTON: “OK, Rich, you picked four $400 CD head units to discuss this month. Why?”

TRUESDELL: “It’s always been the most important price point for specialists. I thought it would be a good change of pace to look at the segment in some depth.”

BURTON: “So, how do you like the look of the Blaupunkt Heidelberg? It’s priced five cents under $400.”

TRUESDELL: “Blaupunkt has different looks for their head units: Skyline, the original, colorful fun face, the X-line flip panels, the promo line, and now this more traditional look on the Heidelberg and the silver face on the Casablanca. I like the Heidelberg’s look. And I like the concept of having a different look for each channel of distribution.”

BURTON: “This head has two aux inputs; is that important?”

TRUESDELL: “With video, MP3 and other sources, it will be increasingly important.”

BURTON: “I agree. This head would handle my Nak changer and my Pioneer cassette unit. What else is cool about the Heidelberg?”

TRUESDELL: “The built-in digital ‘parametric’ equalizer is a standout feature. We’re seeing increasingly sophisticated tone controls at this price point. Plus, the Heidelberg controls Blau’s slick in-dash five-disc CD changer, the IDC-A09.”

BURTON: “Yes. Having five EQ bands is great, but it seems that Q is not adjustable, so it’s really not parametric EQ. Have you experienced one of the DigiCeiver tuner sections?”

TRUESDELL: “Yes — I have an original Blaupunkt DigiCeiver, and it gets acceptable reception in marginal areas.”

BURTON: “Ken Pohlmann, product tester for Car Stereo Review, was also impressed by DigiCeiver tuners in Blaupunkt heads he has tested... but is it just a temporary thing until satellites are broadcasting digital signals directly?”

TRUESDELL: “Yes, but Blaupunkt has a head start on digital radio. I continue to be impressed with Blaupunkt’s efforts in the head-unit arena for 2000.”

BURTON: “Me too. Good looks, good sound and good features.”