What do you get when you combine high quality materials, state-of-the-art engineering, and a liberal dose of Rockford Fosgate's famous bass fanaticism? The answer: Power Stage 2 subwoofers. Ideally suited for use with Power Series amps, these woofers handle incredible power levels — up to 2,000 watts peak.
The mind-blowing 304-ounce magnet structure is triple stacked, and the huge 4" voice coils were born to handle big power. The aluminum parabolic cone with its high-excursion rubber surround hits quickly and accurately. Spider venting keeps the woofer cool even when you run it long and hard.
The T215D2 15" subwoofer works best in a vented enclosure. The dual 2-ohm design lets you wire for high output or a multiple woofer setup.
Note: If you are wiring this DVC sub for lower impedance, make sure that your amp is compatible. Most car amplifiers are stable down to 2 ohms in standard mode, or 4 ohms in bridged operation.
Details:
15" subwoofer with dual 2-ohm voice coils
aluminum parabolic woofer cone with rubber surround
cast aluminum basket
power range: 150-1,000 watts RMS (500 watts per voice coil)
When satellite radio first was available I wasn't that enthusiastic about it because of the subscription fee. Of course I loved the service, but I had a journalist account and listened for free, but I imagined that as a general consumer I would be reluctant to pay the money every month. So when HD Radio launched I thought, now there's a service I can really get behind. It's free! I'd have to listen to commercials however. Not a problem. I thought, with all the extra stations available through station multicasts I could switch from channels as necessary. Today you have a lot of channels to choose from. There are over 1900 broadcasters providing over 3000 channels nationwide. If you're in a major market like Los Angeles, most of the major commercial stations are multicasting.
With that much content available, the only thing I don't like about it has nothing to do with the content. It's the fact that you can't switch back and forth from the multicast stations and get immediate reception. Once you leave one of the secondary stations you need to go back to the home station, wait for the HD signal and then you can access the multicast channel. Not a huge criticism on my part. But it does slow me down when I'm trying to avoid those commercials. "Wink".
For those of you not familiar with HD Radio, we should clarify that HD doesn't stand for "high definition". In fact a few years ago I interviewed the head of the HD Radio Alliance and he made it clear that the letters don't actually stand for anything. That being said, HD broadcasters are sending a digital signal for their HD channels, but that is compressed and transmitted with the analog radio signal. You may hear a quality difference between analog FM and digital HD but it's not an obvious one, especially when you're driving and dealing with road noise.
The JVC KD-HDR60 is a rather inexpensive but very appealing CD receiver, in large part due to the fact it has a built-in HD Radio tuner. The unit covers all the key functions in addition. It has a front USB input and Aux-in, built in MOSFET 50Wx4 power and a 7-band EQ that does allow for some decent tweaking. The other key feature, related to HD Radio, is the iTunes Tagging. If you haven't tried it then you're doing yourself a disservice, because I'm sure that you, like the rest of us, have been in the car, listening to a song and then wanted to know the title so you can buy the CD. Miss the DJ musical roll call and, well, good luck. So you have to ask your friends and try to sing the melody. Lame. So iTunes Tagging solves that by letting you mark a song and save its information for transfer to your iPod/iPhone. The way it works is ultra simple. Hit the "Tag" button on the KD-HDR60 and then the song's data can be stored on your music player or phone. Then the next time you sync them to your computer and launch iTunes you'll see a list of the tracks you tagged. Go to the store and buy what you heard.
All of that worked fine on the JVC deck. Of course, during the time I was evaluating the product I didn't hear a single song I wanted to tag for myself to actually buy. But I guarantee that as soon as I remove the receiver and return it to the manufacturer and replace with my other radio (with no iTunes Tagging), I'll hear three tracks in a row that I need to tag. Asi es la vida, as they say.
As for the iPod/iPhone connectivity: I like the front USB option. I am a little biased, I admit. Swapping a lot of radios, as I do, you start to appreciate the convenience of not having to run a cable for your iPhone through the back of the dash and into the glove compartment. Aesthetically it's not the greatest, but then again a consumer in the market for a new radio at this price point probably more concerned with functionality, along with some features, and not designing a high-end looking car audio system. Looks aside, though, there is a bit of a safety issue with "dangling", unsecured iPhones in the car. In the case of an accident it would probably be better to have your device enclosed in the glove compartment.
The KD-HDR60 is easy to use in terms of connecting your iPod but is slightly lacking on iPod navigation. Because it is a single-DIN deck with limited space and controls, it's not the most intuitive—after I install a new radio I like to try to use it without the benefit of the manual. This is simply to see how easy it might be. Admittedly, this isn't quantum physics, and eventually I was able to access my music files. But the system is a bit on the slow side. You can scroll through the usual categories of music but there's a slight delay when you get to each folder level. For example, once you get to Artists you can turn the knob to go through the list. If you want to see the artists' names as you scroll then you'll have to go very slowly. Turn too fast and then you'll only see the numbers that represent the artists. Definitely I wouldn't advise you to look for a specific song while you're driving. Better to plug in and leave it on shuffle then risk an accident trying to find your favorite tune. Or find it before you take off.
The receiver does offer some options to EQ the sound. You have the presets, like Flat, Natural, Dynamic, Vocal Boost, etc. Never being a fan of the presets I opted for the User setting. You can adjust the High frequency, Ultra High, Mid, Bass, Sub-bass. You can keep things simpler and use the three-band, and adjust only the High, Mid and Bass. For a receiver priced at $189 you can't expect too much, especially given the other features. Or put another way, for that price the KD-HDR60 is a relatively well-equipped product. Speaking of which, an extra feature is the variable color illumination on the face and text window. It's not too loud and does add a nice cosmetic touch.
While an HD Radio tuner is built-in, the deck does not have built-in Bluetooth or satellite radio. You will need to buy the separate adapters. I think the KS-BTA200 (for Bluetooth) is essential, so I would definitely add that if I were to buy the receiver. Then you would have a fairly complete, relatively inexpensive radio that offers a lot of free content and connectivity. As far as deals go, this is a pretty decent one.
See the the list of HD Radio broadcasters and channels..
JVC KD-HDR60 Features:
• MOS-FET 50W x 4 (20W RMS x 4)
• Advanced Multi-bit DAC
• 7-Band iEQ
• Ready for Bluetooth(R) Wireless Technology*
• USB Audio for iPod/iPhone etc.
• Advanced Multi-bit DAC
• 2-Way Control for iPod/iPhone** (Headunit/iPod or iPhone)
• iTunes Tagging
• Front USB Port (MP3/WMA/iPod & iPhone Audio)
• Remote included
• MP3/WMA Compatible with ID3/WMA Tag (CD/USB)
• Built-in HD Radio Tuner
• SAT Radio Ready
• DiAS II Tuner
• 2.5V Line and Subwoofer Output Level
• 2 Pre-Output Terminals (Front + Subwoofer)
• Subwoofer Control
• Front AUX-IN
• Separated Variable-Color
• * KS-BTA200 required. Available functions depend on cell phone.
• ** Compatibility with 2-way control for iPod/iPhone differs by model.
The iPod story seems to be that of a charmed life. If you haven't taken a look around there are all kinds of devices and accessories that are created in order to use right along with the wildly popular and successful iPod product offered by Apple. In fact, I can't think of a better coup for Apple to have pulled off against the giant PC industry, even Microsoft's new product the Zune is having a great deal of difficulty even catching up to the sales that iPod seems to have no trouble garnering. The success is something that may define explanation but could have a great deal to do with the equally popular accessories and adornments that are made for each and every iPod product.
You might be wondering exactly what this has to do with auto sound systems but those are just another of the many great iPod accessories that can be found in the market place of today. Seriously! Even some car manufacturers are having upgrades that include iPod adapters that allow drivers to play music from their iPods through the tuning device on their auto sound systems. It almost seems too good to be true when you consider that you will not have to risk life and limb by fiddling with your iPod device when looking for that one obscure song somewhere on your list. There are other car stereo makers that have devices and adapters that read and play music from the iPod but you must use the actual iPod to make your selections and any changes. At any rate, when carmakers and stereo manufacturers such as Pioneer and Alpine are creating stereos that have the iPod in mind you can rest assured that it is a cultural phenomenon and not some fluke to be taken lightly.
In addition to auto sound systems you will find iDogs, iPets, iPod covers, iPod players (speakers and docking stations that you plug your iPod into in order to play without the headphones), iPod alarm clocks, and my personal favorite iBaby (this is a stroller made by Kolcraft that has an iPod, speakers, and adapter built in so that baby can hear his or her favorite tunes while being strolled about the town), or the iCrib (another nifty iPod device designed to keep baby pacified-hopefully this nifty gadgets are drool proof). Needless to say there are times in life when it's all about the accessories and I have yet seen another maker of MP3 type devices hold a torch to iPod when it comes to offering options for buyers to personalize their music makers.
If you are in the market for an auto sound system, chances are that you either already have an iPod or are seriously not opposed to the idea of owning one. If you either or both are in your near future I highly recommend you consider purchasing an auto sound system that will be completely compatible with your iPod system or any other MP3 type player you choose to use. I do believe however, that you will find better options designed with the iPod in mind as none of the other brands (thus far) have nearly the buyer base and purchasing power of iPod owners. No matter how you feel about it, all indications are that iPods are here to stay and you may as well jump on board when it comes to your auto sound system as well.
How do you decide which auto sound system is best for you? This is a question that many consumers ask in the U. S. each and every day. The truth is that only you can decide what kind of sound you find enjoyable and what you are seeking in the sound system you will ultimately purchase. A good sound system will greatly improve how you feel about not only the vehicle you drive but also your disposition after your daily commute. It may seem like such a small thing, the changing of a sound system, but it does seem to have such a profound impact on how we start our days. Of course we all know that getting your day off to a good start sets the tone for the entire day and if that day is Monday it sets the tone for not only the day ahead but also the week to come.
Music affects almost every aspect of our lives. Most of us do not realize the impact that music has on our day-to-day lives and it is quite difficult because our world seems to be filled with it. It is much easier however, to explain the difference a good sound system makes. It's funny, I find myself in a hurry to get out of stores that have lousy sound systems and speakers that dribble out little more than static while I can shop for hours in a store that has tasteful music playing in the background over a good sound system. I prefer the volume lower and the music playing in the background rather than being the center of my attention.
Most of us find that soft music playing in the background is rather unobtrusive and allows us to get along with our thoughts and the mission at hand while loud music blaring over antiquated speakers does a great deal to disrupt our thought processes which will only serve to send us along to the next errand on our list. If you'll notice it seems that clerks in the stores where the loud music blares along are often not as even tempered as those in stores that play music at respectful volumes and have very well kept sound systems. I think I would be cranky too after listening to music in a manner that music wasn't meant to be heard.
I'm not a music snob by any means; I simply enjoy listening to music for the sake of actually hearing the music. Loud music is good sometimes but not when I have other things on my mind. I prefer that music remain in the background when I'm running about taking care of errands, even in the car. The hallmark of a good auto sound system is that it sounds good even at low volumes. This means you can enjoy music in the background, hum along, or simply ignore the music in favor of the action taking place on the road.
The point I'm trying to make is that even though you may not realize the impact that a good auto sound system has on music immediately, you will definitely feel the difference it makes over time. The better the sound system, the better the sound and music is after all, sound.
If you are a true lover of music and spend a great deal of your week or even any given day in your vehicle, doesn't it make sense to invest heavily in your auto sound system? I know for me that particular decision is a no brainer. I love music and it is an important part of not only my life but also the lives of my children. As a result we spend a lot of time listening to the radio in our SUV and singing along. Even when we aren't listening to music, I enjoy listening talk radio and the news on NPR. These things are an important part of my day and I really enjoy all that each and every one adds to my life. Because of that, I find my investment in a good auto sound system to be a requirement rather than a luxury.
"Looking at the Garmin 550t (t standing for topographical maps), you would be forgiven for thinking someone had handed you the previous version. It's so alike, that at first we thought that Garmin had just sent us the wrong unit.
Why? Well it comes in virtually the same rugged casing, features the same 3-inch screen, and allows you to find geocaches with ease. It's powered by the same two AA batteries, features the same user interface and, well, is virtually the same in everyway possible.
It's not until you start to look closely that you can spot the differences. The first and most major of which are around the back of the device.
Rather than have to worry about carrying a digital camera with you to nab proof of your finds, Garmin has now added a 3.2-megapixel camera complete with digital zoom.
Accessed at the touch of a button, you can grab pictures of your geocache, or anything else for that matter, and store it to upload later. Images are geotagged as you would expect and rather like Navman's slow to take off NavPix service, you can choose to navigate to the picture directly via the included software on the unit. In real terms though, it means that the GPS location is saved to the EXIF information of the image, which in turn means that when you share images with services like Flickr or Panoramio you can find them on a map.
In use and the addition of a camera makes perfect sense: it's easy to use, and while the 4x digital zoom isn't that helpful (remember digital zooms only zoom in on the image, not the object you are taking a picture of) the fact that the camera is there is good enough.
As for the quality? It's what you would expect from a 3.2-megapixel camera and while most geocachers have mobile phones with cameras built-in, it saves that frustrating upload when you are back at your computer or downloading an image from your camera/phone to go with the "I've completed this cache" log.
But it's not just the camera that has been added to try and convince you to part with your cash. The screen, something that we complained about with the 400t, has also been improved. It's now brighter, which in turn means you can actually see it when out and about in the field.
When we say brighter, it's not mobile phone bright, but it's still an improvement and certainly makes a difference. Direct sunlight will still beat you (Garmin needs to talk to Olympus on making non-reflective screens) but you don't need to hide in your coat as much.
Other new features are even harder to notice, Waypoints get doubled from 1000 to 2000 and routes are increased from 50 to 200.
So that's the differences, but if you haven't played with the 400t, what's the 550t actually like?
Robust is probably the best way to describe the design. It's certainly good enough to be dropped (we know, we tried) with a hard, but rubberised casing protecting all the gubbins inside. Indented on the front is a 3-inch touchscreen display while the on/off button, USB socket and battery release catch are the only other elements that mark the flush design.
Lifting the battery release catch reveals two AA batteries. The inclusion of AA batteries rather than a purpose built lithium-ion offering is welcomed as it means you don't need to find a power supply - ideal for when you're far from home or civilization.
When it comes to controlling the Oregon 550t it's all via the touchscreen, not great if it’s cold as you'll have to loose the gloves, however the screen is responsive. Features are either listed six to a screen with the ability to scroll through them very much like the iPhone, or in a list format top to bottom.
Scrolling through the menu system is very easy thanks to the up/down buttons at the bottom of the screen.
Core to the product of course is the mapping system that allows you multiple views of your location down to 20ft. If the top down approach isn't for you, the 550t also offers a 3D view as well as other features like Elevation Plot, the ability to find nearby Points Of Interest, and set waypoints to name but a few.
Mapping is 3D worldwide, but you can also buy add-ons as microSD cards for street mapping (£79.99), marine mapping and topographic maps.
For those who like geocaching, there is a geocaching.com app included so you can send geocache locations straight to your handset. You'll need to download a plug-in from Garmin (listed in the manual) but once that's done all that is left for you to do is connect the 550t to the computer.
Yes the download is Mac, PC and Linux compatible and once installed the app then allows you to manage your caches. It's incredibly easy, incredibly lazy, but best of all ditches the need to carry around scraps of paper, or learning how to type in a lat/long coordinate into the thing (you can do that as well). Those looking to go old school also get a digital compass as well.
Besides the GPS functionalities of the handset the Oregon 550t also offers an image viewer, (randomly) a calendar, calculator, sun and moon times, alarm clock, stopwatch and best times to fish and hunt on any given day - love it.
Verdict
Recommending that you upgrade from your previous 400t would be a hard thing for us to do. Yes you get the camera and a better screen, but the core functionality here is the same and both units are fairly expensive.
If, however, you've been put off from signing up because of worries of the screen on the 400t then this is a good time to jump in.
The addition of the camera is a logical one rather than a must have and the new improved waypoint and route counts are likely to only appeal to a hardcore set (you know who you are).
The only gripe we would have is the cost. Like the 400t, the 550t is expensive, £468 ($600) expensive, meaning this is one for the regular geocacher rather than someone who would do it on a "I'm bored this weekend", kind of moment. That said, for the price you do reduce your hassle and need to understand technology to a minimum.
In our 400t review we winged that the screen was too dull. Garmin have fixed that so it only seem far for us to up the score from an 8 to a 9 for this model."
What do you get when you combine high quality materials, state-of-the-art engineering, and a liberal dose of Rockford Fosgate's famous bass fanaticism? The answer: Power Stage 2 subwoofers. Ideally suited for use with Power Series amps, these woofers handle incredible power levels — up to 2,000 watts peak.
US $117.00
