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Product Spotlight: Rockford Fosgate M2D2-10I and M2D4-10I Marine Subwoofers

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Rockford Fosgate M2D2-10I

When choosing subwoofers for a boat audio system, having the correct drivers for the application is crucial to designing a system that sounds good and will last for years. The marine audio fanatics at Rockford Fosgate have a subwoofer solution for every application. We will examine the 10-inch M2-Series M2D2-10I and M2D4-10I subwoofers in this spotlight.

Subwoofer Solutions for Every Application

Before we discuss the M2D2-10I and M2D4-10I subwoofers, we should discuss all available options. The M2-Series includes subwoofers for relatively small sealed or ported enclosures and the I-series for infinite baffle applications. You can choose from 10- or 12-inch woofers with dual 2- or dual 4-ohm voice coils. You can also choose from black or white “sport” grilles. All 16 different M2-Series subwoofers also include a stainless-steel grille insert so you can pick your style before installation.

The M2D2-10I is a 10-inch subwoofer with a white grille and dual 2-ohm voice coils. Its brother is the M2D4-10I, which has dual 4-ohm coils. The same drivers are available with black grilles in the M2D2-10IB and M2D4-10IB.

Rockford Fosgate M2D2-10I
You can choose black or white grilles with either dual 2-ohm or 4-ohm voice coils in the 10-inch M2-Series marine subwoofers.

10-inch Infinite Baffle Subwoofer Specifications

The Rockford Fosgate M2D2-10I and M2D4-10I are rated to handle 400 watts of continuous power with peak power rated at 1,600 watts. The drivers have an efficiency of 90.3 dB and an Xmax specification of 11 millimeters of excursion in each direction. These subwoofers have a stiff aramid-polyester spider with a linear rate to control cone motion without an enclosure. The result is a driver that plays loudly without concerns about the woofer cone bottoming out.

Marine Subwoofer Features

These subwoofers are based around a 30% fiberglass-reinforced PA66 nylon basket. The mixture includes UV inhibitors, so the plastics won’t chalk, fade, crack or discolor when exposed to the sun. The electrical connections are made via Deutsch/Amphenol connectors with gold-plated brass terminals molded into the basket. The basket also has integrated cooling vents protected with nano-coated mesh to keep water out.

The woofer cone is made from mineral-filled polypropylene. The mineral powder adds thermal stability and improves the damping characteristics. A large 2-inch Kapton voice coil serves as the heart of the subwoofer. The tinsel leads from the voice coil to the terminals are encased in silicone to protect them from damage. Rockford Fosgate includes a VERSA switch that lets your installer quickly select between series and parallel wiring to simplify the installation. For dual 2-ohm models, the VERSA switch allows you to select between 1-ohm (parallel) or 4-ohm (series). On dual 4-ohm models, you can select 2-ohm or 8-ohm.

Rockford Fosgate M2D2-10I
The VERSA switch allows your installer to select series or parallel wiring to speed up installation.

The top of the cone is bonded to a UV-stable, injection-molded foam surround. The surround mounts vertically to the edge of the basket. Rockford Fosgate calls this their Vertical Attach Surround Technique, a design that increases the effective cone area while maintaining standard mounting dimensions. The effective surface area of the M2D2-10I subwoofer is 363 square centimeters or 56.72 square inches. Popular competing products have 320 to 340 square centimeters. When it comes to optimizing efficiency, cone area matters.

Designed for Durability

The Rockford Fosgate engineering team takes reliability seriously. Their marine speakers and subwoofers pass torture tests to earn their Element Ready label. These include 500 hours of accelerated UV and salt fog testing, an IPX6 water intrusion rating and durability testing that meets the ISO60068-2-64 standard. A two-year warranty backs the M2-Series marine subwoofers against manufacturing defects.

Color Optix Integrated Lighting

Nobody can think of a wakeboard boat without thinking about style. As mentioned, you can choose from white or black sport grilles and decide whether you want the stainless inserts installed. Rockford Fosgate has integrated RGB LED lighting under the grille in a design they call Color Optix to take things a step further. You can choose from thousands of illumination colors using the RF Connect smartphone app with the optional PMX-RGB lighting controller. You can also configure color-shifting patterns if you want. Of course, the wiring for the lighting, along with the circuit boards, also meets the Element Ready requirements.

Rockford Fosgate M2D2-10I
The M2-Series subwoofers feature Color Optix RGB LED lighting, which illuminates the woofer cone in thousands of colors.

Infinite Baffle Installation Simplicity

We should clarify the definition of an “infinite baffle” subwoofer installation. This refers to mounting the subwoofer in a location where the sound coming from the back of the driver can’t mix with the sound from the front. In short, it’s like mounting the subwoofer in a wall that extends forever. In a boat, a storage locker under a seat is one of the most common installation locations. Many infinite baffle subwoofers are mounted in the podium in a center-console boat.

Rockford Fosgate M2D2-10I
The front storage locker of this Yellowfin fishing boat serves as an ideal installation location for infinite baffle subwoofers.

Upgrade Your Marine Audio System with Rockford Fosgate M2 Subwoofers Today!

Whether you want your marine audio system to play louder or deliver a solid kick, the Rockford Fosgate M2D2-10I and M2D4-10I infinite baffle marine subwoofers are perfect. Drop by a local authorized retailer today to discover how these subwoofers can transform your time on the water. 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.

Hot Rod, RestoMod, and Restoration Source Unit Options

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Hot Rod, RestoMod, and Restoration Source Unit OptionsThe stereotypical image of a “Woody” station wagon with a surfboard on the roof is missing one critically important element to make it part of the perfect day on the beach: an audio system. In the 1960s, the aftermarket car audio scene was weak. Compared to now, there weren’t any options for source units, speakers or amplifiers, and certainly nobody had a subwoofer. All of that has changed. Today, aftermarket car audio upgrades can transform your daily driver or project car into something stunning. Let’s think back to our mental image of a ’60s Chevy Woody wagon, but update it with modern speakers, amplifiers and – of course – a new source unit. This article discusses some of the source unit options available to people who are restoring a classic car, building a hot rod or doing anything in between.

Modern Convenience and Performance

Source Unit OptionsIf you are building a street rod or are willing to take some liberties with the look of your dash, then cutting an opening for a single-DIN radio or making a console for a double-DIN radio provides you with an excellent opportunity to have all the latest features and technologies right at your fingertips.

Bluetooth hands-free calling is essential to your safety when on the road. Audio streaming will let you play music from your smartphone or a streaming service wirelessly to your radio. Digital media file playback provides you with a way to access your modern MP3 music collections. Finally, navigation systems can help get you where you want to go quickly and safely.

Many modern radios have the ability to change the color of the controls and the display. You can match the color of your radio to a set of incandescent bulbs in the gauges of a ’30s roadster or the blue glow of a set of new digital gauges. Some people set the radio to match the color of the car.

Contemporary Performance and Classic Style

Several manufacturers produce modern radios with traditional twin-shaft mounting systems. These radios include features like USB ports for your digital media collection or your Apple iPod or iPhone. Bluetooth audio streaming and hands-free calling functions are standard on many models, and SiriusXM satellite radio connectivity will let you enjoy genre-specific programming from coast to coast.

These radios feature vintage styling with simple LCD and LED displays where the old analog tuner used to be. Multi-function knobs on either side of the primary display handle controls for volume, tuning and source selection functions. These radios include between 18 and 25 watts of power from the built-in amplifier and have pre-amp outputs for adding external amplifiers.

Connectivity with the latest devices may not be as up to date as with a modern aftermarket radio, but these vintage radios can conceal themselves well in your dash.

The Hidden Radio Solution

Source Unit OptionsIf you are working hard to keep the interior of your vehicle looking original, then your best bet is not to show off a new radio at all. Some people will mount an aftermarket radio in the glove box or under the front seat. These radios are still accessible while you’re driving, but not as easily.

For several years, the hot ticket was to install a marine radio in the trunk or a storage compartment. The driver would have access to a wired remote control to change the volume or source. These marine remotes often include small displays to let you know what station or track you are enjoying.

Modern marine source unit remote solutions include IR and RF remotes, as well as iPod or iPhone remotes that use WiFi for communication. You can use your radio quite easily without being able to see it at all.

Custom Remote Control Solutions

One “trick” that people often forget about is to use an OEM steering wheel audio control interface with a set of custom switches to control the radio. Your installer can program a set of switches with unique resistor values to perform almost any function you want. A spare four-way power window rocker switch makes a great volume and track selection control. You could use power window and power lock switches on a door to perform similar functions. The options for custom remote controls are nearly endless.

“Radio? We Don’t Need No Stinkin’ Radio!”

Source Unit OptionsThe modern smartphone has started to replace radios altogether in some projects. Being able to stream radio stations over the Internet or use services like Pandora or iHeartRadio makes your cellphone and its wireless Bluetooth connection the only source you may need.

In the most basic of applications, your installer can connect a stand-alone Bluetooth receiver to a small amplifier and new speakers. The volume control on your smartphone will serve as the master volume control for the sound system. The system will power up as soon you connect to the Bluetooth module and start streaming audio.

If you are after a better-sounding system, then you may want to look at a signal processor with an optional Bluetooth streaming module. Several digital signal processors (DSPs) on the market can stream high-quality audio directly without the need for a source unit. The audio processing functions of the DSP will allow your installer to maximize the performance of each speaker in your system and create an amazing sonic experience.

Shop Local for Your Source Unit Options

Before you get too deep into your restoration or project build, contact your local mobile enhancement retailer today to discuss suitable source unit options for your vehicle. They will be able to explain the benefits of each system and provide you with all the information the restoration shop you are working with will need to bring the concept to fruition. No matter what source unit option you choose, having great speakers and amplifiers in your classic car or hot rod will make going for a cruise much more enjoyable.

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-AX8500 Multimedia Receiver

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Sony XAV-AX8500

Floating-face car radios are popular because of their flexible installation options and relatively massive displays. The Sony team has been hard at work updating their products, and the new 10.1-inch XAV-AX8500 digital multimedia receiver is their latest offering in this hot market segment. Let’s see what’s been added to the platform to keep it at the forefront of the category.

High-Definition 10.1-inch Floating Face Display

The first thing you’ll see in the XAV-AX8500 is its classy 10.1-inch HD display. The screen has a resolution of 1280 by 720 pixels. The touch panel has an anti-glare coating and features a capacitive-touch interface. Compared with a resistive-touch interface, the capacitive design obscures the display less, making the information on the display easier to see. The gapless design around the screen lets it blend into the display chassis. Sony leads the industry in clean and classy styling. While it might not be flashy or attention-grabbing on a display board, it looks as though it belongs in your car or truck rather than at the helm of an intergalactic spacecraft.

Sony XAV-AX8500
The 10.1-inch High-Definition capacitive-touch screen features an anti-glare design so information is easily visible.

One of the most interesting features of this model is the multiple adjustments that can be made during and after installation in the dashboard. During installation, your technician can set, in relation to the chassis, the vertical height, the horizontal left to right position, and the depth between the screen and the chassis mount, and can tilt the screen forward and back to accommodate most dashboard slopes.

After installation, during normal use, you can adjust the screen position, with no tools or disassembly. You can swivel the screen up to 15 degrees left or right to fine-tune the viewing angle in relation to your seating position or for a passenger to view it easier, and tilt the screen forward or backward up to 15 degrees as well to mitigate any direct sunlight shining on it or to improve visibility.

The screen interface is similar to what we experienced in the XAV-9500ES Test Drive Review, with five icons across the bottom. You can pull up a complete list of additional source and setting options and swap any of them into these five primary locations. You can also upload custom wallpapers to the radio to add some personalization or choose from several preset color schemes.

This radio includes six physical buttons along the bottom of the display, making it intuitive to adjust the volume, change sources or activate voice recognition for CarPlay and Android Auto. Hard buttons, as they are called, are crucial to using the radio while keeping your eyes on the road.

Sony XAV-AX8500
The chassis of the XAV-AX8500 is a shallow-mount, single-DIN design, making it compatible with many vehicles.

Source Features

Nowadays, most people stream music from online services like Pandora, iHeartRadio or Spotify. The XAV-AX8500 includes Bluetooth streaming with radio-based control over track selection. As a Sony product, this unit also includes the high-quality LDAC codec to improve performance with modern Android-based smartphones.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration is included, and wireless connectivity means your phone connects just after the radio finishes booting. Speaking of which, the Quick Wake-up design ensures that you have a rearview camera image and music playing seconds after you start the vehicle.

Of course, you can connect a USB memory stick to play MP3, WMA, WAV, ACC, FLAC, ALAC, DSF and even DSDIFF audio files. You can view AVI, MKV, MPEG-4, WMV and ASF video files to pass the time when parked. Speaking of video, there’s a micro-HDMI input beside the USB-C port on the rear panel that will work with a smartphone, laptop or even a media player. It supports video file resolutions up to 720p.

The integrated AM/FM receiver includes RBDS to show station information so you know what track is playing. Your installer can add a SiriusXM satellite radio receiver at installation time for uninterrupted entertainment from coast to coast.

Sony XAV-AX8500
The XAV-AX8500 will automatically connect to your smartphone for communication, entertainment and navigation through wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

Vehicle Integration and Safety Features

A significant highlight of the Sony XAV-AX8500 is that it supports the iDatalink Maestro RR and RR2 vehicle integration modules. If a Maestro RR is available for your vehicle, the radio can communicate with the vehicle computers to display information like speed, engine rpm, etc. In some applications, Maestro RR interfacing includes climate control and vehicle setting menus. Check with the retailer you’re working with for additional details.

Sony XAV-AX8500
Support for the iDatalink Maestro RR and RR2 allows the Sony XAV-AX8500 to communicate digitally with the computers in your vehicle.

Regarding audio features, the radio has a four-channel amplifier rated for 20 watts RMS per channel into a 4-ohm load at less than 1% THD+N. The front, rear and subwoofer preamp outputs can produce 5 volts of signal, so the gains on amplifiers can be set nice and low.

On the topic of audio features, the radio has a 14-band graphic equalizer and adjustable high-pass crossovers for the front and rear powered and preamp channels. A subwoofer crossover with polarity and level control for the preamp signal is also included. Signal delay settings are available for the front, rear, and mono subwoofer output to fine-tune the soundstage and imaging in your vehicle. Be sure to ask your installer about configuring these features during installation.

The Sony has a dedicated backup camera input and two additional video camera connections that can be used with a forward-facing camera or blind spot monitoring solutions. These camera inputs can be integrated with the Maestro module for automatic activation in a supported vehicle, or by the hardwire triggers included in the video harness. The radio includes an external Bluetooth microphone to optimize outgoing voice clarity.

Sony XAV-AX8500
Two-way crossovers, signal delay settings and a 14-band graphic equalizer allow your installer to fine-tune the performance of your car audio system.

Upgrade Your Vehicle with the Sony XAV-AX8500 Digital Multimedia Receiver Today!

If you’re shopping for a high-performance radio for your car, truck or SUV, visit an authorized Sony car audio retailer and ask about the new XAV-AX8500. Be sure to bring your smartphone to experience the intuitive interface and the fantastic responsiveness in person. For more information about this radio or any of Sony’s car audio products, visit their website or Facebook page.

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.

Automotive Battery Science: How Batteries Work

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Automotive BatteryYour automotive battery is one of the most important, and most often overlooked, electrical components in your vehicle. If your battery is not in good condition, you can be stranded, and other components in your vehicle may be damaged. This article discusses how batteries work and how to take care of them.

What is Inside an Automotive Battery?

Automotive BatteryInside a typical car battery are six smaller energy-producing components called cells. Each cell contains a series of electrodes or plates. The positive plate of the battery is lead [eroxide (PbO2). The negative plates of the battery are pure lead in a soft, sponge-like state. The plates within each cell are arranged in alternating layers for a total of 16 components. All of the positive plates in a cell are wired in parallel, as are all of the negative plates.

Each cell produces roughly 2 volts of electricity. The six individual cells are wired in series with one another so the voltage generated by each cell adds together. The result is 12 volts.

Are You Ready for the Chemistry?

A diluted solution of sulfuric acid (H2SO4) surrounds the plates. The ratio of acid to water (H2O) is typically in the region of three parts of water to one part of acid.

When we connect a load to the external terminals of the battery, a chemical reaction starts to take place. Our diluted sulfuric acid mixture comprises H2SO4 and water (H20). As the reaction commences, the sulfuric acid splits into positive hydrogen ions (2H) and negative sulfate Ions (SO4).

Automotive BatteryWhen the hydrogen ions reach the lead peroxide plate, they absorb electronics from it and become a hydrogen atom. This process attacks the lead peroxide to produce lead oxide (PbO) and water (H2O). The lead oxide reacts with the sulfuric acid to form lead sulfate (Pb SO4) and water (H2O).

Negative sulfate ions move freely within the solution. As they reach the pure lead plate, they give up their extra electron and become what is known as a radical sulfate. As a radical sulfate cannot exist on its own, it will attack the pure lead plate to produce lead sulfate (PbSO4).

The action of positive hydrogen ions taking electrons from the lead peroxide plate, and the negative sulfate ions giving electrons to the pure lead plate produce an electron imbalance. These electrons flow through the external load to try and balance themselves. This process is how the battery provides power to our load (light, amplifier, heater or computer).

The Chemistry behind Battery Charging

Automotive BatteryWhen we apply an external DC source to the battery, we reverse the process. An external DC source such as an alternator or a battery charger feeds electrons to our positive lead sulfate-covered lead peroxide plate and the negative lead peroxide-covered lead plate. During the charging process, the density of the sulfuric acid solution falls, but we still have positive hydrogen ions and negative sulfate ions.

The positively charged hydrogen Ions more toward the negative terminal of the external DC source. Each hydrogen ion takes one electron from the negative plate to become a hydrogen atom. These hydrogen atoms attack the lead sulfate to produce lead and sulfuric acid.

The negative sulfate ions move toward the positively charged plate. When they get there, they give up their extra electron to become radical sulfates. This radical sulfate reacts with the lead sulfate, and forms lead peroxide and sulfuric acid.

We Can Simplify that a Lot!

In a nutshell, the negative terminal of a lead-acid battery has an over-abundance of electrons. When you connect a load to the battery, the electrons scramble through the load to get to the positive terminal. This electron flow is what allows the battery to provide energy to do work.

When we apply a voltage to the battery that is higher than its resting voltage the electron flow reverses. The sulfate layers on the plates are converted back to lead and sulfuric acid.

Battery Charging: Calm Down – What’s the Rush?

About the worst thing you can do to a car battery is to rush the charging process. If you rush the recharging chemical reaction, the lead sulfate will heat up and adhere permanently to the lead and lead peroxide plates. Once it is stuck there, we can no longer use that area of the plate to flow electrons, and we have reduced the effective size of the battery.

Automotive BatteryYou probably have heard the expression “a battery is never the same after it has been killed.” This statement is very true if the battery is not charged gently and thoroughly.

When you want to recharge your battery properly, keeping the process slow will allow the chemical reaction to take place at a controlled rate. If you are using a high-quality, computer-controlled charger (and you should be!) there are two major charging stages. The first stage is called bulk charging. The charger will maintain a constant current flow to the battery by adjusting the applied voltage.

How do you know if you are charging a care battery too quickly? Standard flooded batteries should not exceed roughly 120 degrees Fahrenheit during charging. We suggest that slower and cooler is always better. An absorbed glass mat (AGM) or gel battery should not exceed 100 degrees.

Once approximately 80% of the used energy has been returned to the battery, the charger will switch to the absorption stage. At that stage, the charger provides a constant voltage to the battery and the current flow diminishes as the battery reaches full charge.

How to Calculate Maximum Battery Charging Rates

A relatively large car battery may have a capacity of 70 or 80 amp-hours. This specification means that under ideal conditions, you can draw 1 amp of current from the battery for 70 or 80 hours. After that time, the battery will be considered dead.

To find the ideal charging rate for our 70 amp-hour battery, we divide this specification by 10 to get seven amps. The battery should be able to accept 7 amps of charging current without overheating. It is worth noting that, if the battery is completely discharged, it will take 10 hours to charge it. Remember, slower is better when it comes to charging batteries.

Taking Care of Your Car Battery

Automotive Battery
The CTEK charger is a great charger to keep your battery operating at its potential.

Some of us who are more fanatical about the care and maintenance of our car batteries will connect them to intelligent battery chargers several times a year. One rule of thumb is to charge your battery fully after each oil change, or four times a year. You should increase this frequency if you make short trips that do not provide adequate charging time. Likewise, time spent playing your audio system with the engine off can drain a battery very quickly. If you have been out with friends and your car battery has been depleted, put it on a high-quality charger overnight.

If you can access the acid solution in your battery, ensure that it is at the proper level, or at the very least, is covering the lead plates completely. A hydrometer should be used to confirm the specific gravity of the solution, but if it is low, adding distilled water is better than doing nothing. That little green “eye” included in some batteries is a hydrometer. When it disappears, the chemical balance within the battery is off and it needs to be charged.

Your local mobile electronics retailer may have a battery load tester that they use before every remote car starter they install. If you are concerned about the condition of your battery, ask them to check it. Being stranded due to a dead battery when the temperatures get cold is frustrating if you are trying to get home or to work.

Ensure the battery terminals and connections to your vehicle are clean and secure at all times. A loose connection can have a dramatic adverse effect on the functionality of your electrical system.

If you need a new battery, check with your local mobile enhancement retailer first. They often have extensive experience in upgrading batteries and can help you choose a solution that will ensure your car is ready to go every time you turn the key.

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 XS-W124GS and XS-W104GS Car Audio Subwoofers

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Sony XS-W124GS

Although talking about a trunk full of high-performance subwoofers powered by big amplifiers is fun, Sony knows that many people want a more cost-effective bass upgrade for their cars and trucks. On the heels of their entirely new Mobile ES amplifiers, source units, speakers and subwoofers, Sony has launched the latest iteration of the GS series speakers and subwoofers. This Product Spotlight will look at the 12-inch XS-W124GS and 10-inch XS-W104GS car audio subwoofers.

Features of the Sony XS-W124GS Subwoofer

The 12-inch (30-cm) XS-W124GS and 10-inch (25-cm) XS-W104GS subwoofers feature five-spoke, heavy-gauge stamped steel frames. Each spoke has an embossed element to add stiffness and rigidity. The frames also feature integrated vents below the spider mounting ledge. These vents allow heat to escape from the voice coil and motor assembly and prevent pressure from building up in the spider at high excursion levels. This design feature offers direct benefits regarding increased power handling, reduced power compression and improved linearity.

The motor assembly at the base of the chassis features a pair of ferrite magnets for good efficiency. The T-yoke has a cooling vent in the center, serving the same purposes as the vents in the frame. Heat can escape from the motor, and pressure won’t build up under the dust cap. The result is an additional reduction in thermal compression and reduced distortion at high volume levels.

Sony XS-W124GS
A five-spoke, reinforced steel chassis is a rigid platform for the Sony XS-W124GS 12-inch and XS-W105GS 10-inch subwoofers.

Each subwoofer features a pair of progressive-rate spiders attached to the cone assembly to the basket. These spiders are a feature that Sony has brought from the Mobile ES drivers. The spiders provide the necessary cone control and compliance while keeping everything centered. Sony chose moderately stiff spiders to give the drivers a higher Qts value, which translates to improved output efficiency. Tinsel leads are sewn to the spider so they won’t hit the cone and cause unwanted noises at high output levels.

Sony XS-W124GS
The new GS-Series subwoofers feature technologies previously developed for the premium Mobile ES drivers that improve performance and reliability.

Sony GS Series Subwoofer Moving Components

Both GS series subwoofers feature a rigid paper cone bonded to the voice coil former. You can see in the cutaway image that the upper spider has a reinforcing collar at the base of the cone that strengthens the joint to the voice coil former and spider to improve reliability. A full-size parabolic dust cap made from injection-molded polypropylene attaches to the surround to form the cone assembly’s face. A rubber surround serves as the upper compliance for the woofer cone. Rubber lasts much longer than foam so these woofers will sound great in your car or truck for many years. A custom-tooled trim ring adorns the outer edge of the subwoofer to give it a tidy appearance.

Sony XS-W124GS
The polypropylene dust cap and custom trim ring give the XS-W124GS a classy, clean appearance.

XS-W124GS Physical Dimensions and Driver Specifications

The XS-W124GS subwoofer has an outside diameter of 13 1/8” (332 cm) and requires a mounting hole with a diameter of 11 1/8” (280 cm). The mounting depth is 5 3/4” (143.4 cm), but your installer will want to leave some room for the vent in the T-yoke. Sony rates the XS-W124GS as capable of handling 300 watts of power using the IEC 60286-5 standard and 420 watts using the ANSI/CTA-2031 standard. Peak power handling is 1,800 watts.

Regarding Thiele/Small parameters, the driver has a resonant frequency of 31.9 ohms, an equivalent compliance value (Vas) of 49.194 liters and a Total Q (Qts) of 0.724. As mentioned, the moderately high Q-value will help increase efficiency and output. Suggested enclosures are 0.91 cubic foot for a sealed design and 1.16 cubic feet tuned to 37 hertz for bass reflex applications. The graph below shows the predicted free-field response of the two enclosures, with the driver receiving 420 watts of power.

Sony XS-W124GS
Predicted free-field output at 420 watts: yellow, 0.91 ft3 sealed; red, 1.16 ft3 @ 37 hertz.

XS-W104GS Physical Dimensions and Driver Specifications

The 10-inch XS-W104GS has an outer diameter of 11 inches (279 mm), requires a mounting hole with a diameter of 9 1/4 inches (234 mm) and requires 5 1/8 inches (129.8 mm) of depth. Rated power handling is 300 watts continuous and 350 watts using the ANSI/CTA-2031 standard. Peak power handling is 1,500 watts.

The 10-inch subwoofer has an Fs of 30.9 hertz, an equivalence compliance of 36.47 liters and a Total Q of 0.505. By way of enclosures, Sony suggests an acoustic suspension design with a volume of 0.88 cubic foot or a bass reflex enclosure with a volume of 0.91 cubic foot tuned to 38 hertz. Given the similarity in suggested enclosure volumes, we’d go with the bass reflex design and enjoy the increased efficiency.

Sony XS-W124GS

Sony backs the new 10- and 12-inch GS series subwoofers with a three-year warranty against manufacturing defects and workmanship issues. This generous warranty doesn’t mean you can hook one to a 1,000-watt amp or clip the daylights out of a 400-watt amp and melt the voice coil, then expect to get a new subwoofer.

Upgrade Your Car Audio System with Sony GS series Subwoofers

If you’re looking for an affordable, high-quality subwoofer from a company that stands behind its products, drop into a local authorized Sony car audio retailer today. Ask about the new GS series subwoofers like the XS-W124GS we looked at here. They can match the driver to an enclosure and suggest an amplifier that will perform great. Adding bass to your car stereo is one of the best upgrades you can make. With the Sony GS subwoofers, great sound doesn’t have to cost a small fortune. You can find an authorized Sony Car Audio retailer near you using their dealer locator tool. Also, follow Sony on Facebook to stay up-to-date with their latest product releases.

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.