What Is Signal-To-Noise Ratio, And Why Does It Matter?

Most people understand the importance of amplifier power specifications. In most cases, more power is a good thing, that is, until you reach the thermal or suspension limits of the speakers you are using. One specification that is also very important in a mobile electronics amplifier, processor or source unit is Signal-to-Noise Ratio. In this article, we are going to explain what S/N Ratio numbers are and why they are important.

All the Noise, all the Time!

It just so happens that when you pass a signal through any device – like a piece of wire, resistor, capacitor, inductor, transistor or anything else you can think of – a tiny little bit of noise is added to the signal. There are many different kinds of noise. The random motion of electrons bouncing around as they pass through a device causes thermal noise. Higher temperatures result in more noise. Another common noise is Shot Noise. The difference in arrival times of electrons as they cross a barrier or gap between two materials causes Shot Noise. Devices like transistors and diodes, which have different layers of materials inside, are common sources of Shot Noise. There are many more types of noise.

As you can imagine, the amount of noise generated by any one of these devices is minuscule. When you add up a little bit of noise from a bunch of components, then you amplify the resulting signal, the amount of noise in the output of a circuit grows dramatically.

Noise happens in source units, signal processors and amplifiers. Once you add noise to the signal chain, it’s essentially impossible to remove it.

The Sound of Noise

An easy way to hear what noise sounds like is to connect a set of headphones to your laptop computer and turn the volume up fairly high. You’ll hear a hiss through the headphones. That’s noise. (Note: Please be careful, we want you as an audio enthusiast for life. Take those headphones off before your computer plays a sound and you risk damaging your hearing.)

How We Measure Noise

There are a few ways to quantify the noise an electronic component creates. One method is to simply state the noise on the output of the device in absolute terms. The measurement could be in volts or watts, and quantifies the amplitude of the noise signal. You won’t see this used to describe audio components, however.

The most common method of quantifying the noise that a product adds to the signal is to compare the noise level to that of the audio signal coming out of the device. Because the difference in these levels can be quite large, we state the ratio of the signal level to the noise level using the decibel (dB) scale. The decibel scale is logarithmic. As such, a difference of 6 dB represents a doubling of the amplitude ratio, 20 dB is ten times the amplitude, 40 dB is 100 times, 60 dB is 1000 times and 80 dB is 10,000 times and so on.

Let us look at a moderate quality amplifier – nothing awesome, nothing disastrous. We see that this fictional amplifier has a S/N Ratio of -82.3 dB when referenced to 1 watt of power output into a 4-ohm load. What does that mean? Well, first, we know that to produce 1 watt of power into a 4-ohm speaker, we need 2 volts RMS of signal coming out of the amp. Our noise level is 82.3 dB quieter than 2 volts. Using an online calculator, that means that the noise produced by this amp is 0.00006918309709189363 times smaller than 2 volts, so it’s about 0.000138 volts. A little more math and that works out to 4.785 nanowatts.

Nope. That isn’t very much noise. And in most cases, you probably can’t hear it.

What if we work hard and find a below-average amplifier? Something with a S/N spec down around 70 dB? If we apply that math to our 2 volts of rated output, we get a noise level of 99.99 nanowatts. Yep, that’s a LOT more watts as compared to the previous example.

Clarifying the Mysterious Signal-To-Noise Ratio

If you look at an amp spec from more than about 10 years ago, or you see a number that is abnormally high, they may be rating the noise level using the maximum output capability of the amplifier as the comparing factor. If we measure an amplifier’s noise output level at 1 watt to be 85 dB, then you increase the amplifier’s output to 10 watts, assuming it doesn’t make any additional noise, the S/N ratio will be -95 dB. If the amp can produce 100 watts with no more noise, the ratio is now -105 dB. There are hundreds of amps that can produce 1000 watts – so that noise ratio measurement would now be -115 dB. When it comes to printing numbers on a gift box, in a brochure or publishing them on a website, being able to say that the S/N Ratio is -115 dB sure looks more appealing than -85 dB.

The CEA-2006 specification established a standard set of guidelines for S/N Ratio noise measurement. The specification dictates that we measure the S/N Ratio compared to 1 watt of output into a 4-ohm load. A new specification is in the works that will help quantify the adjustment of the sensitivity setting on the amplifier during the measurement process. As it sits, the lower the setting of the amp, the better the S/N ratio measurement will be. Want to confirm this? Next time you are installing an amp, turn the system on with no signal connected to the amp and listen to the speakers. Then turn the amp gain up all the way. You will hear the noise level increase. Please turn the gain back down and shut the system off before proceeding.

Why is the Lack of Noise Important?

How can we quantify the desire not to add noise to our signal? Here is a simple analogy. If you purchased a TV in recent years, you may have heard the expression ‘blacker blacks.’ ‘Blacker blacks’ refers to how dark the screen gets when there is no signal. Blacker is better. When you think about your audio system, a ‘more negative’ S/N ratio means that the noise is quieter than the audio signal. We don’t want to listen to noise. -90 dB is better than -80 dB. Go it? Clear?

There are so many criteria to balance when choosing any car audio product. Power levels, efficiencies, distortion characteristics, features and functions all play an important role. Understanding the meaning of the S/N ratio measurement is very important. We don’t want ANY distortion or noise added to our music, but the laws of physics deny us that luxury. Do your best to choose products that, through careful design and choice of internal components, minimize these negative effects. Your local mobile electronics specialist can help steer you towards some amazing equipment. Drop in and check out what’s new.

This article is written and produced by the team at www.BestCarAudio.com. Reproduction or use of any kind is prohibited without the express written permission of 1sixty8 media.

Vehicle Lighting Upgrades Offer Many Options

When it comes to driving in the dark, the quality and quantity of lighting you have is paramount to your safety, and the safety of those around you. In recent years, automakers have begun to put significant effort into their lighting systems. From the days of incandescent lighting to upgrades with halogen gases, high-intensity discharge (HID), light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and – most recently – lasers, lighting has come a long way. The aftermarket is evolving quickly as well, so let’s look at some of the options that can make your nighttime drive safer.

Light Source Options

Factory headlight replacement options are the most popular upgrades available. There are three basic options: incandescent, LED and HID. Incandescent bulbs use a high-temperature filament that glows white-hot when current passes through it. Advances in materials and the selection of gases that are used in the construction of the light bulb have improved efficiency and longevity, as well as increased light output. A few years ago, tinted incandescent bulbs were popular – they gave the white/blue appearance of high-dollar HID kits. However, any time you put something between the light source and what you are trying to illuminate, you decrease the light output. Cool? Yes. Bright? Not so much.

The latest rage is LED lights. Vehicles like the Toyota Corolla, Acura MDX and new Honda Civic are available with LED headlights. These light sources are very bright. They produce full output very quickly when turned on. In the aftermarket, LED replacement headlight bulbs are becoming more and more popular. The quality of LEDs available is increasing in tandem with demand. However, the light output (measured in lumens) is still a little behind that of HID bulbs. LED lights often cost more, because not as many are being produced – a supply-and-demand issue. LED lights also require external cooling. Aluminum heat sinks, braided metal tabs and fans are common solutions for helping to dissipate the heat generated by LEDs. These can pose challenges regarding installation and available space.

The 1996 Lincoln Mark VIII is credited as being the first production vehicle with HID headlights. This system works by increasing the 12V vehicle electrical system voltage up to around 100 volts. This voltage goes to a pair of electrodes in a gas-filled chamber. A steady spark between the two electrodes is what produces the light. However, it takes around 25,000 volts to get the lights to start working. That’s why you get a small, bright flash when you first turn on an HID system. HID lights are among the brightest on the market. The color of the light they produce is closer to that of sunlight, with more blue content than with incandescent bulbs.

Light Color

We should talk about light color, or more accurately, light temperature is rated on the Kelvin scale. Lower numbers, around 3,500–4,500 K have significant yellow and orange content, and are similar to incandescent bulbs. Moving up the scale, 4,500–6,000 K is bluer and closer to sunlight. That said, as the blue content increases, so can the propensity for eye fatigue – blue light can be tiring to look at. You don’t want to go too high for daily use. Bulbs rated at 6,000–10,000 K are for appearance purposes only. The light becomes more purple toward the high-end of the spectrum. These are fine for a show car, but not practical or safe for daily use.

Light Intensity

Many people believe there is a direct correlation between color temperature and light output. That depends, of course, on the manufacturer of the bulb. The thinking is that lower temperatures produce more light output. Ultimately, the amount of light that is produced will determine how much and how far you can see.

Light output is measured in lumens. More lumens means more brightness, which, for a given beam pattern, means that the road will be illuminated better.

Beam Pattern

When upgrading your headlights, it is critically important that you are conscious of the resulting beam pattern. The light that is emitted from the front your vehicle is in a specific pattern – not round like a flashlight. The beam has a flat line through it, ever so slightly below horizontal. This allows the light to illuminate the road without blinding oncoming drivers. The light should also be brighter near the edge of this cutoff, putting more light down the road rather than in front of the vehicle. Too much light in the foreground will cause your pupils to close slightly, reducing how far down the road you can see.

Likewise – and this is a great night driving tip – the brightness of the vehicle interior can have the same effect. Keep the dash and radio illumination as dim as possible. That can help you see further down the road.

If the new light bulbs you install change the beam pattern, remove them. They are not compatible with your headlights, and they will blind oncoming drivers. This is extremely dangerous and can cause accidents.

Headlight Styles

There are two types of factory headlight assemblies in use today: reflector style and projector style.

The projectors are fairly easy to recognize – they have smallish, 2–3” round lenses. Reflectors have a large, molded, mirror-finish bowl behind the light. While one is not necessarily better than the other, you do need to know which you have when you go shopping for upgrades. Aftermarket HID kits don’t typically work properly in reflector-style headlight assemblies. The beam pattern becomes uncontrolled, pointing light into the eyes of oncoming drivers. In many cases, depending on the specific design of the kit you choose, you can use an LED upgrade in those applications.

In projector-style systems, the shape of the internal reflector is designed to work with either incandescent or HID style bulbs. The position and shape of the light source differs between these two bulb types. You can often get away with putting HID bulb kits in a projector designed for Incandescent bulbs without any detrimental effects, but they may not be quite as bright or focused as an HID bulb in a projector designed specifically for that application.

Retrofits

If you are looking for the ultimate lighting upgrade, you may want to contact your local mobile electronics specialist about a retrofit. A retrofit involves removing the headlights from the vehicle, taking them apart, and installing new projectors with OEM-quality bulbs and ballasts. Most of these solutions use what is known as a bi-xenon projector. These projector assemblies have motorized shutters that move to produce a “high beam” light pattern. The output of these systems is among the best there is – perfect beam pattern, excellent cutoff and great light output. Some headlights are easier to work on than others, so contact a local specialist for details about your lights.

You can also make some cosmetic changes while the lights are apart. The installation of LED halo rings, and painting some of the interior components can have a dramatic effect on the look of the vehicle.

Wiring

When you want to change headlights, wiring is often involved. Many new vehicles have systems in place to detect when a bulb is burnt out. They can also modulate the voltage to high-beam lighting circuits to operate them as daytime running lights.

When it comes to wiring, nobody is better than your local car audio specialist retailer. Work with them to ensure that your new light wiring can provide enough current and operates the way it should. Relays, capacitors and load resistors may be required to achieve the results you want. Don’t ever skimp on wiring – it affects the reliability of the lights you install, and your safety is at risk.

A Word of Caution About Vehicle Lighting Upgrades

We want to remind you that your headlights are a tool. They are not toys, and their performance and reliability are of the utmost importance to your safety and the safety of those you share the road with. Lighting upgrades are a great way to improve your safety at night. Drop by your local mobile electronics specialist and discuss your options.

This article is written and produced by the team at www.BestCarAudio.com. Reproduction or use of any kind is prohibited without the express written permission of 1sixty8 media.

Choosing Speakers For Your Car: Components Or Coaxials?

Developing a speaker requires that the designer and engineer balance many different aspects, such as the application, cost and desired performance level of the end product. For the consumer, navigating the thousands of different speaker offerings on the market can be difficult. Two speakers can measure similarly regarding efficiency, power handling and frequency response, but still perform completely differently because of different distortion characteristics. Cone, dust cap and suspension resonance, motor non-linearity, and enclosure/application requirements play a crucial role in determining how the end-product will sound once installed in the listening environment. This article scratches the surface of looking at the benefits and drawbacks of choosing speakers by comparing coaxial and component speaker designs.

When Choosing Speakers, Define the Design

Component (or separate) speakers are a set of speakers that includes a set of dedicated midrange drivers and dedicated tweeters. Each of those four speakers requires a dedicated mounting location. By contrast, a coaxial speaker features a midrange driver with a tweeter mounted in the center of it. In most cases, the tweeter is on top of an extension post connected to the pole piece. Other coaxial designs use a bridge or mesh grille to suspend the tweeter over the midrange. These are sometimes called coaxially mounted components by marketing departments.

Benefits of Coaxial Speakers

In most cases, coaxial speakers are the less-expensive options in a product lineup. This pricing is due to the chosen target customer and not because you can’t make a high-quality coaxial speaker. Less-expensive magnets, baskets, cone materials and suspension components, and wider tolerances that allow for faster production with fewer rejected assemblies, all help reduce cost. The benefit is, if you need an inexpensive speaker, coaxials are a good solution.

Coaxial speakers can be installed faster, so they are less expensive to install. The integrated tweeter saves a lot of time during the installation process. Most coaxial speakers have integrated crossovers of some sort that don’t require special wiring or mounting. The net result is that your installer can get them up and running in your vehicle in about half the time it takes to install a component set, which means your labor charges will be reduced.

Benefits of Component Speakers

Most component speakers are made from better materials and have higher performance goals. High-end components can cost more than $5,000 for a set and often include premium passive crossover networks, elaborate installation accessories and – of course – amazing speakers. The sound that component speakers produce, when installed and tuned properly, can be amazing!

When a good set of components is tuned properly, most of the sound can appear to come from the tweeters. Having a separate tweeter allows your installer to mount it high in the vehicle – at the top of the door, on the dash or in the A-pillar. The combination of proper tuning and placement puts the music out in front of you, essentially at eye level. This higher soundstage is similar to what you would experience at a concert, listening to the band performing in front of you.

Many factors contribute to where and how your installer mounts the tweeters – your budget, your performance goals, and how much modification you want or will allow to your vehicle. All locations have their benefits and drawbacks. For example, a tweeter mounted on the dash or A-pillar is very near the windshield. The hard surface of the windshield can cause significant reflections. Alternatively, a mounting location in the upper section of the door may reduce these reflections, but may not raise the soundstage as high, or could make it appear to come from somewhere closer to you than the dash or pillar location.

A component speaker doesn’t have any of its output blocked by the tweeter, which eliminates some minor reflections . Likewise, with a coaxial speaker that uses a tweeter post, a component speaker can have a full dust cap. The dust cap moves with the cone and increases the driver cone area. Additional cone area increases the driver’s efficiency.

The Huge Role of Crossovers

Whether you choose a coaxial or component speaker set, you are going to need a crossover to handle splitting up the frequencies. In the most basic of speakers, a capacitor is used on the wire going to the tweeter to block low and midrange information. The midrange driver is allowed to roll off naturally – ideally, there are no significant high frequencies resonances that will affect the sound.

As you progress up through the quality of a speaker set, you will see steeper filter networks on tweeters. These steeper networks allow the tweeter to play to a lower frequency and then be stopped to protect it from excursion damage. At the same time, filtering the high-frequency output of the midrange is common in mid- to high-end crossover networks. Speaker manufacturers construct the most elaborate of crossover networks with premium components for both the high- and low-pass portions of the network. Adjustability is often built into the crossover for tweeter level. Small components can be overdriven and saturated, reducing their effectiveness. Large amounts of distortion can cause the tweeter cap to overload and explode.

The Option of Coincident-mounted Coaxial Speakers

The radiation pattern of a speaker is a sphere in its standard operating range. As frequency increases, this output pattern becomes more directional. When a tweeter is mounted at the base of a midrange, a phenomenon occurs called Intermodulation Distortion. As the cone of the midrange moves up and down to reproduce music, this moving surface modulates the reflections of the tweeter.

It is worth noting that the same thing happens when a single speaker cone is asked to reproduce high frequencies: The source of the high-frequency sounds moves forward and rearward as the speaker cone attempts to reproduce lower frequencies. This modulating effect is known as Doppler Distortion. These distortions, combined with the narrowing of the radiation pattern as frequency increases, are some of the many reasons why we have to use different-sized speakers to reproduce music accurately.

When shopping for a coaxial speaker, you will want to choose one that has the tweeter mounted low enough not to interfere with the installation of a grille or trim panel over top of the speaker. You should also look for a tweeter that has a small waveguide that prevents the output from bouncing off the midrange cone.

Shopping for Speakers

We could spend years discussing the different aspects of speaker design and performance. Suffice it to say that you should seek out the assistance of a seasoned and reputable professional for purchase and installation. Be sure to quantify as much of the purchase process as possible – your financial limits, cosmetic preferences regarding installation and performance goals for the system. You will want to use music you have listened to many times when auditioning speakers.

You may want to listen to both a set of more- and less-expensive speakers to help quantify the price point you have chosen. Finally, talk with the salesperson and, if possible, the installer about how and where the speakers will be installed. Be sure to ask about sound deadening, spacers, wiring and anything else that can affect the performance of the installed speaker.

Speaker shopping is a lot of fun, and getting new speakers for your car, truck, boat or motorcycle can be very exciting. Be patient – take your time and be thorough. You will enjoy your new purchase all that much more when you choose a great-sounding speaker and a skilled installer.

This article is written and produced by the team at www.BestCarAudio.com. Reproduction or use of any kind is prohibited without the express written permission of 1sixty8 media.

Product Spotlight: Drone XC-LTE Dash Cam

If you’re a regular visitor to BestCarAudio.com, you should be familiar with dash cams and smartphone-based remote vehicle control solutions like Drone. Imagine combining the features of both units into one product and then adding live video streaming capabilities! The new Drone XC-LTE 2K QHD dash cam with LTE, GPS and Wi-Fi does precisely that. Let’s check it out!

What Is the Drone XC-LTE Dash Cam?

There are a lot of features and design elements to unpack with the Drone XC-LTE. The unit has a footprint of 4.2 by 2.8 inches with a thickness of 1.5 inches. A vertical mounting orientation on the windshield minimizes obstruction.

The XC-LTE uses a Sony STARVIS image sensor for excellent contrast and low-light performance. The sensor is mated to a wide 154-degree lens to allow recording well off to the sides of the vehicle. The camera records at a 2K Quad HD resolution of 2560 by 1440 pixels at 30 frames per second. A built-in Wi-Fi transceiver lets you download stored videos to your smartphone.

Firstech includes a high-quality 64 GB microSD memory card to ensure reliable recording. Upgrading to a 128 or 256 GB memory card allows the system to store more data. The system also accepts a secondary camera input signal. Your installer can add the XC-RC100 rear-facing or the XC-IR100 infrared interior cameras. The interior camera is very popular with taxi, Uber and Lyft operators. The parking mode feature allows it to monitor the visible area continuously and then record when something or someone enters its field of vision.

What makes this dash cam unique is the ability to view live video on the DroneMobile app on your smartphone using an LTE cellular data connection. You can see exactly what the camera sees on your phone. The system uses an LTE data connection to transmit video. As long as your phone can access the cellular data network, it doesn’t matter where it’s parked or driving. Remote live-viewing capability is a feature people have been requesting for years.

Regarding live-feed details, the video stream has a resolution of 960 by 540 pixels. Depending on your chosen service package, you get 1 or 2 GB of cloud storage for important videos you tag via the DroneMobile app.

Drone Vehicle Control

While the excitement of the remote video viewing is the highlight of the Drone XC-LTE, it’s crucial to remember that this is still a Drone vehicle control interface. When paired with a compatible control module from Compustar, Arctic Start, FTX or NuStart, you can use the DroneMobile app on your phone to lock and unlock your vehicle or start the engine. You can even pop the trunk or open a sliding door or motorized hatch in many applications.

The Drone XC-LTE acts like the DAS-II sensor to detect impact, tilt, motion and glass breakage. Any of these triggers will instantly send a notification to your smartphone. You can use the LTE streaming feature of the dash cam to look around your vehicle to find out what’s going on. The DroneMobile app also allows you to trigger the Panic feature to scare away would-be thieves or the neighbor’s cat.

The system also functions as a vehicle-locating or -tracking solution with one of the GPS-enabled Drone service plans. You can configure speed-based warnings to monitor vehicle operation. Location-based notifications, often called geofencing, are also available. These warnings tell you when the vehicle enters or exits a specific area or location.

See Why Your Car Alarm Triggered

Most of us are familiar with hearing car alarm sirens, getting a security alert from a two-way remote key fob or perhaps seeing an alarm notification on our smartphones. We all want to know what is happening in and around the vehicle. With the new XC-LTE, you can open the DroneMobile app and see what the cameras see in real time. There’s no need to leave the house or your office. You could be on vacation in the Caribbean and check on your car or truck from the pool while sipping a mojito or enjoying a beer.

The XC-LTE is ideal for commercial equipment left on a job site or in a company-owned service or delivery vehicle. The XC-LTE is a perfect solution if you rent your car or truck on Turo or Getaround and want to see where and how the renter uses your vehicle.

The Best Vehicle Monitoring and Control Solution

The Drone XC-LTE is the first aftermarket dash cam solution with live view capabilities that can integrate with a car alarm or remote start system to provide vehicle control and monitoring. You can also use the system as a stand-alone dash cam with remote live viewing. Your local Compustar retailer can explain the remote control and live-view service plans and the features they offer. To find an authorized Drone retailer near you, use the locator tool on their website. For more information about Drone solutions, visit their YouTube channel, Facebook page or Instagram. Check back frequently, as a full Test Drive Review of the Drone XC-LTE is coming soon.

This article is written and produced by the team at www.BestCarAudio.com. Reproduction or use of any kind is prohibited without the express written permission of 1sixty8 media.

Product Spotlight: Rockford Fosgate PMX-HD14

Rockford Fosgate, a brand synonymous with Harley-Davidson amplifier, speaker and subwoofer upgrades, has just introduced its PMX-HD14 multimedia infotainment system. If you have a 2014 and newer Street Glide or Ultra, or 2015 and newer Road Glide, this might be the perfect way to make your entire stereo system sound better. Best of all, it’s got a unique trick up its sleeve. Let’s check it out.

Features of the Rockford Fosgate PMX-HD14 Radio

The PMX-HD14 is Rockford Fosgate’s second foray into the multimedia receiver market for Harley-Davidson. The radio is a direct drop-in upgrade for many of H-D’s touring bikes. This plug-and-play design works with the existing power and speaker wiring. It also features a 7-inch touchscreen that works even if the rider is wearing gloves. The screen and the trim around it are Element Ready, the term Rockford Fosgate gives to products that are sealed to keep out water and dust and can handle prolonged UV exposure and all the vibrations from applications like a big V-twin motorcycle.

In terms of the interface, there are four fixed buttons adjacent to the screen for Home, Settings, Information and Power control. A short press on the information button in the top right increases the radio volume, and a short press on the power button below it lowers the volume. Pressing and holding the information button brings up an odometer and distance-since-last-service display.

Rockford Fosgate is on top of the integration situation with the PMX-HD14. The radio is compatible with the factory-installed handlebar audio controls without the need for any additional parts. It works with wireless headsets and the OEM CB system when the WHIM and CB modules are present. And there’s no need to reflash the bike to maximize the radio’s performance. These features make the radio ideal for those who don’t want permanent modifications on their motorcycle.

Harley-Davidson Multimedia Radio Audio Sources

Of course, the PMX-HD14 has an AM/FM and Weather Band receiver, so you can tune in to your favorite local radio stations. An optional SXV300 tuner module will give you access to SiriusXM satellite radio for uninterrupted genre-specific programming from coast to coast. You can also play MP3, WMA or FLAC digital audio files from a USB memory stick. A Bluetooth receiver allows you to play music stored on a portable media player or stream audio from your smartphone.

The PMX-HD14 also includes Apple CarPlay. Connect your Apple iPhone and you can easily access entertainment, communication and navigational information. You can make phone calls or send text messages without taking your eyes off the road. If you’re on a cross-state or cross-country adventure, access to Apple Maps, Google Maps and Waze will help you reach your destination efficiently and safely. Of course, dedicated CarPlay streaming apps like Pandora, IHeartRadio, Pandora or Spotify make listening to almost anything you want quick and easy.

Take Your Party on the Road

Rockford Fosgate knows that an essential part of owning a Harley-Davidson motorcycle is the lifestyle and brotherhood with fellow riders. That awareness led them to create a feature called Street Party Mode. If your friends have a PMX-HD14 on their bikes, you can share whatever music you’re playing. They can connect their radios to yours using a proprietary Bluetooth 5.0 solution. The crew can enjoy the same music while cruising or hanging out.

Amazing Audio and Processing Features

The PMX-HD14 includes a built-in amplifier that can deliver 25 watts of clean power to four 4-ohm speakers or 50 watts to four 2-ohm speakers. The radio has six preamp outputs that provide up to 4 volts RMS to your amplifiers. A built-in 14-band graphic equalizer allows you or your installer to fine-tune the sound to your listening preferences. Rockford Fosgate invested a lot of time developing this radio, with innovations like audio presets – called Optimized Tunes – for the different Rockford Fosgate amplifier, speaker and subwoofer upgrade solutions available for your bike.

Transform Your Motorcycle Adventure with Rockford Fosgate

If high-quality sound, reliability and an easy-to-use interface are on your radio shopping list, drop by a local authorized Rockford Fosgate retailer and check out the Rockford Fosgate PMX-HD14. With a very detailed compatibility list on the product website, you can instantly see whether the radio is suitable for your touring bike. Follow Rockford Fosgate on Facebook and Instagram to keep up with their latest releases. Of course, their YouTube Channel has some of the coolest and most informative videos in the mobile audio industry.

This article is written and produced by the team at www.BestCarAudio.com. Reproduction or use of any kind is prohibited without the express written permission of 1sixty8 media.

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All the Noise, all the Time!

The Sound of Noise

How We Measure Noise

Clarifying the Mysterious Signal-To-Noise Ratio

Why is the Lack of Noise Important?

Light Source Options

Light Color

Light Intensity

Beam Pattern

Headlight Styles

Retrofits

Wiring

A Word of Caution About Vehicle Lighting Upgrades

When Choosing Speakers, Define the Design

Benefits of Coaxial Speakers

Benefits of Component Speakers

The Huge Role of Crossovers

The Option of Coincident-mounted Coaxial Speakers

Shopping for Speakers

What Is the Drone XC-LTE Dash Cam?

Drone Vehicle Control

See Why Your Car Alarm Triggered

The Best Vehicle Monitoring and Control Solution

Features of the Rockford Fosgate PMX-HD14 Radio

Harley-Davidson Multimedia Radio Audio Sources

Take Your Party on the Road

Amazing Audio and Processing Features

Transform Your Motorcycle Adventure with Rockford Fosgate

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