How to Upgrade Your Car Stereo to Support iPod, GPS and More Without Replacing Existing Head Unit

How to Upgrade Your Car Stereo to Support iPod, GPS and More Without Replacing Existing Head Unit

With so many options for devices that can be added to a car audio system emerging out there, it is almost impossible to keep up without having to upgrade your system every year, and even then there is always one more device out competing for your attention.

Kenwood seems to understand the quagmire and has come out with a controller that offers help in solving the issue with the Kenwood KOSV500. The KOSV500 is a multifunction device that offers support for the IPOD, Satellite radio, bluetooth, GPS navigation systems, TV tuner, backup camera and more.

Stereo Car Audio

What makes this system unique and appealing is that you don't have to replace the head unit to be able to support all these add-ons. The controller is installed as a separate device into your existing system and it provides all the inputs for the desired add-ons. The major advantage here is that you are able to accommodate more devices in one shot than any head unit out there could accommodate by itself.

Imagine not just being able to play your IPOD on your stereo, but also having the ability to play video from the IPOD as well, if you already have a video screen in your vehicle. That's right the KOSV500 allows you to play video from an external device. It also comes with a Bluetooth input,which allows you to plug and operate your cell phone from your car stereo. This is a great plus given that fact that several states now have no-cell-phone-use while driving laws.

If you have a satellite radio receiver, you are in luck, it has an input for it; want to add a back up camera, no problem, it comes with an input for a backup camera as well.

The KOSV500 system will even enhance the sound of your existing speakers with a built-in amp and equalizer. It is quite possible that if you are a car audio enthusiast, you already have a great sounding system, but it's nice to know that you have the added power at your disposal for whenever the need arises.

As you can tell Kenwood took the dilemma that we all face with keeping up with the array of latest car audio and video devices out there to heart when designing the KOSV500 and made it all possible.

I am certain that one day soon most Car Audio and Video systems will come with all these capabilities built-in, but for now the KOSV500 offers a great alternative to being able to accommodate all these add-ons.

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Car Audio Capacitors - Why You Can't Do Without Them

Car Audio Capacitors - Why You Can't Do Without Them

I've heard the question asked many times before, 'Do I really need a capacitor?' Before answering that question I ask, 'Do you have a high powered system?' 'Does it require sudden power bursts?' 'Is your amplifier being robbed of power?' If the answers to my questions are yes, make every effort to connect a capacitor to your car audio system.

A capacitor is a bit similar to your car battery; it stores electrical energy. But unlike a battery it doesn't produce its own power, it simply stores it. A car audio capacitor will help you get the most from your amplifier. It will store power for release on demand, delivering it to your amplifier just when it's needed.

Stereo Car Audio

Your car amplifier requires a lot of power to play loud music, especially when there's lots of heavy bass. Without a capacitor your amplifier will be robbed of power by parts like your lights, engine, and air conditioner.

So what happens when your car audio amplifier doesn't receive enough power?

A common occurrence is dimming lights. In such a situation the light will follow the beat of the music. The light will dim each time a heavy bass note sounds. If you were to turn off the lights, your car stereo system would suddenly sound louder and the music would be cleaner.

Your amplifier is simply trying to use more energy than the electrical system can supply. If a capacitor had been present there would have been enough energy to power your amp. That electrical energy would have already been stored.

When you want to reduce headlight dimming, improve bass response, and increase the power of your amp, a stiffening capacitor is a must. Equipped with capacitor and an adequate power supply, your system will get every bit of current it needs. Voltage drops will be a thing of the past.

With so many brands available online, it's easy to find a capacitor that meets your needs. You can choose from popular brands like Phoenix-Digital, Blitz-Audio, Kole-Audio, Pyramid, SoundStorm, Lanzar, Power-Acoustik, Pyle, Legacy, Nitro-BMW, SPL, and Volfenhag. No longer will your car amplifier be hungry for power.

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