THE HISTORY OF CAR AUDIO

Car audios have come a LONG way since its first inception. It is fascinating how the concept of car audio has evolved from clunky AM radios to ones with operating systems and with multiple functions. For today we’re gonna talk about the evolution of car audio.

1900s - Did you know that the first car audio was presented as early as 1904? Lee De Forest, the “Father of Radio”, performed a demonstration at the Louisiana Purchase Exposition in St. Louis.

1920s - The first factory-installed car radio was installed on a 1922 Chevrolet (the radio brand was Westinghouse) and almost cost as half as the actual cost of the car itself! Talk about pricey!

1930s - Paul and Joseph Galvin, entrepreneurs and brothers, bought the bankrupt Stewart Battery Company. The company made The Battery Eliminator that allowed battery-operated home radios to run on household current, the equivalent to today’s AC adapters. The Galvin brothers utilized the company’s battery eliminator design and used that to manufacture battery eliminators for their radios.

Eventually, the battery eliminators became obsolete as AC-powered radios were becoming the standard. Paul Galvin met with William Lear and Elmer Wavering, two radio engineers, who created a radio with a design that removed the problem with static interference.

(the first commercially released car audio -- The Motorola)

The brothers eventually came up with the first radio which they named The Motorola, which is a portmanteau of the words “automative” and “Victrola” (a brand name of a phonograph, but eventually became a generic term for any kind of phonograph). Motorola eventually became the big telecommunications company it is today (YES, that Motorola).

1952 - Blaupunkt, a German company, created the first FM radio. Prior to this, the only option of frequency for radios was the AM frequency. A year later, Becker Mexico made an AM/FM receiver with a station search or scan function.

1955 onwards (before 1970s) was a period of trial and error for car audio manufacturers. Chrysler Hi-Fi was the first time one’s own records were played in the car, and was also the first and only car phonograph. It used a mini-turntable (located on the dash of the passenger side) to play its records. This only lasted for a few years, however. This is because one of the Hi-Fi’s fatal flaws is that the record skips even on the smallest bump on the road the car runs into. 

(photo by sv1ambo on Flickr)

The Hi-Fi eventually evolved to Earl Muntz’s Stereo-Pak, who was the pioneer of a 4-track system. Tracks did not skip with this kind of car audio (an upgrade to the Hi-Fi). Muntz then developed the AutoStereo in the early 60s, which had drivers the freedom to customize and select their personal listening experience. After that, improvements were made to Muntz’s idea and the 8-track cartridge system was developed.

1970s to 80s - Cassette tapes eventually replaced the 8-track system. And with the invention of the Walkman in 1979, cassette tapes became much more prevalent. It improved 8-track’s technology with longer play times, improved tape quality, Dolby noise reduction and auto reverse.

1980s to 90s - Philips and Sony were the first to develop the model for the CD which was first marketed for home use in 1982. However, it was Pioneer who developed the first ever car CD player in 1984. Named the CDX-1, this player had a significantly improved sound quality unlike everyone else. Aside from that, CDX-1 was much more durable than cassette tape players and had the ability to skip tracks.

(CDX-1 image from Pioneer's website)

2000s - car audio quality even improved significantly after the CD player phase of car audio. There was the digitization of music, and gave rise to MP3 players. These are portable devices that can hold thousands of songs and can play different types of music formats. By the mid-2000s, in-car audio systems developed the capability to connect these players to the car’s audio systems. Features like the USB, AUX and Bluetooth became staples on car audios.

And with the rise of smartphones and the usage of apps like Spotify, Pandora, SiriusXM and the use of car assistant systems like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, playing music in your car has never been easier. 

Sources: (1) (2) (3) (4)

So check out onlinecarstereo.com for our wide array of car audio products and subscribe to our newsletter to receive weekly promotions and save tons of cash!

 

 

 

 

OFF-ROADING WITH OCS

Summer is almost over out off-roading is still very much alive with enthusiasts. As we still quarantine ourselves to fight the spread of the Covid19 virus, we find ourselves enjoying the outdoors more and more because we feel it’s safer with open fresh air. A lot of the places to enjoy off-road and cross country are open and it is a great time to take advantage of some of the promotions happening here at Onlinecarstereo.

Fuel Off-Road and XD Series Wheels is considered by many as a major player in the off-road sport world. They manufacture using over 25 computer controlled machining centers running around the clock to apply engineering know-how and accuracy. Both brands have their own set of designs that cater to various customer preference. These are manufactured in California from blank wheels to the box. Each design appeals to a particular vehicle that everyone will love.

 

On the other hand, MSA Off-Road provides a huge catalog of different designs for your off-road vehicle as well. Every model is designed and field tested in their headquarters in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado and Texas. They are the very few who have retained hand inspection of paints and insert bolts to maintain a high quality of standard in every wheel they sell.

 

Checkout our newly arrived off-road wheels and enjoy summer before it ends.

Always visit us at Onlinecarstereo.com to find more off-road wheels for your vehicle. You can also subscribe to our newsletter to receive weekly promotions and save tons of cash.

PIONEER DMH-WT8600NEX... NEXT GENERATION CAR ENTERTAINMENT

Pioneer has been…. Well… A pioneer in the innovation of car audio technology in the world. Their newest product is the 10.1 inch multimedia receiver, DMH-WT8600NEX. This head unit comes with all the bells and whistles for a total entertainment package. The NEX (Network Entertainment Experience) line has been garnering much attention and praise from car audio lovers and enthusiasts.

DISPLAY

It boasts a huge 10.1 inch capacitive touchscreen with a resolution of 720P that can show your video with clear and crisp colors. The main display can be color customized with 112 key colors and illumination timers.  Users can also customize shortcuts for apps for ease of use.

 

CONNECTIVITY

The DMH-WT8600NEX features Apple Carplay and Android Auto connectivity either wired or wireless. These two integration platforms will enable your head unit to control your smartphone anyway you want. These include making or receiving calls and texts; activating Siri and Google Voice; streaming music; and providing directions using maps. For users who are not into smartphone integration, this unit also provide Bluetooth connectivity for hands free calling and music playing.

DIGITAL MEDIA PLAYBACK

The head unit is mechless, meaning it does not play DVD or CD. Users can play music using a USB thumb drive, Bluetooth, Carplay or Auto. It supports multiple files formats such as MP3, WMA, WAV and even lossless FLAC. It also supports video playback thru USB with MPEG-1,2,4 or AVI.

 

MISCELLANEOUS

Other unique features of the DMH-WT8600NEX include dual camera inputs for front and backup for safety. Users can also integrate an iDatalink Maestro in the head unit to view and control selected vehicle settings such as tire pressure, A/C and speaker configuration. For users use SiriusXM subscription, the DMH-WT8600NEX is SXM ready.

Overall, the DMH-WT8600NEX is an excellent multimedia receiver that provides all the necessary smartphone integration and music playback options for the car audio lover. The Pioneer NEX series are the next generation of car entertainment. This also includes the DMH-WT7600NEX, DMH-WC6600NEX and DMH-C2550NEX.

Visit us at Onlinecarstereo to order the Pioneer NEX series headunits. You can also subscribe to our newsletter to receive weekly promotions and save tons of cash.

PLENTY OF EXCESS POWER WITH XS POWER

With the recent partnership of Onlinecarstereo with XS Power, the website catalog has now expanded its products to include AGM and Lithium car batteries. Loyal customers are now able to one-stop-shop and complete their setup in one order. During these uncertain times of the pandemic, many of the manufacturers are experiencing shipment delays to vendors. We took care of the shortage and have stocked up our inventory so you won't have to worry where too order your batteries and installation accessories.

 

Here are the list of ready-to-ship merchandise from XS Power. For special order item, we are able to request them from XS Power and ship on a later date.

  

 

These products are available until supplies last. Always visit Onlinecarstereo.com to check what's in stock and newly released items. You can also subscribe to our newsletter to receive weekly promotions and save tons of cash.

GET TO KNOW YOUR SPEAKER

One of the most common accessory upgrade a car audio enthusiast deals with is a speaker. There are many types of speaker and with this, it can be confusing which one to choose. Today, we will discuss the basic anatomy of a car speaker so you will have the information in selecting the right speaker for your setup.

SPEAKER CONE

This is the part of the speaker that is usually constructed from paper, polypropylene, Kevlar or other materials. Manufacturers commonly use polypropylene due to its rigidness and easy to work with. However, some would say that it does not perform quite well with high frequencies but usually excel in midrange. Paper cones perform well and produce clear and crisp sound due to its lightness and stiffness. Some high end manufacturers make us of Kevlar as the main material for its durability and at the same for the light weight characteristic. Depending on the design, Kevlar material can also produce quality sound.

ANNULUS / SURROUND

This is the part of the speaker that serves as a suspension for the code to the frame of the speaker. It usually is made of paper, foam, butyl or cloth. There is other annulus design called the “m” which is claimed to provide a more effective way to absorb wave energy to the cone.

VOICE COIL

The voice coil is the coil of wire attached to the apex of a speaker cone. It provides the motive force to the cone by the reaction of a magnetic field to the current passing through it. The most common is the dual voice coil but single voice coils are also available as well.

  

MAGNET

Usually made of a rare earth metal called Neodymium for small tweeters; or ferrite commonly for speakers. Magnet is an essential part of the speaker as this holds the coil in place while it moves back and forth to push air and produce sound and at the same time preventing distortion. The result is a louder sound and better bas response.

SPIDER

It is responsible for the allowing the speakers parts to move in a linear fashion and prevent them from displacing and move consistently. It is fitted around the voice coil.

  

DUST CAP

This is the part of the speaker that covers the middle of the cone to prevent dust from accumulating inside the speaker elements. This part also provides as an aesthetic design for the speaker.

BASKET

Also called the frame of the speaker which houses the entire speaker assembly together. This essentially forms the main shape of the speaker or subwoofer. Some speakers are built deep and some are shallow to fit certain types of vehicle.

This week, we have featured speakers from various brands like Infinity, Memphis Audio, Pioneer, Kicker and more. Always visit OnlineCarStereo.com and browse our catalog of over 3000 products. You can also subscribe to our newsletter to receive weekly promotions and save tons of cash.

MOMS NEED CAR UPGRADES TOO..

This Sunday is Mother’s Day and we at OnlineCarStereo would like to honor the mothers out there. They have  provided us your unconditional love and have supported husbands, sons and daughters in every endeavor. You were there through thick and thin and you deserve all the good things in return. Today, in honor of our mothers, we will be offering car products that will help them and even us drive safer.

  

KENWOOD DRV-320

This high definition dash cam will record anything even in low-light conditions at 1920 x 1080 resolution and 27 frames per second. It is very portable that it does not distract your from driving. Its adhesive-backed mount will secure your unit and will not fall even with big bumps on the road. It also comes with a 16gb SD card for lots of recording space. If you leave it open, it has motion detection that can deter vehicle theft.

JVC KS-GA100

Clean air is important to moms specially if there is a baby on-board. The KS-GA100 has a 3-stage filtration system and uses a high-speed fan that absorbs dirty air from any direction. The KS-GA100 has a 2-speed control that is motion activated from above the purifier. Shake once to enter low speed mode, the shake again for high-speed. It sports a modern aluminum look that goes well with any car and fit perfectly in any cupholder size. The purifier is powered using USB with a DC 5V. With the KS-GA100, you will the piece-of-mind that you and your passengers are breathing fresh air in your car.

PIONEER SDA-WC01

Mom’s are as busy as corporate people and when they’re driving, it can be distracting if you have to plug your smartphone every time you get in the car. The the SDA-WC01, you’ll just have to put your wireless charging capable smartphone and you are good to go.

Sony XAV-AX210SXM-Bundle

This bundles truly deserves to be installed to your mother’s car. The Sony XAV-AX210SXM will provide her the car  she needs entertainment with the Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity to her smartphone. Also, se will be able to listen to her favorite radio shows on SiriusXM and stream her playlist thru bluetooth. Not to mention the FREE Jensen BUCAM200J backup camera to add more safety while driving.

These are some of the gifts we can give this mother’s day and we have more. Just visit OnlineCarStereo.com and browse our catalog of over 3000 products. You can also subscribe to our newsletter to receive weekly promotions and save tons of cash.

 

HOW TO INSTALL YOUR NEW HEAD UNIT

Staying at home means we can now work on our car audio projects that have been stagnant for a long time. You might have purchased a new Alpine ILX-W650 7” Apple Carplay / Android Auto receiver; Pioneer AVIC-5201NEX 6.2” in-dash navigation stereo or a Kenwood Excelon DNX996XR 6.8 high definition touch screen with Carplay and navigation control but don’t have the time to bring it to an installer or work on the install in your garage. Well, today is the best time to do that and we will walk you through on how you can install your brand-new head unit.

PARTS YOU NEED

First, you need to determine the parts you need that are compatible with your vehicle. Every vehicle has proprietary wirings to control volume, break lights, Bluetooth, antenna adaptors and even steering wheel controls. Different car makers also have their own dashboard designs. This will make sure that you’re your head unit will look seamless on your vehicle without any gaps or spaces. A brand called Metra Electronics is known for manufacturing thousands of wiring harnesses and dash kits that are compatible for different vehicles. You should be able to find out what parts you need once you enter the year; make; and model of your vehicle.

1) Car radios are held by fasteners and are often hidden for design purposes. To access these, you will need to locate the trim pieces close to the radio and will usually pop out with the use of a prying tool.

2) Pull the trims carefully and disconnect the wires which are usually connected with clips.

3) Once you remove the trims, you will be able to unscrew the other large trim pieces on the dashboard.

TIP: Remember to keep track of the screws and their location to easily reassemble them when you are done installing.

4) After disassembling the trims, you can now unscrew the aluminum bracket and pull the unit out and disconnect the wiring harness from the car and the radio.

5) Some aftermarket radios come with an aluminum sleeve. Use this to install the head unit. Otherwise, just use the old one or sometime the head unit does not need a sleeve at and will directly screw you the bracket.

6) The new head unit will come with a proprietary harness that connect to the radio with open colored-coded wires on the other end. The Metra wiring harness that you purchased compatible with your vehicle will also have color-coded open wires on one end. Securely connect these wires to the proprietary wires of the head unit according to color using electrical tape.

7) If for some reason, your vehicle does not have a compatible wiring harness, you will have to cut the wires on the dashboard and connect the proprietary wiring harness of the new head unit manually using crimp connectors.

8) Once done, before reassembling, test the new head unit if all controls are working properly.

9) Reassemble the dashboard and trimmings.

There you go! We hope that you will enjoy your newly installed stereo receiver. If you have any questions, you can contact our technical team Monday - Friday for expert advice.

Remember to visit us at OnlineCarStereo.com to get all your car audio / video needs. We have thousands of products available with FREE SHIPPING. You can also subscribe to our newsletter to receive weekly promotion and save tons of cash.

MASSIVE AUDIO, MASSIVE DISCOUNT

Massive Audio has been providing quality car audio electronics since 1999.Since then, it has produced many of the standard in the industry in terms of subwoofers, speakers and amplifiers. The company also has made partnerships with BBS and CBS through its licensing division, FAMETEK, as an official licensed manufacturer for audio electronics and figures. They continue to produce one of the best sounding In-Vehicle audio products in the market today.

This weekend, ONLINECARSTEREO, we are celebrating the end of September with a boom from Massive Audio and to top that, we will be giving away FREE $100 gift cards from Nakedwines as a sign of appreciation to your continued patronage of our products.

You can check out our Massive Audio catalog by visiting WWW.ONLINECARSTEREO.COM and here are a few of them.

HIPPOXL Series  - Big Bottom as it is know, the HippoXL series comes with aluminum cast basket and double-stacked Strontium Magnets to provide you the best bass ever.

SUMMOXL Series - Summo series paly so low and with such a deep center of force that the competition cannot help but to bow out gracefully. Yes Summo are very large, they dominate with their 3000W power handling, can play loud and low and come in sizes down to the amazing 8.5 inch.

TOROX Series - These subs are engineered to provide high amounts of power but at the same time, limiting distortion providing you excellent clarity and tone. Everything bounces with the bass on Double Black Poly Spiders that are all hard wired with 10 AWG 100% Pure Copper speaker wire directly to the woven power tinsel leads.

GTX Series - The 4-layer dual voice coils of the GTX come with h-temp black anodized coils that gives that kick to every bass song you have. 10mm top plates allow for extended excusrion with low frequency performance in mind.

For speakers, you can choose from FX, MX, MK, FK, PK, PX and ZK series depending on your application. Massive audio speakers are manufactured to produce detailed and crisp sound perfect for every setup. The bestsellers include the Massive Audio MC 10II midrange speaker that sports 800 watts of power. In addition, the M69C is also popular for audiophiles as it provides 240 watts of power for each speaker.

Massive amplifiers are top of the line as well. They have several amplifier lines from the BP, Nanon Blue, Nano Blu-Marine, Nano Edge, D-Block, Primo, Drago and the Trident.

What are you waiting ofr? Hurry and visit WWW.ONLINECARSTEREO.COM and SHOP NOW until supplies last. You can also subscribe to our NEWSLETTER to receive weekly promotion and save tons of cash.