Car Audio — Tunes-N-Tint

JL Audio RD Amplifiers Offer Incredible Value

August 1, 2018 By Staff

Making your car audio system sound great is easy with JL Audio RD amplifiers from Tunes-N-Tint in Lakeland. The RD series of amplifiers includes four models with all the features and functions we need for an efficient installation. Technologies and signal processing functionality found on the premium XDv2 amps add value to the RD series. Let’s look at what’s common among all four models in the RD series and run through the what makes each different.

Common RD Series Amplifier Features

The NexD switching technology found in the XDv2 amplifiers is a key component of what makes the RD amps sound so great. These amplifiers deliver lots of power efficiently while minimizing distortion, thanks to variable-frequency high-speed Class-D switching.

All four of the RD series amplifiers include remote turn-on detection circuitry. This feature makes it easy for us to connect these amplifiers to a factory-installed radio or amplifier. Our installers can choose from DC-offset detection or signal detection to cover pretty much every application.

Signal processing on the RD amps includes low-pass filters and bass boost controls on the subwoofer amps and high- or low-pass filters on the full-range channels. Though simple, these crossovers allow us to maximize the performance of the speakers and subwoofers we install in your vehicle, so they sound great and play loud.

Subwoofer Amplifier Models

The RD series of amps includes a pair of monoblock subwoofer amplifiers. The RD500/1 produces up to 500 watts of power into a single 2-ohm load. The RD1000/1 doubles that with an impressive 1,000 watts. Both amplifiers include signal pass-through connections in case you want to add another subwoofer amp.

The optional RBC-1 remote level control makes it easy to adjust the bass level from the front seat of your vehicle. We can install the RBC-1 on your dash or in your center console to give you complete control over the output of these amplifiers.

Four-Channel System Amplifier

The RD400/4 is four-channel system amplifier that is impressively flexible. The amp produces 75 watts of power per channel into 4-ohm loads, 100 watts into 2-ohm loads, and each pair of channels can be bridged to provide 200 watts into a single 4-ohm load.

In most applications, we use the RD400/4 to drive front and rear speakers, but it’s also a great solution for powering an entire system with a set of front speakers and a subwoofer.

Five-Channel System Amplifier

The RD900/5 is a great way to give your entire audio system a real kick. With 70 watts of power on tap for the four main channels and up to 500 watts available for a subwoofer, the RD900/5 makes getting big sound in your car or truck easy. The optional RBC-1 remote level control is compatible with the subwoofer channel of the RD900/5.

See the JL Audio RD Amplifiers at Tunes-N-Tint Today!

When it’s time to upgrade your car audio system, drop by Tunes-N-Tint in Lakeland and ask about the JL Audio RD amplifiers. A member of our team would be happy to work with you to design and install an upgrade that sounds amazing and works with your budget. For more information about any of our products or services, give us a call or send an e-mail using our contact page.

Repeat Lakeland Client Gets Complete Jeep Wrangler Restyle

May 28, 2018 By Staff

A longtime client of Tunes-N-Tint from here in Lakeland dropped by the shop to talk about a 2014 Jeep Wrangler restyle project. He wanted to make some significant audio system and lighting upgrades to his wife’s Jeep and coordinate the project so he could surprise her at one of our shows. We sat down with the client to discuss his vision and goals for the project. Then we came up with a plan of attack!

Jeep Wrangler Audio System Upgrade

Jeep-Wrangler-Restyle-11 Repeat Lakeland Client Gets Complete Jeep Wrangler Restyle

The restyle transformation started with a stock Jeep.

The client liked the features and functionality of the factory source unit. Rather than replacing it with something new, we used a PAC AmpPRO AP4-CH21 OEM integration device to extract a full-bandwidth audio signal from the original radio. We then directly connected the clean signal to a JL Audio XD1000/5 amp. We mounted the amp in the storage compartment under the false floor of the cargo area.

Jeep Subwoofer System and Speaker Upgrades

Jeep-Wrangler-Restyle-3 Repeat Lakeland Client Gets Complete Jeep Wrangler Restyle

Dual JL Audio subwoofers were used to give this Jeep lots of awesome bass.

We sourced a pair of fiberglass under-seat subwoofer enclosures for the Jeep and installed a pair of JL Audio 10TW1 subwoofer in them. The enclosures don’t take up any space in the vehicle and the output from the JL subs is impressive. We finished the audio upgrade by installing JL Audio C3-650 convertible speakers in the dash and overhead soundbar locations.

Custom Powder-Coated Accessories

: The wheel and tire upgrade looks great!

: The black and blue theme was carried through to the interior of the Jeep.

: Even the spare tire got some lighting love!

: Suspension upgrades not only raised the ride height of the Jeep, they also enhanced its off-road capabilities.

: The Poison Spider fender inserts and blue powder coated trim pieces really help set this Jeep apart.

The styling and performance upgrades for the Jeep include a set of AMP Research Power Steps, Poison Spyder metal fender inserts, a Rough Country lift kit with Fox shock absorbers and dual steering stabilizers, tow hooks, D-rings and several led lighting brackets. The client chose a set of Fuel Krank D517 wheels for the Jeep. These items are coated in metallic blue with a color-shifting pearl that makes them look more purple at certain angles. We also painted the interior air vent trim pieces, door trim and dash inserts in the same metallic blue finish. Then we added custom graphics to the hood and stabilizer arms.

We had the center sections of the wheels painted black to match the body color of the Jeep. We then wrapped them in a set of Nitto Terra Grappler tires.

Custom Lighting Upgrades

: A lighting controller lets the client choose hundreds of different colors for the accent lighting.

: The front lighting upgrades for this Jeep were incredible.

Lighting was a big part of this project. We installed Rough Country light bars across the top of the windshield, on the front fenders and the rear of the vehicle. Rough Country also makes a cool light bar insert for the front grille of this Jeep. The bar locates five 8-inch single-row LED bars vertically in the grille and provides an insane amount of output.

Accent lighting for the Jeep Wrangler restyle project includes RaceSport LED under-car lighting, wheel well lighting and rock lights. We also added LED strips to the interior of the vehicle to light up the footwells. Oracle halo-style headlights and fog lights are the icing on the cake.

An overhead switch panel and a multi-zone LED controller gives the client control over all the lighting upgrades. The controller allows the client to set the LED lights in thousands of color choices. An LED third brake light located inside the spare tire replaces the flimsy plastic housing that comes from the factory.

Motorized Convertible Top

Jeep-Wrangler-Restyle-2 Repeat Lakeland Client Gets Complete Jeep Wrangler Restyle

Thanks to the new power top, the client can easily cruise with the top down in less than 10 seconds.

The inspiration for the upgrade started with the client wanting to provide his wife with an easy way to remove the roof from the Jeep. He found out that there was a motorized convertible top available for the Jeep. We ordered the top and installed it for the client. The top opens by releasing two brackets at the top of the windshield; then it motorizes back and down – all in less than 10 seconds.

Jeep Wrangler Restyle Presentation

With all the work done and the Jeep polished up and on display at one of our shows, the client brought his wife to the Jeep. The whole thing was a surprise to her! She loved everything about it. The stereo sounds awesome and the Jeep looks amazing.

The couple are property owners at River Ranch, so we know the Jeep will get a healthy off-road workout. The rest of the time, the client’s wife will use it as her daily driver. If you are in the Lakeland area and want to transform your Jeep into something unique, drop by Tunes-N-Tint or shoot us an e-mail using our online contact page.

Lacoochee Client Upgrades Cadillac Escalade Audio System

May 15, 2018 By Staff

A client of ours from Lacoochee recently dropped by Tunes-N-Tint to talk about some 2006 Cadillac Escalade audio system upgrades. He wasn’t happy with the performance of the Bose system in the truck and wanted something that would play louder and sound clearer.

We replaced the factory source unit with a Kenwood DNX994S so he’d have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. We connected the radio to a JL Audio RD400/4 amplifier that would power the new door speakers. The amp is installed with a MESA AKC4 amp kit, premium four-channel interconnects and a MESA fuse block.

The last step was to install a set of JL Audio C2-650 components in the front doors and C2-650x coaxial speakers in the rear doors. We treated the door panels with MESA Mat sound-damping material to make the truck quieter and allow the speakers to perform better.

The client was impressed with the upgrade and loved having a radio with navigation and smartphone integration. If you are in the Lakeland area, drop by Tunes-N-Tint to see how we can make your stereo sound better. You can also reach us by e-mail for information about any of our products or services.

Ford Transit Van Audio System for Lakeland Radio Station

May 10, 2018 By Staff

After seeing the Rockford Fosgate Sound Lab van at Tunes-N-Tint in Lakeland, the event staff at Max 98.3 wanted their own Ford Transit van audio system. Eric and Mike from the Big Max Morning Show were on site for our grand re-opening back in January 2018 and fell in love with the idea of having a mobile studio in the event truck. We met with the guys and management at Hall Communications of Polk County and designed a sound system that would be perfect for live events and parades.

Ford Transit Van Audio System Speakers

: The custom door panels were fabricated by our team of experts.

: The doors featured custom speaker pods for Rockford Fosgate speakers.

: The new audio system could be heard from blocks away.

The system in the van would need to get loud and sound great. We turned to Rockford Fosgate for the speakers, amplifiers and subwoofers for the build. Our fabrication team created a set of custom door panels for the side doors of the Transit. Each panel houses a single Rockford PM2652 6.5-inch and PM282H 8-inch coaxial speaker. We mounted the speakers on a brushed stainless-steel trim panel that accents the silver finish on the grille. The mounting panel is a few inches thick and is made of birch plywood to ensure it will last for years. We wrapped it in black vinyl for a classy look.

To make sure listeners can feel the music, we installed a pair of Rockford P1-Series 12-inch subwoofers in an enclosure inside the van. We powered the subs with a P300X1 amp mounted inside the van on a custom panel.

Compact System Amplifiers and Source Unit

Ford-Transit-Van-Audio-7 Ford Transit Van Audio System for Lakeland Radio Station

Rockford Fosgate amplifiers power the door speakers.

To power a system that sounds great even at high volume levels, we installed a Rockford T400X4ad amplifier in each door and wired it in a bridged configuration to provide an impressive 200 watts to each speaker. The Power series amplifiers may be small, but they sound great and are easy to install.

At the heart of the sound system is a Kenwood KDC-BT358U receiver. We mounted the receiver in the door panel to make it easily accessible when the truck is on display. Whoever is working a live event can pair a phone using Bluetooth to stream audio, play a CD or pop in a USB stick with music that the crowd will enjoy.

When the van is parked, the crew can plug the 70-amp Stinger power supply we installed into an outlet to keep the system playing without the need to have the van idling and using up fuel.

Mobile Music Studio

Ford-Transit-Van-Audio-11-e1525936156888 Ford Transit Van Audio System for Lakeland Radio Station

A PA system was added to extend the range of audio communication.

In order to make the van suitable for live events, we added a pair of wireless microphones and a compact mixer to allow the DJs to use the van as a PA system. We also added an 80-watt PA horn to be used during parades. The horn doubles as a secondary PA system so the guys can say hello to their fans when cruising events like the Lakeland Christmas parade or the Lake Wales Mardi Gras parade.

Hall Communications operates Max 98.3, WPCV 97.5, WONN on 107.1 FM and 1230 AM and WLKF on 96.7 FM and 1430 AM. Though the van’s graphics wrap targets MAX 98.3, the vehicle is more than suitable for events from any of its sister stations in Winter Haven, Frostproof, Davenport, Polk City, Kathleen or Wauchula.

Custom Lighting

: Red lighting in the doors.

: Blue lighting in the doors.

: Green lighting is also an option along with hundreds of color combinations.

: RGB lighting was used all over the van.

The finishing touch on the van was LED lighting around the speakers and amplifiers, as well as under the van and in the wheel wells. We used a Racesport RSWWKIT ColorADAPT wheel well kit and a four-piece RSUKIT for under the van. The kits include a wireless credit card-sized controller that allows the operator to choose a single color or a pulsing, random color pattern.

Hall Communications Special Event Vehicle Project

Ford-Transit-Van-Audio-8 Ford Transit Van Audio System for Lakeland Radio Station

Mike from Big Max Morning Show loved the upgraded van audio!

It took us about four days to build and install the Ford Transit van audio and lighting system. Eric and Mike hosted a Facebook Live event to debut the vehicle and give their listeners a tour of the installation. The guys love it and are excited about using the van at events all over Polk County. Drop by Tunes-N-Tint in Lakeland and speak to a member of our team if your company could benefit from a similar mobile PA system. We’d be happy to design and install something that meets your needs. For more information, give us a call or send an e-mail using our contact page.

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