Devine Concepts

Mobile Electronics Expert in Naples, Florida

BestCarAudio.com

Revisiting the Rockford Fosgate R2-1200X1 Test Drive Review

-

R2-1200X1 Test

In late October 2023, we had the opportunity to give the Rockford Fosgate R2-1200X1 subwoofer amplifier a thorough Test Drive Review (https://www.bestcaraudio.com/test-drive-review-rockford-fosgate-r2-1200×1/). We were very impressed that this entry-level amp had features and performance that dramatically outperformed entry-level and mid-level products from other brands.

Power Testing and the Importance of Supply Voltage

The original test had one hiccup. When running a 1-ohm load, the amp produced 1,155.3 watts, which is a few watts (44.7) shy of the rated 1,200 watts the amp should produce.

Why did this happen? Is the R2-1200X1 not a real 1,200-watt amplifier? The answer lies in the power supplies we used to feed the amplifier. The supplies, a pair of Stinger SPS80 units, don’t have an output voltage adjustment. We’ve used their high- and low-voltage settings to show how different amplifiers perform at different supply voltage levels. The problem is, amplifiers tested to the ANSI/CTA-2006-D specification must be supplied with 14.4 volts. We only fed the R2-1200X1 13.61 volts. So, making just 44 watts shy of the rating, with 0.79 volt less than is expected, is actually impressive.

We typically explain that minute differences in output power are inaudible. The difference in output level between 1,155.2 and 1,200 watts is only 0.16 dB. You can’t hear that difference. Nevertheless, car audio enthusiasts want to see the largest numbers possible regarding power ratings … for some reason.

R2-1200X1 Test

New Power Supplies Fix Everything

After months of research, we have purchased two new 100-amp, 15-volt power supplies for the BestCarAudio.com test bench. The new supplies have an adjustable output, so we can fine-tune them to produce precisely 14.4 volts to ensure that the measurements we provide fully comply with the ANSI/CTA-2006-D specification. We use our QuantAsylum QA403 audio analyzer to measure harmonic distortion and noise and adjust the output level to be within a tenth of 1% THD+N.

Repeating the Rockford Fosgate R2-1200X1 Test

With the new supplies wired up and a few wires re-terminated, it was time to repeat the power measurements. As you can see from the chart below, the impressive R2-1200X1 does indeed produce every bit of power that Rockford Fosgate claims – and more. If you’ve been paying attention to the other products we’ve tested from them, that should be no surprise.

R2-1200X1 Test

We picked up 27.3 watts at 4 ohms, 36.5 watts at 2 ohms and an impressive 109.9 watts when driving a 1-ohm load.

Distortion Versus Output Graphs

While the amp was back on the bench, we generated THD+N versus power output graphs for each load. The graphs show total harmonic distortion and noise on the vertical scale and power output on the horizontal scale.

R2-1200X1 Test

R2-1200X1 Test

R2-1200X1 Test

Different amplifier designs have different characteristics regarding how they add harmonic distortion to the signal. The R2-1200X1 behaves well, with moderate THD+N increases as output levels rise. There’s nothing bad or unexpected in any of the measurements.

Why Does More Power Supply Voltage Increase Maximum Power Output?

Before we close, we should discuss why increasing the supply voltage increases an amplifier’s maximum power. In the case of this amp, the power supply is unregulated – or, at the very least, loosely regulated. In terms of practical explanation, the voltage supplied to the amp is multiplied by a fixed amount to create the rail voltages that drive the output.

If we had to guess, the R2-1200X2 takes the supply voltage and multiplies it by roughly 2.25. This gives us positive and negative rail voltages of approximately +32V and -32V. The audio signal can swing between these voltages, giving us just over 44.3 volts RMS available to drive the subwoofer. At 4 ohms, that’s just under 500 watts.

At lower impedances, the limiting factor in how much power the amp can produce is the power supply’s current delivery capabilities. We measured 41.4 volts into a 2-ohm load and 35.57 volts into a 1-ohm load. Once again, this is entirely normal behavior for a high-quality amplifier.

Check out the R2-1200X1 for Your Car Audio Subwoofers

If you’re shopping for an affordable subwoofer amplifier that sounds good, offers fantastic efficiency and includes all the features you need to make your car audio system sound great, drop by a local authorized Rockford Fosgate retailer and check out the R2-1200X1. Be sure to tell them the gang from BestCarAudio.com sent you!

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.

The Benefits of Custom-installed Radar Detectors

-

Custom-installed RadarIf you are looking for the best defense against police laser and radar guns, speed cameras, and radar-based work zone speed detection systems, then a custom-installed radar detector and laser countermeasure system is the only choice. This article compares the features and performance benefits of a portable radar detection system to one that we integrate into your vehicle.

What is a Radar Detector?

Simply put, a radar detector is a device that includes one or more radio frequency receivers and a computer. The receiver is designed to focus on specific frequencies and report the presence of those signals to the vehicle operator. The goal of the system is to detect radar measurement signals used on vehicles in front of you and provide enough warning so you can slow down to a legal speed and avoid getting a ticket.

Law enforcement agencies in North America use three radar frequencies. X-band operates between 10.5 and 10.55 GHz, K-band operates between 24.05 and 24.25 GHz, and Ka-band operates between 33.4 and 36 GHz.

Why Custom-installed Radar Systems Offer Better Protection

Custom-installed Radar
This front-mount Escort radar receiver offers much higher sensitivity than portable units.

When comparing portable radar detectors to custom-installed systems, the biggest performance benefit comes from the ability to make the radar receiver larger. As with any antenna, more size means more sensitivity. The radar receiver included with a custom-installed detector is typically bigger than an entire portable radar detection device. In AM/FM antennae, a half-wave antenna offers more than twice the sensitivity of a quarter-wave antenna. The benefit to you is that a custom-installed radar detection system can detect weaker signals and provide an earlier warning so you can slow down sooner.

Some systems include separate receivers and amplifiers for the low-frequency X-band and the higher K- and Ka-bands. This configuration allows each antenna to be more sensitive within its specified operating range and requires less signal filtering and amplification.

Many radar systems that integrate with your vehicle include a second high-sensitivity detector for the rear of the car or truck. Many police forces use dash-mounted radar systems that function while the police vehicle is in motion. If an officer is following you, you will want to know if he or she is measuring your vehicle’s speed.

Police Laser and Lidar Systems

Custom-installed RadarMany law enforcement agencies now use laser-based measurement systems. These devices send out a very narrow beam of invisible “light” that pulses in a particular pattern. The laser gun measures how that beam is reflected to calculate the speed of the vehicle it is measuring. The laser works with incredible accuracy. High-quality laser speed detection systems have a beam width of only 30 inches at a range of 1,000 feet and can operate up to 6,000 feet away. They are accurate to within 1 mph and can acquire a reading in as little as 0.33 seconds.

Laser detection systems look for energy between 830 and 945 nanometers and report it to the driver. The problem with laser speed detection is that once the officer has pulled the trigger, he has an accurate reading of your speed. There isn’t any point in slowing down.

Laser Detection versus Laser Defense Systems

A premium portable radar and laser detector that mounts to your windshield can alert you to the use of laser speed measurement. As we mentioned, though, once the officer has a reading, it is too late. Your only hope of avoiding a ticket is to detect beam scatter from another vehicle, then slow down before the police measure your speed.

Custom-installed Radar
Automods mounted these laser shifters close to the license plate for maximum effectiveness.

The number one benefit of a remote mounted detection system is its ability to combat laser or lidar systems. In a laser countermeasure system, there are several compact transceivers mounted near your license plate and headlights – the most frequent target for police radar. When these sensors detect a laser measurement signal, they instantly start to transmit a signal to confuse the radar gun.

The second issue with portable radar and laser detection systems is location. As we mentioned, police target your license plate and headlights because these are reflective, in hopes of getting an accurate reading at long distances. Your portable detector, mounted up high on your windshield, may offer excellent radar detection range, but can miss laser signals altogether due to that height.

Some custom installed radar detectors include laser functionality, and some provide it as an option. Talk to your retailer to ensure you are getting the protection you want.

How to Use a Laser Defense System

If a police officer targets your vehicle with his laser gun and pulls the trigger, he will be expecting a result almost instantly. If your laser defense system prevents him from getting a reading, the officer will quickly realize you are using a countermeasure system. To prevent him from following you for the next 10 miles or until you do something wrong, there is a suggested etiquette to using laser defense.

Custom-installed RadarAs soon as your laser detection system alerts you to the use of a radar gun, slow down quickly. Obviously, slamming on the brakes will attract attention. Smooth and steady deceleration is the ideal. As soon as you are at a legal speed, cancel the laser countermeasure system and let the officer take a reading. If that is executed smoothly, the officer will leave you alone and move on to measuring the vehicle behind you.

The only defense against police laser/lidar is a custom-installed laser countermeasure system.

Reduce the Clutter

Custom-installed Radar
The two small LED lights between the gauges alert the driver of threats.

If you are like us, then you hate clutter in your vehicle. There are some nice mounting brackets for portable radar detections, but they still detract from the appearance of your vehicle. Depending on the brand of custom-installed radar detection systems, there may be a small control panel that we can mold into your dash or center console, or no visible control panel at all. In these “invisible” systems, all of the alerts are handled with audible warnings and a pair of small LEDs. Eliminating connections to your cigarette lighter plug and suction cup marks on your windshield keeps your vehicle looking organized and tidy.

From a safety perspective, having a radar detector on your windshield will block some of your vision. The percentage of windshield area that a portable radar detector takes up is small, but every square inch counts when it comes to safe driving.

Protection against Theft

Dash and windshield mounted radar detectors are prime targets for thieves. The complexity and distributed design of custom-installed radar detectors make them too much hassle to steal. Even if thieves were to break into your vehicle, they would only be able to get a few parts of the system. The result is that there is no resale value, so they leave these systems alone.

Complete Vehicle Integration

Custom-installed Radar
Automods uses best-practices in their radar and laser installations.

Depending on the features and complexity of a remote-mount radar detector system, there could be as few as three components, or more than a dozen modules and sensors. We mount each component in a location that ensures reliable operation and protection against damage. We route the system wiring with factory harnesses and protect it with split loom or cloth tape – whichever best matches the OEM style of your vehicle. We make the electrical connections mechanically and electrically secure so they will function flawlessly for years.

When we install a radar detector and laser defense system in your vehicle, it becomes an integral part of your car or truck. You will never forget to bring it with you. You will never forget to turn it on. It is always ready to protect you.

Visit Your Local Mobile Enhancement Retailer Today

If you are looking for the best defense against police laser/lidar and radar guns, the only choice is a custom-installed radar detector system. Most systems are nearly invisible once installed, and the laser shifter/defuser modules can be integrated into your vehicle cosmetics beautifully. Visit your local mobile enhancement retailer today to discuss the options for your vehicle.

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.

What To Look for When Shopping for Motorcycle Audio Speakers

-

Motorcycle Audio SpeakersNow that the weather is great all across the country, motorcycle enthusiasts have a chance to get their bikes out and go for a ride – but many riders complain that the factory audio systems on their bikes don’t sound as good as they’d like. There are several reasons why, and a few relatively easy ways to upgrade these systems. A proper motorcycle audio system upgrade will include at least two components – an amplifier and a new set of motorcycle audio speakers. This article highlights a few things to look for when shopping for new motorcycle speakers.

Mother Nature is a Challenge

Unlike in a vehicle, when you are riding your motorcycle, your speakers are exposed to the elements. Sun, water, sand, dirt and debris are natural obstacles that can harm your speakers. When you are shopping for a new set of motorcycle audio speakers, you want to look for ones that are completely weather-resistant.

Motorcycle Audio Speakers
JL Audio rigorously tests their speakers for exposure to salt spray.

Water-resistant – Most speakers are made of plastics and metal. Within the motor structure of the speaker are ceramic or neodymium magnets bonded to ferrous metal plates. These metal plates must be protected from exposure to water. When it comes to coaxial speakers, there has to be a seal between the woofer cone and the tweeter post. If this seal does not exist, then water can get into the motor assembly and cause corrosion. In the marine speaker market, a test known as ASTM B117 exposes speakers to a salt fog spray to test for corrosion or material failure. If your speakers have this rating, you know you will have the reliability you are looking for to last for years.

Dust-resistant Design – Following the same theme as the requirement for water resistance, a motorcycle audio speaker should be able to operate reliably when dusty or dirty. A few specks of sand wedged between the voice coil former and the tweeter post of a coaxial speaker can wreak havoc on the performance of the system.

UV Exposure-rated – You want to look for a speaker that is constructed with materials that can withstand UV exposure. These plastics will not chalk, fade, crack or degrade, even after years of direct sun exposure. Having your speaker cones or surrounds fall apart after a few years on your bike is a frustrating experience. To confirm that the speakers you want to use are up to the challenge, look for ASTM D4329 testing. This test exposes the products to years of UV and heat exposure in a short amount of time. If they pass this test, you can trust they will work will on your bike.

Motorcycle Audio Systems Need Power

Motorcycle Audio SpeakersTo reproduce your music at a volume level that can drown out the wind and overcome the noise of a loud exhaust, you need power. Adding an amplifier to your bike is a necessity to achieve adequate performance. Your new speakers have to handle the power from your amp.

The voice coil is the motor of your speaker. It converts the electrical signal from your amplifier into a magnetic field that pushes or pulls the speaker cone forward or backward. If you are sending a lot of power to the voice coil, it has to be physically large enough to dissipate the heat that is generated. Look for large-diameter voice coils; they act like the radiator in your car.

Can Looking at the Tweeter Tell Me Anything?

Motorcycle Audio SpeakersThere are some strong stereotypes associated with hard- and soft-dome tweeters. Many say that hard, metal dome tweeters sound harsh and that soft-dome tweeters sound smooth and laid back. After listening to thousands of speakers, we can tell you that as many examples of each type of tweeter confirm this theory as oppose it.

No one single material selection can determine what a speaker sounds like. Every component in a speaker works as part of a system. The cone, surround, spider, voice coil and magnet structure all have an important role in determining the resulting performance of a speaker. The only way to know how a system sounds is to listen to it. That said, choosing materials that offer weather resistance and long-term reliability is crucial.

Where to Buy Your Motorcycle Audio Upgrades

We have seen many people buying bolt-on audio system upgrades at shows like Bike Week or Thunder Beach Fall Rally. The people selling products at these events may even offer to install them right at the show. Convenience and instant gratification are wonderful, but what happens when it comes to after-sales support? What if a speaker fails? What if you take the kit home and something doesn’t fit? You will have to track down the vendor and, unless they are local to you, pay someone to remove and replace the failed component.

When you deal with a dedicated retailer with a “brick and mortar” storefront, you know you will have the after-sales support that you want and deserve. If you have a question or concern, or decide you want additional upgrades, your retailer is there to support you every day.

Stick to the Big Names

If someone approached you at a cruise and said, “Hey, I designed these cool tires in my basement, do you want to try them?” – what would be your response? Unless this last person’s last name is Dunlop or Pirelli, you are going to be skeptical. That is a good thing.

You bought a Honda Goldwing, BMW K1600, or Harley-Davidson Road Glide or Street Glide because you are confident in the process that those manufacturers have put into developing and testing their products. Decades of engineering, design and innovation produce increasingly reliable and higher-performing products each year. Audio components are the same. A small company can go to Asia and have its name put on an order of speakers, but does anyone know what you are getting for your money?

Motorcycle Audio SpeakersDealing with a reputable brand ensures that you will have product support long after the sale is complete. You are getting the latest technologies for incredible performance. FEA design analysis, Klippel testing, fanatical quality control and continued research are all hallmarks of dealing with a premium brand. Why take a risk with your audio investment?

Upgrade Your Motorcycle Audio System Today

When it is time to upgrade your existing audio system or add a new system to your motorcycle, visit your local mobile electronics specialist retailer. They have the products and experience to design an audio system that will sound great and be reliable for years to come.

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: Sony XAV-AX3700 Multimedia Receiver

-

Sony XAV-AX3700

Car audio source unit manufacturers are constantly developing new products to fill the gaps between entry-level and flagship models. Sony recently released a new 2-DIN digital multimedia receiver called the XAV-AX3700, which slides into the mix just below the XAV-AX4000. This new radio features a 6.95-inch touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay connectivity and iDatalink Maestro vehicle integration. Read on to learn about what else it offers.

Sony XAV-AX3700 Source Features

The XAV-AX3700 starts with extensive support for digital media files stored on a USB flash drive. The radio can decode MP3, WMA, WAV, AAC, FLAC, ALAC, DSF and DSDIFF audio files. It also has Bluetooth, which includes the A2DP and AVRCP profiles, which allow music to stream from a smartphone or digital media player. The radio supports LDAC for impressive wireless sound quality and SBC and AAC for maximum device compatibility.

Of course, the radio has a high-quality AM/FM receiver, which captures RDBS information so you can see album and song title information if the station provides it. The retailer installing the radio can upgrade it with a SiriusXM satellite radio receiver, allowing you to listen to genre-specific music or your choice of entertainment channels nonstop from coast to coast. Sony provides a rich SiriusXM interface, including the channel logo and the album art for the track being played if the station you’re tuned in to provides it.

Sony XAV-AX3700
The XAV-AX3700 can be upgraded with a dedicated SiriusXM satellite radio receiver for uninterrupted entertainment.

Apple CarPlay Smartphone Connectivity

The XAV-AX3700 includes support for wired Apple CarPlay. Plug your phone cable in, and you’ll have access to all the music on your phone or your favorite streaming services. You can choose whatever you want using intuitive voice commands. Of course, you can make phone calls, send text messages or get detailed turn-by-turn directions to any address or business in North America using your favorite app.

Sony XAV-AX3700
Wired Apple CarPlay connectivity makes it easy to communicate while driving.

Vehicle Interface Features

As mentioned, the XAV-AX3700 supports the iDatalink Maestro SR, RR and RR2 interfaces. These modules allow communication with the computers in your vehicle to provide access to climate controls, as well as factory-installed infotainment components like microphones, steering wheel controls and a rear-vision camera.

If your application does not have an RR or RR2 module, your installer can integrate steering wheel controls using other modules, like the Maestro SW. Talk to the Product Specialist you are working with for details about your vehicle’s specific make, model and trim level.

Sony XAV-AX3700
The Sony XAV-AX3700 supports the Maestro SR, RR and RR2 vehicle integration interfaces.

Intuitive Interface Simplifies Operation

Sony is the benchmark when it comes to human-machine interfaces. Not only does the XAV-AX3700 boot incredibly quickly, but the button layout on the screen and the menu functions are super-intuitive. The 6.95-inch touchscreen display is bordered by a row of six buttons along the bottom edge.

The main display menu includes five user-configurable options. You can set your favorite sources or commonly used functions, like the backup camera display, to be readily available. When an iPhone is connected, a dedicated icon for Apple CarPlay appears to the left of the clock.

You can also customize the wallpaper image behind the icons from several included options or upload your own image to personalize the radio. A new customizable clock layout feature gives you an option for either an analog or digital clock in the center of the screen, or a smaller digital clock in the top right corner.

Sony XAV-AX3700 Audio Features

This new Sony radio includes a full suite of audio integration features to maximize the sound system’s performance. A five-channel time alignment screen helps improve staging and imaging. A 14-band graphic equalizer can smooth out peaks and dips in the system frequency response. Built-in electronic crossovers with adjustable slopes maximize the performance of your speakers.

The radio includes a four-channel amplifier rated to produce 20 watts per channel, making driving the factory speakers easy. Thanks to dedicated front, rear and subwoofer preamp outputs, you can easily upgrade the radio with an external amplifier. An integrated subwoofer level control makes fine-tuning your system to suit your music or mood easy.

Sony XAV-AX3700
Time alignment, a 14-band equalizer and adjustable crossovers make it easy to fine-tune your audio system.

Single-DIN Chassis Simplifies Installation

A feature that car audio installers will love is the single-DIN chassis behind the 2-DIN display. This 2-inch tall chassis design leaves room for wiring, integration modules and wire harness adapters. Notably, the space is available beneath the radio, where these parts typically rest. The depth of that chassis is shallow as well, allowing use in vehicles with a tight fit behind the radio screen.

Upgrade Your Driving Experience with Sony

Whether you’re looking to add Apple CarPlay or high-quality audio streaming to an older vehicle, or you have to replace a factory-installed radio that’s kicked the bucket with one that requires the use of a Maestro module that retains some factory features or settings, the new Sony XAV-AX3700 is an excellent choice. Drop by a local Sony car audio retailer today and ask for a demonstration. You can find a retailer using their online locator tool. Also, follow Sony on Facebook and Instagram to keep up with the latest new car audio products.

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: Rockford Fosgate M2-65 and M2-65B Marine Speakers

-

Rockford Fosgate M2-65

I remember when only one or two large car audio companies offered products designed specifically for marine applications. These days, there are dozens of brands in that market. From my extensive hands-on research, I can tell you that Rockford Fosgate is one of the brands you’ll want to check out for your boat. Their engineering-based marine speaker solutions are truly unique in the market. This Product Spotlight will examine the M2-Series M2-65 and M2-65B 6.5-inch Color Optix marine speakers.

Rockford Fosgate Marine Speaker Features

As is typical of Rockford Fosgate, they offer diverse speaker solutions to suit every application and budget. The Marine series starts with the affordable M0 line, which features white or black 6.5-inch coaxial drivers. From there, you step up to the M1 line, adding 6-, 6.5- and 8-inch drivers with Color Optix integrated RGB LED lighting. These speakers can handle even more power so that they can play louder. At the top of the marine speaker series are the M2 speakers. In this line, you have 6.5-, 8- and 10-inch coaxial drivers, with the two larger offerings available with a conventional tweeter or a small compression horn.

The M2-65 and M2-65B speakers are 6.5-inch coaxial drivers with your choice of white or black (the B at the end of the part number) grilles. The speaker system includes two drivers, stainless-steel grille inserts, mounting hardware and speaker wire pigtails with high-quality Deutsch connectors.

They are rated to handle 150 watts of power continuously with peaks of 300 watts. Efficiency is specified as 91.8 dB at 1 watt/1 meter. The drivers have a nominal impedance of 4 ohms and require 2.49 inches of mounting depth in a 5.36-inch cutout in your boat.

Rockford Fosgate M2-65
The M2-65B marine speaker set includes a pair of 6.5-inch coaxial speakers, wire pigtails, stainless steel hardware and grille inserts.

Marine Speaker Chassis Design

The woofer basket is injection molded from PA66 with UV inhibitors, a plastic mixture reinforced with 30% glass fiber for added thermal stability, damping and rigidity. As mentioned, electrical connections to the speaker are made via integrated Deutsch connector sockets.

The speaker’s chassis includes cooling vents with a nano-coated mesh screen to help keep water out. The basket conceals a -12 dB/octave crossover for the tweeter. They call this their Integrated Concealed Crossover design.

The speakers have a 12-spoke plastic grille made from ultraviolet- and salt-resistant Centrex plastic. As mentioned, the laser-cut stainless-steel inserts are also included in the package. Just let your installer know what look you want; they can take care of everything during installation.

Rockford Fosgate M2-65
The fiberglass-reinforced PA66 chassis includes Deutsch connectors for the speaker and connection to the Color Optix RGB LED lighting.

Speaker Component Features

The mineral-filled polypropylene woofer cones feature a co-molded thermoplastic elastomer synthetic rubber surround. The surround uses the Vertical Attach Surround Technique mounting geometry where it attaches to the chassis. This feature increases cone area, which improves sensitivity and bass output. A 1-inch diameter, high-temperature Kapton voice coil former is at the base of the cone. The large diameter of the voice coil is the key reason these speakers are rated to handle 150 watts of power continuously. A linear aramid-polyester spider provides good cone control and high excursion levels. The tinsel leads, attached to gold-plated brass terminals in the chassis, are encased in rubber to protect them from water damage.

The 1-inch tweeter in the speaker’s center features a design that Rockford Fosgate calls PXNX. It uses a pair of compact neodymium slugs for excellent efficiency.

Rockford Fosgate M2-65
The 1-inch PXNX tweeter is designed to offer exceptional clarity and great efficiency with its dual magnet motor design.

Color Optix RGB LED Lighting

A second four-pin socket on the speaker chassis provides access to the Color Optix RGB lighting. Your installer can power the lights using the Rockford Fosgate PMX-RGB LED lighting controller. The controller works with the RF Connect app on your smartphone to let you select the light color or illumination pattern. The RF Connect app is available for both Android and iOS mobile devices.

The LEDs are mounted to the underside of the grille. An optically clear, UV-stable coating protects the lighting from water damage. When on, the lighting makes the woofer cone glow in your choice of thousands of colors. You can also use the RF Connect app to select color-shifting patterns.

Rockford Fosgate M2-65
The M2-65B and M2-65 include Rockford Fosgate’s Color Optix integrated RGB LED lighting.

Element Ready Design Ensures Reliable Performance

Rockford Fosgate doesn’t pull any punches when it comes to ensuring that their marine audio products can withstand whatever Mother Nature throws their way. Their Element Ready design covers water resistance and UV and salt exposure. In terms of waterproofing, these speakers carry an IPX6 rating. Ultraviolet exposure testing passes the ASTM G154 500-hour accelerated UV test. Salt exposure is evaluated using the ASTM B117 500-hour salt-fog test. Finally, many marine and powersports speaker manufacturers overlook vibration and impact testing. Rockford Fosgate uses the ISO60068-2-64 Vibration testing standard to ensure that the speakers can take a beating as your boat hits even the gnarliest waves. Rockford Fosgate backs the M2 speakers with a two-year warranty against manufacturing defects.

Rockford Fosgate M2-65
All Rockford Fosgate marine speakers pass their torturous Element Ready testing to ensure that they’ll perform reliably in your boat.

Upgrade Your Boat with Rockford Fosgate M2-65 or M2-65B Speakers Today

If you’re shopping for high-performance marine speakers for your boat, drop by a local authorized Rockford Fosgate retailer today to audition the M2-65 and M2-65B speakers. They can design a marine entertainment system with a source unit, high-performance amplifiers, speakers and subwoofers so that your boat sounds the best on the lake or river. To find a retailer, use the locator tool on their website. For more information about Rockford Fosgate products, visit their website, Facebook page, Instagram feed or YouTube channel.

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.