Car Audio Buff

The Infinity Reference 311A is a mono subwoofer amplifier that is rated at 116 watts RMS @ 4 ohms (312 watts RMS x 1 @ 2 ohms). Infinity’s Dynamic Bass Optimizer (DBO) circuit matches variable bass boost with a variable subsonic filter to enable low frequency fine-tuning while still providing protection for your speaker. Other features include two sets of parallel output terminals for easy connection of multiple subwoofers, and an optional remote level control.

Unboxing the 311A, you’ll see accessories such as a patch cord, a power cable, a fuse, a grounding cable and a turn-on lead. In fact, the only thing not included are the speaker wires itself.

The 311A powered (with ease) almost everything that we paired it with—2 Rockford Fosgate 10″ Stage 1s and 2 12″ P3s, a Kenwood 10″ in a ported box, and a Kicker 10″ CompVR. Most of the time our gain was only set to -3 and it already rattled the mirrors. We could not even get the clip light to blink when we cranked it up. We noticed that this amplifier is efficient in delivering volume with less power.

As this is a semi-old model, the sound is actually still up par with today’s current amplifiers. RTA analysis measured lows of 19 Hz and highs of up to 280 Hz. This is a Reference series so this used to be on top of Infinity’s line-up.

Installation was a breeze, so long as you have some experience with amps and subs.

Other Specifications

Frequency Response	17 Hz – 302 Hz
Signal to Noise Ratio	81 dB
THD @ RMS Power	1%
Input Voltage	14.4 v
Amplifier Class	AB
Bass Boost	12 dB
Bass Boost Frequency	20 – 80 Hz
Width	12″
Depth	11.44″
Height	2.69″

Infinity Reference 311A top

Infinity Reference 311A right

Infinity Reference 311A left

Sirius Satellite Radio Tuner/Receiver

The SR04 is actually Blaupunkt’s first Sirius radio, and, while most satellite radio tuners nowadays come built-in to the radio tuner itself, we look back at a time when satellite radio (ergo, and Howard Stern) actually mattered.

The America SR04 then listed for $160 but you would have to pay a $12.99 monthly subscription to Sirius. The small albeit aggressively-sized radio measures 4.75″ wide, 3.2″ high and is 1.2″ deep. Back then it was small, but not as small as the XM Roady2. Up to this point, you might still be wondering what the SR04 is doing in a car audio blog, but it came with a car kit so it’s the closest thing you could get to enjoying satellite radio in your car. By the way, it also comes with a “home kit.”

Navigation through the SR04 either by its small remote or via the faceplate itself was somewhat a pain. Besides not being user-friendly, the touch mechanism was too sensitive for its own good, so you really need to press just right. But like all car audio devices, once you get the hang of it, it becomes second nature to you.

Because satellite radio is a new technology, it is supposed to sound good. Its high bandwidth means of transferring data to your device translates to cd-like (or mp3-like) sound quality. And the Blaupunkt did a good job in this area. Of course, much of this depends on what kind of equipment you have plugged in its analog audio output. But, since the digital signal is converted within the unit itself, the SR04 affects the sound more than you’d think.

Additional Features

The America SR04 has a 6-line display, built-in wireless FM modulator, 30 station presets and a 10 artist and song memory. The car kit includes a docking cradle, a 12v DC power cord, line out jack and cable and a magnetic car antenna.

Blaupunkt SR04

Blaupunkt München RDM 169

The Blaupunkt Munchen RDM 169 is a 1-DIN head unit which features flip-down faceplate, steering wheel-mounted remote, digital parametric equalizer, and has four preamp outputs, subwoofer output, and is rated at 40 watts x 4.

What people are saying

Maximum undistorted preamp output measured 3.2 volts and output impedance is a relatively low 101 ohms. Dynamic range measured in excess of –100 dB, which usually indicates some type of zero-bit gate.

The München’s user interface is surprisingly good considering the vast number of functions that the unit possesses. Overall, the München is a very slick, if somewhat complex, package.

Awesome sound quality. DPE is an awesome addition to an otherwise great head unit. Radio reception is of the quality i have come to expect from brands like Kenwood, and Pioneer.

I highly recommend this unit for anyone, especially if installing it in a european car, which it is designed to fit. The radio reception is unbelievable, and there are such a plethora of settings to adjust radio reception. This is a must for anyone that spend a lot of time listening to the radio, especially if you live in an area that has poor radio reception.

Blaupunkt RDM 169

Remember that one-of-a-kind subwoofer Clarion released a couple of years ago? See photo below.

Clarion SRV303

Yes, that is a subwoofer. The SRV303 is a powered subwoofer that combines a 3″ speaker with a built-in 65-watt amplifier. All is a super-compact ported enclosure. You can place it under the seat of your small car, in the glove compartment for up-front bass, or any place that can fit a 330mm by 230mm and 72.5 mm thick box. Heck, that’s smaller than most car amplifiers.

But…

For something as fresh a concept as it is, you either make it and set a trend or forget about it. Most review of the SRV303 have been less than stellar to say the least. In other words, it does what it is supposed to do, but unless really do not have the room fit a real subwoofer and amplifier in your system, the SRV303 is a good option to consider.

Clarion’s description of “Just want to add a little punch to your bass without a lot of booming and shaking?” tells the whole story. Try it in your wife’s car or your “unofficial” second system. Try it for the heck of it.

Update

The SRV303 has since been replaced by the SRV314, which is a smaller 6.6″ version of the SRV303.

JL Audio’s 10W6 (version 1), which has now been replaced by the 10W6v2, was one of car audio buffs’ favorite 10″ subwoofers—great punchy/quick bass combined with undemanding space requirements made it easy to experience up-front bass. Let’s relive the 10W6 and provide an all-in-one resource for owners or soon-to-be owners of this great subwoofer.

Specifications

Fs (free-air resonance)	23.2 Hz
Qts (total speaker “O”)	0.432
Qes (electrical “Q”)	0.463
Qms (mechanical “Q”)	6.567
Vas (equivalent compliance)	2.30 65.1
Xmax (linear excursion one-way)	0.469 11.9
Efficiency (1W/1m)	84.2 dB
Sd (effective piston surface area)	53.6 0.0346
Re (DC resistance)	10.8 Ω (in series)
Znom (nominal impedance)	Dual 6 Ω
Pt (continuous thermal power handling)	300 Watts

Dimensions

Frame Diameter	10.125 in.
Mounting Hole Diameter	9.125 in.
Mounting Depth	4.875 in.
Overall Depth	5.5 in.
Magnet Diameter	6.5 in.
Displacement	0.06 ft3

Recommended Enclosures

Sealed Enclosure	0.625 ft3	18” x 11” x 9”
Ported Enclosure	1.00 ft3	17” x 12” x 13.75”

Sample Reviews

“I have had my 2 10w6s for about three years. I purchased them at a pawnshop so I do not know how old they really are, but they were in perfect shape when I bought them for $100 each. I agree with the statement that they are bulletproof. I have cranked them extremely loud, louder than they should have gone, without any problems. I have used two different box sizes with them and agree that if you go too small you lose the quality you paid for. I originally used .8 ft3 and they went so low that you could almost count the frequency. Now I put them in .65 ft3 and they hit unbelivably hard, although they are less efficent at the ultra low frequencies. I would not suggest going any smaller than .6 ft3. You would lose too much low end and think that they suck.”

“Tight, accurate, detailed bass. Loads of power handling. Can play super quiet or super loud and still be musical. Worth ever penny.”

Sample Images

JL Audio 10w6 1

JL Audio 10W6 2

JL Audio 10W6 3

JL Audio 10W6 4

6″ x 9″ two-way loudspeaker

I have been trying to search for a review on these 6x9s for a long time now; most of the stores that carry these do not have user reviews. Yes, I know the REF9612 has been discontinued, but these used to sell really well. Currently, the REF9632CF and the REF9633CF are the 6x9s offered by Infinity.

Still looking for that review…

Here’s from a buyer at Amazon.com, it may not be much but you still might pick-up a thing or two about what this guy—a certain Max Xiong from Denver said.

“I replaced my old and I mean “OLD” Bose factory rear 6X9 speakers. They were the paper type and had been sitting in the sun for like ages and the paper had seperated from the middle of the speaker. After replacing with the Infinity Reference 9612I OMG!!! it was clean, crisp and clear. No distortion of any kind even turning up to volume to max. The vehicle I have came with a factory AMP of 240 watts so It handle the new speaker perfectly. No complaints here… For the price, these are a STEAL…”

If there’s anyone else who knows of a good review for this product, please send them in; a link or your own review will do.

Specs

Woofer	Plus One woofer cones
Tweeter	Edge-driven silk dome
Warranty	1 year
Power Handling, RMS	100 Watts
Power Handling, Peak	300 Watts
Sensitivity	92dB
Frequency Response	46Hz – 21kHz
Mounting Depth	3″
Impedance	4 Ohms

Image

Infinity Reference 9612i

Compared to other 6.5-Inch speakers in this price range, the Polk Audio db650 had the most balance and organic sound. For whatever reason, these speakers always delivered or more “musical” tone. I listen to jazz, pop, R&B, classical, rock, etc, and these speakers seemed to have the best frequency response. Mids still are still not strong, but better than other 6.5s. The highs are clean and organic, not sharp and crisp like other speakers with metal tweeters. The bass is there, but since it’s a small 6.5 there isn’t a lot. You’ll need larger speakers to go along with these to make up for the bass.

The db650s sound very clear even when cranked up. At first, they were way too bright and shrill. However, now that they are broken in, they sound great. The pair has a pretty accurate response, I can’t detect much coloration on these, music sounds they way it should, no missing instruments. Really good sound at a reasonable price.

Specs

• Mid/Woofer: 6 1/2″ Diameter (16.51cm); Polymer/Mica Composite cone with rubber surround
• Tweeter: 3/4″ Diameter (1.91cm); Silk/Polymer composite dome
• Overall Frequency Response: 40Hz-22KHz
• Nominal Impedance: 4 ohms
• Power Handling (continuous): 60 w
• Power Handling (peak): 180 w
• Efficiency: 92 dB
• Mid/Woofer Top Mount: 2″ (5.08cm)
• Mid/Woofer Bottom Mount: 2-5/16″ (5.87cm)
• Tweeter Surface Mount Height: 3/8″ (0.95cm)
• Driver Cut-out Diameter: 5″ (12.70cm)

Polk Audio db650

8″ Subwoofer

The discontinued W3v2 subwoofers offer phenomenal performance at moderate power levels, making them ideal for those seeking sound quality and solid impact from compact enclosures.

These subwoofers incorporate the patented Elevated Frame-Cooling technology for enhanced thermal dissipation and 20% more power handling than the original 10W3, 12W3 and 15W3. Cosmetic upgrades include a powder-coated silver frame finish, a dished cone/dust-cap design and a rubber mounting flange gasket that accepts grille mesh inserts directly (grille inserts sold separately).

The 8W3v2 comes in 3 variants, namely, the 8W3v2-D2, the 8W3v2-D4 and the 8W3v2-D6.

Subwoofer Specifications

• Order: 8W3v2-D2, 8W3v2-D4, 8W3v2-D6
• Free Air Resonance (Fs): 33.1 Hz, 34.5 Hz, 34.0 Hz
• Electrical “Q” (Qes): 0.392, 0.468, 0.465
• Mechanical “Q” (Qms): 7.84, 7.84, 7.84
• Total Speaker “Q” (Qts): 0.373, 0.441, 0.439
• Equivalent Compliance (Vas): 0.79 cu. ft./22.4 liters, 0.79 cu. ft./22.4 liters, 0.79 cu. ft./22.4 liters
• One-Way, Linear Excursion (Xmax): 0.39 in./9.9 mm, 0.39 in./9.9 mm, 0.42 in./10.7 mm
• Reference Efficiency (no): 0.199%, 0.189%, 0.182%
• Efficiency (1W/1m): 85.2 dB SPL, 85.0 dB SPL, 84.8 dB SPL
• Effective Piston Area (Sd): 33.2 sq. in./0.0214 sq. m., 33.2 sq. in./0.0214 sq. m., 33.2 sq. in./0.0214 sq. m.
• DC Resistance (Re): 3.35 ohm, 6.70 ohm, 10.31 ohm
• Nominal Impedance (Znom): Dual 2 ohm, Dual 4 ohm, Dual 6 ohm
• Thermal Power Handling (Pt): 125W, 125W, 125W
• Driver Displacement: 0.035 cu. ft./0.99 liters, 0.035 cu. ft./0.99 liters, 0.035 cu. ft./0.99 liters
• Net Weight: 7.0 lbs./3.2 kg, 7.0 lbs./3.2 kg, 7.0 lbs. / 3.2 kg

Owner’s Manual

Click here to download the 8W3v2′s user’s manual.

Sample Image

JL Audio 8W3v2

Notes

The 8W3v2 has been replaced by the 8W7 series, particularly the 8″ 8W7-3.

4-Channel Bridgeable Amplifier

The GM-6400F is one of Pioneer’s latest amplifiers (2009 model) and was designed to fit both cosmetically and technically with Pioneer subwoofers. The GM-6400F gives you total installation freedom and no distortion.

With an H-shaped chassis for vibration control and a PWM regulated power supply, you can drive multiple speaker channels or subwoofers and turn your in-car audio experience into the sound staging environment you’re looking for.

Review by E. Rodriguez, Miami

I installed this amp in my F-150 two weeks ago and wanted to test it out a bit before submitting my review and so far, I couldn’t be happier. My mids and highs are extremely clear now and I can actually hear small details in music that I couldn’t hear before with just my pioneer head unit powering my speakers. I’m using this amp together with a GM-5400t bridged powering a 10″ Kicker CVT and the systems sounds extremely clear even at high volumes with no distortion.

Being a relatively cheap amp, I wasn’t expecting much out of it but I’m truly impressed by it’s output and clarity. I also read that the previous version of this amp the GM-6300f had some overheating issues but I think they have been resolved with this model. I have two amps mounted behind my rear seat with barely any ventilation and neither of them have turned off once. I’m sure that there are better amps out there but in this price range, I can’t imagine one being better.

Review by Andrew R. Williams, Miami

Been in my car for a month or so now and sounds great. I have it hooked up to my 4 factory in-car speakers (98 Eclipse Infinity speakers) and they sound crystal clear and very loud. All my settings are set to default out of the box on the amp and the stereo is set for max highs and slightly below highest setting for mids. I don’t need to go higher on any of the gain values default is great on the amp. Although I’m not using this amp for any bass it sounds great if I do turn the bass level above 0 on my stereo (I have a separate amp for bass on a sub).

One thing I didnt like is the way the speaker out part is. They are ontop of each other but the rears extrude out further as if they where steps. It sticks out quite a bit and for some reason left and right are backwards so its right speaker and then left? Besides that its a great amp, looks nice to with the black and the red on the sides.

Pioneer GM-6400F

First, some specs…

RMS Power Output (Watts x Channels) 500 x 1
Peak Power Output (Watts x Channels) N/A
Power @ 2 Ohms (Watts x Channels) 500 x 1
Bridged Power (Watts x Channels) N/A
Minimum Impedance Bridged N/A
Minimum Impedance Unbridged 1.5
Frequency Response @ Rated RMS Power 20-250 Hz
THD @ Rated RMS Power 0.05%
Signal to Noise Ratio 95 dB
Input Voltage 14.5v

What people are saying…

The R.I.P.S makes all the difference when paired with the bass control this amp gives you. Almost no system will push an amp to its full potential due to lower than 14.4v to the amp. This amp doesn’t need that so the 500w is the real thing, makes my 12w6v2 sound great, if you want a JL sub make sure you have money for this amp as well. JL subs need the clean power that this delivers.

Mike, Iowa

I have this amp and a JL 12w6v2, and the combination is insane in my truck! I used to have a nice Alpine amp with the same rms rating and it didn’t sound half as good or was half as loud. I’ve never notice with other amps the difference in quality when you crank it up until I got this one. This is the best amp you can buy and it will make any sub sound a lot better. Plus Amazon.com has it for a steal.

Klein, New Hampshire

Very nice amp. I have this powering my JL 10w7 in my tahoe and it is simply amazing. The power coming from it is very clean and is always consistent. I would recommend that you buy the bass knob to get your “custom” listening preference.

Chamberlain, Charleston, SC

This is an absolutely awesome amplifier! The power and clarity are just fantastic! It says 500 rms, but in reality (as most in car audio know) it is pushing around 700+ rms. Unbelievable tuning capabilities. I purchased the remote bass knob which is an absolute godsend – comes in really handy when using an IPOD and you switch from bass heavy music to older music that has not been mixed as well. This amp is a little pricey, but you get what you pay for. I have run Alpine amps for around the past 10 years and decided to try something different. MO the JL amplifiers are in a totally different league. The sound quality is just phenomenal!

Negatives: Be really careful, the allen bolts that tighten down the speaker, power, and negative cables are made of really soft metal and will strip easily.

KYHO, Great Falls, MT

JL Audio 500/1v2