Audison

Long considered one of the forerunners in digital signal processing in the car audio industry, Audison continues their performance and technological evolution with the introduction of the new Bit One HD Virtuoso. This advanced processor builds on the success of the Bit One HD and includes upgraded premium audio components for improved sound quality, along with state-of-the-art signal routing and processing capabilities to cope with even the most-advanced and challenging of factory-installed source units and amplifiers.

Virtuoso Digital Signal Processor Basic Features

The new Virtuoso digital signal processor (DSP) includes six RCA inputs, 12 high-level inputs, a pair of RCA auxiliary inputs and two TOSLINK optical inputs. The high-level inputs are equipped with Audison’s Universal Speaker Simulator (USS), so factory-installed source units that use load-sensing to check for speakers will function normally.

The digital inputs will accept standard stereo audio data streams up to 24-bit depth and 96kHz sampling rates. There are 13 RCA preamp outputs, each rated to produce up to 4 volts of signal. Two sets of AD Link/AC Link connections are available to feed digital signals to Audison amplifiers like the Voce Series when equipped with the AV Bit IN HD digital input board. Using the AD Link/AC Link system eliminates the chance of picking up noise between a processor and an amplifier using analog connections.

Remote Volume Auxiliary Input

An interesting and unique feature of the Virtuoso is the Remote Volume Aux (RVA) feature, which lets you use the volume control on your source unit to control the output level of the processor when using its auxiliary input. The function can be enabled using a test tone stored on a USB memory stick or by connecting the RVA output to the aux input on the head unit. The Virtuoso monitors the level of the test tone and adjusts the output of the processor to match. This configuration maintains an appropriate level for Bluetooth, navigation prompts and warning chimes.

Premium Components for Superb Sound

Audison has included a variety of audiophile-grade components in the new Virtuoso processor. First, the output operational amplifiers are Texas Instruments OPAx134 SoundPlus units. These devices have a stunning 0.00008% distortion spec and add almost no noise to the signal. SILMIC series ELNA filter capacitors filter the power fed to the output op-amps to reduce the chances of noise. Finally, high-performance metalized polypropylene film capacitors in the audio path provide excellent high-frequency performance.

A pair of Cirrus Logic Advanced Multi-bit Delta Sigma Architecture 24-bit digital-to-analog converters handles conversion of data from the Analog Device ADSP-21489 SHARC Processor. This powerful processor was chosen for its ability to handle the complex math involved in implementing Finite Impulse Response (FIR) crossovers and equalization on many of the output channels. Audison suggests that the use of FIR filters over Infinite Impulse Response (IIR) processing eliminates phase anomalies associated with configuring and tuning the system to produce a more-coherent soundstage and improved listening experience.

Next-Level Factory Sound System Integration

The Bit One HD Virtuoso is equipped with advanced DE-EQ processing that includes phase analysis. Previous integration processing has been able to undo equalization and signal delay added to the output of an amplifier. The Virtuoso adds the ability to detect all-pass (Phase EQ) processing and apply a correction to produce a time-coherent signal for your installer to work with. The Virtuoso will also detect reverse-polarity speaker wire connections so the installer can swap the wiring and reduce processing requirements.

If your factory audio system doesn’t include an upmixer, the Virtuoso will work in the Automatic Routing Input Setup mode. This configuration sums and corrects EQ and Phase to produce a wide-bandwidth signal. The pass-through mode is best used with factory sound systems that include an upmixer and discrete center channel. No summing is applied in pass-through mode, and inputs are routed through to the outputs with provisions for equalization and filtering, depending on the requirements of the new speakers.

Experience the Audison Bit One HD Virtuoso for Yourself!

If you are shopping for an audio system upgrade for your vehicle, visit your local authorized Audison dealer and ask about adding the new Bit One HD Virtuoso to your system design. Beyond being an extremely capable integration processor, it will allow your installer to configure and calibrate each speaker in your mobile audio system so your listening experience can rival or exceed the detail and accuracy of the most-bespoke of home audio systems.

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.

BMW and Mini owners all over the globe have shown that there is a desire for a better sounding audio system in their vehicles. To meet the performance expectations of these discerning clients, Audison of Italy has developed six drop-in upgrades designed specifically for these vehicles. Best of all, the speaker and subwoofer upgrade solutions use factory wiring and mounting locations, so there are no modifications required. These are the perfect solution for leased vehicles!

Balancing Performance and Efficiency

Designing a loudspeaker requires that the engineer balance low-frequency and high-frequency extension with efficiency and output capability. For example, the upper midrange output may suffer if a driver is optimized to produce more bass. The engineers at Audison have optimized all these criteria for their Prima Series drivers to deliver amazing performance installations using small to moderately powerful amplifiers. As such, their BMW speakers are a perfect stand-alone upgrade with the factory radio or amplifier, or when used with a much more powerful solution like the 85-watts-per-channel AP F 8.9 bit DSP-equipped amplifier.

BMW Speaker Upgrade Solutions

The BMW speakers are broken into two categories: coaxial and component sets. So whether you have a new 2-series and want to upgrade the door speakers or are looking for the dash, front and rear speakers along with a subwoofer upgrade for a 2015 X5 with the Hi-Fi Sound system, there’s a solution from Audison.

The four speaker options are all based on the same basic platform. The 4-inch (100 mm) drivers feature high-quality rigid die-cast aluminum frames that include specific mounting provisions for the doors, the dash center channel or the rear parcel shelf of your BMW or Mini.

To deliver excellent efficiency, the drivers use neodymium magnets instead of conventional ceramic units. The woofer cones are constructed from pressed pulp paper to deliver an excellent balance of rigidity and damping characteristics. The cones are treated with a moisture-resistant finish to ensure their longevity in door installations. The woofers are driven by a large 1-inch (25 mm) fiberglass voice coil former. The large diameter of the coil contributes to the 40-watt continuous, 80-watt maximum power ratings for the drivers. Lastly, they all use a rubber surround instead of foam for an additional improvement in longevity.

The tweeters used in the coaxial and component set solutions once again feature neodymium magnets for excellent efficiency. The diaphragms are made of Audison’s Tetolon silk and cotton dome material to optimize rigidity and damping characteristics to prevent distortion. In the APBMW K4E and K4M component sets, the tweeters have a diameter of 29 mm. Most tweeters in this class, including these vehicles’ stock tweeters, are only 25 mm in size. The larger diameter allows for a nice, low resonant frequency and lower crossover points. The large diaphragm size also improves efficiency.

The component sets include the APBMW CXTM 1 passive filter networks for the tweeters. These filters include 0 and -3 dB output options, and OE-quality connectors are included for wiring. Angled mounting cups for the tweeters are included for rear parcel shelf installations. In the APBMW X4M and X4E coaxial speaker solutions, the tweeters use the same materials but have a diameter of 24 mm. Audison also offers the APBMW A4E accessory kit to allow for the unique installation applications of the F15 chassis X5, F16 chassis X6 and the G30 and G31 chassis 5-series sedans and wagons.

Prima Subwoofer for BMW and Mini Cars and SUVs

The APBMW S8-2 and APBMW S8-4 are 8-inch (200 mm) subwoofer solutions that are a direct drop-in replacement for the under-seat subwoofers found in BMW and Mini vehicles. These subwoofers feature graphite fiber-reinforced baskets with top-mounted neodymium motor structures. A pair of 5-millimeter polyurethane mounting gaskets are included to ensure a perfect seal with the factory enclosure. A 38 mm (1.5-inch) voice coil provides reliable performance at the speaker’s 150-watt power handling rating. The woofers’ cones are made from pressed pulp, and they use a rubber surround for longevity. A fabric cover over the face of the woofer cone prevents coins and rogue french fries from entering the speaker and causing buzzes or rattles. The woofers feature an Xmax specification of 7 mm in each direction for impressive output from the limited space and shallow mounting requirements.

The Audison engineers put some careful planning into the 2- and 4-ohm models. The 4-ohm S8-4 is slightly less sensitive than the 2-ohm model but offers a 40 Hz resonant frequency instead of 45, so it plays deeper. When the 4-ohm woofer is bridged onto a pair of channels from a Prima amplifier, the additional power allows it to play as loudly as the 2-ohm driver. If you plan a system that will use a larger subwoofer (10- or 12-inch) in the trunk or cargo area, the under-seat woofers function well as midbass drivers.

Visit Your Local Authorized Audison Dealer To Upgrade Your BMW Audio System

If your BMW or Mini sound system doesn’t give you goosebumps when you listen to it, drop by your local authorized Audison Retailer and ask about upgrading the speakers. The Product Specialist can design a solution that works with the existing source unit and amplifier or put together a Sound Pack solution with a dedicated DSP-equipped amplifier like the AP 8.9 bit. They can even create a bespoke solution for cars and SUVs that are equipped with fiber-optic MOST amplifiers. For more information about the Audison speaker upgrades available for your BMW or Mini, visit their website. Be sure to keep up with the latest news and product releases by following their Facebook page, Instagram feed and their 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.

The Audison SR-Series amplifiers are now into their third generation and continue to offer amazing performance and value for car audio enthusiasts. The four amplifiers in the series offer impressive power along with installer-friendly features that make them a perfect solution for music lovers on a budget.

Introducing the New Audison SR Amplifiers

The SR-Series amplifier family begins with a pair of four-channel amps. The SR 4.300 is rated for 85 watts per channel into 4 ohms and 130 watts into 2 ohms. Each pair of channels can be bridged to produce a healthy 250 watts of power when connected to a 4-ohm load. Distortion is rated at 0.03% and the S/N ratio at -82 dB when referenced to 1 watt of output.

The larger four-channel amp is the SR 4.500. This amp is rated for four by 130 watts and four by 220 watts into 4 and 2 ohms, respectively. When both pairs of channels are bridged, it produces 450 watts per pair into 4-ohm loads. The S/N ratio for the big four-channel is -83 dB referenced to 1 watt and distortion is specified at 0.08%.

The five-channel SR 5.600 can deliver up to 75 watts from each of the four main channels when driving 4 ohm speakers and 115 watts with 2-ohm speakers. The mono subwoofer channel is good for 310 watts into 4 ohms and an impressive 550 watts into a 2-ohm load. All told, this amp can produce a healthy 1,010 watts of power. The front channel performance specs include a distortion rating of 0.02% at 70% of rated power. Noise specifications are -84 dB for the main channels and -75 dB for the subwoofer channel.

The final amp in the series is the SR 1.500. This monoblock subwoofer amp is rated for 500 watts into 4 ohms, 800 watts into 2 ohms and an impressive 1,000 watts into 1 ohm. Distortion is listed as 0.1% and noise is -75 dB referenced to 1 watt.

All four of the amps use Audison D Class Technology, which they call ADT. Interestingly, the full-range channels have a frequency response specification of 10 Hz to 35 kHz with a tolerance of -1.5 dB. That’s almost an extra octave over most Class D designs on the market. Very impressive.

Amplifier Design and Feature highlights

The new Audison SR amps are based on extruded and machined aluminum heatsinks. The end caps on the sides of the amps are finned and serve as the primary source of heat radiation from the output and power supply switching devices. Audison notes that the heatsinks are large enough to negate the need for a cooling fan, which can add noise or ingest debris into an amplifier. The overall footprint of the amplifiers is impressively small. All are 6.1 inches deep and 18.7 inches tall with lengths of 7.48 inches for the SR 4.300, 10.39 for the 4.500 and 1.500 and 11.57 for the 4.500.

All of the connections are made along the front edge of the amplifiers. According to the owner’s manual, the power connection block will accept 8 AWG cables, and the speaker blocks are good for 10 AWG wires. Over-current protection for the amps is handled by easy-to-find ATC/ATO fuses located in the left-side end cap.

Input signals are connected to the amps using chassis-mounted RCA terminals or through provided pigtail harnesses that connect to Molex plugs. The RCA connections are rated for 0.2 to 5 volts and the high-level inputs for 0.8 to 20 volts. All four amplifiers feature Audison’s Automatic Remote Turn-ON/OFF (ART) circuitry to enable the amplifiers when it detects the BTL voltage from a connected source unit when it’s turned on. The speaker-level inputs include Universal Speakers Simulator (USS) loads to ensure that factory-installed source units and amplifiers will function properly.

Amplifier configuration adjustments and controls are on the top of each amp and are accessed by removing a panel. All SR amplifiers are well-equipped in terms of features, including a phase control on the SR 1.500 and optional subsonic filters on the subwoofer sections and the choice of full-range, high- or low-pass signals on the wide-bandwidth (non-subwoofer) channels. Multichannel amps can split the input signal from a single set of inputs to all the outputs, negating the need for Y-cables. All amps except the five-channel include a signal output RCA jack to cascade multiple amplifiers together.

The five-channel and monoblock amps have a 1/8-inch jack for the optional VCR-S1 remote subwoofer level control. The control allows users to adjust the subwoofer level from -20 to +6 dB.

Upgrade Your Car Audio System with Audison SR Amplifiers

If you are on a budget but still want the brand heritage that has made Audison a highly regarded solution, visit your local authorized dealer and ask for a demonstration of the new SR-Series amplifiers. They can design a premium upgrade that will dramatically transform the performance and output capabilities of almost any factory-installed car audio system. For more information, visit the Audison website and be sure to follow them on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and Twitter.

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.