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Car Audio

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.

Everything You Need To Know About SiriusXM Satellite Radio

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SiriusXM Satellite RadioIt seems you can’t go anywhere these days without hearing or seeing evidence of SiriusXM Satellite Radio. Satellite radio is touted as a commercial-free entertainment solution that can be accessed almost anywhere in North America. With more than 175 channels of music, comedy, sports and talk radio available 24 hours a day, there is always something to listen to. Let’s look at the how satellite radio began, how it works and why it has been so popular.

The Early Days of Satellite Radio

XM Satellite Radio evolved from the American Mobile Satellite Corp. AMSC was a consortium of companies that wanted to use satellite technology to broadcast telephone, data and fax information around the country. In 1992, AMSC formed the American Mobile Radio Corp. to develop a satellite-based digital radio service. AMRC was spun off from AMSC in 1998 as XM Satellite Radio. XM Radio was first to broadcast, launching on Sept. 25, 2001.

In 1990, Sirius Satellite Radio set out to attract customers and vehicle manufacturing partners to its proposed music service. After years of planning, development and licensing, Sirius launched three satellites in July 2000 and started broadcasting in January 2002.

Satellite radio was the hot ticket in the early the early 2000s, and partnerships with automakers were crucially important to each company. Sirius gained the support of Ford, BMW and Chrysler, while XM had General Motors, Honda and Toyota on board.

Satellite Radio Company Merger

SiriusXM Satellite RadioIn January 2005, the New York Post announced that Sirius and XM would merge into a single company on Feb. 19, 2007. The combined companies had about 14 million subscribers, but neither company had posted a profit. The result of the merger was SiriusXM – the brand we have now.

SiriusXM is now integrated into 75 percent of the new car market, with roughly 40 percent of those vehicle owners becoming subscribers. As of late 2017, there are about 32 million subscribers.

How Satellite Radio Works

Satellite radio is actually a very simple broadcasting system. The company has its main studios in Rockefeller Center in New York City and in Washington, D.C. Secondary facilities are in Los Angeles, Nashville and Memphis. The company plays music from its extensive catalog and has live performance spaces to host musicians and performers from all genres.

The information is broadcast to a set of satellites above the Earth that rebroadcast that information back to Earth. The broadcast covers most of North America. The satellite radio receiver in your vehicle (car, truck, boat or aircraft) uses a compact antenna to pick up the signal and extract the channel of audio you want to enjoy.

They Really Have Satellites?

SiriusXM Satellite RadioWhether it’s a live performance, your favorite music or a great discussion about religion or politics, all of the information is combined into a complex digital signal that is transmitted to a set of five active satellites that cover North America. XM-2 and XM-5 are in a geostationary position above the Earth. That is to say, they stay in the same relative position all the time. Positioned about 22,370 miles above the Earth, the satellites relay broadcast information from the studio transmitters to all of North America, excluding the left half of Alaska. XM-2 covers the west side of the country while XM-3 covers the east.

The Sirius satellites also operate in geostationary orbits. Sirius FM-6 covers the West Coast while Sirius FM-5 is located south of New Orleans to cover the East. Early Sirius satellites (Sirius 1, Sirius 2 and Sirius 3) crossed the planet in a figure 8 pattern that had two of the three over North America at any time.

As you can see, there have been many satellites over the almost 20 years of satellite radio. In total, nine have been launched, with the most recent being Sirius FM-6 on Oct. 25, 2013. Sirius FM-6 was the first to broadcast both Sirius and XM transmission frequencies.

The Benefit of Satellite Radio

SiriusXM Satellite RadioSo, what’s the big deal? Why do people gravitate toward satellite radio? The answer comes from its coverage. You can make a road trip from Miami, up to Montreal, across to Vancouver then down to San Diego without having to change the station. If you want to listen to Howard Stern for the entire 90 hours of driving, you most certainly can.

Conventional terrestrial broadcasts (AM and FM radio) are limited in their coverage areas. In fact, the FCC regulates the strength of the signal (to 70 dBu, or decibels relative to one microvolt per meter of signal strength). That way, a station frequency can be re-used again in a relatively nearby location. The actual distance varies because of atmospheric conditions but usually covers 75 to 100 miles from the transmitter. Because each station is responsible for its own content, if spaced perfectly, you’d need to change stations between 60 and 80 times. In reality, you’d need likely a few thousand attempts to find a station that was playing the type of music you wanted.

More Than Just Cars and Trucks

SiriusXM Satellite RadioSiriusXM satellite radio services have been synonymous with marine entertainment systems since they launched. Many people have cottages or camps in very remote areas that have few if any radio stations at all, so being able to enjoy their favorite genre of entertainment is fantastic. Likewise, receivers such as the SiriusXM Sound Station let you enjoy music in your home.

Things You Didn’t Know SiriusXM Could Do

Most of us are used to having satellite radio entertainment in the car, but there are several other applications for the system as well. Many aircraft, both small and large, can get weather and location information using a SiriusXM Aviation receiver. In fact, many Garmin aviation-specific products have the SXM receiver built in.

SiriusXM Satellite RadioSiriusXM Marine provides weather information including lighting strike locations and radar, fishing information and more. Many Garmin, Raymarine, Simrad, Lowrance, B&G and Furuno devices are compatible with SiriusXM Marine.

SiriusXM Music for Business offers entertainment solutions that are tailored to different business types. Serve Happy covers restaurants and bars, and Shop Happy is designed for retail stores. There are channels for waiting rooms, spa and fitness businesses, banks and even music dedicated to use when clients must be put on hold on the phone.

Currently only available on OEM source units, SiriusXM Traffic and Travel Link provide traffic flow information as well as local weather, fuel prices, sports scores and even movie listings. Traffic information mimics that of terrestrial RDS-TMC services in major urban areas.

The Cost of SiriusXM Satellite Radio

SiriusXM Satellite RadioWith the need to replace satellites roughly every 15 years, license music, pay hosts and celebrities, SiriusXM requires a subscription to access its services. In the U.S., prices start at $10.99 a month for 80 basic channels. If you want some of the artist-specific channels and MLB, NBA and NHL coverage, that rises to $15.99. To add Howard Stern, NFL and NASCAR coverage, the price is $19.99. Adding the ability to stream Sirius XM to your computer increases any of the above by $4 a month.

Enjoy the Entertainment You Want, Almost Anywhere

Whether you are in downtown New York or venturing to Supai, Arizona (the most remote community in the contiguous U.S.), enjoying your music is easy with SiriusXM satellite radio. If your vehicle doesn’t already have a satellite radio receiver, drop by your local mobile enhancement retailer and ask about your options to add SiriusXM.

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.

Professional Certification: A Consumer Advantage Across Industries

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Professional Certification

In today’s marketplace, consumers increasingly demand assurance that service providers offer not only experience but verified expertise. Individuals and companies use professional certification to formally demonstrate proficiency, maintain ongoing education, and show commitment to industry standards. Consumers seeking quality, safety, reliability, and value find this assurance meaningful. Whether considering vehicle aftermarket accessory installation, healthcare, electrical work, or home construction, certification forges a link between professional skill and consumer confidence.

What Is Professional Certification and Why Does It Matter

Professional CertificationAt its core, professional certification is a third-party attestation of an individual’s level of knowledge and competency in a specific field. Unlike occupational licensing – which is typically government-mandated to legally perform work or specific tasks – certification is often voluntary and denotes specialization beyond legal requirements. Certified professionals in most industries must demonstrate mastery of technical content and, in many cases, engage in continuing education to retain their credentials. This ongoing learning requirement ensures that certified professionals stay current with evolving technologies, codes, and best practices, thereby protecting consumers and enhancing service quality as an end result.

MECP Certification: A Standard for Vehicle Aftermarket Installation

Professional CertificationThe Mobile Electronics Certified Professional (MECP) program illustrates the benefits of professional certification for consumers in the automotive sector. MECP, found at mecp.com, stands alone as the internationally recognized certification for installation technicians and sales teams who handle aftermarket vehicle technology, such as infotainment, navigation, safety, and electronic accessories.

MECP certification levels include Apprentice, Skilled, and Expert Installation Technician. Each step involves more complex knowledge and skill in working with a vehicle’s electrical system, which manages functions such as power distribution, communication between modules, and accessory integration. Completion of structured learning content and a comprehensive exam is required at each level.

For consumers, choosing an MECP-certified technician ensures hiring someone evaluated against industry-recognized benchmarks, rather than relying solely on informal experience. Not only are certified technicians trained to troubleshoot complex electrical systems, but they also implement best-practice installation techniques. As a result, this reduces the risk of malfunction and enhances the reliability of installed products. Ultimately, there is clear peace of mind in knowing a credentialed professional is performing work on a high-value asset, such as a vehicle.

Professional Certification in Other Trades

The importance of certification extends well beyond vehicle electronics. In the construction industry, builders and remodelers pursue credentials that reflect adherence to advanced building practices and regulatory requirements. These certifications often require continuing education focused on safety, sustainability, and emerging construction methods—enabling these professionals to deliver outcomes that meet or exceed consumer expectations and are safe for habitation or commercial use.

Professional CertificationPlumbers and electricians are similarly governed by a combination of licensing and supplemental certification. Licensed electricians and plumbers must not only demonstrate baseline competency but also often undertake ongoing education to remain compliant with updated codes and safety standards. This education helps ensure installations are reliable and conform to regulatory best practices, which directly benefits homeowners and commercial clients alike by reducing hazards and long-term maintenance costs.

In the healthcare domain, certification processes require practitioners to engage in lifelong learning reflective of the latest clinical advancements. While the specifics of these programs can vary across healthcare specialties, the overarching objective is to ensure that clinicians deliver care directed by current evidence and practice standards, thereby safeguarding patient outcomes with expected and documented results.

Consumer Confidence, Quality, and Long-Term Value

Professional CertificationCertification delivers real advantages to consumers. It acts as an impartial quality beacon in technical fields that most people find hard to judge. Recognized credentials allow consumers to choose confidently, minimizing risk. Furthermore, certified professionals are required to stay up to date on innovations, safety measures, and changing regulations—ensuring top-tier work. Certification is often associated with higher standards, leading to fewer mistakes, greater reliability, and greater satisfaction.

In a competitive service economy, certification gives consumers an expertise benchmark that goes beyond marketing claims. Certified professionals show credibility, up-to-date knowledge, and a drive to keep learning. This lifts consumer trust and service outcomes when installing electronics, handling renovations, or providing healthcare.

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 MECP Certification Matters When You’re Choosing Aftermarket Vehicle Accessories

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MECP Certification

When upgrading your vehicle with aftermarket accessories, both product quality and proper installation are essential. An MECP-certified technician ensures confident, high-performing, and reliable upgrades.

MECP CertificationBefore selecting a professional to upgrade your vehicle or add an aftermarket accessory, it’s important to understand that professional certification is available to signify the education and preparedness of those professionals. In this article, we’re going to discuss what MECP certification entails and why it should influence your decision.

The Mobile Electronics Certified Professional (MECP) program is the only internationally recognized certification for those who install and support mobile electronics or aftermarket vehicle technologies. MECP certifications cover automotive information technology, entertainment, navigation, safety, convenience, and security systems. The program ensures technicians and sales professionals learn specific technical installation standards and how to apply them to modern vehicle electronics.

MECP has several certification pathways tailored to different roles and levels of expertise for professionals:

  • Technicians – certified technicians are educated at various levels for the installation and troubleshooting of aftermarket products and vehicle systems. The types of products can range from simple audio or accessory installations to robust remote-start or vehicle-tracking systems.
  • Specialists – certified specialists are trained in one or more specific product categories and in the sales, installation, or troubleshooting of those products.

At all levels, MECP certification requires learning the course content and passing an exam focused on applicable key concepts, installation techniques, safety practices, troubleshooting, and industry standards related to the material.

Why Certification Should Matter to You as a Customer

1. Modern Vehicles Are Electrically Complex

MECP CertificationToday’s vehicles are highly integrated electronic ecosystems. Safety features, telematics, infotainment, and Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS) all interact through shared wiring and vehicle networks. Adding aftermarket accessories—especially those connected to these systems—can affect vehicle behavior if not installed correctly.

Certified professionals integrate components without disrupting factory systems. Their expertise minimizes electrical faults, system conflicts, feature loss, or safety hazards.

2. Certified Technicians Follow Industry Best Practices

MECP certification covers proper wiring, programming, safety, and troubleshooting.

This knowledge ensures even high-end or complex accessories work as intended. Expert-level installation technicians can handle even the most complex installations for optimal performance.

3. Proper Integration Preserves Vehicle Value and Warranty Conditions

Incorrect installations can void warranties or lead to costly repairs. Certified professionals follow standards to protect your vehicle, safeguard factory systems, and document changes to help preserve warranty and resale value.

4. Certification Equates to Accountability and Transparency

MECP Certification

A shop with MECP-certified staff demonstrates quality and accountability. Customers can verify these credentials and trust these certified professionals.

This accountability matters, especially for high-end accessories or complex jobs. Certified professionals explain installation approaches, discuss product or vehicle limitations, and set clear expectations for the expected result and performance.

5. Certified Sales Professionals Improve Product Selection and Fitment

Choosing the right accessory starts with guidance from a Product Technology Specialist or an Installation Technician. MECP-certified specialists know how to identify compatibility and vehicle constraints, helping you select ideal products, anticipate challenges, and stay on budget.

This support improves your experience, reduces guesswork, and helps avoid incompatibilities that could cause returns or rework.

6. Certification Reflects Ongoing Education and Industry Commitment

The aftermarket electronics field evolves quickly, and that pace is matched by the advances in vehicle and driving technologies and systems. MECP certification reflects an ongoing commitment to education, staying current with new technologies and installation practices, and to the safe application of these technologies to your vehicle.

Conclusion: Finding a Certified Professional Is a Smart Investment in Peace of Mind

MECP CertificationMECP-certified professionals ensure upgrades are installed safely and correctly, protecting your investment and providing reliability, whether you’re updating features or replacing components.
Before deciding on accessories or installation, insist on seeing the credentials of MECP-certified professionals. Verify the certification(s) apply to your product upgrades or vehicle type. Choose quality products and professional installation to ensure the best experience.
Protect your vehicle’s safety and value—visit mecp.com to confirm certifications and find MECP-certified professionals near 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.

MECP Certification

When upgrading your vehicle with aftermarket accessories, both product quality and proper installation are essential. An MECP-certified technician ensures confident, high-performing, and reliable upgrades.

MECP CertificationBefore selecting a professional to upgrade your vehicle or add an aftermarket accessory, it’s important to understand that professional certification is available to signify the education and preparedness of those professionals. In this article, we’re going to discuss what MECP certification entails and why it should influence your decision.

The Mobile Electronics Certified Professional (MECP) program is the only internationally recognized certification for those who install and support mobile electronics or aftermarket vehicle technologies. MECP certifications cover automotive information technology, entertainment, navigation, safety, convenience, and security systems. The program ensures technicians and sales professionals learn specific technical installation standards and how to apply them to modern vehicle electronics.

MECP has several certification pathways tailored to different roles and levels of expertise for professionals:

  • Technicians – certified technicians are educated at various levels for the installation and troubleshooting of aftermarket products and vehicle systems. The types of products can range from simple audio or accessory installations to robust remote-start or vehicle-tracking systems.
  • Specialists – certified specialists are trained in one or more specific product categories and in the sales, installation, or troubleshooting of those products.

At all levels, MECP certification requires learning the course content and passing an exam focused on applicable key concepts, installation techniques, safety practices, troubleshooting, and industry standards related to the material.

Why Certification Should Matter to You as a Customer

1. Modern Vehicles Are Electrically Complex

MECP CertificationToday’s vehicles are highly integrated electronic ecosystems. Safety features, telematics, infotainment, and Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS) all interact through shared wiring and vehicle networks. Adding aftermarket accessories—especially those connected to these systems—can affect vehicle behavior if not installed correctly.

Certified professionals integrate components without disrupting factory systems. Their expertise minimizes electrical faults, system conflicts, feature loss, or safety hazards.

2. Certified Technicians Follow Industry Best Practices

MECP certification covers proper wiring, programming, safety, and troubleshooting.

This knowledge ensures even high-end or complex accessories work as intended. Expert-level installation technicians can handle even the most complex installations for optimal performance.

3. Proper Integration Preserves Vehicle Value and Warranty Conditions

Incorrect installations can void warranties or lead to costly repairs. Certified professionals follow standards to protect your vehicle, safeguard factory systems, and document changes to help preserve warranty and resale value.

4. Certification Equates to Accountability and Transparency

MECP Certification

A shop with MECP-certified staff demonstrates quality and accountability. Customers can verify these credentials and trust these certified professionals.

This accountability matters, especially for high-end accessories or complex jobs. Certified professionals explain installation approaches, discuss product or vehicle limitations, and set clear expectations for the expected result and performance.

5. Certified Sales Professionals Improve Product Selection and Fitment

Choosing the right accessory starts with guidance from a Product Technology Specialist or an Installation Technician. MECP-certified specialists know how to identify compatibility and vehicle constraints, helping you select ideal products, anticipate challenges, and stay on budget.

This support improves your experience, reduces guesswork, and helps avoid incompatibilities that could cause returns or rework.

6. Certification Reflects Ongoing Education and Industry Commitment

The aftermarket electronics field evolves quickly, and that pace is matched by the advances in vehicle and driving technologies and systems. MECP certification reflects an ongoing commitment to education, staying current with new technologies and installation practices, and to the safe application of these technologies to your vehicle.

Conclusion: Finding a Certified Professional Is a Smart Investment in Peace of Mind

MECP CertificationMECP-certified professionals ensure upgrades are installed safely and correctly, protecting your investment and providing reliability, whether you’re updating features or replacing components.
Before deciding on accessories or installation, insist on seeing the credentials of MECP-certified professionals. Verify the certification(s) apply to your product upgrades or vehicle type. Choose quality products and professional installation to ensure the best experience.
Protect your vehicle’s safety and value—visit mecp.com to confirm certifications and find MECP-certified professionals near 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.

Product Spotlight: Rockford Fosgate P2V2-65

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Rockford Fosgate P2V2-65

Rockford Fosgate revamped its entire Punch Series speaker lineup and launched it at SEMA 2025. Rather than the good, better, best arrangement of previous years, they’ve created different tiers of installation application solutions. We looked at the P1V2-65 coaxials a short while ago. Now it’s time to check out the P2V2 convertible speaker sets. Let’s dive in with a close look at the 6.5-inch P2V2-65 solution.

Punch Series Speakers

The new Punch Series starts with the P1V2, an array of three-way coaxial designs for those who want a high-performance upgrade that uses Rockford Fosgate know-how to maximize performance and value. The P2V2 series includes seven convertible component speaker sets and a set of stand-alone tweeters. Sizes include 6.5-inch, 6.75-inch, 6×8-inch, and 6×9-inch models, with many available in regular and high-output designs. We’ll check out the HO series another time. For now, let’s look at what’s likely to be one of the most popular sets – the P2V2-65.

The P2V2-65 is a 6.5-inch component speaker set that includes two woofers, two 3/4-inch tweeters, and a set of passive crossover networks. Power handling is rated at 75 watts continuous and 150 watts maximum. Efficiency is an impressive 88 dB SPL at 1 watt, measured at 1 meter.

Rockford Fosgate P2V2-65
The new P2V2 speakers can be installed in coaxial or component configurations

Punch P2V2-65 Performance-Enhancing Features

The woofers are based on a 15% glass-fiber-reinforced PA66 Nylon chassis that includes integrated terminals and cooling vents under the spider mounting plateau. The hexagonal six-spoke design carries down to the protective cap on the magnet. If mounting depth is an issue, this cap can be removed to shorten the overall height from 2.5 inches to 2.26 inches. Rockford Fosgate reports that significant work has gone into optimizing the basket to fit as many vehicles as possible.

Rockford Fosgate P2V2-65
The magnet cover can be removed to shave off almost a 1/4-inch of mounting depth.

The woofer cone is molded from mica-reinforced polypropylene. The addition of the mica mineral improves thermal stability and rigidity and helps control resonance. A Santoprene rubber surround is chemically bonded to the cone for reliability. As you would expect from a premium Rockford Fosgate transducer, the surrounds feature the Vertical Attached Surround Technique (VAST) 2.0 geometry to increase the driver’s effective cone area dramatically. Rather than the surround lying flat on top of the mounting flange, it’s bonded vertically to the basket’s inner edge. The result is a cone area increase over typical woofers of more than 20%, improving efficiency and bass output.

At the base of the cone is a 1.25-inch-diameter vented Kapton voice-coil former. The winding has a nominal impedance of four ohms. A fatigue and tear-resistant Nomex spider serves as the woofer’s primary source of compliance. The tinsel leads are sewn to the spider to ensure silent, reliable operation.

Convertible Speaker Design

The tweeters included in the kit have an inverted 3/4-inch design with a Tetolon synthetic fiber dome. The tweeters can be flush-mounted using a 1.5-inch hole saw in a panel as thin as 3/8-inch. External -12 dB/octave passive crossovers with -3 dB attenuation are included for component installations. If you choose, you can convert the P2V2-65 set into a three-way system by adding the P3V2-25 2.5-inch midrange speaker set.

Rockford Fosgate P2V2-65
The provided crossovers are for use when the tweeter is mounted outside of the basket.

What makes the Punch P2V2-65 and its brethren unique is the ability to install the system as a component with the tweeter up in the door, dash, or A-pillar. Alternatively, the phase plug in the center of the woofer can be removed using the provided tool, and the tweeter can be locked in place. Copper spring contacts integrated into the basket ensure a reliable connection.

Rockford Fosgate P2V2-65
Spring-loaded copper tabs on the basket make contact with the tweeter’s traces for a hassle-free electrical connection.

Rockford Fosgate’s Interchangeable Locking Mechanism (I.L.M.) ensures the tweeter, or phase plug, stays securely in place. Now, you can run one set of P2V2-65 in the doors and dash, and a second set as rear speakers in the back doors or parcel shelf, all from the same part number.

Rockford Fosgate P2V2-65
Rockford Fosgate includes a tweeter or phase plug removal tool to make converting the speakers easy.

A few extra notes. The P2V2-65 kit is designed to be hidden behind factory speaker grilles. However, Rockford Fosgate offers the GF-65 flush-mount or GS-65 surface-mount grille sets if your installer needs to protect the woofers. Rockford Fosgate is so confident about the durability of these new speakers, they upgraded their standard warranty up to a two-year warranty that backs the kit against manufacturing defects.

Upgrade Your Car or Truck with Punch V2 Convertible Speakers Today!

If you are looking for a speaker set with impressive features and fantastic value, drop into a local authorized Rockford Fosgate retailer today and audition the new P2V2-65 or its 6.75, 6×8 or 6×9 cousins. You can find an authorized retailer near you using the locator tool on the Rockford Fosgate website.

Be sure to stay connected to Rockford Fosgate as they continue to roll out new products over the next little while by following them on Facebook, Instagram and, of course, YouTube. We know there’s much more 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.