Planet Audio BB215D 15-Inch 3000 Watts 4-OHM Dual Voice Coils Max Power Handling DVC Subwoofer Review
Thursday, December 16, 2010
by Vera Smith
- Leave a comment
Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)I have 8 of these monsters on 2 Powerbass XTA 5000D's (10K real watts) and let me tell ya that you can put this sub with Rockford Fosgate's T2 15 and it does not bow down. It will take every bit of 1500 watts RMS. You have to pay the cost to be the boss and this subs does what it says. Been in the sound arena going on 21 yrs and this sub is one of the baddest out there. Don't hesitate to buy it because Planet Audio put their foot in this one! Lows and mid bass all in 1. You will be satisfied.
Click Here to see more reviews about: Planet Audio BB215D 15 Inch 3000 Watts 4-OHM Dual Voice Coils Max Power Handling DVC Subwoofer
Product Description:
15-Inch DVC Subwoofer, 3000 Watts Max Power Handling, 4-OHM Dual Voice Coils
Want to buy Planet Audio BB215D 15 Inch 3000 Watts 4-OHM Dual Voice Coils Max Power Handling DVC Subwoofer at other amazon sites? Click the corresponding icon below:
Planet Audio PFM2 Wired FM Modulator Review
Monday, December 13, 2010
by Vera Smith
- Leave a comment
Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)I get great quality with my unit. Only the tiniest bit of hiss, no more than any other radio feed. There is a high pitched whine on AM when in underground parking structures, but that's where my AM reception is dying anyway.
Make sure you properly ground the device during installation to minimize interference. If you don't like the sound quality, just flip the 4 jumper switches to a different frequency to find one you like! This lets me use my mp3 player in Los Angeles, where the cigarette lighter FM modulators with wireless transmitters are absolutely useless.
For the money, it's wonderful. Doesn't come with many cables, though. You'll have to buy your own RCA-stereo mini plug cable.
Click Here to see more reviews about: Planet Audio PFM2 Wired FM Modulator
Product Description:
Wired FM Modulator
Want to buy Planet Audio PFM2 Wired FM Modulator at other amazon sites? Click the corresponding icon below:
Planet Audio AP2000D 2000 Watts 1-OHM Stable Max Power Class D Monoblock Power Amplifier Review
Monday, November 29, 2010
by Vera Smith
- Leave a comment
Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)I have this amp hooked up in my car to two Kenwood Subs that run 400 watts RMS apiece (4ohms), this amp easily lives up to the lofty Planet Audio standards, and is very easy to configure yourself.If you are looking for quality, this monoblock is it.This is by far a product that lives up to its specs.I would recommend getting 4 gauge cable to hook it up to the battery with, as anything smaller will cause a voltage drop that won't sound good at all.Make sure your alt can handle the power this amp requires, if you have a smaller car, you may need to think about an upgrade if you haven't already.It will run fine with stock, but if you don't want your lights to dim at night you'll need to think about it.It's just about impossible to go wrong with this brand of amp, you'll not find a better product on the market.
This is very deserving of five stars and I'd give it more if I could.
Click Here to see more reviews about: Planet Audio AP2000D 2000 Watts 1-OHM Stable Max Power Class D Monoblock Power Amplifier
Product Description:
2000 Watts Max Power Class D Monoblock Power Amplifier, 1-OHM Stable
Want to buy Planet Audio AP2000D 2000 Watts 1-OHM Stable Max Power Class D Monoblock Power Amplifier at other amazon sites? Click the corresponding icon below:
Planet Audio TQ1201D 1200 Watts 1-OHM Stable Max Power Class D Monoblock Power Amplifier Review
Friday, November 19, 2010
by Vera Smith
- Leave a comment
Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)This amp is powerful. It installs nice and slams my 12. I highly recommend. The one con is that the screw holes are narrow and deep so a screw gun bit will not fit. I had to manually screw it down.
Click Here to see more reviews about: Planet Audio TQ1201D 1200 Watts 1-OHM Stable Max Power Class D Monoblock Power Amplifier
Product Description:
1200 Watts Max Power Class D Monoblock Power Amplifier, 1-OHM Stable
Want to buy Planet Audio TQ1201D 1200 Watts 1-OHM Stable Max Power Class D Monoblock Power Amplifier at other amazon sites? Click the corresponding icon below:
PAC SWIJACK Steering Wheel Remote Interface Review
Sunday, November 14, 2010
by Vera Smith
- Leave a comment
Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)I installed this last week in my 2004 Toyota Sienna, together with a Kenwood KDC-X492 receiver and a KCA-BT200 Bluetooth interface, since my factory stereo did not include Bluetooth support.So far it works "OK", albeit with a couple of quirks.
* If you push any of the steering wheel controls right after powering on your car, it becomes unresponsive for several minutes.I believe this puts the unit into some sort of programming mode (as if you were pressing the "programming" button on the box itself) - but I am not about to open my dash again to look at the unit in order to find out.I'll learn to give it 4-5 seconds of startup time before interfering with its inner workings.
* The steering wheel buttons are not quite as sensitive as they were with the factory stereo. It takes a fraction of a second before a push is registered, and also it seems that it takes a little time for a release is registered as well.The result is that controlling the volume, for instance, is a bit more tricky than it used to be for me: It takes about 1/2 second before the volume changes - and then it changes fast!I also have to release it slightly before it reaches the desired level.
A couple of other things worth noting:
* There are several SWI (steering wheel interface) models out there; this one is for use with JVC, Alpine, Clarion or Kenwood head units (hence, "JACK").For a Pioneer or Sony you would use the SWI-PS instead, and for Eclipse you would use SWI-ECL2.(Though note that if you are getting an Eclipse head unit for a Toyota or Honda, you do not need a SWI adapter.Simply hook the factory control wire directly into the Eclipse unit, and download firmware for your car from e-iserv.jp).
* If you have not already bought your aftermarket head unit, check out the "Steering Wheel Interface Programming Guide" on pac-audio.com in order to determine which brands offer the best match for the steering wheel buttons in your car. I actually ended up with the Kenwood unit for this reason; I was first going to get a Pioneer DEH-P7000BT, but with the latter, the "up/down" buttons on my steering wheel would be "seeking" in tuner mode rather than selecting the next/previous preset channel.
* The SWI does not come with car-specific harness adapters.This means that you MAY have to do some manual wiring (soldering, cutting/splicing, etc.) onto your factory harness.In my case I was able to get away without such damage: I had some 22-gauge hookup wire available that fit snugly into the (female) connector in the factory harness; I just soldered that onto the end of the required SWI-JACK wires.Also, you will need to solder (or crimp, etc.) some of the wires to ground and VCC (+12V), which you can best do by sharing the corresponding solder points for your aftermarket stereo.
* In either case, you may want to follow specific instructions for your car found at the pac-audio.com website, rather than the included (very generic, massive, and confusing) printed material included with the kit.
Click Here to see more reviews about: PAC SWIJACK Steering Wheel Remote Interface
Product Description:
IR learning remote Converts signals generated by the factory remote into IR signals Retains heater & air control buttons on all GM(R) vehiclesSimple 3-wire hookupStep-by-step programming with LED confirmation Non-volatile memory?will not lose programming even when power is disconnected Alpine(R) universal steering wheel radio interface
Want to buy PAC SWIJACK Steering Wheel Remote Interface at other amazon sites? Click the corresponding icon below:
USA SPEC Volkswagen iPod® Interface Connects your iPod to select 2005-up Volkswagen factory radios Review
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
by Vera Smith
- Leave a comment
Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)Okay, here it goes. The review is gonna be long but it includes EVERYTHING you need to know about the product...
First. I have a 2005 Volkswagen Passat 1.8T GLS sedan with the standard double-din (double-height) factory stereo.
I did a lot of research and glad I did. It was invaluable... which is why I'm writing this review in return.
Overall, excellent! EASY install, GREAT sound quality. Smart design.
First of all, I recommend that anyone considering this product, download the owner's manual from the USA SPEC website (for free in PDF format). That will give you an idea of the scope of the installation and the different "modes" available and how the factory stereo controls work and what the different "CD choices" represent. More on this later.
Next, in addition to buying this unit, you need the "keys" to pull the radio from the dash. You technically need four but can use two. They go into each corner of the radio (see the horizontal slots). You can buy the keys on ebay... or you can visit your local Best Buy, etc. and throw the tech a few bucks and pull the radio right there in the parking lot... like I did. If you only have two keys, pull the left side of the radio first (lots of youtube videos on how this works... I recommend you watch a couple before attempting). Once the left side of the radio is "out" (literally a couple of millimeters) then use the keys to pull the right side of the radio and voila!
I also recommend that you remove the glove compartment... MUCH EASIER THAN YOU THINK... Five torx screws. Open the glove compartment and you'll see three torx screws along the inside of the top of the compartment. There are also two torx screws underneath the glove compartment down below. You may need to get down on your knees to see them.
WHEN YOU PULL THE GLOVE COMPARTMENT OUT BE SURE TO DISCONNECT THE INTERIOR LIGHT. It has a quick connect plug located on the left side of the compartment. Once the compartment is out, you have A LOT of space to work with. I read some reviews about people having problems finding a place for the unit... I had no problems... with the glove compartment out. Honestly, I don't know how people were able to install the unit without taking the glove compartment out... you decide...
Also, a lot of reviews mention that there is a ground wire which you need to connect... TRUE... and not mentioned in the documentation. When you take the cables out of the box, suddenly there is this black wire hanging off one of the connectors... that's the ground wire... Connecting the ground wire correctly IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT. If it's not installed properly... (good connection) you'll get buzzing, static. etc... Very bad. Also, most reviews that I read said that the ground wire isn't long enough. Also, TRUE. I had to splice an additional 2' to the ground in order to get to a good ground connection... As for a good ground connection. This was daunting at first... You have to be careful what you connect the wire to. For example, DO NOT CONNECT TO ANYTHING UNDER THE DASHBOARD THAT IS EVEN REMOTELY CLOSE TO THE AIRBAG = BAD!!!!!! The airbag unit can be seen when the glove compartment is out. If you look up under the open space where the glove compartment was... that's it. This is what I did... I ran a ground wire from where I spliced to the right side of the front passenger foot well. Went you look at the right side... down by where you're feet would be positioned, there are a couple of screws... one will have a TON of brown wires connected to it... There's another one right next to it... Simply unscrew the nut, attach the exposed portion of the ground wire (I wrapped the wire around the bolt post then reinstalled the nut). The nut was the same color as my car so it might be hard to find. Also, for good measure, it's not a bad idea to take some sandpaper to the bolt and the nut... it's painted which means you may not get a good ground... IF YOU ARE NOT SURE ABOUT WHAT IS A GOOD GROUND CONNECTION, CONSULT SOMEONE WHO DOES. THIS STEP IS VERY IMPORTANT. You DON'T want to fry your electrical system... and guess what, factory warranties are generally void if you alter the wiring... not sure if this unit qualifies for the disqualification but if the warranty underwriter finds out you were installing this unit, chances are they won't approve that $4,000 claim. BE CAREFUL!
When the glove compartment is out, look to the left of where your feet would be and look directly behind/below the radio... There is a PERFECT spot for the unit...
When you unplug the stereo, ONLY UNPLUG THE CD CHANGER (BLUE) PLUG... If you pull the other one, you'll lose power to the radio and will have to enter the security code to activate the unit again. (Call your VW dealer... they keep the four digit code on file).
Connecting the unit is as simple as it looks in the instructions. In addition to this unit I bought a fantastic iPod/iPhone mount to complete the professional look. Crutchfield has an excellent one ($65 but worth every penny). Simple to mount too... Pull the trip from the climate control switches, remove two torx screws on the right side of the climate control unit, insert the mount and reinstall the two torx bolts and the trim... DONE!
Also, during the installation, I added the RCA/3.5mm jack. You'll have to change one of the DIP switches on the module, but it's all explained well in the documentation. I ran the AUX jack (which is associated with CD #6 on the changer) into my glove compartment (made a small hole in the back to feed the wire through). Now I have another connection for a DVD player, sat radio, etc...
The sound is amazing. I'm using the "Hybrid" mode which allows me to control the iPod/iPhone from the device or the radio... I prefer to use the device... more intuitive and familiar. Supposedly, if you have steering wheel controls for the radio, they will work as well. I don't have that option...
Also, not documented very well... but very nice feature: When you turn the car off, the radio turns off and the iPod paused at the exact spot... When you turn the car on... touch nothing and the song will continue from that position.
This is THE answer you're looking for if you want excellent sound quality and a minimally invasive installation (no wire cutting, etc.)
Hope you all enjoy!
Click Here to see more reviews about: USA SPEC Volkswagen iPod® Interface Connects your iPod to select 2005-up Volkswagen factory radios
Product Description:
iPod connection adapter for select 2005-up Volkswagen factory stereos * manage the iPod via your radio's CD changer controls * adjust volume, track up/down, fast forward/rewind * use up to five playlists (select five favorites, or Auto Playlist will let you choose from the first five on your iPod) * Direct Mode allows you to control everything via the iPod itself, giving you access to all playlists (requires a DIP switch change on the USA SPEC adapter) *
Want to buy USA SPEC Volkswagen iPod® Interface Connects your iPod to select 2005-up Volkswagen factory radios at other amazon sites? Click the corresponding icon below:
USA SPEC PA11-VW6 - iPod in-vehicle interface adapter Review
Saturday, October 9, 2010
by Vera Smith
- Leave a comment
Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)I had this installed by best buy for $50 and like it. It has a spot for aux input also, requiring an optional rca to headphone cable (~$12).Now I have both aux and iphone/ipod connections. You can't hear both at the same time (ie directions from one device, music from another) but it will still charge the Iphone when playing aux from another source. You can have devices operating on both cables and switch easily between them by selecting a different preselect button. I had hoped that "control from factory radio" meant you could see track names, but you can't.You can select from existing playlists or use the dial to advance quickly through a list. One preselect button allows control from your apple device directly.The aux connection as no control from radio and does not charge. Sound from the Ipod/phone with apple connection is great. Aux is not impressive, which may be a result of the cheap rca cable I added. FYI - manufacturer's website claims that the provided apple cable is an updated 3g s cable.
Click Here to see more reviews about: USA SPEC PA11-VW6 - iPod in-vehicle interface adapter
Product Description:
The PA11 series iPod interfaces provide direct connection for an iPod plus an optional audio source such as satellite radio, DVD, or video game system. Both the iPod and the additional audio source are selected from the factory radioâ??s front panel. The interface adapter connects the iPod to your factory radio as if it were a CD changer, allowing direct selection of iPod playlists through the radioâ??s preset (or disc) buttons and is compatible with iPod models featuring the dock connector, including the iPod nano and 5G iPod video.
There are two operating modes available for the interface, Playlist Mode and Direct Mode. Playlist Mode uses the controls on the factory radio to provide basic navigation functions including song up/down, playlist up/down, repeat, shuffle, scan, and FF/REW functions. Direct Mode uses the iPod's click wheel to navigate through the iPod's menus and select songs, artists, playlists, etc. and the radio buttons are used only for volume, bass and treble. Both modes still charge the iPod while connected, and stops one hour after the iPod is paused to prevent over-charging.
Note: Display of artist and song title information, track search by artist, song title, album or genre are NOT supported. Only the Playlist and track numbers are displayed.
Applications:
Cabrio - 1998-2004
Beetle - 1998-2003
Beetle Convertible - 2003-2006
EuroVan - 2001-2004
Golf - 1998-2006
GTI - 1998-2006
Jetta - 1998-2004
Passat - 1998-2005
Touareg - 2004-2006
Special Note: PA11VW is not compatible with vehicles equipped with Satellite radio tuner, DVD, or CD changer. Also, some 1998-1999 vehicles equipped with Bose or Premier radios with 13-pin DIN cable in trunk are not compatible with PA11VW.
Want to buy USA SPEC PA11-VW6 - iPod in-vehicle interface adapter at other amazon sites? Click the corresponding icon below:
