More Meade! Hair Tricks and Track Testing on the Tahoe

Steve shot another short video, this time rapper Young Ren tha Muddville King stopped by to test out tracks from his new CD on the Tahoe's sound system:

"Young Ren tha Muddville King tryin out his new beats in my Tahoe..That *** was SLAPPIN......hit up the link at the end and buy it! Its a must have if you have subs!"

And of course, what sub session is complete without a "hair test"!? Not this one... Check out the video after the jump.

E-Ink Will Change the Face of Displays

When Pioneer introduced their Organic EL displays back in 1998, it changed the industry forever. OEL required less electricity to run, produced less heat, and could produce much more vibrant colors and depth than regular liquid crystal. And at CES we saw a few manufacturers introducing full-color Organic LED TVs. So what's next? E-Ink, that's what.

E-ink has a lot of characteristics that will make a pretty handy technology in the mobile electronics world. Just in case you weren't aware, this is the same technology used in Amazon's Kindle and Sony's Reader e-books. The tech is 40% thinner than typical LCD's, can be cut into odd shapes, requires less power and withstands higher and lower temps than LCD, and is flexible/bendable. The first application in the automotive world will come from Delphi, used in their new alarm/keyless entry key fobs. Seems like a pretty good fit. I wonder when or if we'll start seeing it used in radio displays? Organic LED seems like the best bet for radio displays at the moment, but who knows... Maybe e-ink will go full color one day and pass up OLED.

in the forums!

Source: Electronista via Gizmodo

Selective Car Shopping For The Upgrade Savvy

I was reading Andy Jone's Post on his Altima, and one of his comments regarding the factory kick panels really made me laugh: "Thank you Nissan for not putting a bunch of stupid wires down there." Sure enough, the Altima's kick panel was VERY bare, which makes upgrades like custom kick panels much easier to fabricate. (Mainly it made made me laugh because we had a long conversation about my kick panels, and I am pretty sure I stopped him from buying an A4.)

Compare that to the kick panel in my Audi A4 competition car....

Old School Install - McIntosh All the Way!

I am a huge fan of the old school audio equipment, the gear from the “golden era” of car audio, a time when dozens of boutique manufactures were popping up everywhere. OK, who remembers names like Linear Power, Veritas, or USD Audio? Even some of the larger brands that are still around today had high-level brands and lines of their own: MTX’s Black Gold, Phoenix Gold’s MS Line, PPI’s Art Series and ProMos amps to name a few.

While some would say I am slightly obsessed with my PG MS Series amps, but my personal obsessions don't even compare to one of Benchmark Audio's customers (The Benchmark Audio in Upstate NY, not the one in Seattle or Chicago Area). This customer walked-in with some gear he had collected over the past 10 years: vintage McIntosh speakers, subwoofers, amplifiers and some USD signal processors, and wanted them installed in his Subruban. So Tom (the lead installer) decided to compliment the legendary equipment with an old school-style install.

Next time I'm in NY visiting my folks, this Suburban will definitely be on my "Listen To" list. Follow the jump to check out some pics of true old school goodness!

Forehead Slapper: Cuusoo Concept Phone

This concept design is sure to give mobile phone designers worldwide a forehead-slapping "Why didn't we think of this??" moment. Cuusoo's idea is purely a concept, but is a totally viable product design that I'm sure would be pretty popular world wide. I can't read kanji, but from what I can tell, the phone features a removable main screen that can also wirelessly communicate with the main body for wireless video conferencing. The concept also allows other dockable accessories to be added depending on the phone's function - a widescreen for video viewing or a split screen for video conferencing (maybe multitasking as well?).  I could see this making it's way as a cool way to get mobile phone's docked in a car should you prefer not to use  Bluetooth. 

Any other ideas percolating in your mind? What else should they design this phone to do? Share your ideas in the forums!

in the forums!

Source: DVICE via Cuusoo

New Scosche Dash Kit: 2008 Ford/Mazda/Mercury Crossovers

If you drive a 2008 Ford Escape, 2008 Mercury Mariner, or Mazda Tribute, and want a bit more from your factory system than you got from the factory, no worries, Scosche has you covered. The new FD1436 dash kit is just what you've been waiting for. The kit features a factory-matched contour and is available in both black (FD1436BLKB) or silver (FD1436B). The FD1436 is designed for ISO DIN or ISO double DIN radio mounting, and is designed to accept the factory HVAC controls to mount directly to the kit for a true OEM look and finish. The black kit ships in April and the silver started shipping in March and retails for $54.95

Free Stuff: New Music From Jensen

Jensen has updated their site again and are offering a collection of new MP3s for your downloading pleasure. There are 15 new artists to sample, and I do have to compliment Jensen on their eclectic mix of cutting edge tracks. Blake9's "Always Something" is a cool hip-hop cut with decent bass beats and a good flow - more of an underground hip hop sound. If you like something a little more upbeat, the Cool Kids "Miami Beach" will probably be more your style. The backbeat reminded of old school 2 Live Crew - deep 808 bass beats and snares, but woudl sound pretty bad ass on some subs. JD73's instrumental track "Distorted Dreams" had a jazzy electronic sound that reminded me of jam band favorites Sound Tribe Sector 9 and Particle. The Toxic Avenger track "Escape" wasn't quite my style, more of a club anthem type sound with a slight breakbeat feel, but those into that sort of thing will probably enjoy it. The collection mainly consists of hip hop and electronics sounds, but metalheads will appreciate the fast pace and heavy sounds of Kingdom of Sorrow's "Led Into Demise". All-in-All, Jensen did a pretty good job pulling together some really good tracks among a broad selection of genres that shoudl offer a little something for everybody. Anything catch your ear? Feel free to comment!

in the forums!

Hop on over to Jensen's website and check out the selection for yourself. And even if you don't like what you hear, quit bitchin', they're free!

I Want That: TOOKI Bluetooth for Porsche

Porsche brought over a pretty cool navigation radio for their 911's that looks good in the dash and is pretty easy to use. It even has a phone button that you'd naturally assume allows you to use your mobile phone through the facotry radio. Keep assuming. It seems POrsche has that option available in Europe, but not in the states. But all is not lost! AS Mr. Mobile from Al & Ed's Autosound shows int eh video after the jump, the TOOKI Bluetooth kit adds full phone functionality to your factory Porsche radio, and it does it well!
Follow the jump to check out this week's installment of I Want That!

Second Skin Give-Away #2: Serious Speaker Love

No, not that kind of love, sick-o.... SoundDomain and Second Skin are hooking you up with a killer kit to get your speakers sounding better and your road noise problems solved. This time around we're hooking you up with:
2- Second Skin Damplifier Pro Door Kits
1- Second Skin Speaker Tweaker Kit
1- Car Audio Nationals Competition CD

Deadening adds mass to your panels and helps eliminate incoming road road noise, pesky panel vibrations, and lowers your noise floor so your equipment doesn't have to work as hard to sound good.  The Damplifier Pro kits feature a thin aluminum top plate and a butyl backing that easily sticks to your cars panels - no heat gun needed!The Speaker Tweaker kit includes two 10x10 squares of Damplifier and two damping pads designed to absorb and eliminate standing waves inside your doors and improve your midbass response. 

So what do you need to do to win this great stuff? It's pretty simple really... Just leave a comment in the forum! Yep, that's it. Just a comment. We'll pick a winner at random (name in the hat kind of deal). And if you don't win this time, don't worry! We'll be giving away another kit next week! The winners will be announced next Thursday, the 8th, along with the next contest. (Oh yeah, and if you're not a SoundDomain forum member, you'll have to sign up first!)

**NEW TWIST**
Even losers can be winners. Tell your friends about this contest and have them sign-up for SoundDomain and enter. If they put you down as a reference in the post, and they win, we'll send you a Car Audio Nationals Competition CD!! (True, not as hot as a complete sound deadening kit, but still good stuff!!)

Unfortunately contest is only open to US residents. Sorry!

in the forums!

We Have a Winner!! Congrats Pudgie132!

OK, so last night I printed out the entire contest thread, cut out every single person's name, threw away duplicates, and dumped them all into a bag.... So our winner?

Congratulations Pudgie132! Hope your car is still apart because you're picking up 33 square feet of Second Skin Damplifier Pro! And thanks to Ben at Car Audio Nationals, we'll be tossing a CAN Competition CD into the package as well.

The next contest will be announced shortly so hang tight!

Video: EGO Bluetooth Product Walk Through

PAC's new EGO line of Bluetooth products are some of the hottest-looking hands-free devices I've come across in a while. I'm a huge fan of the piano black finish that's carried over across the entire line.

EGO offers five different models, with a little something for everybody. All but one of the EGOs are designed for permanent installation in your car, and as you move up the line the technology and cool factor increases. I'd actually have a tough time deciding which one I'd choose for my own car....

(Video and pics after the jump!)

Hyndai Genesis Audio System - OK, I'm Impressed

CarDomain Senior Account Executive Dima Ariss was one of a lucky few to land the opportunity to sample Hyundai's new Genesis sedan recently, and snapped off a couple camera phone pics of the impressive Lexicon factory navigation sound system. Lexicon is a Harman International company (Infinity, JBL, Harman Kardon, Crown, etc), and builds some of the premium audio systems found in select Mercedes, BMW, and Land Rover cars as well as the stout Rolls Royce Phantom. The Genesis is a quite an impressive car and has really shocked the auto industry, and the audio system easily competes with those found in much more expensive vehicles. We've got a full feature list and a few more pics after the jump. Although not directly called out in the features by name, I'm going to assume this car will eventually come equipped with the future Hyundai Microsoft Sync system as well, but maybe with a different name. Hit the jump for the rest of the details!

Event Planner: Elite Summer Nationals

So what are you doing on August 9th?  Well, if you're withing driving distance of Spartanburg, SC you may want to consider heading out to Elite Summer Nationals! The show features a full on car show with over 35 categories to enter, a MECA and IASCA sound competition,  and a Drift Session hosted by Drift 411. The guys from Elite Audio just posted up details and links. Hop into the Competition Forum for details!

We're going to dour best to make it down for the show. So hopefully you'll see full coverage here on SoundDomain! Anybody planning on going? Let us know in the forums! Oh yeah, and there's short video after the jump!

in the forums!

Keep Your iPod on Lock Down with Vibe Vault

Vibe Vault's cases have a sort of rugged cool to them (even the pink one), and are available for all current iPod generations, except the iPhone. The cases are made anodized aluminum and feature a polycarbonate cover over the screen to protect from scratching. The Vibe Vault locks your iPod in snug with multiple screws around the perimeter of the case and O-rings on the inside offer a big of bracing and also make sure the player won't wiggle around. They're available in a couple different colors and all come in under $50.

in the forums!

Source: Gadget Venue
Product Page: Vibe Vault

Sound Quality Summit Returns

Hybrid Audio has announced the return of the Sound Quality Summit, hosted by SQ Guru Scott Buwalda. Not sure what it is? According to Hybrid Audio:

"The Sound Quality Summit™ is an interactive and fun seminar focusing on advanced topics in car stereo sound quality, proctored by Scott Buwalda, three-time expert world auto sound champion and internationally-recognized authority in high-end mobile audio. The conference includes both theory and applied fundamentals in sound quality, including hands-on training, listening evaluations, laboratory exercises, and secrets to making great sound quality.  Topics include everything from the most basic principles of sound to advanced topics in car audio sound quality.  The seminar is appropriate for all levels of expertise; all are encouraged to attend."

The Summit is currently scheduled take place on the island of Trinidad May 17-18, 2008, with other locations possible later in the year. Dallas, TX and Atlanta, GA are current contenders for US locations , but other location are possibilities. The event will offer many different seminars covering a pretty comprehensive host many seminars covering all topics:

• Speaker Diaphragms
• Speaker Directivity
• Active Verses Passive Crossovers
• Crossover Filters
• Time Delay and Crossovers
• Benefits of Active Crossovers
• Tweeters and Crossovers
• Zero Delay Plane
• Distortions
• Phase
• Group Delay and Enclosure Group Delay
• Impulse Response
• Power Handling and Power Compression

If you've ever wondered how to achieve aural perfection in your own car, were curious about what makes a great speaker great, this is the seminar for you.

Source: Hybrid Audio

Zune Fans Rejoice! Another Zune Gadget Is Coming!

Sometimes it seems that if you're a portable MP3 player, and your name does not include 'iPod" or Apple somehwere in teh name, there's not much hope for a large selection of cool accessories. However, MIcrosoft's Zune is actually starting to build up an accessory following. Kicker announced their Zune boombox earlier this year and now iHome has announced a new Zune clock radio/docking station!

It's not a bad looking unit. Pretty plane Jane on the design-side, but isn't that the Zune way? The Zn9 comes in at a mere $99 and has all the features you'd expect from an alarm clock. :) Here are some details:

"Meet the new ZN9, the world’s first clock radio for Zune. The ZN9 features several innovative solutions, including wake and sleep to your Zune™ music or AM/FM radio presets, a 7-5-2 feature for separate weekday and weekend alarm times, and an extra large, backlit LCD display with dimmer.

• With its Reson8 speaker chambers, you’ll be able to enjoy stereo sound around the clock. The new ZN9… treat yourself and your Zune right.
• Wake or sleep to Zune, AM/FM Radio or buzzer
• High-fidelity stereo drivers in specially designed Reson8® speaker chambers deliver astounding clarity, depth, and power
• Gradual Wake and Gradual Sleep increase/decrease Alarm/Sleep volume so as not to startle the user
• Clean contemporary design complements the look of the Zune
• Dual alarm with AM/FM presets
• 7-5-2 feature for separate weekday and weekend alarm times"

Product Page: iHome
Source: Zunerama

Time Waster Alert! Bobble Your Buddy Courtesy of XM

XM and Sirius have always had pretty killer sports coverage available over their airwaves, often offering both the home team and away team experience. With MLB getting underway, XM has launched a pretty cool online promotion that makes for a great and pretty amusing time-waster: Create Your Own Bobblehead. MY little buddy Tyler is a huge Mariners fan (this kid knows more about the Seattle Mariners baseball than anybody I've ever met!), and the guy in the Cardinal's jersey is SoundDomain's own moderator, IamMurph. I'm not sure if he's a Cards fan, but I am!

You can choose any MLB team, choose a female or male player, and upload an image of the person you want to bobble. I suggest doing a little Photoshopping before hand and just uploading the image of the head, it'll save you time when creating your Bobble.

If you build one, post it up in the forums!

in the forums!

Source: XM Radio via Orbitcast

3G iPhone Pics Leaked. This Time For Real?

OK, so here we have a few more photos possibly of the new 3G iPhone that popped up on a Chinese website. I find these a bit more believable than the last ones though. There are a few prototype production phones rumored to be floating around, and according to a few other sources, this design seems to be a possibility:

• Will be about the same size and shape as the first gen
• Will have 3G
• Actual GPS, not cellphone triangulation
• Back of the phone will not be metal. Phone will be glossy black, but maybe white (as seen here) is a possibility
• The volume buttons will be chrome
• Not as angular
• The battery is not removable
• Slightly thicker than the first iPhone
• The headphone will be flush with the body, not recessed
• Probably the same screen as the current phone

in the forums!

Source: MacLife
Original Source: WeiPhone

Sync to Ford: "It's Not You, It's Me...."

We knew Ford's contract with Microsoft's Sync wasn't forever exclusive, and it would eventually start integrating into other auto manufacturer's OEM multimedia systems. Well, it's still a little ways off, but it is happening. And I was actually a little surprised to hear who's next in line for the tech: Kia and Hyundai! Now, I'm a bit of a car snob and years ago you'd often hear me claim "You'll never catch me in a Hyundai!", but honestly, that opinion has changed considerably over the last 10 years as Hyundai has continued to really raise the bar (and prices) on their model offering in both looks and quality.  And now, starting as early as November, Hyundai has permission to start offering the Microsoft Auto technology on all new models. Hyundai will use the tech to integrate voice command capability of portable music players and mobile phones. Now true, this doesn't help the aftermarket much, but in a way it does. It forces aftermarket manufacturers to develop new technology that customers demand, which means eventually all cars can have the option of cool tech like that offered on Sync-equipped vehicles.

Source: Huffington Post via Ubergizmo

Alpine UK Fiat 500 Show Car

I wandered over to the be-all-and-end-all UK car audio site, TalkAudio, to check out their new site design and stumbled on this hot little Fiat 500 from Alpine's UK division. This car is actually smaller than the current MINI Cooper, but Alpine UK still managed to stuff an amazing amount of gear into the little cockpit. Follow the jump for the complete system list and some pics of this geared-up MINI fighter!

From The Manufacturer's Mouth: re-Q5 Explained

With all the new OEM integration products coming to market recently, it can be confusing which one is right for your install. One of the more recent products to come to market is the new re-Q⁵. They have a great website dedicated to the re-Q family of products, but I wanted to know more so I hit up the guys at re-Q for a better explanation.

Why would you use the re-Q⁵ over some other product? What benefits does the re-Q⁵ offer? Why the heck would I even use one of these? Can't I just drop-in an amp, subs and new speakers to my car? Isn't a product like this just overkill?? Nope. Absolutely not. Follow the jump to find out why!

Second Skin Give-Away: The Deal Has Been Sweetened!

Have you signed up for the super-sweet Second Skin Damplifier Pro Give-Away yet? If you have, good for you. If not, what are you waiting for??

Well, I have good news for the contest. SoundDomain guest blogger and organizer of Car Audio Nationals, has sweetened the deal! Ben sent me a bunch of CD's to give away on the blog, and we're going to kick it off by adding a CD into the Second Skin give-away! I can't think of a better way to test out the improved acoustics of your vehicle than with this competition sound quality CD. Ben Oh from Car Audio and Electronics magazine recently reviewed the CD and gave it 4.5 stars in the Sonic category!

And don't worry... There will be MANY chances to win your own copy of the CD very, very soon. (Of course if you want to buy a copy, you can do that too...)

Thanks for the hook-up Ben!

Give-Away: Details/Sign-Up
CD Details: Car Audio Nationals

Here's Looking Out: Cheetah GPSmirror

OK, since we're on the subject of radar and laser detectors, check this out: the Speed Cheetah GPSmirror. This mirror incorporates a GPS chip and comes preloaded with huge database of red light and speed measurement cameras for the US, Canada, Europe and Australia. When your vehicle approaches one of these hazards, the mirrors provides a visual and voice alert to warn you of the upcoming trap. The database is upgradeable via Cheetah's website and for a limited time includes a lifetime of free updates! You can also add your own locations for personal reminders.

Now that's cool all by itself, but it also offers a host of other handy features.

(More details, videos and pics after the jump)

I Want That: Passport SRX

There's no new "I Want That" episode for this week, so we're going to run a older video on one of my absolute favorite products of all time: the Escort Passport SRX radar detector and laser diffuser system. I've had a slightly older version of this system for almost five years now and it has paid itself of many times over - it DOES work!

"The new Passport SRX provides supercharged performance on all radar bands, including X, K, and SuperWide Ka bands. Utilizing technology from their award-winning Passport 8500, this new custom-installed remote detector provides the ultimate in discreet protection. New programmable laser transceivers (2 front, 1 rear) provide maximum protection against laser targeting. Using multiple laser diodes (6 front, 3 rear), these remarkable sensors provide early warning, and return a "shifted" laser signal - laser protection that is Performance Certified by Speed Measurement Labs as 94% effective."

Follow the jump to check out the video!

Meade Monday: Steve Meade vs. Autozone Load Tester

Steve thought it would be a good idea to have his electrical system checked out, so he stopped by his local Autozone to have a load test performed on the alternators:

"I was at Autozone when I had this idea...I should get this guy to "diagnose" my "alternator" and see if its working good. He drug his machine out to test "it" for me.... He couldn't put a load on it big enough to change anything and called out his manager. It took a few minutes for him to realize what was happening and how many alts were in the car. Needless to say my "alt" passed :) Irragi Alts FTW!"

Check out the video after the jump!

Ascendant Audio Builds A New SPL Demo Vehicle

I was chatting with Nick at Ascendant Audio the other day and he mentioned they were putting together a new demo vehicle with plans for a pretty insane SPL set-up. The truck is Sunset Green Metallic and used to belong to Chad Hicks. I can't really tell you all the details, but I can tell you the install features 250 feet of 1x2" .120 wall mechanical tubing welded into a steel cage to act as bracing for the box. The subs will blow through into the cab, and the custom door panels will house four 6.5" woofers and slew of tweets. The system will be powered by Kicker's amazing 10,000 watt Warhorse amps, and the interior is damped in a ton of Second Skin sound deadening, and wiring is all Knukonceptz. IN order to keep things running strong Nick also went with Missing Link Audio alternator management.
 

New Nissan Maxima and Titan Dash Kits

2000-03 Nissan Maxima Kit

Man, Scosche is just pumping out the new dash kits!

If you have a 2000-03 Nissan Maxima, Scosche now offers the NN1494B that can serve double-duty as a single-DIN or double-DIN kit. Made of high-strength ABS, the kit includes new brackets so you don't have to reuse the factory, it matches the factory dash contours, and is painted to match just like factory. The kit retails for $19.95.

If you trucks are more you thing and you own a 2008 Nissan Titan with the 3-knob A/C controls, Scosche now offers the NN1643B. This kit will accommodate ISO-DIN mounting with an optional pocket, or ISO double-DIN mounting. Like most other kits, this is made from high strength ABS plastic and matches the facotry dash contours.

2008 Nissan Titan Kit

3G iPhone Pics Leaked?

I'm not totally convinced that what we see here is the 3G iPhone, but rumors are circulating, so I thought I'd share. It certainly looks like it could be the next version, but somehow I don't think Apple is ready to get away from the aluminum design that  is shared throughout the iPod family.  To me, this image looks pretty Photoshopped; the backside just doesn't look quite right. What do you think?

in the forums!

Source: Ubergizmo

JVC Adds KW-NX7000 Double-DIN Nav

JVC has really been stepping up there game in the last year or two. Their oversized-DIN radios have changed the face (pun intended) of in-dash radios, and the re-introduction of the new sleek Kameleon series was a welcomed return. One of the newer radios to hit the JVC stables is the new double-DIN KW-NX7000. This beauty features a detachable faceplate with a low-reflection 7" touchscreen. The faceplate also features proximity-sensing buttons that are blacked out, but illuminate when you finger approaches them. The NX7000 GPS uses NAVTEQ mapping software with a built-in RDS tuner for real-time traffic info, as well as a WAAS for more accurate GPS positioning. The unit is also Bluetooth capable for hands-free cellphone operation. The navigation and Bluetooth can also work together for POI syncing, which adds a touch of added convenience to the navigation. If you're being directed to a specific restaurant, for example, you can also dial that restaurant through the GPS via Bluetooth and your mobile.

The NX7000 will playback DVD, CD, MP3, WMA, WAV, DivX, JPG and MPEG formats, is satellite radio and HD Radio ready, and can accept a rearview camera.  The NX7000 also has an improved iPod GUI and high-speed USB 2.0 connection, whcih makes a pretty dramatic difference when sorting through content and menus on your iPod. The screen will also display album artwork, and the radio charges your iPod as well. If you're not an iPod fan, you access MP3s via the SD card slot or USB port.

Full details available after the jump!

iPods Kill! (um... Maybe.. OK, not really)

OK, this is kind of funny. Australian police have launched a public advertising campaign warning citizens of the dangers of being a pedestrian while wearing an iPod. Apparently these things can get you killed! The posters depict pedestrians taking the 'ol dirt nap in the middle of the street, outlined in chalk that's actually white iPod headphones. The only problem is, nobody in Australia has actually been killed while wearing an iPod!! The city is merely concerned with the popularity of the device and the potential for injury due to distraction. Um... Yeah. Ok. A little over the top, dontcha think? You can check out the rest of the pictures here.

Thanks for the tip John!

in the forums!