Give-Away: SoundDomain SQ CD Box Set!!

We've got a pretty unique give-away this time: a collection of some of the best Sound Quality CD's available for testing & tuning your vehicle's sound system. I contacted the best-of-the-best manufacturers in our industry for copies of their test/sampler CD's and we rolled it all into one complete box set! You even get a completely custom one-of-a-kind box to hold all five CDs, and conveniently enough, it's also the shipping box! Follow the jump to get the full details!

Focal SOLID Amps Shipping May 2nd!

We just got news that the new Focal SOLID amps we reported on not too long ago will begin shipping May 2nd. SOLID amps feature relatively small footprints and will be available in a red or black.

"All SOLID models are CEA-2006 compliant and feature high and low level inputs, variable crossovers and sub-sonic filters, great sound quality to size ratio, and floating grounds to prevent engine noise. The 4 channel and mono block models also include a remote sub control."

Check out the press release after the jump. We also have a full gallery of pics right here.

Evolution of the V: New Focal 165VR

Focal's Polyglass series (The V-Series) is one of the best bang-for-your buck component (or coaxial) systems you buy. Of course this is just my humble, very-biased-towards-Focal opinion, but I guarantee if you do a side-by-side comparison at your local shop, you'll agree. And Focal has just upped the ante with the new 165VR component system.

The 165VR is a pretty decent step up from the 165V2 system, adding an all-new tweeter and Polyglass woofer to the family. The 6VR paper and micro-glass bead woofer has an extremely high sensitivity (94.5dB!), and an upgraded 32mm voice coil (compared to the V2's 25mm) for improved power handling. Focal's new V-cone also features a 31-degree angle and an aluminum phase plug for improved off-axis response, and it plays all the way down to 80Hz! The component set also features the new TNB aluminum/magnesium tweeter that plays all the way up to a supersonic 28kHz.

The crossover network features a see-through case, offering a nice clear view of the artistically laid-out audiophile componentry, which also makes it nice for showing off in your install. The flexible crossover has a selectable frequency and slope: 6db/octave @ 3.5Hz or 12db/octave @ 4.2kHz, and an adjustable treble level of -2, 0, or +2dB.

Follow the jump for a few more pics, press release and full technical data!

Steg K2|02 Amplifier Wins 2007/2008 EISA Best Amp Award

Not many are familiar with Italian amplifier manufacturer Steg, but if you ever get the opportunity to check out a Steg amp, I'm fairly certain you'll be as impressed as I was. Steg is imported to the States by Orca Design, the same distributor for Focal and Audio System - all high end audio.

Steg K-Series amps use oversized regulated power supplies, swappable crossover modules, fan cooling, and a host of other features. But the coolest thing about the K2|02? It features built-in microprocessors that continuously monitor the amp for problems, and tracks detailed performance data that is stored on internal memory and can be accessed and evaluated via personal computer.

The K2|02 was recently awarded the 2007/2008 "Best In Car Amplifier". Follow this link to learn more about the EISA Award, and follow the jump for a gallery of pics for the K2|02 and a great write-up from Steg explaining the benefits of this incredible amplifier.

Orca Designs Gets Wet

I guess today is "Speaker Day" at SoundDomain since that's what all my news has surrounded so far. Orca Designs, importers and distributors for Focal and Raven speakers, had these marine speaker grilles on display at MERA Knowledgefest a few weeks back, and are designed for use with Focal component systems. A special water resistant polyester material known as "hydro-phobic polyester" is bonded to the backside of the grille and keeps water from passing through to the speaker. This is a very similar material to air intake manufacturer Injen's air filter HydroShield pre-filter that keeps water and debris from penetrating the air filter and entering the engine.