Amplifiers — Tunes-N-Tint

Product Spotlight: Rockford Fosgate DSR1

August 13, 2018 By Staff

When it comes to upgrading the audio system in late-model vehicles, Tunes-N-Tint in Lakeland suggests the Rockford Fosgate DSR1 interface and tuning solution. The DSR1 combines the tuning capabilities of the 3Sixty digital signal processor with the OEM integration and CAN Bus communication features of the iDatalink Maestro integration module. The combination makes it easy for us to create an audio upgrade that sounds amazing.

Features of the Rockford Fosgate DSR1

The DSR1 includes four analog inputs and a digital input to accept signals from a variety of factory-installed radios. Internally, the system provides adjustable high- and low-pass crossovers and 31 bands of equalization on each of its eight output channels. We can also configure signal delay and fine-tune the level of each output to create a listening experience that rivals many premium home audio systems.

Why Your Car Needs Digital Signal Processing

Working in the digital domain, a digital signal processor allows for extremely precise and repeatable adjustments. Not only can we tailor the sound of your system to your listening preferences, but we can also compensate for vehicle-specific acoustic challenges like resonances and adjust for less-than-ideal speaker placement using signal delay and precise output level controls. The result is a sound system that accurately places instruments and performers across the front of your vehicle to recreate the same listening experience that the engineers and producers experienced in the recording studio.

Maestro Vehicle Integration Features

The DSR1 is an amazing signal processor on its own. When combined with the integration features of the Maestro interface, the functionality is improved dramatically. In vehicles where we can’t replace the factory radio, the Maestro interface intercepts the digital communication information between the radio and the factory-installed amplifier and sends those commands to the DSR1. Volume functions, navigation prompts, Bluetooth audio, warning chimes and even bass, treble, balance and fader adjustments all work the way you want, but through upgraded amplifiers and speakers for much better sound. The steering wheel buttons for your stereo will continue to function, as will secondary displays in the instrument cluster.

The DSR1 installs between your factory radio and amplifier in many Chrysler, Buick, Fiat, Ford, Jeep, Lexus, Maserati, Ram, Subaru and Toyota vehicles.

Upgrade Your Factory Audio System for Better Sound Today!

If your factory-installed stereo doesn’t play loudly enough or doesn’t offer the detail and clarity you want, drop by Tunes-N-Tint in Lakeland and speak with a member of our sales team. We’d be happy to design an upgrade that uses your factory source unit and the Rockford Fosgate DSR1 to provide amazing sound without changing the look and feel of the vehicle. For more information, give us a call or send us an e-mail using our online contact page.

A Look at JL Audio’s New VXi Amplifiers

August 3, 2018 By Staff

Tunes-N-Tint in Lakeland is happy to announce that we have the new JL Audio VXi amplifiers in stock. This series of premium high-efficiency amplifiers includes the latest power supply and audio technologies for amazing sound quality and state-of-the-art signal processing features that allow us to fine-tune the performance of each system. Let’s take a look at what makes the new VXi Series amplifiers so great.

Complete Product Series

Unlike other companies that have two or three DSP-equipped amplifiers in their line-up, JL Audio launched the VXi Series with eight models. The amplifiers include 600- and 1,000-watt subwoofer monoblocks, a high-power two-channel, a four-channel, two five-channel amps, a six-channel and an eight-channel model. All of the amplifiers share the same basic cosmetic design with a two-tone grey finish and an illuminated JL emblem on the top of the amp.

Even the largest of the VXi is still quite compact. All eight amps are 2.12 inches in height and 6.62 inches deep. The three largest amps in the series, the VX1000/1i, VX1000/5i and the VX800/8i, are only 11.32 inches long. Even in coupes and convertibles with limited space, we can still find room for a VXi amp.

Signal Processing Features

Each VXi amp includes a powerful triple-core digital signal processor from AKM. The processor allows us to configure crossovers, equalization and signal delay for each channel of the amp. Even the eight-channel VX800/8i includes a set of preamp outputs to drive an additional amplifier to maximize the flexibility of each system design.

All amplifiers include remote turn-on circuitry that makes integrating these amps with factory-installed source units and amplifiers quick and easy. Additionally, the amps include TOSLINK Optical digital inputs and outputs to work with integration processors like the FiX82 or aftermarket sources with fiber outputs.

Easy System Control

VXi amplifiers are compatible with the DRC-100, DRC-200 and the new DRC-205. The function of these remotes is programmable in the JL Audio TuN software. Depending on the model of remote, we can configure a remote bass level control, master volume control or a function specific to your system design.

Unique to JL’s VXi amps is their VXi-HUB. This module allows us to connect up to five amplifiers to a single HUB. No matter how complicated your stereo is, JL VXi amps are flexible enough to make it sound great.

Power and Efficiency

With limited space and electrical system reserves, JL has made the VXi amps as efficient as possible in all regards. The new NexD2 Switching technology delivers smooth and detailed sound across the entire audio spectrum.

Why Your System Needs DSP

Once a feature found in only the most extreme audio systems, digital signal processing is quickly becoming commonplace, thanks to advances in technology and increased popularity. Tuned properly, digital signal processing can help compensate for limited speaker placement options in your vehicle and reduce frequency response issues caused by reflections and resonances. Your music will sound more natural and lifelike.

See the VXi Amplifiers at Tunes-N-Tint Today!

If it’s time to take your audio system to the next level of realism, drop by Tunes-N-Tint in Lakeland and ask for a demonstration. If you have any questions, give our store a call or send us an e-mail using our contact page.

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.