Sony's XAV-70BT may not look like much in photos, but that's because it's nearly all screen!
(Credit: Sony)Sony has announced a new flagship XAV-70BT in-dash A/V receiver center. The unit is built around a 7-inch WVGA motorized panel display and Sony's new graphic user interface.
Behind the sexy touchscreen is a reasonable amount of audio processing horsepower including Center Speaker Organizer (CSO), which aims to create virtual 5.1 channel surround from stereo sources; SensMe music software, which creates custom music playlists and channels based on the user's music library; and the Advanced Sound Engine (ASE) which is a collection of Sony's sound processing technologies. Users can connect their iPods, iPhones, and other digital media players to the rear USB input or utilize the Bluetooth wireless technology to stream audio or make handsfree calls.
Stepping down a tier, the Sony XAV-60 features nearly all of the functionality of the XAV-70BT, but drops the Bluetooth wireless technology and reduces the screen size to 6.1 ... Read the full post at CNET's CES 2010 blog
Pioneer drops the CD drive with its MVH line of receivers.
(Credit: Pioneer)LAS VEGAS--Pioneer is taking steps into a segment of the car audio market that up until now has been monopolized by Alpine, with its first ever mech-free receivers, the MVH-P8200 and the MVH-P8200BT.
The V in MVH means these receivers can play back video.
(Credit: Pioneer)Tossing out the often-unused CD drive, the single-DIN MVH-P8200 has no moving parts--hence the designation "mech-free." The receiver was designed to work best with Apple's iPhone and iPod, but it should play back MP3, WMA, and iTunes AAC music files via USB and SD memory card. The USB port is located directly on the front face of the receivers and the SD memory card slot is located behind the removable front face.
In the case of the P8200BT, A2DP Bluetooth stereo audio-streaming and hands-free calling are also added as audio sources. Users can browse their media libraries on the P8200's 3-inch color TFT display using Pioneer's seven-way rotary encoder, which is a knob-joystick-button ... Read the full post at CNET's CES 2010 blog
Has the promise of easy in-car Internet radio finally been fulfilled?
(Credit: Pioneer)LAS VEGAS--Pioneer unveiled the latest addition to its AVIC line of in-dash navigation solutions and its first Pandora Internet radio-enabled car stereo, the AVIC-X920BT, during its CES 2010 press conference.
The X920BT's navigation features enhanced ECO routing functionality.
(Credit: Pioneer)One of the most notable changes to the AVIC's software is Pandora Link, which adds the ability to stream audio and display metadata from the Pandora Internet Radio app on a connected iPhone with a 3G connection. Users are also given access to album artwork and controls such as skip track, thumbs up and down, bookmarks, and station changes from the X920BT's touch-screen interface.
The X920BT bumps the AVIC-X chassis' screen size to 6.1 inches with a WXGA resolution and a new touch interface. Features such as voice recognition, Bluetooth hands-free calling/audio streaming, and USB connectivity for iPhone/iPod carry over from our current Editors' Choice title holder, the flagship AVIC-Z110BT, as do an updated version ... Read the full post at CNET's CES 2010 blog
The DEX-P99RS will be one of Pioneer's first Stage 4 devices.
(Credit: Pioneer)Taking a nod from the tuner set, Pioneer has announced a new four-stage structure for its full-range of car audio offerings. The idea is to make choosing, matching, and upgrading car audio components easier for the layman by simplifying the way they are organized.
Pioneer hopes that choosing components will be as easy as 1,2,3...um, 4.
(Credit: Pioneer)Simply put, in the same way that a Stage 3 turbo kit is clearly better than a Stage 2, Pioneer's Stage 4 audio components should be clearly better than Stages 3, 2, and 1, and should produce best results when paired with other Stage 4 components. This simple system should keep users from, for example, unintentionally pairing a top-of-the-line amplifier with an entry-level subwoofer or from accidentally "upgrading" to a lower quality component.
Pioneer's Stage system will eventually span the manufacturer's entire line of car audio components, including receivers, amplifiers, speakers, and subs, starting with a ... Read the full post at CNET's CES 2010 blog
The big car audio companies chose to sit this round out. Fortunately, there was still a lot of cool tech at the 2009 SEMA Show.
(Credit: Antuan Goodwin/CNET)With the absence of the major car audio OEMs at the 2009 SEMA Show, it would be easy to assume that car tech has taken a backseat to tuning and muscle. However, the more compact electronics section allowed smaller companies with truly innovative products to shine. We found ourselves spending more time learning about cool products like the PowerSafe jumper cable, instead of rushing from booth to booth looking at amplifier after amplifier.
For example, On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II) interfaces were a major part of the tech scene at SEMA. From add-on modules for your GPS device to standalone OBD-II devices to Wi-Fi dongles that transform your iPhone into a handheld diagnostics station, there were dozens of different devices that allowed users to listen in on what their vehicle used to only share with a mechanic. These devices allow tuners to search for more power, greenies to eke more miles out of a gallon, and regular consumers to feel more confident when they take their cars in for maintenance.
Other cool technologies that picked up awards were rearview camera interfaces, off-road iPod cradles, and a funny little device that actually makes all of those cupholders useful.
Check out our gallery of award-winning new products at the 2009 SEMA Show for more details and pics.
(Credit:
Sony)
Sony has announced four new Xplod in-dash CD receivers. The new 2009 fall lineup adds Radio Data System (RDS) technology, which is an FM radio tech that, when receiving a compatible station, displays text data such as artist, track, and song information or station call numbers directly on the display.
The CDX-GT240 is a rather basic CD receiver.
(Credit: Sony)Starting at the bottom of the new line is the CDX-GT240 ($80), which is a fairly standard single-disc, single-DIN CD player. In addition to the AM/FM tuner with RDS technology, the unit features MP3 and WMA file playback from the optical drive and an analog aux-in on the faceplate to connect digital media players. The entry-level unit ships with a card remote control, but only features a single preamp output, so those who want more flexibility should look further up the product line.
Building on the GT240's feature set is the CDX-GT340 ($100), which adds a second set of stereo subwoofer preamp outputs. The more advanced GT340 offers the capability to add accessory modules for satellite radio, HD radio, and an iPod adapter (at additional cost).
The Xplod line starts to get interesting with the CDX-GT540UI.
(Credit: Sony)Stepping up once again in the Xplod line brings us to the CDX-GT540UI ($140). The "UI" at the end of the model number indicates that this models gets a faceplate-mounted USB port with iPod connectivity. The GT540UI features Sony's DM+ processing that enhances compressed digital audio and Zappin, Quick-BrowZer, and Jump Mode technologies to give users a few options for dealing with the larger file libraries that are stored on digital media players.
At the top of the 2009 Xplod lineup (and pictured at the top of this article) is the CDX-GT640UI ($160) which adds a larger LCD display with a flip-down faceplate and a total of three preamp outputs.
Sony's new Xplod lineup will be available September 2009.
The Alpine iDA-X305 is a good example of a car stereo that can be found for significantly less than MSRP.
(Credit: Corinne Schulze/CNET)Looking to save a few bucks on that portable navigation device or epic stereo system for your car? Well, we have a few tips to help you keep more money in your wallet.
Don't be afraid to look at the outgoing models.
In most cases, the newest of the new GPS devices only offer incremental advantages over the models they replace. Meanwhile, the cost of the outgoing models often drops drastically as retailers attempt to clear out their stock to make room for the new. If the difference in feature set is worth the difference in price, you could rake in big savings.
Don't worry too much about the maps not being the most up to date out of the box. Most manufacturers have some sort of a new map guarantee that will allow you to download a free map update within 30 to 60 days of purchase.
Make sure it will fit.
Before you plunk down your hard-earned cash on a car stereo component, make sure that it is compatible with your vehicle. Check to see if your vehicle supports the standard DIN size (most do), or if it can accommodate a double DIN receiver. This is even more important when dealing with speaker components, which vary wildly in size from vehicle to vehicle.
Don't overdo it.
Before you go stuffing two 15-inch subs and a 1,200 watt amp into your Chevrolet Aveo, stop and seek the advice of a professional. Maybe your vehicle, your musical tastes, and your wallet would benefit from smaller speakers and a slightly less powerful amp.
MSRP is just a suggestion.
This is especially true in the world of car audio. It's not uncommon to see a car audio reciever retail at up to 25 percent off of the MSRP. Savings on speakers, amps, and other components is oftentimes greater. This can often add up to hundreds of dollars in savings.
Don't forget to account for installation.
You've picked all of your car audio components and come in just under budget, but when you get to the counter you're suddenly hit with a barrage of installation fees, mounting kits, and accessories. Fear not. You can often save a few bucks on installation simply by asking for a deal. Don't be afraid to haggle.
Enterprising DIYers can save even more money by skipping the expensive labor costs and by shopping for their wiring and mounting kits online.
Take security seriously.
This last one isn't technically a shopping tip, but one of the best ways to save money on car tech is to make sure that it actually stays in the car. Having to buy a new window or repair a broken lock on top of replacing your stereo or GPS device once it's stolen is the ultimate example of adding insult to injury.
Look for stereos with detachable faceplates for security and make sure your speaker and amp installations don't attract a lot of the wrong kind of attention. Don't leave GPS devices exposed when away from the vehicle and definitely don't leave the cradle and charger stuck to the windshield overnight.
Rolls-Royce cars now sport Lexicon sound systems.
(Credit: Steve Guttenberg)I went to the New York International Auto Show to listen. Weird yes, but I'm the audio guy, and nowadays high-end cars all have high-end audio systems. These cars go for hundreds of thousands of dollars, and I was hoping to hear some decent sound. That didn't happen.
Naim's car audio system for Bentley didn't wow us.
(Credit: Steve Guttenberg)The nice folks at the Bentley Motors display put me in a spectacular Flying Spur Speed ($252,000). The car has a 6-liter W-12 engine with twin turbochargers, 6-speed automatic transmission, and a claimed top speed of 200 mph. The interior was lavish beyond belief, with truly gorgeous wood and leather that puts your average Mercedes to shame. Rock stars and sports heroes know how to live!
The sound? I'm sure the engine sounds fabulous, but they wouldn't allow me the honor of blipping the throttle. Ah, there was a Naim audio system in the car, and I'm a fan of Nain's home gear, but the Bentley's sound system was nothing to get jazzed about.
The $6,900 Naim audio system sports 15 speakers, including dual subwoofers. Just don't kid yourself, it's not remotely on par with a credible home system. I thought the in-dash display was sort of tacky. Naim would never put such a thing in its home systems.
The Mini Cooper sound system was one of the best per dollar, that's for sure.
(Credit: Steve Guttenberg)Next, Rolls-Royce cars, like this awesome Phantom Coupe pictured at the top of this blog ($437,000), now have Lexicon audio systems. Too bad I didn't get to hear it. (Maybe the Bentley guys told them about me, just kidding.)
The Mini Cooper people were a lot friendlier, so I checked out the sound in their 10 speaker MINI Hi-Fi Sound System. Considering it adds just $500 to the car's bottom line, it was pretty good.
... Read More
The Panamera
(Credit: Porsche)The Panamera is a different kind of Porsche.
It's a four-door sedan, a really fast sedan. The Panamera S at $89,800 comes with a 400hp 4.8-liter V8, capable of punching out 0-to-60 mph in 5.2 seconds and a top speed of 175 mph. Not quick enough for you? Move up to the Panamera Turbo, with a twin-turbo 4.8-liter V8, 0-to-60 mph in 4 seconds, and a top speed of 188. That bad boy will retail for $132,600.
So why is the Audiophiliac filling space with upcoming German super sedans? 'Cause they're going to have totally awesome ultra-high-end audio systems from Berlin manufacturer Burmester Audiosysteme. I love of the idea of matching super-performance luxury cars with bona-fide high-end audio systems. Hey, if Porsche buyers happily pay an extra $42,000 (!) to go a little faster, why not also spring for a sweet sound system?
For Panamera, Burmester crafted a 16 channel amplifier system that drives, you guessed it, 16 loudspeakers. The speaker system was designed specifically for the Panamera. In keeping with the Panamera's spirit as a true sports car, the sound system's weight was a key concern.
Specially developed software-supported menu functions allow for precise sound contouring for each individual seating position. They can also compensate for cabin and engine noise, and use proprietary sound algorithms developed exclusively for Porsche. Funny, the press release didn't mention an iPod dock, but I'm sure it's in there.
The Panamera is set to go on sale in the U.S. on October 17.
(Credit:
Corinne Schulze/CBS Interactive)
The Fusion CA-IP500 is the latest in a wave of mechanical-free iPod receivers that we've seen, but it's the only one we've seen that features an internal dock. Just open the faceplate, pop in your iPod, and you're off. It seems easy and we were intrigued by its simplicity.
However, upon closer study, we found that while the CA-IP500's internal dock eliminates the need for USB or dock connector cables, it creates a new problem of dealing with multiple iPod sizes and designs with bulky adapter sleeves.
Read the full Fusion CA-IP500 iPod receiver review.
