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Product Spotlight: Rockford Fosgate P2V2-69HO

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Rockford Fosgate P2V2-69HO

Since the 2025 SEMA show in Las Vegas, Rockford Fosgate fanatics have been talking about the new Punch series speakers. We’ve already taken a look at the P1V2-65 coaxial and P2V2-65 convertible component set. In this spotlight, we are going to check out the High Output convertible 6×9-inch P2V2-69HO set.

Features of the Rockford Fosgate P2V2-69HO

Let’s back up a second and discuss the new Punch Series of speakers. Whereas before now there were three driver performance levels, the latest Punch Series speakers are grouped into coaxial, convertible components, and three-way kits. The P2V2-69HO set includes two 6×9-inch woofers with coaxially mounted 3/4-inch Tetolon-dome tweeters.

The drivers are based on an injection-molded Nylon basket that’s been reinforced with glass fiber to improve rigidity. The cone is injection-molded polypropylene with mica added for damping and thermal stability. The cone shape is curvilinear to help quell resonances and enhance clarity. At the top edge is a durable Santoprene rubber surround featuring VAST 2.0 technology to increase the driver’s effective cone area. The larger cone area equates to greater efficiency compared to competing brands.

At the base of the cone is a linear Nomex spider to which the tinsel leads are sewn to keep them quiet. The voice coil is formed from Kapton to ensure the assembly can handle the as-rated 75 watts of continuous power, with peaks up to 150 watts.

Rockford Fosgate P2V2-69HO
The P2V2-69HO features a mica-damped polypropylene woofer cone and durable Santoprene rubber surround.

The set doesn’t include grilles, but surface-mount units are available as an option with part number GS-69.

Convertible Component Tweeter

As mentioned, this is a convertible component set. This means that the tweeter can be removed from the center of the woofer and mounted separately in the vehicle. For example, if you have a late-model pickup truck, the woofer can go into the stock location in the door, and the tweeter can be installed in the dash, sail panels, or A-pillars. The set includes flush- and A-pillar mount tweeter cups.

Each cup has pigtails to connect to the included passive crossover network. While we are on the topic, the external crossovers have 0 and -3 dB input connections, so your installer can choose whichever better balances the response of the audio system. When the tweeters are mounted in the woofers, a built-in capacitor acts as the filter.

Rockford Fosgate P2V2-69HO
The removable tweeter has traces on the bottom that connect to terminals in the surface-mount or A-pillar cups.

Once the tweeters have been removed, your installer can quickly and easily fit the included phase plugs thanks to the Interchangeable Locking Mechanism (ILM) design. Basically, the tweeters and plugs have a twist-and-lock design that’s executed using the provided tool.

Rockford Fosgate P2V2-69HO
The Interchangeable Locking Mechanism makes it easy for your installer to convert the P2V2-69HO from a coaxial to a component speaker set.

High-Output Design

So, what does Rockford Fosgate mean when they say this is a High Output set? If you look at the specs on the website, you’ll see the P2V2-69 and P2V2-69HO have nearly identical specifications. So, what gives? The HO speakers, which are also available in 6.5- and 6×8-inch sizes, feature a two-ohm voice coil rather than the four-ohm design of the non-HO models.

Why offer two-ohm drivers? It takes power to make sound. The more power you have, the louder the system can play. Rockford Fosgate specifically created these speakers because this is what typical OEM audio systems employ. For OEM systems that use small factory amplifiers, they use lower impedance speakers to get the power needed to drive the system properly. Also, if you have a small amplifier or are using a radio to drive the speakers, the lower impedance will allow the amp to deliver more current and produce more power.

A word of advice: if your amp can deliver more than 60 or 70 watts per channel into a four-ohm load, go with the regular non-HO drivers. The extra power generated by the lower impedance of the HO solutions will exceed the speaker’s power handling rating.

Driver Dimension Optimization

Rockford Fosgate has put significant effort into designing the baskets for the P2V2-69HO and its non-HO brother. They call this their Auto Fit Architecture, and as the name implies, the mounting holes are optimized to fit as many vehicle applications as possible.

The mounting depth of the set is 3.13 inches with the magnet cover in place. If depth is an issue, the cover can be removed to shorten the speaker to 2.55 inches.

Rockford Fosgate P2V2-69HO
The motor cover can be removed from the P2V2-69HO (and other P1/P2/P3 speakers) to reduce mounting depth requirements.

Upgrade With Rockford Fosgate Punch P2 Speakers Today!

If you are searching for a high-quality 6×9 speaker to work with a small amplifier or the amp in a radio, then drop by a local authorized Rockford Fosgate retailer today and ask for a demonstration of the new P2V2-69HO convertible speaker set. We’re sure you’ll be impressed! Speaking of impressive, all the new Punch speakers come with a 2-year warranty.

You can find a dealer near you using the Dealer Locator tool on the Rockford Fosgate website. We’ve seen lots of great new products from our friends in Tempe over the last year, and we know there is more to come. Stay up to speed with the latest releases by following them on Facebook, Instagram and, of course, YouTube.

This article is written and produced by the team at www.BestCarAudio.com. Reproduction or use of any kind is prohibited without the express written permission of 1sixty8 media.

A Quick Look at Apple and Android Smartphones

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Apple and Android SmartphonesLooking back to the Palm Pilot and the original Blackberry, we have been on a constant path toward having full-blown computers with us at all times. Fast-forward a few decades and it’s rare that folks don’t have a smartphone in their pocket or purse. Apple and Android smartphones have changed the way we communicate and are entertained.

In the mobile electronics industry, we have been working hard to find ways to integrate your smartphone into your vehicle to help you safely communicate and listen to your music. Dive into any discussion about smartphones on Facebook, and you’ll quickly see it turn into a battle of which kind is better. As each device changes, seemingly by the hour, answering that question is nearly impossible. With that said, there are definitely benefits and drawbacks to each. Let’s look at some cold, hard facts about the Android and iOS operating systems and their associated hardware.

A Brief History of the iPhone

Launched in the summer of 2007 by Steve Jobs, the iPhone was touted as a game-changer in communication technology. Apple retains a unique advantage over Android-based smartphones in that it controls not only the hardware chosen for the device but the software as well. The iOS operating system is designed and tested to work together with the iPhone.

iPhone Complaints

Apple and Android SmartphonesWhat company doesn’t have haters? People either love the iPhone for iOS for its interface, associated software and approved hardware accessory devices or hate it for its monopolistic approach. Few people like having to use iTunes to load their music and the cost of MFI (Made for iPhone/iPod) approved cables and devices definitely raises their cost.

Is there a benefit? Definitely. When you buy an approved accessory, you know it will work. When you transfer music, you know it will play. You may lose some of the independence of doing what you want when you want, how you want, but the infrastructure exists to make owning and using an iPhone as trouble-free as possible.

Apple is often criticized by Android users for being late to the party with new features: “Oh, you added facial recognition to the iPhone X and wireless charging to the iPhone 8! That’s great, Android phones had that last year.” Maybe it takes longer for Apple to test these technologies. Maybe the development and testing time for each new phone takes a lot longer. We may never know, but it sure is nice when the features arrive and work flawlessly.

iPhone in the Car

Apple and Android SmartphonesApple led the automotive smartphone connectivity battle with CarPlay. CarPlay was launched at the Geneva Motor Show in 2014 with Ferrari, Mercedes-Benz and Volvo as its first automotive partners. CarPlay offers an interface that mimics the icon layout on the phone to make using the system intuitive.

CarPlay allows users to use the Siri voice recognition engine to perform tasks like listening to text messages, making phone calls, selecting music and choosing navigation destinations. You don’t have to look at the screen at all to initiate any of those tasks.

With Apple under control of the CarPlay software, both OEM and aftermarket infotainment system manufacturers need to send samples to Apple for testing and approval before they can be sold. Apple works at its own pace, and we know this can cause delays. Are they worth it? If the system works the way it should, then most definitely.

Android-Based Smartphones

Apple and Android SmartphonesDeveloped by Google, the Android mobile operating system started development in 2005 and was launched in 2007. At the same time, the Open Handset Alliance – a consortium of hardware, software and telecommunication companies – was launched to advance open standards for mobile devices. The goal of the Open Handset Alliance was to create an open competitor to Symbian, Blackberry OS and iOS-powered devices. The first Android-based device was the T-Mobile G1, developed by HTC and launched in September 2008.

A fun fact about Android is its naming convention for each major release. While this practice is not uncommon, the names are rarely shared with the public. In order, the code names have been Cupcake, Donut, Eclair, Froyo, Gingerbread, Honeycomb, Ice Cream Sandwich, Jelly Bean, KitKat, Lollipop, Marshmallow, Nougat and, most recently, Oreo. Clearly, the Android development team has a snacking issue.

Is Free Good?

Apple and Android SmartphonesAs we stated, the Android mobile operating system is released by Google under an open source license. This means that phone manufacturers don’t need to buy or license the operating system. This can reduce development costs and accelerate the focus on new technology.

As with most things, for every silver lining, there is a dark storm cloud nearby. With phone manufacturers like Samsung, Huawei, LG, Sony and HTC each creating their own hardware and implementation of the Android operating system, updates for each device are at the mercy of the manufacturer and the wireless carriers. With Android about to roll out Version 8.1.0, not every device will get an upgrade.

In May 2017, coinciding with the launch of Android 8.0, Google announced Project Treble with a goal to streamline and simplify the update process for Android-powered devices. Only time will tell how successful they are.

Is Easy Good?

If you want to put a few songs on your Android phone, connect the USB cable to your computer, and drag the files to the Music folder. You can manage the files on your computer however you want, or not at all – if that’s your cup of tea. Similar folders exist for Pictures, Podcasts, Ringtones and Movies. You can treat them the same way you would a USB memory stick.

When Apple announced the iPod would move from Firewire to USB, radio manufacturers were quick to adopt interfaces that would allow control playback of the songs on the device in the car. This adoption took a lot longer for Android, and even up until last year, some source units could not play music stored on an Android phone by simply connecting the USB cable.

Bluetooth Problems

Apple and Android SmartphonesWith Apple and Android smartphones, Bluetooth connectivity is a big issue. Almost everyone has a Bluetooth hands-free solution in their car, so being able to use your phone with it is crucial to your productivity. Apple hasn’t been flawless in terms of backward compatibility to older source units, but for the most part, they seem to work well. Android, on the other hand, has been plagued with connectivity issues that vary by the phone manufacturer. Several aftermarket radio manufacturers cringe when dealers or consumers call about Bluetooth issues from specific brands.

Imagine if you update your smartphone and you can no longer connect to your vehicle’s hands-free system. With Apple, you can complain at the Apple Store or log into their support website. Though they won’t admit it outright, they pay attention to these issues and in many cases, fixes are released in updates.

If you own an Android-based phone, whom do you call when something doesn’t work? The store you bought the phone from? Your carrier? The manufacturer? Google? Simultaneously, each of them and none of them are singly responsible for the issue, nor can any one of them directly help you find a solution. Sure, there are exceptions, but with the open source philosophy of Android, connectivity with third-party devices is a lot more variable.

Android in the Car

Apple and Android Smartphones Android Auto was announced in 2014 as a joint effort between 28 automobile manufacturers. The actual Android Auto app was released on March 19, 2015; in May 2015, the Hyundai Sonata became the first vehicle to offer Android Auto support. Android Auto offers similar functionality to CarPlay, but eschews the menu-driven foundation and provides information about the function you are using on the screen. Voice commands and features work similarly to CarPlay.

Android Auto has an advantage over CarPlay with Google Maps and Waze. Both of these navigation solutions are considered superior to Apple Maps. You will find that many Apple users, unless they are using CarPlay, use the iOS versions of Waze and Google maps for their navigation needs.

Which Phone is Better?

Apple and Android SmartphonesOur goal isn’t to determine a winner in the battle of Apple and Android smartphones – that’s up to each individual user. If you use Macintosh-based computers at home, you may see no better option than to choose an iPhone. If you like the freedom of Android open architecture, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that.

Integration for Apple and Android Smartphones

No matter which phone technology you use, your local mobile enhancement retailer can help you integrate your phone into your vehicle. CarPlay, Android Auto, wireless charging, audio streaming, hands-free calling solutions or even a custom mounting bracket are available for most vehicles. Drop by and see how they can make using your smartphone in your car safer and easier.

Steve Jobs photo by Ben Stanfield (https://www.flickr.com/photos/acaben/541326656/) [CC BY-SA 2.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

This article is written and produced by the team at www.BestCarAudio.com. Reproduction or use of any kind is prohibited without the express written permission of 1sixty8 media.

Why the Shop Matters Most: Certified Technicians Make the Difference

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Certified Technicians

When it comes to aftermarket upgrades or vehicle service, the most important factor is not the product itself—it is the quality of the people who install and support it. A professional shop that employs qualified, certified personnel provides value that extends far beyond the initial installation. The shop’s commitment to hiring, training, and retaining competent technicians is what ultimately protects your vehicle and your investment.

Certified TechniciansA reputable shop doesn’t rely on chance when hiring. It seeks technicians with recognized certifications, proven knowledge, and ongoing education. This standard reflects a culture of accountability, professionalism, and trust. Certified technicians are professionals who follow standards, use best practices, and deliver consistent results.

Qualified shops operate with clear processes. Certified technicians follow documentation, quality control, and verification steps. Their work is reviewed and validated before the vehicles are returned. This reduces errors, saves time, and limits rework, giving customers fewer problems and a more predictable experience.

Certified TechniciansAsking a shop about technician qualifications is not confrontational—it is responsible. A professional business expects customers to inquire about credentials and should be prepared to explain what certifications its staff holds and why they matter. Shops that are proud of their workforce often display credentials openly and encourage customers to verify them. This transparency is a clear indicator that the business stands behind its team’s competence.

Long-term relationships matter. Shops that invest in qualified staff better support customers after the sale. Returning for updates, adjustments, or troubleshooting means working with technicians familiar with the shop’s standards and your service history. This continuity ensures efficient, accurate, and accountable service, even years later.

Choosing a shop with certified technicians is about trust in people, not promises. It shows the business values professionalism, invests in staff, and commits to consistent, high-quality service throughout your vehicle’s life.

This article is written and produced by the team at www.BestCarAudio.com. Reproduction or use of any kind is prohibited without the express written permission of 1sixty8 media.

Why Certified Professionals Deliver Higher-Quality Results

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Certified Professionals

In technical fields, the gap between average and exceptional results often depends on the professional’s training and standards. Certified professionals stand out for their formal education, proven competence, and commitment to ongoing learning—all of which lead to better evaluations, more precise installations, and quicker, more accurate troubleshooting than their uncertified peers.

Certified ProfessionalsCertification is more than a title; it proves structured education and assessment. Certified professionals must learn core principles, best practices, and safety requirements for their field. This education exceeds trial-and-error, covering system design, product compatibility, electrical theory, signal flow, diagnostics, and manufacturer requirements. As technology grows more complex—especially in vehicles with advanced electronics and integrated safety systems—this depth of knowledge is essential.

Certification ensures adherence to industry standards. Certified professionals follow procedures that protect customers, equipment, and system reliability. These standards ensure consistency, safety, and performance. Certified professionals know their importance and real-world application. Those without certification may take shortcuts, use outdated methods, or lack information, raising risks and costs.

Certified Professionals

Efficiency is another area where certified professionals consistently outperform non-certified counterparts. Because their education emphasizes proper evaluation and planning, they identify challenges before work starts. This leads to fewer surprises and post-installation issues. Certified professionals use proven methods to troubleshoot, reduce downtime and unnecessary part replacements, and save customers time and money.

Certification means accountability and ongoing education. Certified professionals stay up to date with technology and industry changes, benefiting customers who need both current and legacy expertise.

Certified ProfessionalsFor consumers, choosing a certified professional provides confidence and peace of mind. It signals that the individual has been evaluated by an independent organization, understands accepted standards, and is capable of delivering consistent, reliable results. In the automotive aftermarket and mobile electronics industry, certifications from organizations such as the Mobile Electronics Certified Professionals program help customers identify technicians who have demonstrated verified competence in their field.

Certification raises service quality. It delivers better evaluations, cleaner and safer installations, and quicker, more accurate troubleshooting. If you want performance, reliability, or long-term value, choose a certified professional.

To locate a qualified professional, you can find a certified technician or specialist at by clicking here.

This article is written and produced by the team at www.BestCarAudio.com. Reproduction or use of any kind is prohibited without the express written permission of 1sixty8 media.

Product Spotlight: ADS iDatalink Maestro APX Kits

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Maestro APX

In February of 2025, Automotive Data Solutions (ADS) introduced the world to a new way of installing car radios. In their presentation, they discussed how aftermarket source unit installations evolved from under-dash to DIN and, subsequently, 2-DIN shapes. Their iDatalink Maestro APX kits, when combined with radios from JVC and Kenwood, usher in a new philosophy in radio upgrade options. Let’s check out the iDatalink Maestro APX installation kits.

The Basics of Radio Installations

Up until now, if you wanted to replace a factory-installed radio, you had a choice between DIN and 2-DIN radio chassis. An extension of these sizes includes floating-face radios with a large screen mounted on a bracket in front of the dashboard.

ADS spends significant resources cataloging vehicle information as it investigates each platform for remote car starter and vehicle interface solutions. The team noticed that many vehicles share common parts, such as screens. If a radio manufacturer could produce an aftermarket solution, ADS could provide simple installation and integration solutions to allow consumers to dramatically upgrade their cars and trucks in terms of features and performance.

ADS contacted their long-time partners at JVCKENWOOD to ask if they wanted to be the initial source unit partners for the APX Advanced Dash Integration product. ADS and JVCKENWOOD worked together on the initial Maestro RR radio data integration project. The two companies agreed, and work began several years ago on developing the APX kits and compatible radios. As a side note, JVC and Kenwood call their APX-compatible radio family Direct Replacement.

Maestro APX
A Kenwood DAX800XR radio installed in the dash of a 2017 infiniti QX60 SUV using the Maestro APX-S8-IN1 kit.

How Does Maestro APX Work?

In a conventional radio upgrade, a mobile enhancement retailer replaces the factory radio and often the trim panel with aftermarket solutions. The new dash kit has an opening for a single-DIN or, more commonly, a 2-DIN multimedia receiver. Some of these dash kits are complicated and expensive, and have to include new displays and interfaces for climate controls. Due to space limitations on the dashboard, many kits relocate the radio to a lower, less convenient location. Another drawback is that the radio display often shrinks from 8 inches to 7 inches or less. However, vehicle owners can now have state-of-the-art audio playback and smartphone integration, ready for connection to signal processors, amplifiers, and high-quality speakers.

The Maestro APX kits include two components – mounting brackets for a screen and a T-harness. The harness handles connections to the factory wiring and to a Maestro RR or RR2 interface. The brackets allow the new screen included with the Kenwood or JVC radio to mount in or in front of the dash. In short, the new radio replaces the factory screen with a premium source unit.

Maestro APX
A Maestro RR or RR2 handles integration with the factory control and allows the radio to display vehicle information from the CAN bus.

Maestro Floating and Eight-Inch Kits

There are two types of APX kits – APX-FL for floating-face radios and APX-S8 for eight-inch display solutions.

The APX-FL kit, like those for the Jeep Wrangler, allows a radio with a 10.1-inch floating face display to be integrated into the vehicle. Unlike DIN- and 2-DIN floating-face solutions, the radios compatible with the APX-FL kits are a true two-part solution. The radios are designed with a hide-away brain and a screen that attaches with a few harnesses. Depending on the kit, the radio brain may be installed in place of the factory CD mechanism or on the back of the display mounting bracket. Where possible, factory mounting brackets are used, but the Maestro kits include beautifully crafted brackets where needed. Spacer blocks and trim pieces are included so your installer can fit the screen up tight against the dash.

Maestro APX
A Kenwood DAX1050XR installed in a 2014 Ford Edge using the APX-FL-FO1 kit.

The APX-S8 kits are designed for a two-part radio solution that includes an eight-inch screen that replaces the factory screen. Brackets are provided as needed to ensure the new display fits perfectly into the dash. The result, once the upgrade is complete, is that the dash looks just like it did from the factory. All the radio and climate controls continue to function with the new radio, thanks to the Maestro RR or RR2 integration module. The same goes for the radio control buttons on the steering wheel.

Maestro APX
A Kenwood DAX8000S installed in a Ford F-150 dash using an APX-S8-F01 kit.

APX Kit Applications

As of now, ADS offers kits for many Ford, GM, Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram, Holden, and Infiniti/Nissan vehicles. You can check the ADS Maestro website to see if there’s a Maestro APX radio upgrade solution for your application. A key benefit of the design is that new kits can be created in the future if a compatible platform emerges.

Maestro APX
An example of how the radio brain is installed in place of the factory CD mechanism in a Ford F-150.

The ADS marketing team noted that there are almost five million vehicles on the road globally compatible with their Maestro APX kits, opening up new technology-upgrade opportunities for millions of vehicle owners. If you want to upgrade your car or truck, check the ADS Maestro website for a compatible Maestro APX kit, then choose a JVC or Kenwood radio that meets your needs. From there, an authorized dealer for the radio brand can bring your plan to fruition, and you can enjoy all the features of a modern vehicle in your older car, truck or SUV.

This article is written and produced by the team at www.BestCarAudio.com. Reproduction or use of any kind is prohibited without the express written permission of 1sixty8 media.