DVD Phonocar VM015 Test

In its multimedia range, Phonocar offers several original products (hard disk media, overhead monitor with VGA input, ...) that are not found often in competition. We chose to test a DVD ½, the VM015, which has many advantages and a reasonable price!

A DVD player and integrated multifunction!

Several automobile manufacturers offer optional headrests with video screens for rear passengers (eg on the Peugeot 5008). But these screens have no video source. Certainly, a video / audio input for connecting a source of choice (digital tuner, game console, DVD, ...). If we adopt a double-DIN aftermarket car stereo with DVD player and dual zone function is perfect. But what to choose as a DVD player, if you already have an original car radio does not offer this feature and you do not wish to change the radio. Several readers have asked this question on our forum. We have therefore chosen to test this DVD Phonocar, which we adapted particularly well to complete home video screens!

Benefits: USB port and SD slot built in!

Very simple in design, the VM015 adopts a ½ DIN format, allowing easy integration into a cabin DVD player. Glove box under a seat in the center console or even in the trunk, the locations are not lacking in a car. And more so, than this player can run horizontally or vertically and has a memory bump. Even better, Phonocar provides a remote receiver for IR remote control. Thus, the device can be locked in a glove box, this gene does not control the DVD player during playback. This player has of course an OSD, to know what you do. The menus are in French. The interface is simplistic, but shows all the essential data.

The VM015 has a remote control with IR remote receiver

The DVD player is compatible with major formats, including MP3, WMA, JPEG and MPEG4. But that's not all, to meet the expectations of young consumers, Phonocar player has a SD slot and a USB port on the front. The USB port is compatible with USB drives up to 4 GB, which can store MP3 music and no video clips. In front, it also has an audio / video as a mini-jacks: handy if you want to connect a digital camera or camcorder.

A second audio / video input for connecting a digital tuner

Often the screens audio / video have only one entry. Phonocar are designed and integrated a second A / V input on the rear panel of the VM015. This will connect a digital tuner or other video source. For ease of use, several book Phonocar Audio / video cable with the camera, and of course everything needed to install the drive into the car.

Discover and use: a beautiful image!

Visually speaking, this well-VM015: plastics are not "cheap" and several silver front panel buttons provide access to basic functions. This allows to use the drive even if the battery is exhausted into the remote. The OSD interface is simple and classic for this type of product. We would have liked a more modern and fun, but it has the merit of being simple and intuitive. The titles of MP3 songs appear on a shortened (damage) in the right column, but the title of the song read scrolls up the screen. We found it so easily into playlists, if you use a stand with several MP3. Whether for DVD, SD card reader or USB port, the player also handles very well the photos and video files.

The OSD lack of fun, but it is intuitive

When you plug a USB stick 4 GB on the device, the drive takes little time to load and find audio files and video. And, even in our key work which included many other files! The DVD has proved quite resistant to impact on bad roads. Reading provides a good listener and a very beautiful image. For our test, we also connected to an LCD display for show, and the VM015 has always provided a mixed picture, bright and colorful. In short, whether for a concert DVD or a movie, it is certain to have some fun. In audio quality, it does not reach the performance of high-end double DIN, but the musicianship is compelling and enjoyable.

The VM15 offers very good image quality

For mobile carriers, no worries, the camera also shows performance on reading. This of course assumes that one has put quality files in the USB cradle or SD. We also appreciate the remote receiver on the remote handy if the drive is hidden. Of course, the VM015 also includes a remote control receiver in the front for mounting in the dashboard. Finally, finally, all the functions inherent in the DVD player (subtitles, menu, ...) are of course present on this drive Phonocar!

The notice

Due to the development of double-DIN multimedia handsets, DVD players have become more autonomous in short supply. ½ DIN models (more easily be housed in a glove box, are even more so. Phonocar is one of the few brands to offer one, and she made it big. The VM015 is not a simple DVD player but a multifunction device that meets the rear passengers. USB port, SD slot, remote control with remote receiver, consistent with the main drive formats, the VM015 offers very nice amenities.

The VM015 of carefree Phonocar fits in a glove box

It was even used as video hub with two A / V inputs: handy when the screen has only one audio / video. In addition, this drive offers good performance, whether in terms of image or sound. Add to this, it is easily integrated into the car. In short, very positive. He criticized mainly a GUI too modern and lack of a second A / V output to feed two displays. A 249 Euros, the VM015 has a very good value for money!

The VM015 is ideal for complete screens without the original video source

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RDD570BT Multimedia handset Caliber

Well known for its wide range of car audio, Caliber continues to expand its offering in-car entertainment. For smaller budgets, the Dutch brand unveils new multimedia station at very attractive price: the RDD570BT. Benefits, scalability, pricing, this handset has something to appeal to young consumers!

A benefit ratio attractive price!

After the double DIN that we presented earlier this year, Caliber returns on a combined DIN motorized screen. While most cars have a double DIN slot, there are still many small cars, with only a 1 DIN slot. These vehicles are popular with young consumers, their Caliber offers a functional and accessible multimedia station financially. This handset can compete with top models, but it is very nice for a first home entertainment setup!

Benefits: Compatible with leading digital files!

Its facade is black and silver, its blue light, so its aluminum knob, the multimedia handset looks great. Behind a small hatch on the bottom of the front, it has an SD slot and a USB port. Also note the presence of an audio / video input jack. Apart from the iPod, the RDD570BT may therefore receive the bulk of mobile sources. Pressing the button "open" release a 7 inch touch screen 16:9 format. A host interface allows to choose different media sources. The USB port and SD card reader can read the key files, including DivX and JPEG photos. The main source is a DVD player, compatible with the primary files used by young consumers.

In front, it has a USB port and an SD slot

Management functions of its sources are conventional, and can easily manage playlists. If done correctly Tag MP3 files on the RDD570BT displays album covers (quite nice and rare car radios at a low price). It's not all, RDD570BT as its reference suggests, includes Bluetooth. Hands-free download of the phonebook, external sensor, A2DP to play MP3 music from a mobile phone, the function is relatively complete. Caliber has not forgotten scalability. A digital bus used to add a GPS as an option. This is a black box controllable through the touch screen handset (Navi Box: 310 Euros). We can also add a backup camera.

The RDD570BT has a complete Bluetooth

Of course, these are two video outputs for connecting deported screens for passengers. To the traditional functions, this position is equipped with an RDS tuner with 18 FM memories, a 4x75 watt amplifier and 2 line outputs for connecting power amplifiers. For sound settings, the settings are standard: low / mid / treble separate balance / fader, loudness. In addition to IR, the RDD570BT is compatible with the original steering wheel controls, via an optional interface. Finally, protection is provided by a front removable partial. Too bad that Caliber does not provide a case to protect it.

Discover and use: functional interface, but "boring again!

The GUI is really simplistic. Orange icons on black background, this lack of cheerfulness in relation to Japanese sources. It's not very serious, but on the other hand, it is unfortunate that the interface is in English. That said, the handset features and is relatively intuitive, it's not too embarrassing. Compared to previous media sources Caliber, the interface has made significant progress in the management of MP3 playlists. Browse directories, display headlines, and even the sleeves, use a mobile source is very easy on the RDD570BT. The Bluetooth function works fine and we really enjoy having her repertoire in the receiver. The external microphone requires a little extra work to install, but it provides a better quality of communication.

The screen offers a beautiful image

Without reaching the performance of the tenors of the class, the DVD offers a good read, whether for sound or image. In use MP3 or DivX, no worries, but the playback quality of course depend on the quality of files per disk. Note also strong resistance to road shock. The FM tuner provides its role and requires no special comment. In areas with very bad reception, it is sometimes a bit limited, but it does a lot of radio.

The DVD player is DivX compatible

Finally, the integrated amplifier is a bit optimistic with its 4x75 watts, but power is still sufficient to lead a small facility to 4 HP. However, we prefer to use the line outputs to power amplifiers and offer the great sound of a concert DVD. And more so that the car has an output for subwoofer channel with adjustable volume. Finally, the sound settings are standard, but they will adapt the play to his taste. Overall, this handset has no flaws and shows good functionality.

The notice 

In the end, RDD570BT presents a fairly positive. This is certainly not the handset's multimedia dreams, but much less than 400 Euros, it offers a good level of performance and is scalable. We like to be able to add navigation on for a reasonable price. On the other hand, it is compatible with the universal mobile sources (SD and USB) and can play most digital files. Bluetooth is complete and allows you to call safely drive. Our reviews will focus on the GUI is simplistic and that the OSD is in English. It would also have liked Caliber provide a case for the detachable faceplate. Interesting and fairly rare on car audio multimedia this price level, the RDD570BT is compatible with steering wheel controls. The performances are generally good and the young find budgets to have fun without breaking the bank!

The RDD570BT is protected by a removable front panel

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DEH-P99RS, Autoradio Pioneer Test

Pioneer's reputation for high fidelity onboard is second to none. For fans of hi-fi, Pioneer releases new high-end turntable, really designed for audiophiles. Advanced technologies, embedded processor, the DEX-P99RS will surely soon King Audiomobile competitions.

An outstanding musician!

The passion for hi-fi is a long tradition at Pioneer, and the Japanese brand has a solid experience in this field of car audio. Channel ODR range PRS, products truly hi-fi at Pioneer are numerous. As usual in this class of products, Pioneer has put all its know-how to services for audiophiles. Result, a beautiful car, advanced technology as the top players and a very complete DSP to set the sound to his liking! In short, a trial was needed!

Benefits: an integrated DSP!

Before going into technology, we stopped a few minutes on the design of this unit. Glossy black front, white illumination, OLED display, rotary controls brushed aluminum black, ..., the DEX-P99RS is a breathtaking beauty. So beautiful and luxurious as a standalone player high-end, it was almost scruples to install in a car. And more so, than its magnificent copper chassis will be hidden unless you have a translucent panel. That said, Pioneer has not made such a frame of vanity but to protect electronics from possible pests that can handle today's cars (panel bristling with electronic boxes). Aimed at audiophiles, the DEX-P99RS is a plate, that is to say it lacks internal amplification. Instead, 4 line outputs for connecting power amplifiers. To preserve the purity of design, the facade has very few buttons. The settings are made via the IR remote supplied with the unit. Pioneer book also two types of media to fix the car. However, for basic functions (volume, track on the disc, ...), the DEX-P99RS remains compatible with the original steering wheel controls.

The DEX-P99RS is built on a magnificent copper chassis to protect against parasites

As mentioned in the introduction, Pioneer uses technology worthy of the domestic hi-fi. The CD player is equipped with a quad 24-bit converters to ensure a flawless musicality. The other highlight of this unit is of course its DSP processor. To set up perfectly a hi-fi, it has a 4-way crossover, EQ and time alignment. The settings are very complete. The active filter can select the cutoff frequency, but also the slope and phase). With four lanes, it can handle tweeter, midrange, woofer and subwoofer. The EQ offers 31 bands of adjustment and is separate right / left. The time alignment also has many settings to ideally set the sound image. If these settings seem too complicated, a microphone is provided for automatically calibrating the equalizer and time alignment. A good initiative that will help beginners to make adjustments to their installation.

USB, iPod control, DEX-P99RS is compatible with modern sources

To the traditional functions, this handset is equipped with Pioneer's excellent D4Q digital tuner, radio tuner known for its excellent reception quality. 18 submissions FM, automatic station search, RDS, its features are conventional. Although this unit is primarily intended for audiophiles, we can not deny the convenience of an iPod. The DEX-P99RS is equipped with a USB port, iPod control and an auxiliary input. To preserve the aesthetics of the facade, catches have been placed on the rear panel of the unit. We would also note that the CD player is compatible MP3/WMA/AAC. No Bluetooth, handy feature, but one can understand that Pioneer does not put such a module in the unit to avoid disturbing the musicality. However, the DEX-P99RS with IP-Bus, you can add the optional Pioneer Bluetooth interface. Finally, This post is protected by a removable front panel integrable.

Discover and use: a great conductor!

Of course, to enjoy such a car, you must have the facility that goes with it: HP multichannel power amps, and with this quality! The DEX-P99RS a car that is not thrown into the dashboard, but a car that wins. Contrary to what one might have thought with all settings available, it is not that complicated to resolve. Certainly, choosing the correction frequency of the equalizer, the slopes of crossover, ..., need to seriously know it, but Pioneer is really well designed ergonomics. Being one of the first samples arrived in France, we did not notice, and frankly the DEX-P99RS is relatively intuitive. In all the tests we made, the processor has proved incredibly effective. Of course we test the automatic calibration.

The small plug on the edge of the facade at the microphone is automatic calibration

Automatic calibration affects the equalizer and time alignment. This exemption does not know properly adjust the crossover. This automatic adjustment has been quite convincing, although a specialist hi-fi board will do better with the manual mode. For starters, it helps greatly to side work, audiophiles can then refine the corrections and apply the settings. When the CD is very simple, the musicianship is flawless. Dynamic, real stamps, surgical precision sound ... music lovers are sure to please. And when we say pleasure, the word is so low the sound is beautiful. Honestly, the DEX-P99RS is comparable to a standalone player upscale.

The ergonomics of this deck is really thinking

For the rest, we find the qualities of Pioneer car stereos. The RDS tuner has excellent reception quality. IPod control or control of a USB are very easy. Naturally, the DEX-P99RS is compatible with the latest generation of Apple music players, including the iPhone. Although small, the IR remote is very convenient to use. From a usability standpoint, Pioneer has really succeeded flawlessly. Like what, audiophiles and functionality are perfectly compatible. Finally, we also appreciate the ability to connect other devices like a Bluetooth module or a DVD changer on the IP-Bus.

The notice

At a time when people only talk about MP3 prices broke, it's a real pleasure to see the brands that continue to invest in the passion of his. Placed between the ODR and the DEH-P88RS II, the DEX-P99RS provides access to the nirvana of hi-fi car at a price more reasonable than the ODR system. Finish quality, functionality, ergonomics, precision processor and especially sound quality, the DEX-P99RS fully justifies its price. Some will find crazy that we can put more than a thousand Euros a laser unit, whereas at this price it has a very complete multimedia station. But the DEX-P99RS is the car is a Porsche is to cars: an exceptional product offering outstanding performance. Anyway, we love, and this combination should quickly find themselves in competition mobile audio.

Several materials are supplied with the IR remote

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Pioneer DEH-6300SD Test

Young consumers are fond of music as digital files, Pioneer offers this year a unit compatible with all mobile sources, and at a great price. Not forgetting music fans, the DEH-6300SD also has the usual strengths of Pioneer car stereos!

A very good value for money!

Black lacquer front, rotary control as aluminum, display white, red button illumination, the DEH-6300SD has a modern and elegant design. Typically for a position at this level range, the slot is in front of the CD. Question and ergonomic keyboard layout, Pioneer remains faithful to his habits. In short, a car that looks good and should please a wide majority, and especially to younger consumers with its quality / great price! See it in detail.

Benefits: Supports all mobile sources!

Let's start with the highlight of this unit: compatibility with mobile sources! For starters, it has a front auxiliary input to connect the headphone output of any MP3 player. Hidden behind a light component, the USB port is also on the facade. We would have preferred a USB port on the rear panel, but Pioneer has done this to meet strong demand for front USB port (matter of taste, actually). This USB port allows you to play USB and USB hard drive, but is also compatible with iPhone / iPod. That's not all, behind the removable front panel, it has an SD card slot compatible up to 32 GB

USB, iPod, SD, the DEH-6300SD is compatible with major mobile sources

Like the CD, USB and SD reader can read the main audio, ie, MP3, WMA and AAC. USB and iPod control displays of course the song titles. Albums, artists, songs, ..., we control the playlists of the iPhone very easily. Too bad the DEH-6300SD is a Bluetooth option, it would have been complete architecture for nomadic use sources. But hey, this handset is already very generous. For standard functions, it has a FM tuner RDS 18 submissions, a 4x50 watt amplifier and even 3 line outputs to produce a powerful rig. As usual with Pioneer, the amp has the Direct Drive Sub, to animate a small subwoofer on the rear channels in bridged mode. The preamp is also very well equipped to correctly adjust the acoustics of the car.

Control of the iPhone / iPod is very easy

Indeed, it has a 5-band equalizer, a low-pass crossover and high pass, and a loudness. In addition, the noise level of each source is adjustable. Of course, this unit is compatible with Pioneer's original steering wheel controls. Optionally, you can even add an IR remote. Finally, anti-theft protection is provided by a conventional detachable faceplate with carrying case. A little bulky, but the price of peace. And then rotary controls make Faceplates more cumbersome, but a usability perspective, there is no more practice!

Discover and use: practical and efficient!

Without reading the manual, the DEH-6300SD is caught easily by hand to use the main features. Ultimately, we will need the manual to configure the basic settings: sound, receiver sensitivity, scrolling titles, ... in short, the usual setup. Second, different sources are used very easily. The rotary control acts on the volume, but also a joystick to find music or radio station. Thus, with a single command, it controls most while driving: very convenient. Only criticism, the display is a bit small and requires leaving the titles scroll to make selections in the playlists. But this is the case for all radios of this type. We would have preferred to display multiple lines of text. Overall, the DEH-6300SD has good ergonomics.

3 outputs with crossover lines are present to make a powerful rig

Now to listen. Nothing special to say for the tuner, one is on familiar ground with the usual tuner Pioneer. It provides a quick search and a very good reception. The CD is musical and dynamic. The stamps are alive and realistic. This is not a car audiophile, but its sound quality will fill more than a music lover. The integrated amplifier provides a good dynamic. Attacks are free and this amp easily integrated host a small facility with 4 speakers. The ideal in this case is to use HP high performance. But it would be a shame not to enjoy the line outputs for a powerful listening and enjoy the sound of this unit.

The player is compatible with SD cards to 32GB

IPod control is carefree. The loading is fast and navigation in the playlists very easy. Pioneer using a USB broadband, sound quality is smooth. Same for SD cards and USB drives, loading the music is done very quickly. Afterwards, there is more to navigate through playlists. The playback quality of both materials is very good, but it is essential to fill the SD card or USB stick with MP3 quality!

The notice

Finally, the DEH-6300SD is very attractive and should quickly become a best seller in the range 2011, especially among the younger clientele. It costs less than 150 Euros, in fact a value for the money very attractive. The DEH-6300SD is compatible with major mobile carriers: USB, iPod and SD. In addition, the reader is compatible with SD cards of large capacity, and that's much rarer on the market. Then, Pioneer has also thought about those who want a music system: CD player quality, 3 line outputs for connecting power amplifiers and a preamp quite full for sound settings. Except for a slightly smaller display and lack of Bluetooth, there is no real fault with him. The DEH-6300SD gives excellent value for money!

The CD player offers good sound quality

        

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Autoradio Alpine CDE-112Ri, Test and Review

Located in / midrange, the CDE-112Ri has seen its price fell seriously this year, as now appears less than 150 Euros. Too often, we read that the major brands of radios are very expensive. Not true, this model is certainly more expensive than Chinese products blooming on the Net, but the quality is quite different. Less than 150 Euros, it has a value price!

Functional and evolutionary!

Being a RDS radio laser for small budgets, the CDE-112Ri ignores all functions on gadgets and concentrate on what the driver really needs. However, this unit is not stingy so far, and offers a good level of benefits, and even presents a good scalability. An important element because it is a pity to get stuck to upgrade its facility. Alpine main thought, and as you see in the test, the CDE-112Ri is pretty nice!

Benefits: Compatible with major mobile sources!

Small forces, the CDE-112Ri happens to a front tilt and adopts a CD player in front. Two tone finish, rotary control how F1 Status, translucent keys, Alpine has the usual neat finish his car. So that it fits perfectly in the dashboard, the keys can light up in green, blue, red or amber. On a car of this type, the display is necessarily smaller space on the facade must! And that's our main gripe: the display is too small and only shows a line of text. It requires to wait for the title scroll to select a song in the playlists. But good, quality materials, touched, CDE-112Ri this property.

Following current trends, the EBR-112Ri has a front USB port

The highlight of the CDE-112Ri to be compatible with major mobile sources. It has an auxiliary input and a front USB port. The auxiliary input can plug the headphone output of any MP3 players. The USB port can of course read the contents of a key or hard drive. That's not all, this unit also has a control iPod / iPhone Full Speed ​​with a special cable supplied by Alpine. This solution is interesting because it allows a player to let Apple and plug a USB stick at the same time and switch from one to another easily without having to unplug a device. Alpine was also thought to those who need to call in the car. The CDE-112Ri can receive the KCE-400BT Bluetooth module optional. To the traditional functions, everything is there to fully enjoy the music in the car.

The CDE-112Ri can control iPod and iPhone

The tuner is RDS course and has 18 memories for FM. The CD player is compatible with the three major audio formats: MP3, WMA and AAC. The integrated amplifier 4x50 Watts develops. If the power was not enough, this post has two line outputs, which can be assigned to a channel management serious. For audio adjustments, it has the classic Bass Engine EQ to select the offset frequency bass and treble. Effective, but would have preferred a small 5-band equalizer for more leeway on the sound settings. Protection is provided by a traditional faceplate. Finally, like most car stereos Alpine CDE-112Ri is compatible with the original steering wheel controls via an optional interface.

Listen and Use: Music and functional!

If this is the smallness of the display, already mentioned above, there is no real criticism to make on the ergonomics of this unit. The function menus are relatively intuitive, and playlist management is done easily on the mobile carriers. IPod control poses no concern and shows the menus of the player Apple. You can find very easily that the title you want to listen. Question listening quality, there is no problem to report. Even battle for USB support, use is very simple, but the sound quality will of course depend on the quality of files lining the key. The radio tuner is a long known in Alpine, and it ensures good reception quality.

To increase power, it has two output lines

Using a quadruple converter 1 bit, the drive offers good musicality. This is not a car audiophile, but the quality of the stamps and dynamism are really there. Enough to take pleasure in any kind of music. With its 4x50 watts max, the internal amp is effective for a small installation, but it is better to use the line outputs to achieve a hi-fi kit exploded at the front and serious system. For those who do not want to engage in a complicated setup, Alpine offers a small amp plug and play, the KTP-445 that increases the power significantly. Finally, Bass Engine EQ is effective then it is a two-band parametric equalizer allows to choose precise correction in the bass and treble. But we'd prefer a classic 5-band equalizer, to have more choice of correction. Overall, the CDE-112Ri is a good car audio performance and easy to use.

The notice 

The CDE-112Ri is not our preferred car at Alpine because we have a penchant for high-end models. But for budget who want a functional unit and quality is a very good choice. For only 60 dollars more, the CDE-112Ri is significantly higher than these Chinese radios that one sees everywhere in advertising. This handset has a manufacturing Alpine serious, good performance, good scalability and allows the use of primary sources nomads. Finally, not least, it is compatible steering wheel controls, unlike the products mentioned above. In short, good value for money, to have fun without breaking the bank!

Navigation in the playlists of the iPhone is easily

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Mitsubishi Lancer Sport Back Car Audio Review

For the general public who do not know yet, Rockford Fosgate is a U.S. company totaling more than 30 years of passion and activity in the electronics and especially the car audio brand whose reputation is well do. It is precisely that Mitsubishi has chosen for the audio system in the new Lancer Sport Back.

The real serious as you like it!

Many vehicle manufacturers use the big names in the hi-fi "logoter" their hi-fi board. Unfortunately, in some cases, there is great disappointment in touch and we can not find the sound that we knew the actual brand. In the fi enthusiast board aftermarket, Rockford Fosgate is in our hearts for so long! So we wanted to know if the famous U.S. brand had also fallen into the trap of "his way logoté by a big name." And frankly, for once, we were not disappointed. We were even excited to listen to this Mitsubishi Lancer.

A true subwoofer enclosure in the rear wing

We usually start our subjects by the source installation. But then, we'll start with the system it was serious because our real surprise on this original installation. Indeed, opening the trunk we were surprised to find a real subwoofer 25 cm, not a small speaker system called utopian serious. Not to hinder the use of the trunk of the vehicle, Rockford Fosgate subwoofer is mounted in a sealed box in the left side wing. A lost volume for the loading of the car and, remember, is ideal for integrating a system serious. And there it is a real good box with rigid protective grille for the subwoofer, as one sees in the beautiful aftermarket installations. It is relatively rare for an automaker said.

A spare RF logo for front tweeters

For Front, Mitsubishi and Rockford Fosgate have opted for a kit with two separate channels of 16.5 cm woofer. The latter is installed at the bottom of the front doors, while the tweeter is mounted on the deck outside mirrors, via a support with trademark logo U.S.. This media is out for the silver and black plastic make a statement in the installation, as the Bang & Olufsen HiFi another brand of fame, with Audi for example. The rear doors received the same treatment. In total, installation Rockford Fosgate nine-speaker. The course everything is powered by a Rockford Fosgate amplifier with an output of 650 Watts. This amp has a DSP to provide optimal listening, calibrated according to the interior of the car. Adjustments are made at the plant, thereby avoiding beginners to get lost in complicated configurations. Via the source, the listener can only act on the stamps with a three-band EQ (low / medium / high), the subwoofer level, and of course the balance / fader.

Rockford Fosgate Mitsubishi team in speakers and amplification

A good image and a very good serious!

Front doors and rear doors are 16.5 cm woofers

Sources available on the Mitsubishi Lancer Sport Back is not derived from Rockford Fosgate, but Mitsubishi Motors. Depending on the version of the car (as standard or optional), two sources are proposed: a CD tuner with RDS MP3 6-CD changer or a multimedia system. Our test car was equipped with the laser unit, therefore we present this system first. Following the current trend, this handset is molded into the center of the dashboard, an area that incorporates the air vents. From a performance standpoint, this handset offers an RDS tuner, CD changer with MP3 six-disc front, the Bluetooth phone and an auxiliary input. The latter is a stereo RCA jack housed in a vacuum bag, with room for your MP3 player at the bottom of the center console.

Auxiliary input, Bluetooth, MP3 CDs, the radio home is quite complete

She deserves to be universal to connect the headphone output of any MP3 player, but we'd prefer a USB with iPod control. Of course, a steering wheel with buttons specific for telephony is present. From a usage point of view, this handset is relatively straightforward and simple to take control. For telephony, it even has a voice command with buttons on the steering wheel. Now to listen. For this, we tested the system with all kinds of music. The first thing that is impressive, it's the sound image. This is not an image as one meets in IASCA competition car, but it is still well above the lot.

The steering wheel includes direct access to telephony

The sound, especially, the grave is well ahead. The sound is high and relatively well balanced. Even pushing strongly the volume, it feels almost not from the subwoofer. The low vibration are well mastered. Only the front door panels eventually confess to a lack of sound at very high volume. The stamps are very pleasant, with warm mids and fairly detailed, treble and bass for quite crisp and very clean. Typically, rear passengers are often the poor relations in terms of listening. Well there either, Rockford Fosgate sound installation was thought that each passenger takes pleasure in listening to music. For pure audiophiles, this installation will miss a bit of finesse and subtlety, it's more a listening typed "live" listening pleasure very qualitative. Anyway, this exciting play surely satisfy the public unaccustomed to such qualities of listening in cars.

An auxiliary input for connecting any type of MP3 player

Finally, optional or standard on some versions, the source can be replaced by a double DIN multimedia handset. Called Mitsubishi Multi Communication System (MMCS), this handset has a touch screen of 7 inches, a browser Europe with TMC, Bluetooth, an MP3 CD player of course, and a music server. This is a 40 GB hard disk on which you can store the collection of favorite music. The video is even possible since it has an audio / video in the center console. For safety, the use of video is not possible in stock. With MMCS, Rockford Fosgate audio system remains the same that we have outlined.

The notice of carentertainmentgeek.com

For an OEM to a reasonable budget (in contrast to the B & O Audi or Bentley Naim), this facility Rockford Fosgate is a real surprise. We were really impressed by listening to the Mitsubishi Lancer Sport Back. Listening is really nice. Note that other cars in the Mitsubishi range also offer this system. This facility has also attracted because we think it is a good way to spread the joy of music in the car to the general public. Talk of subwoofers in a micro sidewalk, and we will reply "youth who are in boom-boom fire red." Ridiculous! A subwoofer is there to make the serious content in music, writes a small speaker can hardly be retransmitted.

The fact that a major car manufacturer like Mitsubishi was interested in this field and has been a true subwoofer in this car is a great way to showcase hi-fi car. It is also a good way to show the public that we can have a beautiful facility fully integrated into the car. And if a car manufacturer that message of fun music in the car, this can only have positive benefits for Rockford Fosgate and the market for aftermarket in general. In the original manufacturer facilities that we saw at the Paris Motor Show is certainly one that we liked the most!

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Renault Mégane 3, Car Audio Review

As one of the best-selling brand, the new Renault Megane has been many innovations, particularly in the areas of concern. Multimedia, hi-fi, connectivity with mobile devices, the Megane 2008 version offers a rich equipment, optional or standard depending on model.

A hi-fi system developed by Arkamys!

Renault has even very strong in electronics media. The new Megane that offers these facilities usually found on higher-end vehicles. In terms of design, engineers are also proposing to release a passenger friendly and high-tech. Subtly mixing analog and digital technologies, the block counter is absolutely beautiful. For the protection and start the new Megane remains loyal to the electronic card. But come directly to multimedia, an area which we are most interested, although the Megane 3 contains many innovations.

For navigation, the Megane 3 proposes two guiding systems Carminat. The first uses the CD and mapping in 2D, while the second uses a 3D mapping and DVDs. Both use a 7-inch screen located in the center of the dashboard, and have the Bluetooth phone.

Bluetooth, GPS, USB, iPod control, the Megane 3 can have a very complete multimedia device

Young car par excellence, do not forget Mégane 3 connectivity to mobile devices. The system has an RCA jack in the center console to plug in any player. One can also opt for the system Plug & Music, which includes an iPod control and USB port. The Plug & Music is controlled through the steering wheel controls and displays the titles of music on the dashboard. Apart from the DVD video playback, nothing is missing. But the driver does not need them, it is logical that Renault still has not equipped the Megane 3.

The radio uses a sound system developed by Arkamys

For the musicality, the Megane 3 uses for the first time in a Renault, a 3D audio system developed by Arkamys. This company expert in digital sound for ten years, has developed an embedded software to obtain three-dimensional sound quality of high level. This digital processing provides among other things, the possibility of adapting the play to the number of passengers in the vehicle. Again in the interest of sound quality, the radio tuner uses a dual antenna: a pool and a built-in rear window. In view of some pictures that have been submitted, the system seems tempting, but we will discover more in the Motor Show 2008 in Paris.

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Nissan Murano 2008, Car Audi Review

Luxury SUV range Nissan Murano gets a makeover just before the Auto Show in Paris. Requires high-end vehicle, the Murano 2008 is equipped with a very nice multimedia installation and hi-fi, some functions are innovative!

Surveillance video!

Finish high tech and upscale, the Murano's interior has a new instrument cluster with edge counters incorporating a superb on-board computer. Multimedia installation required, the top of the center console is equipped with a video screen of 7 inches. Begin on the installation of this innovative feature: the camera! Reversing cameras are not new, of course, but the Murano has two, and here is much more rare!

To avoid damaging the 4x4 in urban maneuvers, the 2008 Murano has a backup camera in the tailgate and a camera to maneuver in the shell of the right side mirror. Thus, it is more likely to rub the beautiful alloy wheels on a sidewalk. Equipped with infrared sensors, cameras are perfectly usable at night. During the maneuvers, they project images directly on the video screen. As soon as you exceed 18 km, they are automatically switched off.

In the right side mirror, a camera monitors the maneuvers

From a media standpoint, we have a current browser and Bluetooth telephony. To easily manipulate the browser, a control panel is placed just below the video screen. The radius of the options, you can add a DVD system for rear passengers. The hi-fi enthusiasts are not left out, since the 2008 Murano is equipped with a Bose setup. The source of hi-fi is a Bose AM / FM radio with 6 CD changer in front. The unit is placed in the middle of the center console. It has of course a steering wheel. The latter also controls the Bluetooth system for voice.

Navigation, Bluetooth, 6 CD changer, the 2008 Murano has a relatively complete installation

The system includes Bose 11-speaker system including a serious presence in the well of the spare wheel. All the speakers of the facility using a neodymium motor to provide a dynamic listening. This also reduces the weight on the pads, often a source of vibration noise. All transducers are driven by an amplifier with 10-channel equalization and digital signal processing sound. In short, the Murano combines fun and music functionality with multimedia services (navigation, backup camera and Bluetooth).

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