Let's just end the argument now once and for all; driving is so much better today than in the past. Vehicles today come with such modern features that not only improve your driving experience but also elevate your entertainment experience and comfortability to another level that the past driving technologies could not offer.

Two of the most modern features that customers are always asking and looking for when it comes to car entertainment systems is that, is it compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Have you ever heard of the two? Are you familiar with them? If not, then now is the perfect time to get to know them.

What is Apple CarPlay?

So, what is Apple CarPlay? It is a highly-regarded smartphone integration system from Apple that enables you to view, control, and enjoy some iPhone features on your car's multimedia receiver.

What are these features? You can now talk to Apple's AI virtual assistant, Siri, to ask for directions from Apple Maps if you feel that you are lost on your way. You can also make and take phone calls, read and send text messages, listen to your voicemails, and even listen to music from your iPhone's Apple Music app or from third-party apps like Spotify and Pandora.

What is Android Auto?

On the other hand, Android Auto is also a smartphone integration system that Google developed for drivers who want to have a better in-car infotainment experience without getting distracted while on the road. 

Using voice commands, you can talk with Google Assistant if you want to ask for directions to your destination using Google Maps. You can also use 3rd-party applications like Waze to help you navigate your way. Using Android Auto, you can also make and receive calls, receive and send text messages, listen to voicemails, and listen and control your music from streaming apps like Spotify and Pandora

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto allow you to enjoy your trip with all the entertainment and navigation features that come with them, and still, you can stay focused on the road. Thankfully, all these features come in most of Kenwood's multimedia receivers. Now, you do not have to buy a new car, but you can upgrade your old one with one of the highly-modern receivers from Kenwood.

Here are some of our best-selling Kenwood multimedia receivers that are compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto:

Kenwood DMX4707S

A mid-level multimedia receiver from Kenwood that is Apple CarPlay and Android Auto-Ready, the DMX4704S is the perfect symbol of modernization and affordability. Also, one of the cheapest receivers from Kenwood, this 6.8-inch receiver comes with the latest technologies that elevate your in-car entertainment experience to another level. Bluetooth for streaming music, built-in amplifier, and EQ controls, you now have the perfect upgrade for your car's audio system.

Kenwood DDX5707S

With a DVD receiver with a massive 6.8-inch display, the Kenwood DDX5707S is compatible with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, making your life easier on the road. Connect your phone using a USB cable, and you are good to go. You can also mirror your Android phone's display to the receiver for better viewing. Lastly, it has a built-in amplifier with a 5-channel preamp output for a complete in-car audio experience.

Kenwood DMX1037S

One of our best-selling and Kenwood's top-of-the-line digital multimedia receivers, the DMX1037S comes with the latest receiver features there are, and with its gigantic 10.1-inch high-definition display, you won't have any problems with your viewing experience. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto-ready, you can freely ask directions, play music, make and take calls, send and receive text messages, and listen to voicemails with the help of voice commands.

There are still more multimedia receivers from Kenwood that are Apple CarPlay and Android Auto-ready, so you should check out Onlinecarstereo.com and get the latest and best deals to take your car entertainment system to the next level.

Nothing beats a car or truck with an excellent sounding bass system. It is always a head-turner when a car passes by with a boomin’ bass. If you want to start and set up you own vehicle with a bass system, here are a few tips and recommendations to achieve the perfect sound.

First, you will need the proper gear and equipment to get started. Here are the basics:

• Component Subwoofer
• Subwoofer Box
• Amplifier Installation Kit
• Installation tools

SUBWOOFERS

To produce the best sound bass system, choose subwoofers based on its RMS power. RMS is the power in watts that can continuously be sent to the amplifier without blowing it. Do not run subwoofers at its peak power. Subwoofers can only utilize peak power for about a minute before it blows. Lastly, choose a subwoofer with matching impedance (Ohms) with the amplifier for best audio results (You can also choose different impedance but you have to wire them differently. Please check out the diagrams below).

Our subwoofer bestsellers are:

• JL Audio 12W3v3-4 W3v3 Series 12" 4-ohm 100-500 watts RMS
• Massive Audio HIPPOXL 122 HIPPO Series, 12 inch 2000 RMS
• Alpine R-W12D4 R-Series Dual 4-Ohm 750 Watts RMS
• Pioneer TS-SW2502S4 10" Shallow-Mount Subwoofer 100-300 RMS
• Memphis Audio 15-MOJO612D4 12” 4 Ohm 1500 Watts RMS

SUBWOOFER BOX

Subwoofers boxes are optional. If you want to install subwoofers as a standalone at the back of your truck or car trunk, then a subwoofer box is perfect to protect your subs. Otherwise, if you want it underneath or behind the car seats, you will need to customize them and seek professional installer’s help.

AMPLIFIERS

Same as subwoofers, you will have to select an amplifier that matches the RMS of your subwoofers as well as the impedance (Ohms) ideally. There are instances that exact matches are unavailable. In these cases, it is best to select an amplifier with a slightly higher RMS power than the subwoofers. Once installed, just lower the gain on the amplifier to avoid blowing the subwoofer. It is also good to note that if the amplifier has lower power than the subwoofer, you are risking damaging the amplifiers either by blowing the amplifier or going to “protection mode”. Subwoofers are also at risk of damage with low-power amplifier as the coil would rapidly vibrate and eventually will blow.

Some of the best amplifiers to consider are:

• JL Audio JX500/1D Mono Subwoofer Car Amplifier 500 watts RMS
• JL Audio HD600/4 4-Channel Car Amplifier 150 Watts RMS x 4
• Alpine PDX-V9 5-Channel PDX Series 100W RMS x 4 + 500W RMS x 1
• Kenwood KAC-5001PS 300 watts RMS x 1 at 4 ohms Monoblock Class D Performance Series
• Kicker 43CXA12001 600 x 1 RMS CX Series Monoblock Class D

AMP INTALLATION KITS

Ampkits are also an essential part of setting up the perfect bass system to produce the optimum sound as possible. The size of the wires and fuse gauge depends on the power of your system is. It is also important to consider the materials ampkits are made of. Oxygen-free are the word to look for.

You can check out these ampkits:

• Pyle PLAM14 20ft 8 Gauge 1000W Amplifier Hookup
• Kicker PKD1 1/0-gauge dual amplifier power wiring kit
• Massive Audio G4 G Series 4 AWG, Oxygen Free Pure Copper, Custom Molded
• JL Audio XD-PCS1/0-2B 1/0 AWG Premium Series Dual Amplifier Power Connection Kit

Here are basic subwoofer-amp installation diagrams for your reference. Also, visit us at WWW.ONLINECARSTEREO.COM for all your car audio / video needs including marine electronics. Subscribe to our newsletter and get exciting weekly promos so you can save lots of money.

How Being an Exclusive Brand Dealer Can Get You Your Heart's Desire.

The average life is equal to one billion heart beats. So, there’s no time to spare.

OnlineCarStereo is the exclusive car audio dealer for Memphis, SounDigital, and Morrel. How did we do it? Our quality customer service is the reason these successful brands have selected us.

Did you know Memphis Audio was established in 1965 out of a deep respect for quality sound and an appreciation for music. They are located in the heart Memphis, Tennessee, the home of the blues and the birthplace of rock & roll.  Music is their heritage, and their passion for quality sound can be seen in every product  theymake.  The “M” badge is a symbol of pride and represents quality and performance backed by over a half century of audio engineering. This badge has graced some of the most iconic amplifiers and subwoofers the industry has ever seen and will continue to do so for another 50 years.

 SounDigital started back in the 90’s, the electrical engineering student, Juliano Anflor, decided to develop a car audio amplifier as a college project.

Always innovating and searching for new technologies, Soundigital has earned its share of the Market in a small period of time and has become the apple of the eyes of well-known and demanding professionals of this segment. The brand’s products can be found in over 40 countries around the globe nowadays.

Let’s not forget the Morel brand which was founded in 1975, by Mr. Meir Mordechai. Morel, was inspired by his love of music and motivated by a dream – to create a loudspeaker that would capture the magic in music in the most natural way.

Morel's range of components and component systems caters to every car audio need. Morel is renowned for its high-performance automotive OEM products for the car aftermarket hi-fi industry including two- and three-way systems, coaxial speakers, and components. Morel has dedicated years of R&D to developing unique technologies that overcome the limitations of car audio and offer exceptional performance. The mark of a good speaker is its ability to transform recordings into live performances. Morel's car audio systems hit the mark every time.

We’ll give you a helping hand to find your true heart’s audio desire. Our products sell out fast so visit us online or call us today. 310-526-8635.